INTELLIGENCE OBTAINED IN SATISFACTION OF GENERAL TUNNER'S REQUIREMENTS

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP61S00750A000500040002-9
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: December 9, 2016
• Document Release Date: August 30, 1999
• Sequence Number: 2
• Publication Date: June 18, 1956
• Content Type: MF

Approved For ReIse 2001/08/ 750A0 ,00040002-9
SAPC 7029
copyLof_
18 June 1956
MEMORANDUM FOR: James Q. Reber, Intelligence
Requirements Officer
SUBJECT: Intelligence Obtained in Satisfaction of
General Tunner's Requirements
1. I noted your memorandum of 14 June on your conversation
with Colonel Macia (SAPC 7026). Your conversation was supplemented
by another held at 1800 on 15 June between General Cabell and myself
on the one hand and Generals Twiping and Lewis on the other. As a
result of these two conversations the position with respect to our missions
over the Satellites is set forth in the following paragraphs.
2. All concerned are in agreement that it is operationally unwise
to employ the AQUATONE specialized reconnaissance system for targets
of as low priority as those in the Satellites, especially since these
targets can be pretty safely covered by the use of other less advanced
equipment. On the other hand, it is also recognized by all concerned
that we have in effect been instructed by higher authority that at least
a few missions limited to the Satellites must be flown in order finally
to prove out, our weapons system before we will be permitted to employ
it for deep penetration missions of the USSR, the purpose for which it
was designed. Accordingly, there is no disagreement as to the course
of action to be followed.
3. The commitment it is proposed to make to General Tunner is
simply that during our initial missions over the Satellites and, where
appropriate, on the outward and homeward legs of longer range missions,
we will obtain as complete a coverage of his targets as possible. For the
initial phase when missions are restricted to the Satellites, the decision
has already been made, for the reasons indicated in the preceding para.
graph, to incur the risks involved even though the targets are of limited
importance. In the later phase when deep penetrations are in progress,
it is understood that coverage of the Satellites will be strictly a by-product
of operations justified by much higher priority requirements.
4. I note with pleasure that AFOIN will assure that AQUATONE
photography reaches General Tunner through the TALENT channels.
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I trust that we will be able to reassure General Tunner on this point
should it ever arise as between a representative of the Project organiza-
tion and one of headquarters.
6. I appreciate the assurance that AFOIN will be in a position
to advise General Tunner what we are doing so that he will not duplicate
our missions. In my opinion, however, we should be clear that the
channel for such coordination of operations does not run through AFOIN.
As you are aware, we have had extensive discussions, prompted by
Colonel Berg, with the Control Center in the Pentagon under Colonel
Victor Cabas. This Control Center is responsible for monitoring all
reconnaissance activity on behalf of the Air Staff and it is the logical
and proper point for the coordination of Project with USAF operations.
I would not suggest making an issue of this point with Colonel Macia but
if the matter ever arises you might explain to him such an arrangement
is in effect.
RMB:pas
1 ? JQR.
2-Dep. Pro j. Dir.
3-Dir, of Ops.
4-RMB Chrono
5-Proj, Reading
6-Proj,, Chrono
Approved For Release 2001/,O?./09 CIA-RDP61 SO075OA000500040002-9