When the Joint Chiefs of Staff became concerned about their stand off messages not reaching the USS Liberty, a JCS staff Major Breedlove called CINCUSNAVEUR by voice telephone and asked that a voice message be transmitted to USS Liberty directing her to stand off 100 miles. Captain M. J. Hanley, USN, Deputy Chief of Staff, CINCUSNAVEUR did not send the message requested by Major Breedlove and as a result one more possible action that could have prevented the tragedy was not taken.

The Court of Inquiry requested Captain Hanley file a letter explaining his decision. It appears as Doc. 52, Ex. 48 - Liberty (JAG #630, 631, 632 and as AJC #633, 634, 635).

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