S/S–NSC Files, Lot 63 D 351, NSC 104–Memoranda
The President to the Executive Secretary of the National Security Council (Lay)1
Subject: Assignment of responsibilities for economic defense
The Mutual Defense Assistance Control Act (Public Law 213) vests in the Director for Mutual Security certain authority with respect to coordination of security export controls. The Secretary of State shall continue to carry out his responsibilities under NSC 104/22 except as modified by the provisions of the Mutual Defense Assistance Control Act.
In order to carry out his statutory responsibilities in an effective manner, the Director for Mutual Security will be concerned from time to time with the possible use of the several economic defense measures when dealing with specific mutual trade control problems. The Secretary of State, in carrying out his responsibilities under NSC 104/2, and the Director for Mutual Security, in executing his responsibilities under the Mutual Defense Assistance Control Act, shall establish and maintain arrangements which will assure the effective accomplishment of their respective duties.
I should like you to inform the members of the National Security Council and appropriate agencies of my decision.