ARTICHOKE - SPECIAL COMMENTS - WHEN TO USE ARTICHOKE TECHNIQUES; FACILITIES REQUIREMENTS

• Document Type: SPECIALCOLLECTION
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 00149463
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 9
• Document Creation Date: January 17, 2025
• Document Release Date: January 15, 1983
• Publication Date: November 26, 1951

1L4111r.
"Artichoke", Special Comments
A /4 ,,r1 3/A0
26. Noveml-er 1951
0
made to the recent conference in which
, yourself, another individual whose name the
writer does no rail, and the writer participated concerninr the 113(!S
of "Artichoke" and special requirements nece;sary for "artichoke" in the
2. Set forth immediately below are certnin items which ore riven
for. informaticn purposes only and reflect current thinking re7arding
"Artichoke" insofar as Unit .12,, I & SO, is concerned.
I. jhen to 11511 "Artichoke".
A. Heretofore it has generally been thon,,Ilt that
"Artichoke" or the "Artichoke" techniques shoutd
only be used as a last resort or when all other
means have failed in a particular preblem or
series of problems. The writer feels that this
is not in any sense the only tNe thnt "Artichoke"
can be used. It is the writer's opinion that
"Artichoke" could be considered in three ways.
1. The "Artichoke" techniiue could success--
fully he used immediately ul,en the�
volonment of a case as a starting point
for thc. obtaiminr, of information or as
x quick detnrminant as to what is neces-
sary to be done in a particular problem.
?. "Artichoke" could te used at any riven
point. in the development of a case,
either to establish new leads or new
information or to cross-chnk or to
verify information, mules , etc. that
have already been obtained.
3. "Artichoke" can always he used ns a
fast resort when all or nearly ail the
'attempts at ohtai ri;.m; information have
failed or when a suhject is completely
recalcitrant or particularly stubborn.
II. .1 at r,;encral Facilities Should "!,r1.ichek" !f�-r.-0 in. t:!,-
Field!
A. Ideally, "Artichoke" could best 1,e on.,ratd in
hoapital or a hospital-type area. Howe7.-r,
this is generally not posall:le in riew of the
present attitude or hospitAl. Authorities, mtli-
tary or otherwise.
B. In theevent that hospital-type facilities ceuld
not be procured, it would then be best to carry
out "Artichoke" operations in a safe house or
safe area, but not, in the opinion or the writer,
in a military prison, concentration camp, barracks,
or similar area.
C. For technical reasons, it is best tn have two ad-
joining rooms with a bath also adjoining or very
close ty. The bent possible type of room to carry
out the actual "Artichoke" techniTles is a room in
which there is a bed or studio couch or cot and,
if possible, this room should be of fairly lar7e
size since a crowded rocm micht produce confusion
And hinder the development of the "Artichoke"
'technique.
D. The adjoininz room mentioned above is essential
for the settinr, up of technical equipment,
recordinr, devices, transformers, etc. rIts room,
or course, is also essential as an observation '
room and listeninz; post Tor persons intrre5t.-d
in the case to make notes and prepare questions
-as the interrozation develops.
The bathreom elsential for two reasons. The
first is U-Int the "Artichoke" doctor in handling
the case needs water for various purposes. and
second is that occasionally the "Artichoke"
tochniqueproduces nausea, vomittinc, or other
condition which make bathroom faciaities es-
sential.
III. Technical Facilities.
A. In the 6;;inion
technical facilities
Nap.' the writer,
or assisrance in the
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operotiOn.of "ARTif:H" in thn field hav- 1.een
limitpd. Hnnce, it 1.5 pl:Inord that co' ihn Im-
mediate future on any "Artichoke" operatian. the
"Artichoke" team Roing from headquarters will
either carry with it or send by spnclal shipmnnt,
the neceasary technical -quipmont inoludin elec-
tronic, chemical, and phor:ocraphic equipmr!nt:.
Powever, it would be a valuni-Je contrilution to
the ooeration of "Artichoke" if Agency perscnn.'1
in the field contemplatinc. the 112f! of "Artichokn"
would inform headquarters immediately as to ex-
actly what technical equipment is available at
that station. Included in this should be a
statement as' to whit type of current is avail-
ablP; whether Variac transformrs arn available;
whethnr cr nnt the station has a 4orkin7, rPccrjer
and, if so, what type; (ire recordrs arn nnt
rer:arded as efficient for this type of work) and
whether or not certain standard, hasoital-tyre
mndic.al sunolies can be procured on the scene
without difficulty.
IV. Type of Info-rmation "Artichoke" iiequircs Prior to Fxnminina
any Given subject.
A. As a matter of policy and untit'"Artichoke" team:5
are based in field areas, it is nssnntiel that
"Artichoke" Jashinr:ton have in its possession all
possible information concerning the subject, and
other pertinent details prior to "Artichoke" teasma
leavint-, for the field.
Get forth below are a list of itcms that ar. re-
ac essential to the ca:;' and excnotionally
helpful in determining the neces',ary "Artichoke"
technique to be applied to any individual case.
1. A full, detailed, physical description
of the subject of subjects to be examined
including age, medical his-try, psychi-
atric history, any known physical weak-
nesses, or mental weaknesac:3 or peculi-
arities. Is he an alcoholic, druc addict,
2. 'A full biographical backcround on the
subject or subjects in as complete detail
as possible. (family, relatives, schooling,
travels, jobs, etc.)
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3. As much ird'ormation ns possible on the
details of thn case propnr,
all cellateraL mat',ers involvnd, all
areas involved, and, if nossibtn, oh:Ao-
rraphs or descripblons of ptinet in-
residencos, buildin;:s that
may he involved . in the case.
Li. A list of, or a carefully worked it
plan showinr specifically, exactly nnl
in detail just ;:nat information is to
obtained from the snhject.
5. Any details whatsoever that arn known
of �the suhject's family, childr.!n. rl-
datives, closn friends, mistresses,
etc., �etc.
1.:xactly what is the prosent condition
'of the subject, i.e. has he been in
prison or confinement? If so, fer 110.4
lonr? Has he been in solitar: confine-
ment? Has he had standard prison fare? �
HAS he been well-fed or has he he.m on
restricted dint? Has he 'nen subject
to any third-de.::ree trnatment! H13 he
been subject. to exhaultive int.nrro::ation
in the immediate past? Has hn ben.
threatened with physical injury or worse?
Has he ever escap7d detention 1-efore?
Shoudl he be ret:arded as danr,nrous?
V. Has the a0..,ject been Polyrraphed?
A. -Z so, ho-,7 recent and what quetions were asked
with what results?
In connection with this, since the me:lhor:o of the
"Artichoke" teams are backgrounded in nolyrrnrh
operation, if possible, the polygraph qlestions
and charts should he made avniint-lq for 'hinr ex-
amination prior to employing the "Artichoke"
�:iachniques.
VI. Gnards, 5iafety Precautions, Etc.
A. 'the "Artichoke" team should not he reuuired to
:be responsible for.tho r:uardin or LtIQ sut-j,:ot
nor for their own physical protection while
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opornting. "Art.Lc'obo" tenm 1o7.117cr: r no
oircunstnnces should hnw.. to carry arms or do-
Cf any typo. It rhould 1-41 rom,..-
bret-i that no infrequently tho use or certain
chomicils on certain Individlills produc.az r;-
u.1. t. which mly produce either ,xtr-me phy:;ical
r.xcitenont (mnnia) or nos.i.:ibto slur:id:11 ten-
dencies. Thnse should Runrdod ETain:IL at
all timo5.
.1n view of.tho above, coorAcAIL E:I1ard7
alwnys hn nvailable for thi!.-: tyne or work.
Ho.4nvor, to guard hould not he, if nt n11
po7sihlr, militnry personnel, 1:11 t. should i.trAct
1-e trustod Ar;ency people.
An inhernnt danger lie5 in using fl( uunrd:3 in
tho.tle (-ales in viRw of the ("not that tho guard
may ovorhoar or ohsorve tLe "Artichoko" tochninue
and although GI guard5 could 1 ,nrod, cnuticuod,
lud threntonnd not to di5cloc iJen mnttr-:, it
would he ,,xtremely difficult to Guarrint. thoir
complete siionce.
VII. Fersonl Yrfect5 of the :athjoct.
A. It i5 nqnurd, or course, that J.1 Li' the t...ulannt
orr-ct5 or the suhjrct will 1.-o carefully
and ho hold nvnilnble. Thi5 ir 5ineo.
under cortnin of thc "Artichoko" too.hni,iues, these
rersonal off-cta, nly vory vnlunhle in ottl'..nini:
oa-opornLion or makirc i'.1entificntions lnd, of
courso, for r;eneral infornaljon pr'o'.
VIII. Special Points Concerning "Artichoke" Tochni
A. Tho ideal situation in regard to the use or "Arti-
choVe" would ho to cr-ate a complete and perf..ct
amnesia in every suhject. AL the 7relent Lim-,
this is rorded althnur;h partial
nmnortin will follow.
P: The hest. chnnco for obtntnini: n tr,tni or a
1.01.:11 inliow!I 1,1w FirH the. "Arti-
choke" tochninue.- Ponce, informlIden :tnould
he in the hnhds of trio "Artiohoo" 'team frrn the
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very teginning. Fur11y7rmore, it sheuld 1:e re-
rifTft.ared that 5 the technique is pi-clew:ed. it
na!,urally follows, that the sohjett will 1:TC0.-0T
more and more conscious of thl fPcot thnt he
being subjected to chemicals or other unusual
procerses Po,ever, it is teliew!d thit a
period of tine and by usinF the "Artichoke"
technique, the subject's third will tec7.'re sa
confused and disorganized (f1Lz7y) that although
he may rememb-"r answering queslicns, he wly not
te able to remember in great detail, accurately
or totally.
C. Fecent technical information comirg.to the atten-
tion of the."Articheke" team indicates that we '
have a better chance of holding a p-rson under
control for a much longor period cf time than we
had previously hoped would pos7ible. iivwever,
this has not yet been tried cut by "Artichoke".
D. It should always be remembered that some indi-
viduals do not respond in any way to chemical Lreat-
rents or psychological attack. or pass into
a complete state of coma without reachinc a
twilight zone (talking zone), others more or
less retain their facilities and can actually
refuse to answer questions while, .as mentionnd
above, chemicals, in some individuals reduce
nausea, vomitting, or perhaps manic cenrjitions.
L. :Jhile undnr "Artichoke" control, it 5houl.1 be remembered
that in a certain number of cases, subjects
are capable of.drawins accurate pictures,
writing legibly and easily, and rending written
matter. Those items may 1:e impertant :rid should 1-e
considered in all cases. (It night be hclpful
to have the subject sign a compromising decument,
write a"useful" letter, or pose for a compromisint;
photograph.)
IX. Miscellaneous Matters
A. 7.'very effort should be made never to identify
, 'members of the "Artichoke" team by their true
nnm^5 in the presence of or in the hearing of
Ihr! nub:rcL. "Artichokn" team mnmbers will 11,;.,
fictitious names in carrying out the "Artichoke"
techniques.
If the Choice exists between picasnnt, oomrortabl-,
surroundinf:n for the npplicntien of ine
"Artichoke" tcohnieue or gri�n, priFonlike sur-
roundings, the pleasanter surroundings sheuld
always be used.
C. A room with on the flo*r is alwa;:s better
than a room with bare flooring.
D. A room that is more or less soundproof i3 te'-ter
than a roon where there are distracting nounds
and disturbances. "Artichoke" techniques are
best carried out under quiet and calm conditions.
and arc in _fact hindered by confusion, noise,
etc., etc.
E. A room that has both overhead and floor lightini;
is better than a room merely having ov-rhend
lighting. A single, glaring lightbulh is n:d,
advantageous. (If photoraphs are to be made,
the "Artichoke" team will be prenred to tnke
flashbulb pictures and, if necessary, infra-red
photographs.
F Inc number of persons working on the "Artirhoi"
project should be ns limited ns possible and at
all times the number of persons in the ro(7m with
the snbject after the "Artichoke" teohnie3
should be carefully controlled and liniJed
to as few as possible.
C. Tho observation room. (or the room adjoinirg the
room where the subject is being. given "Artichoke"
tment.).should be kept as quiet, as pos!;ible.
Again rugs on the fioor of thnt room will be a
great help nnd all conversati ns carried on in
that room should be held t9 the minimum and com-
ments whispered or written.
H. For general information, it should be remembered
that for the maximum chancefor success, "Arti-
choke" interrogation is best carried on directly
;in the languaRe of the subject. The use of an
interpreter is not too efficient and certain
"Artichoke" techniques, it is would be �
impossible if applied through an interpretor.
I. During the course of the, "Artichoke" technique,
the subject should not, if at all possible, he
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interrogated or even talked to hy ind47idnals
interested in the case, except in a nominal .
manner onl:i and certainly not along the lines
of the "Artichoke" .internTation. Thin infor-
mation should be thorouOly understood by the
guards of the subject.
What can be Expected of "Artichoke".
A. In the paragraphs above, there have teen set out
a number of items which, it is believed, sh,auld
be useful in considering the une of the "Arti-
choke" teehraque. The writer has endeavored to
show in some detail what is nece!:sary from the
field offices and what hazards and problems exist
in the use of "Artichoke". Nothing has been said
of the potentialities of the technique.
B. Assuming that the field offices are able to fur-
nish with an operating area and !hal. all other
items are normal, Unit P is of the opinion that
in most instances the "Artichoke" Leohni.,;ue will
produce worthwhile results. As mentioned al:ove,
we are new convinced th t we can maintain a sub-
ject in a controlled state fcr a maeh lonr.er period
of time we heretofore had believed possible.
Furthermore, we feel that by the use of certain
chemicals or combinations, we can,
in a very high percentage of cases, produce
relevant information.
C. As is well known and has been stated above, in-
dividuals react differently to different ch-mi-
cals. It should always he borne in mind that
whereas negative results may occur in some eases,
a very good possibility exists that most subjects
may furnish accurate, specific, and detailed in-
formation while under the influence of those
ch.:.micals. Certain recent experimeas support
this viewpoint.
D. ,IL Ithauld also be noted that nausea or viol,:.nt
reactions (as mentioned above) arr. not normal
reaettono, bit, are only Forth to ealt at�
tenLion to certain nossibilities that ma.; occur
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in the operntions of the "Artichoke" ter.hni:,ue.
As a rule:, individuals subjected to "Artichoke"
techniques will be entirely co-operative, palsive,
and lethargic.
E. ".:Jince veni-puncture is undeniably the most 6f-
ficient and successful method for introducin7
chemicals into the subject, it 13 obvipus that
the subject will he aware that a neeele hls 1:e^n
used in his arm. However, our work and the work
of others indicates that there LI a stronr. possi-
bility that total amnesia or an almost total
amnesia will follow the use of our technique as
n censral rule. Again, as rferred to alove,
this will artqy prim,rily to the sitwle ":,rti-
cnokc" approach. :iith each succeedlnr, a:Troach
there will prob bly he a decreasinc chance that.
amnesia will be obtained althouch the subject's
memory will, as a rule, he imperfect.
F. Finally al we have mentionf7d above, thf:re may 1.e
a very few subjects who will rive us a native
reaction. hit g7uerally a rormil stftject und-r
nor-al conditions will talk and .nould kivf.! valu-
aLle information.
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