◆ SpookStack

j. The planning and conduct of the operation would have been i~proved if there had been an initial statement of governmental policy, assigning the mission and setting the guidelines within which it was to develop. Thereafter, there was a need for a formalized procedure for inter- departmental coordination and follow-up with adequate record-keeping of decisions. 14. In the light of the foregoing considerations, we are of of the opinion that the preparations and execution of paramilitary operations such as ZAPATA are a form of Cold War action in which the country must be prepared to engage. If it does so, it must engage in it with a maximum chance of success. Such operations should be planned and executed by a governmental mechanism capable of bringing into play, in addition to military and covert techniques, all other forces, political, economic, ideological, and intelligence, which can contribute to its success. No such mechanism presently exists but should be created to plan~ coordinate and further a national Cold War strategy capable of including paramilitary operations.