◆ SpookStack

82. (Continued) 6 McNamara then raised question of reaction to fizing on a U-2, indicated pilots instructed to take evasive action. It was decided that we would be immediately informed through JCS to the Secretary of Defense and a prompt decision for retaliation would then be made by the President. Taylor reported eight attack --- aircraft are maintained in hot alert and can destroy SAM sites within two hours or approximately the time that the U-2 would get back if the attack on it failed. McNamara confirmed that air-sea rescus was continuing. It was decided that if the Prasident was not available, McNamara would have authority to act. Action: General Taylor agreed that he would take up and confirm today CLA request that cur representatives be stationed with JCS planning staff and in the Flag Plot and in the JCS War Room. If there is any delay on this please inform me so that I can again communicate with Taylor. 7. McNamara noted that they had no air intercept capability and would not attempt at this time to develop their plan of air intercept. Action: It was requested that CIA and Defense carefully analyze air traffic and report currently so that if there is a marked build-up, the Committee will be advised and appropriate action can be taken. 8. McNamara then presented the need for shipping, indicating between 125 and 130 Merchant ships were needed to support an invasion and that a few had been chartered as of yesterday. He felt perhaps 20 more could be secured promptly, but this would leave about 100 short, and this would involve extensive requisitioning. McCone pointed out the serious consequences to American business, inter- coastal and coast-wise ‘shipping, the Northwest lumber industry, et cetera, et cetera. McCone suggested consideration be given to taking foreign flag ships on a bare boat basis. Defense was asked to explora the possibility of temporary waiver of laws regulating operation of foreign flag ships, et cetera, et cetera, §. McCone and McNamara raised the gestion of low level flights. Action: Six flights were approved and General Taylor ordered them off immediately. It was presumed that they will return not later than 1:00 o'clock today.