AQUATONE PLANS

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP33-02415A000100070028-2
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 4
• Document Creation Date: December 9, 2016
• Document Release Date: March 13, 2001
• Sequence Number: 28
• Publication Date: April 2, 1957
• Content Type: MF

Approved For Release, 001/03/30 : CIA-RDP33-02415A 0100070028-2
SA PC-13786
Copy / of 4
MEMORANDUM FOR: Director of Central Intelligence 2 April 1957
Deputy Director of Central Intelligence
SUBJECT : AQUA TONE Plans
1. The purpose of this memorandum is to remind you of the major
decisions that need to be made in the near future concerning AQUA TONE and
to outline the manner in which I recommend that these decisions be obtained.
2. It goes without saying that the most important matter to be
decided is whether we will be allowed to operate this summer and if so, where
and how. Looking further ahead there are decisions to be made about the
evolution and termination of this project after next fall. The basic planning
decision is whether the Agency is to retain a capability after the fall of 195?
and if so on what scale and under what cover. If a capability is to be retained,
four specific courses of action under consideration seem at this time to exhaust
the possibilities.
a. Continued operation at roughly present strength.
b. Continued operation with two detachments with fewer
aircraft and about half the present number of people.
25X1C4b
d. Continued operation with either one or two carrier-based
detachments in cooperation with the Navy.
Either (or both) of the last two modes of operation could of course be combined
with continued operations from Air Force bases as at present.
25X1A6a
3. Considerable urgency attaches to the making of these longer run
25X1A6a plans. Decisions must be made in the near future on; the disposition of -
-the recruitment and training of replacement personnel of all categories,
the budget for Fiscal Year 1958, our requirement for the facilities now occupied
25X60 at AF bases abroad (especially - the conversion or purchase of equip-
ment for carrier operations(if alternative course of action d. is contemplated)
Approved For Release 2001/03/30 : CIA-RDP33-02415A000100070028-2
 Approved For Relea ^n~ ~~~~~~ ? IA-RDP33-024154900100070028-2
and the number of aircraft to be turned over to SAC. If these decisions
cannot be made in a reasonably orderly way, opportunities will be lost,
funds and personnel will be wasted and effectiveness will be impaired.
4. A fact which has a most important bearing on decisions con-
cerning both this summer and the next season is the progress being made
with the RAINBOW program. I am now reasonably confident that we will be
able by the time we see the President to report that we have achieved
approximately the maximum result we have thought possible but we will have
to explain that there is still a good chance of at least occasional detection.
I am also confident that if this degree of achievement is confirmed, the
vulnerability of the U-2 aircraft to interception will be little higher next
season than this. Accordingly, RAINBOW improves the chances for operations
this season and justifies reconsideration of the original concept of terminating
AQUATONE, which was based on the assumption that the U-2's comparitive
immunity from interception would not last more than two years beyond its
first exposure. 25X1A2d1
5. Whatever decisions are made about AQUATONE should, I believe,
be taken into account in making certain decisions about I
believe major economies would be possible through a complete merger of
these two projects. But such a merger would not be wise or in the long run
economical if AQUA TONE is to be liquidated in six months time.
6. Recommendations: I believe it vital that you, or you and General
White together, obtain the President's views on the questions posed above,
including those that relate to next year. I submit that this activity is far too
costly in money and personnel to be continued very much longer unless the
President so desires. Some elements at least in the Air Force will oppose
the maintenance of a capability beyond the present season unless they have
reason to believe that this capability is more likely to be used if it remains
in our hands then if it is transferred to theirs. A Presidential opinion would
both furnish this indication and carry the authority that would assure continued
willing cooperation. I recommend, therefore:
a. That these issues be discussed with General White prior
to a meeting with the JCS.
b. That you discuss with the JCS the various possible courses
of action and state your intention of seeking Presidential guidance.
Approved For Release 2 P33-02415A000100070028-2
 Approved For Release 2001/03/30 : CIA-RDP33-02415A000100070028-2
c. That you and General White present these alternatives to
the President without strong recommendations and seek an indication
of his opinion.
RICHARD M. BISSELL, JR.
Project Director
RMB:djrn
t-DCI
Z-DDCI
3-Dep. Pro. Dir.
4-Pro. Dir. Chrono
5-Pro. Dir. Subj
6-Proj. Chrono (Hold)
Approved For Release 2001/03/30 : CIA-RDP33-02415A000100070028-2
 25X1 X7
Approved For Release 2001/03/30 : CIA-RDP33-02415A000100070028-2
Approved For Release 2001/03/30 : CIA-RDP33-02415A000100070028-2