SITUATION ESTIMATE FOR PROJECT CHALICE FISCAL YEARS 1961AND 1962

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CIA-RDP33-02415A000200420002-0
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RIPPUB
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T
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15
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November 11, 2016
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February 17, 1999
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2
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Publication Date: 
March 14, 1960
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REPORT
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Sanitized - Approved For Release : CIA-RDP33-02415A000200420002-0 SITUATION ESQ FOR PROSE T CHALICE FISCAL YEARS 1961 and 1962 am-o914 Cy of 1 1+960 Sanitized - Approved For Release : CIA-RDP33-02415A000200420002-0 Sanitized - Approved For Release : CIA-RDP33-02415A000200420002-0 T O P S E C R E T CONTENTS 25X1 C8a introduction 1. Purpose 2. Background and History II Intelligence Requirements 1. Target Selection 2. Task 3. Targets 4. Corollary Tasks III Concept of Operations 1. Employment 2. Mission and Mission Planning 3. Utilization 4. Primary Mission Capabilities 5. Maintenance and Support 6. Control 7. Sortie Rate 8. Support Relationship to Other Forces 1. Augmentation = 2. Pre Hostilities 3. Hostilities V Enclosures 1. Life Egectancy of the U-2 for Overflights 2. Utilization of Bases 3o Aircraft and Equipment Assignment 4. Estimated U-2 Flying Hours Sanitized - Approved For Release : CIA-RDP33-02415A000200420002-0 Sanitized - Approved For RehDasp : CJA-@QP33r02415A000200420002-0 I INTRODUCTION 1. PURPOSE a) To provide doctrinal guidance for the planning and conduct of. project operations during the FY 1961-62 time period. Due to current events the need for timely minor changes is recognized. This document will be utilized as a common reference and/or departure point for all concerned consistent with the above. b) Upon approval of the concept the document may be used as the basis for justification of the budget. As such it will be reviewed and revised as necessary and. no later than 1 June 1961 in order that it cap"again become the basis for budgeting and long range'planning for ry.".1962 and 1963: This to include operational effectiveness, the formu- l ;tion of policy, tactics and techniques, and the determination of operational and R & D requirements.. c) In addition, revisions will'; be made consistent with. the latest technological advancements, the current political and economic situation, amt new offensive and defensive concepts as pertains to the :national sec'ur'ity, in order to provide .timely and effective. guidance ;:for any follow-on program. 2 BACKGROUND AND HISTORY a) At the time the Soviet Uniga and its satellites denied normal apes to its territory, the need for a method to collect all kinds of intelligence became readily apparent and the requirement was of the highest priority. The rapid technological advances of the Soviet Union indicated the.need for prompt and aggressive action in order to obtain a capability which would satisfy the intelligence requirements. b) At the request of the highest executive branch of the Government various studies were performed by the most capable scientific groups in the country. All of the studies validated the requirements,' emphasized the need for prompt and aggressive action, and recommended the utilization of airborne platforms. e) To provide the capability;tor relatively safe overflights, the Lgckheed U-2 was developed in 1955."Built into the U-2 was an altitude c ability of approximately 70,000 feet which, at that time, was considered almost certain to be in excess of the capability of the USSR to physically, interfere. Initially, it was expected that, although the Soviets could not intercept the U-2 with manned aircraft or missiles of any type, might have a limited capability of tracking the U-2 with radar. Thishey assumption later proved to be correct except for the overly optimistic anticipation that Soviet radar capability would be "limited":' Soviet ability to detect and track the U-2 on penetration and during virtually CHAS,-091A Sanitized - Approved For Release : CIA-RDP33-02415A000W2_ 0 TOP SR.CRET Sanitized - Approved For Release : CIA-RDP33-02415A000200420002-0 TOP SECRET its entire flight in denied territory was conclusively established early in the program and has continued to. be the case up to the present time with one notable exception; i.e., penetrations of the USSR in the vicinity of the Soviet-Afghanistan-Pakistan border. In the period July 1959 to February 1960 three such penetrations were accomplished without, to our knowledge, detection by the Soviet Air Defense system. On the basis of this experience, we can at least tentatively conclude that if penetration can be made without detection, there is an excellent chance that the entire mission can be completed without recognition by the air defense system. It is reasonable to assume that Soviet capability to inter- cept the U-2 will increase during the period under discussion. However, it is believed that with careful flight planning and target selection, the use of dispersal and deployment bases for deception, minimum time on the ground, at pre and post-strike bases, and other tactics designed to decrease operational hazards, the U-2 will continue to possess a significant overflight utility during at least a portion of this period.* d) Diplomatic protests. which the USSR has made as a result of the AQUATONE operations in the summer of 1956 and again in early 1958 make it imperative that Project CHALICE operations be conducted in such a manner as to reduce the probability of protest. In the original protest of 1956, the violation of the air space over third countries was consid- ered to have been the primary mot$vation for the USSR protest. This view continues valid despite a Soviet protest in early 1958 concerning a flight which, although it did not violate a third country, did fly into its radar screen with the resultant possibility that the third country had knowledge that a penetration of the USSR had been made. In the period between the 1956 and 1958 protests.. a total of 20 penetrations were made of the USSR and satellite countries without diplomatic protest from any source. In no instance, however, was the USSR and a satellite country penetrated on the same mission. Recorded reaction to these flights indicates that the violated countries were, in most instances, aware at the very least that a prohibitive flight was being made. It was further assumed that, in at least some cases, the USSR had equal evidence of overflight by U.S. aircraft as it had for both the 1956 and 1958 protests. It should be noted that the 1958 protest was not made *A separate attachment to this report entitled "Life Expectancy of the U-2 on overflights" purposely has been omitted from general distribution because of its special classification. This attachment is available in the Intelligence Section on a "need to know" basis. cm-091)+ Cy 2 of L Sanitized - ApprovedP8r telgaaee: CTATRDP33-02415A0 0 00420002-0 Sanitized - Approved For Release : CIA-RDP33-02415A000200420002-0 TOP SECRET public. The resultant implication is that the Soviets lacking the physical capability to stop such overflights, are forced to use diplo- matic measures. In both protest cases, high U. S. political authority directed that the overflights be stopped immediately. The reaction to the Soviet diplomatic action will probably continue throughout thie period and will be taken into consideration for planning and when submitting proposed overflights for political approval. e) It is felt that the use of dispersal and deployment bases in combination with the fast move concepts (maximum ground time 3 - 5 hours) will deprive the Russians of information concerning origin, termination, etc., and thereby degrade and/or weaken an official, protest. This would also allow for more plausible U.S. denial. II INTELLIGENCE REQUIREMEN1q 25X1X7 1. TARGET SELECTION Intelligence Requirements for penetration flights by Project ChALICE have been established by the Ad Hoc Requirements Committee which is conposed of representatives of the Army, Navy' Air Force, Central Intelligence Agency, and the National Security Agency. Require- ments encompass the fields of photographic intelligence, electronics 25X1 X7 intelligence. and enmm~r4r.m+4,n - committees and, as such, represent the consensus softhe- InteUi_ 25X1 X7 gence Community as a whole. Targets and priorities periodically are reviewed by the committees and revisions are made based on the most current intelligence available from all sources. 2, TASK Basic to the requirement for early warning of the imminence of a soviet nuclear attack on the United States is the requirement for reliable information on the present and future Soviet capabilities for such an attack. Such information is also critical to our national defense policy and. ping. During the past four years CHALICE P 0 P S E C R E T CHAL-09111 Sanitized - Approved For Release : CIA-RDP33-02415A(O'O2o.Q '0 2-0 1.4 "ar oO Sanitized - Approved For Release : CIA-RDP33-02415A000200420002-0 TOP SECRET -4 - coverage has been by far the most lucrative source of reliable information on which we have based our estimates of the Soviet capabilities for nuclear attack. At the present time, there is an urgent need for CHALICE coverage of certain objectives and areas known to be, or suspected to be, associated with the three major elements (ballistic missile, aircraft, and nuclear capability. a. The most critical intelligence problem at this time is the status of the Soviet ICBM program, an inherent threat of overriding magnitude. Studies over the past two years by the U.S. Intelligence Cozmnunity have concluded that CHALICE provides the only available means offering reasonable assurance of obtaining on an immediate basis the required intelligence on the deployment of Soviet ICBMs. Certain rail lines which lend themselves to rail launch or logistic support for fixed sites and test sites are prime search areas for this information. Increased urgency has been lent to the deploy- ment question by recent evidence of ICBM series production. Coverage of the most suspect production facilities y help to confirm this.* b. Other requirements (not in order of priority) for CHALICE coverage which are also critical to national. security are set forth the following paragraphs. (1) It is recognized that a part of the Soviet ballistic missile capability may be launched from submarines, nuclear powered or conventional. Our need is to determine the possible modification of existing craft, construction of new ballistic missile submmrinesj, and employment of both. CHALICE coverage offers the best available means of answering the questions. on production, characteristics, and employment of submarines capable of launching ballistic missiles. (2) The existence of a Soviet IRBM capability is recog- nized as a fact, although this capability is less critical to the United States than the ICBM. It constitutes an inaediate and continuing threat to the West. CHALICE coverage offers the best known means to answer the question of what is the deployment concept and should assist with information 25X1 T1 the capability of these weapons as well as their production. agreed that the most critical question was guided mri.ssiles, though they did not seem to feel it necessary to distinguish between IRBM and ICBM. Further, they rate research and development and production as match higher than deployment at this time since evidence on these would permit a judgment of whether there was indeed a threat in existence; current thinking does not put deploy- ment as probable in the cane of the ICBM. CHAL-0914 TOP SECRET 1 Wir 0 Sanitized - Approved For Release : CIA-RDP33-02415A000200420002-0 Sanitized - Approfeo for SF pLe s2 TCIA-RDP33-02415A000200420002-0 -5- (3) The Soviet heavy bomber force today poses an immediate nuclear threat. Intelligence derived from sources other than CHALICE has provided a fairly accurate measurement of the magni- tude and capability of this threat. Previous CHALICE coverage has served to confirm and euigna. .At this intelligence. However, we also have evidence that the'. Soviets are developing a follow- .on bomber aircraft which may replace the present bomber. force. In order to establish the status and magnitude of the Soviet effort in the heavy bomber'prog , to clarify the inter- .1, relationships of this and other Soviet weapons delivery syatemms, and thus to gain a more accurate measurement of the overall Soviet nuclear threat, both present and future, it is also 'critical that we cover cert4in key Soviet bomber bases,;' bomber production sites, and R & D facilities. ( ) In addition, to knowledge of Soviet delivery system, information on the production of fissionable materials. is essential to an accurate a positive meaOurement of; the Soviet nuclear thereat. Although. extensive coverage oP Soviet Atomic energy. installationsalready been acquired through CHALICE operations.. three of ten lurgeat AE sites in the, Soviet Union remain uncovered and are ';Highest priority require cents . Production rates at these sites are a major source of uncertainty in estimates of Soviet plutonium production. Although wd concede an i ihte-3evje bility to launch a, de ostating nuclear attack against the U*S., we do not have su `ieient information to gauge whether the.Soviets'bave, or are producing sufficient fissionable material in order: (a) To provide the required nuclear warheads for air (b) To mint a sustained attack; (c) To arm all or a great portion of their tactical weapons with nuclear warheads. (5) The number and pattern of deployment of Soviet surface- to air missile sites (SA-2) is of critical concern to the Strategic Air Command. CHALICE photography has already pin- pointed approximately 50 of these sites including support facilities. Coverage of additional SAM defended areas remains a high priority requirement. CHALICE coverage of one production area has enabled us to make a reasonably accurate estimate of the plutonium and. U-235 production from this location. Coverage of the remaining key production sites CHAL-091+ Cy ?2 of /I l4 Marahh 1"`960 defense; T 0 P S E C R E T Sanitized - Approved For Release : CIA-RDP33-02415A000200420002-0 i -Sanitized - Approyol For FJqVr 0pIA-RDP33-02415A000200420002-0 -6_ can supply us with information for an estimate of the production of fissionable material at this time and can also permit a projection of production for three or more years. Such information has never been obtained through other collection methods and, in addition to its critical urgency for estimates of immediate Soviet capability, indi- cations of a program out of all proportion to our estimate of Soviet needs would be a most significant indication of possible Soviet intentions and of inestimable use for political maneuvering, as well as military planning. 3. TARGETS Photographic and electronic objectives (targets) to fulfill the needs outlined above are set forth in separate listings which are constantly under review and revision by the Ad Hoc Requirements Committee. 4. COROLLARY TASKS Valuable intelligence by-products also can be anticipated as a result of the coverage of the primary systems herein discussed. Route photography can be expected to yield significant details of other Soviet air installations, transportation systems, industrial facilitiies, IRBM and ICBM installations, and other economic and military targets which could be of a significance only slightly less than the information we anticipate on primary objectives. One of the outstanding bonus effects that we know will be derived from future exercise of the CHALICE capability will be an increase in our knowledge of Soviet air defense capabilities. Fairly precise data on the general deployment and characteristics of Soviet defensive electronic sites in otherwise inaccessible areas can be obtained through the capability of CHALICE equipme=nt to detect and record electronic intelligence data. This increase in knowledge will result in a firmer base for operational plans that involve employment of our nuclear strike force. It should also be noted that exercise of the CHALICE capability over otherwise largely inaccessible areas of the USSR could reveal installations and activities of a completely unknown but highly significant nature. As a specific byproduct, CHALICE photography yields terrain information from which accurate radar navigation and target charts, and radar prediction plates, can be constructed. It is also anticipated that this photography will permit resolution of invaluable precise geodetic data which is so essential to the successful destruction of enemy targets by guided missiles. CHAL-0914 ~of /9 TOP SECRET 1+i~Mar6O Sanitized - Approved For Release : CIA-RDP33-02415A000200420002-0 Sanitized - Approved For Release : CIA-RDP33-02415A000200420002-0 TOP SECRET -7- III CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS 25X1A6a 1. EMPLOYMENT a) In order to fully exploit the operational capability built into the airframe of the U-2, considerable support will be maintained in the form of overseas and ZI bases, highly skilled personnel, and above all, airborne collection equipment. In order for Project CHALICE to have maximum capability, permanent overseas bases will be maintained in Europe at Adana, Turkey, b.) in addition, an air base facility within the ZI is necessary to carry on continuing research and development, and, for further perfection of equipment and techniques. Due to the fact that a follow- on aircraft will not be available for approximately 12 to 18 months every appropriate action will be taken to product-improve the existing capa- bility as pertains to aircraft performance. Primary mission capabilities product improvement will be in the form of increased reliability, weight reduction, quantitative and qualitative improvement relating to the end product. In order to offset "end product" degradation due to increased performance, every effort will be made to improve the existing and/or develop new, primary mission capabilities to the extent that the end products will be equal to or better than those now obtained. 25X1 A6a Therefore, the facilities presently in use at will be maintained throughout the lifetime of the U-2. 25X1 A6a c) The support of the facilities at - will be required for the entire period. Increased activity due to the follow-on program and product improvement of CHALICE will have to be provided for. d) Certain other facilities will be required for periodic staging and for ferrying of aircraft between the ZI and overseas bases. (Encl #2) 2.. MISSION AND MISSION PLANNING a) With reference to CIA's responsibilities as pertains to the National Security, the following primary and secondary missions are stated: CEAL-091 Cy L of 17 14 Mar 60 25X1A6a Sanitized - Approved For Release : CIA-RDP33-02415A000200420002-0 Sanitized - Approved For Release : CIA-RDP33-02415A000200420002-0 T O P S E C R E T 1. To conduct overflight and peripheral aerial recon- naissance (Photo and Elint) of the USSR and the USSR satellite countries in order to obtain adequate and timely intelligence consistent with the provisions mentioned in Section II "Intelligence Requirements". 2. To conduct overflight and peripheral aerial recon- naissance (Photo and Elint) on a world-wide basis in order to obtain adequate and timely intelligence which will uphold and advance the national policies and interests of the U.S. as well as safeguard the security of the U.S. b) To fulfil the above requirements the "Operational Concept" will take cognizance of the latest political considerations and intelligence requirements as outlined by the ARC. The concept which has evolved from experience, and which will be followed during the period will feature careful selection of highest priority objectives and prudent application of all planning factors to minimize the probability of protest. During the period we have programmed a maximum of 35 photo-overflights. (20/1961-15/1962) However, a number which will actually be accomplished will be dependent upon executive approval. c) Since it is reasonably sure that the permanent overseas bases are known by the Russians, and their proximity to Russian territory allows for radar surveillance, and the fact that operations from these bases would necessitate penetration of heavily defended areas, extensive use of staging bases will be required. In addition, it can be assumed that these bases are possibly under visual surveillance. All of which points out the need for greater deception and mobility during this period. It is planned that future Project CHALICE missions will be directed against areas in which the Soviets have the least radar tracking capability and in such a manner as to create ninximum difficulty for positive tracking. Selection of such areas will be consistent with highest priority target coverage requirements. In addition, every effort will be made to avoid the involvem at of third countries (specifically, Soviet Satellite Nations) either by w.,trflying them on penetration or withdrawal from the USSR, or by permitting them to become knowledgeable, through their radar defenses, that such a penetration is being made. In all operational planning and execution, the safety of the aircraft will be of primary consideration. 3. UTILIZATION a) Training should be realistic in that wherever possible the results obtained will be useful in the event that the bases and/or areas flown over are denied to the U.S. in the future. CM-091+ Cy 2 of / 9 Sanitized - Approved Mr FfeIfeisg PG`9A-RDP331b 5}A660200420002-0 Sanitized. - Approved'o Release RGkRDP33-02415A000200420002-0 T p b) Training will include the exercise of mobility plans utilizing airlift to support staging to and from dispersal and deployment bases. Training exercises will be accomplished on the fast move concept with minimum U-2 ground time at any of the bases utilized. c) The U-2 will be used in tactical situations and to accomplish The advantages peripheral electronic and photographic ~~ availability reconnaissance. operational in terms of training, eeono , capabi 11+y- have been demonstrated during the past years inTSuch 8 a etas 25X1 X3 as the no cLoThm so. The n - y that we stand to lose more than we w relative value of the exercise we give the Russian radars does not outweigh the relative economic and operational reasons for doing so. The Russian radar operators are known to be proficient and the quali- tative technical characteristics of their equipment is such that the above-mentioned flights - per se - would not induce greater Russian technological efforts in the radar field. In addition, it is felt the that maximum utilization of_ the U-2 should be planned througQu estimated operational life- of the U-2 rather than wait for primary mission political approval that may never come. In addition, it is felt that knowledge of continued and current successful operations by higher level would be conducive to obtaining Political approval- .. PRIMARY MISSION CAPABILITIES a) In addition to photographic and electronic collection equip- ment which would be carried on overflight missions, it will be necessary Too WaUT.aILL WQ.I,-w& ..,..~,.. -_ _z- during periods when 25X1 X4 ,Y4e1p,'I ~ht~ are not in progress. as o ed equipment is err attached as Enclosure 3. 5. MAII?MWCE AM SUPPORT a) in order to maintain the high reliability of aircraft and equipment, the concept of contractor maintenance will be continued. by = will be t b h ht 25X1A5a1 y o P P In addition, processing of overflig continued to insure maximum, intelligence exploitation. (Personnel strength will remain as stipulated in current TO's, with possibly minor adjustments. ) CONTROL t of overflights (and certain other missions) being a) The concep controlled by Headquarters will be continued to insure efficient target coverage and compatibility of operations with national policy. - of 19 TOP SECRET l4Marr60 Sanitized - Approved For Release : CIA-RDP33-02415A000200420002-0 Sanitized - Approved 98r Ffefbgsl "(5IA-RDP33-02415A000200420002-0 7. SORTIE RATE a) Estimatedd, sortie rate and flying hours by type of mission will be as indicated in Enclosure 4. Approximately 4076 flying hours will be required to accomplish 1057 sorties in FY 61 and 3800 flying hours to accomplish 968 sorties in FY 62. 8. SMORT a) Support will be required from the following echelons as indicated. This support will be in accordance with current directives and agreements. 1) Headquarters USAF for military personnel, commo logis- tics, special airlift, and to serve as intermediary on liaison matters. AFCIG-5 will be the channel for support to all subor- dinate headquarters. 2) Theater Comanders for air base facilities, logistic support, airlift requirements and for special liaison. 3) Strategic Air Command for certain air base facilities, personnel, logistics support and liaison matters. 4) Airways Air Conamications System for communications support. 5) Headquarters Air Weather Service for weather support. 6) National- Security Agency for special intelligence reaction reports. 7) National Technical Processing Center for ELM readout. 8) Department of State for negotiation for use rights to operate from certain foreign countries. IV RELATIONSHIP TO OTSER FORCES 25X1X7 can _o914 CY -ofJi l4 m rch 1960 TOP SECRET Sanitized - Approved For Release : CIA-RDP33-02415A000200420002-0 Sanitized - Approved For Release : CIA-RDP33-02415A000200420002-0 TOP SECRET 25X1X7 a) If international relationships deteriorate to a point where hostilities are considered im ent, Project CHALICE will conduct penetration and peripheral photographic and ELINT sorties at a n x3mum rate which available personnel, aircraft and equipment can wort. Although the military services have photographic and ELINT collection capabilities in the overseas theaters, the U-2's of Project CHALICE are the only capability in place overseas able to penetrate deeply and, with tiomparative physical inammity. b) During this period it will be essential that the maximum amount of potential enemy territory be photographed so as to provide the: 1) Most probable time when an enemy attack would be launched. 2) Size of the available enemy attack force. 3) Type and extent of probable enemy attack. 4) Locations from where attacking forces and/or mimiles would be launched. 5) ovrerall capability of the enemy to sustain an attack. 6) Most current target data for friendly attacking forces to use for retaliation. c) The need for current electronic intelligence will be very necessary to make available the frequencies and locations of enemy radars so that: 1) Friendly attacking forces can employ Jamming techniques most effectively. MAL-0914 a c--of l mar 60 Sanitized - Approved For Release : CIA-RDP33-02415A000200420002-0 Sanitized - Approved For l ease : CIA-RDP33-02415A000200420002-0 2) Weak spots can be located through which attacking forces can penetrate with the least probability of interception. 3) Radar guidance of enesry interceptors and/or missiles can be interrupted. d) During the pre-hostilities period operational control will, remain with Project CHALICE Headquarters. Deployment to prearranged rear bases may be necessary as dictated by the existing situation (Encl. #2). Project CHALICE resources will be utilized, on a first priority basis, to obtain reconnaissance coverage of SAC objectives as outlined in Appendix 1 to Annex "B" of SAC Operations Order #1009. 3. HOSR~ILIyn?,S a) When hostilities break out'-Project overseas assets will revert to the operational control of the Strategic Air Command under the Joint Chiefs of Staff. This transfer of control and assignment will be in accordance with the provisions of a Joint Agreement (CHAL 0239), dated 19 July 1958, with USAF, DCS/O, comae date 24 Sept 19588 and in accordance with the CHALICE EWP Operational Plan., dated 20 January 1959. Upon execution of the SAC 50 series EWO,, SAC Operations Order Number 1009, Appendix 2 to Annex "B" contains the necessary instructions for utilization of CHALICE resources. b) Military personnel will be effected in accordAnee with the arrangements contained in the Personnel Annex of the above-mentioned transfer agreement. c) It is planned that civilian personnel will continue to function until relieved by military personnel. 25X1A9a 25X1A9a Colonel USAF Chief, Operations Branch DPD-DD/P Enclosures (4 CHAL-0914 Cy of 14I r66 Sanitized - Approved For Release : CIA-RDP33-02415A000200420002-0 Sanitized - Approved For Release : CIA-RDP33-02415A000200420002-0 T 0 P S E C R E T - 13 - 25X1A2g Distributions CY 1 - DD/P Cy 2 - A/Ch/DPD-DD/P DPD Admin Cy I. - DpD/Admin/Cover Cy 5 - DPD/Aduin/Security Cy 8 - DPD/DB Cy 9 - DPD/Contracts Cy 10 - racts Cy 31 - DIYD/C/CPS Cy 12 - DID/Cps/Intel Cy 1. 14- DP/vQp8/ 1 - APCIG-5 Sanitized - Approved For Release : CIA-RDP3~i 400200420002-0 M^,n Oco OP PT