SUGGESTED OVER-ALL RESEARCH PROGRAM.

• Document Type: SPECIALCOLLECTION
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 00184382
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: January 21, 2025
• Document Release Date: January 15, 1983
• Publication Date: October 11, 1949

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ce Memorandum � UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
TO :Chief, Security Branch DATE: 11 October 1949
FROM :Interrogation Research Section.
SUBJECT:-Suggested Over-All Researoh Program.
The necessity for keeping well informed of present interrogation methods
and special operational methods used by unfriendly countries cannot be over
emphasized. Below are listed various suggested phases of research and pro-
posed details for the carrying out of a progressive and extremely active
research program.
It is recommended that every effort be made to acquire and review existing
literature covering past and present interrogation techniques and the use of
such operational procedures as hypnotic and drug control. The review would
include all articles in periodicals and books written by specialists on such
subjects as general interrogation, psychological interrogation, the use of the
Polygraph, truth serum and hypnosis. These specialists may not be actively
engaged in interrogation but may be working in allied fields which might provide
valuable contributions to our own interests. This survey would also include the
careful scrutinization of all intelligence reports involving interrogation methods
and special operational techniques. The flow of information from this source
would be greatly accelerated by the issuance of an interrogation collection re-
quirement. The "existing technique" survey should also include facilities for
the investigation of the use or suspected use of special teaniques. Medical
and psychiatric practitioners would be valuable contributors and liaison with
such individuals would be extremely beneficial. The research sections of police
departments and criminology laboratories might all prove to be very beneficial.
Suggested methods for liaison with such organizations will be covered in a
separate memorandum. Good liaison with other governmental agencies and the
various branches of the military service would ,he very helpful. Liaison with
professional hypnotists could contribute many pointers which might be applied �
to certain phases of our problems. Liaison with certain universities which
are outstanding in fields allied to our interests would be beneficial. In
some cases, liaison with the above mentioned organizations and individuals
would involve a cover to conceal CIA interest in such matters.
The survey of "existing techniques" previously mentioned would take care
of methods used in the past and present and made a matter of record through
books, periodicals and reports. It is felt that active research should be
conducted in conjunction with "technique verification". This verification
would involve research on reportedly existing techniques and actual experi-
mentation carried out to prove and disprove their value and effectiveness.
This research would involve the volunteering of subjects for actual laboratory
experiments. Reports covering these experiments would be furnished in the
form of lectures, demonstrations and systematic written coverage.
Memorandum to: Chief, Security Branch From: Interregation Research Section
Subjects Suggested Over-All Research Program 11 October 1949 P. 2
� Besides the survey of "existing techniques', and the "technique verifi�
cation", a third phase should be kept active covering "new methods". This
program mould also involve actual laboratory research and the issuing of
verbal and written reports. This phase would also include the improvement
of techniques already in existence.
As of this date, it is felt that this Interrogation Research Section is
more progressive and far in advance of .all existing governmental, police, and
private research activities concerning the use of operational hypnosis and
highly specialized methods of interrogation. It is felt that this lead might
be maintained and that the program might be further accelerated by the execution
of the above mentioned suggestions. .