DCI TALKING POINTS FOR MEETING WITH THE PRESIDENT

• Document Type: FOIA
• Collection: FOIA Collection
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 06677269
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: March 9, 2023
• Document Release Date: December 27, 2021
• Case Number: F-2015-01541
• Publication Date: July 26, 2001

Approved for Release: 2021/12/27 C06677269
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(U) DCI Talking Points for
Meeting with the President
26 July 2001
51,0..,14' 6e
"V
(smsw) Next Phase of the Abu Zubaydah Interrogation
1. (-TS'? '/NF) PURPOSE: To advise the President that we are
confident of our legal position and need to move forward immediately with the
next phase of the Abu Zubaydah interrogation.
2. (FS/ /NF) BACKGROUND: As you know, we need to
implement more aggressive techniques in our interrogation of Abu Zubaydah, in
order to obtain actionable intelligence about al-Qa'ida operatives in the United
States. Without that critical and time-sensitive intelligence, it is quite likely that
many more Americans will die � perhaps very soon. The Attorney General has
advised us that the new techniques are permitted under U.S. law � and in
particular, the U.S. statutes that implement this nation's commitments under the
international Convention Against Torture. You may wish to make the following
points:
� We believe that Abu Zubaydah continues to withhold critical threat
information, including the identities of al-Qa'ida operatives in the United
States who may well be planning imminent attacks that will cause
mass casualties.
� In order to persuade him to provide those identities, the use of more
aggressive techniques is required. Some of these techniques
incorporate mild physical pressure, while others may place Abu
Zubaydah in fear for his life. All have been used for years in U.S.
military resistance training, with no demonstrable adverse effects upon
the trainees.
� Abu Zubaydah is an extraordinarily capable opponent, who instructed
al-Qa'ida operatives in interrogation resistance techniques, may well
have written a seminal al-Qa'ida manual on resistance, and has
consistently displayed extremely strong resistance skills.
� Accordingly, the use of these aggressive techniques, specifically
including the water board, is required. The water board is an intense
physical and psychological stressor used by the U.S. Navy in its
interrogation resistance training for the Navy SEALS. The Department
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of Defense has reported that the use of the water board produces
student capitulation and compliance 100 percent of the time.
� It is neither intended nor expected that Abu Zubaydah suffer severe
physical or mental pain from the use of the water board. Appropriately
trained medical personnel will be present throughout the process, and
the Attorney General has confirmed that the planned techniques,
although aggressive, are permitted under applicable U.S. law.
� Further delay in the implementation of these and related techniques is
not warranted by any legal or medical requirements. Indeed, such
delay only enhances the ability of al-Qa'ida to continue its work, and
thereby directly increases the likelihood of a catastrophic attack
against the United States and its citizens.
� Details of the water board:
With this procedure, individuals are bound securely to an inclined
bench. Initially a cloth is placed over the subject's forehead and
eyes. As water is applied in a controlled manner, the cloth is slowly
lowered until it also covers the mouth and nose. Once the cloth is
saturated and completely covering the mouth and nose, subject
would be exposed to 20 to 40 seconds of restricted airflow. Water
is applied to keep the cloth saturated. After the 20 to 40 seconds of
restricted airflow, the cloth is removed and the subject is allowed to
breathe unimpeded. After 3 or 4 full breaths, the procedure may
be repeated. Water is usually applied from a canteen cup or small
watering can with a spout.
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