DIVISION MEMORANDUM DATED 21 NOVEMBER 952 (SODIUM PENTOTHAL).

• Document Type: SPECIALCOLLECTION
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 00146213
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: January 17, 2025
• Document Release Date: January 15, 1983
• Publication Date: February 11, 1953

S.APMARD FORA: N3* ea
We Memorandum
x/46, I,cf/C
UNI ED STATES GOVERNMENT
TO Chief, Security Research Staff, rmS
FROM Chief, Technical' Branch, SRS, I&S
SUBJECT: Division Memorandum dated 21 November 1952
(Sodium Pentothal).
DATE: 11 February 1953
1. This Office has studied the subject memorandum and comments
are set out immediately following. As you are well aware, the ARTI-
CHOU technique consists not only in studying methods of obtaining
information from individuals or from gaining control of their wills
but studying at the same time every conceivable technique that can be
brought to bear to prevent others from extracting information from our
people or gaining control of the will of our people. In studying
these problems, this Office is quite well acquainted with the effects
of Penzedrine Picrotoxin, Caffeine, etc., etc. In the subject memo-
randum, the ivision Logistics in Paragraph 2, sub-Paragraphs alb,
and c have in a general sense correctly listed some of the main limi-
tations on counteracting drugs which could be used against the effects
of Sodium Amytal or Pentothal. Some comments can be made in this con-
nection.
A. In reference to Paragraph 2, sub-Paragraph a, the
problem has been very accurately stated in that
there is no way of knowing how much of the counter-
acting agent would have to be taken to successfully
counter the effect of amytal or pentothal--the sub-
ject's physical condition, whether he was hungry or
not, suffering from fatigue or nervous exhaustion,
etc. would all affect this. In addition, different
tolerances to these counteracting drugs are noted
in each individual. It may be said that in certain
persons a given specific dose of Strychnine might
not produce more than a mild stimlating action
while in others a given dose might produce a con-
vulsion, coma or possible death.
B. In connection with Paragraph 2, sub-Paragraph b,
it should be stated that the thorough searchin7 of
a person is a standard procedhre in most interro-
gatIon centers and although drufz;s could he concealed
in many places on the person (such as tho rectum),
ne7ertheless, competent searching would reveal even
this.
C. In connection with Pc..raeraph 21 sub-Paragraph c, it
should also be stated that a physician or quite pro-
bably a trained interrogator would. immediately suspect
the effect of counteracting drugs (or that something
was unusual) since in the first place the Sodium Pen-
tothal or Amytol would not be producing the proper re-
actions and in the second place, renzedrine and other
stimulants usually produce specific effects such as
nervousness, trembling, rapid heartbeat, quick breathing,
etc., in the person taking. them. Any competent inter-
roRator or interrogation than would recognize "unusual"
activity on the part of the one being interrogated and
would seek the meaning of this and, if nothing else, .
would delay the interrogation for a day, or week if
necessary, to make certain the individual to be handled
was reacting properly to Pentothal or Amytal or any.
other of the hypnotic-type drugs.
2. In addition to comments set out in sub-Paragraphs A,1, and C
above, there are other items that would add to the difficulty in this pro-
blem. For instance, the subject would have no knowledge of the type of
drug he was to be. given. The subject night, therefore, take a counter-
acting druR which would possibly have no effect on the dreg given or per-
haps multiply the effect and create severe poisoning or bodily disturbances.
In this connection, there are numerous reports that indicate that the Soviet
Union and their satellites have used Penzedrine as an agent in producing
certain desired effects prior to and during interrogation. If the sub-
ject did not know he was to be given renzedrine and took one of the stimu-
lants or took renzedrine itself, the effect of the two doses conceivably
would cause highly noticeable results and probably nausea. If he was
given Ficrotoxin and he had previously taken Picrotoxin, the results
would be dangerous as Picrotoxin is quite toxic. A double dosage of
Strychnine might well prove fatal and at the least ccnvulsive.
3. With reference to Paragraph 3 of the subject memorandum, this
branch feels that the.paraeraph is somewhat erroneous in that there is
ccnsiderable amount of professional opinion that reflects that in certain
cases, if the drugs are administered properly and if the interrogator is
persistent and clever enough, information, regardless of how sensitive it
is, may be extracted from individuals under the influence of various drugs
or combinations.
4. It should be noted that the ARTICFOKE staff recognizns that
some individuals are extremely difficult to obtain information from,
-2-
but new chemicals, new and more advanced techniques will possibly in
the future produce far more valuable and positive resnits than are ob-
tained today under the old "truth serum" approach. It should always,
be remembered that often it is only necessary to obtain one small bit
of information that is verifiable to break a case wide open.
S. This office would, of course, be delighted if any chemical
or combination of chemicals or techniques could be discovered to pre-
vent the extraction of information from our people, but at the present
time wo are not aware of any technique, device or chemical (other than
a lethal dose) that will totally prevent an individual from giving
pertinent information while under the influence of chemicals or if sub-
jected to sustained and clever interrogation accompanied by pressures,
physical or otherwise.
45.7,0 6. It is suggested that theilibmemorandum of 21 November 1952
be turned over to the Nedical Division with the informal commnts of
this Office. It is believed that they would give further advanced tech-
nical reasons why neutralizing agents such as those mentioned in the
basic memorandum would be ineffective.