I HAVE BEEN FOLLOWING WITH GREAT INTEREST THE PROGRESS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE EARTH SATELLITE VEHICLE PLANS.

Document Type: 
Keywords: 
Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 
0006513734
Release Decision: 
RIFPUB
Original Classification: 
U
Document Page Count: 
1
Document Creation Date: 
September 22, 2017
Document Release Date: 
October 4, 2017
Sequence Number: 
Case Number: 
SC-2017-00012
Publication Date: 
January 29, 1955
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PDF icon DOC_0006513734.pdf51.79 KB
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C Act L3C8 3 ' Approved for Release: 2017/96/67 C06513734 , CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY WASHINGTON 25, D. C. OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR 29 January 1955 ER 675268 The Honorable The Secretary of Defense Department of Defense Washington 25, D. C. Dear Mr. Secretary: I have been following with great interest the progress in the development of the earth satellite vehicle plans. I'should like to state the concern of this Agency with both the first launching of the earth satellite and its possible use in advanced form to collect intelligence data. In addition to the cogent scientific arguments advanced in support of the development of earth satellites, there is little doubt but what the nation that first successfully launches the earth satellite, and thereby introduces the age of space travels will gain incalculable international prestige and recognition. In many respects it will be comparable to the first release of nuclear energy. Our scientific community as well as the nation would gain invaluable respect and confidence should our country be the first c to launch the satellite. Consequently, I feel the psychological impact of thia development on friendly, neutral and Communist-controlled countries, particularly when we are anticipating a prolonged state of cold war, is one of the major arguments justifying its prompt develop- ment. I-should be happy to discuss the matter further at your conven- ience and to give any support the Agency might be able to provide in evaluating earth satellite plans. Because of the international and diplomatic implications of this project, I am sending this informa- tion to the Secretary of State. Date i 7 _OLT IPA Dec1assify4othei.A.DR Rev', ewed. by RED. '::110-12 DIV; WITS D Reaso--.: DIDD E2r0 .1R, Para '202 ,reac-f? SeaDef. Cont. (ist, NW 37359 DocId:32507972 Paae I Approved for Release: 2017/09/07 C06513734