CENTRAL REGISTER; PLANNING DIRECTIVE NO. 25

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP64-00658A000100090014-4
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: C
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: December 9, 2016
• Document Release Date: August 28, 2000
• Sequence Number: 14
• Publication Date: May 15, 1946
• Content Type: MEMO

Approved For Release0/09/t000100N~ 900140-4
CPS/ RM/mem
MAY 15 1946
MIORANDUM TO: Acting Chief, Central Planning Staff
SUBJECT: Central Register; Planning Directive No. 25
1. Problem: To provide an efficient central register, or index, of
intelligence information in order to better coordinate and control
intelligence research.
2. Facts:
a. Interchange of intelligence information is now largely depend-
ent on individual knowledge of material available in the various collections.
There is no general interchange of acquisition lists.
b. Each of the four N.I.A. agencies claims its particular filing
system is satisfactory; none use a punched card system of control. State
has four separate filing systems as the result of acquiring four libraries
using different systems.
c. Each agency periodically checks its files to remove obsolete
material and to determine what new material should be acquired for its
own use. No specific time interval is set for the check and the inspec-
tion is normally the opinion of one individual.
3. Discussion:
a. The intelligence groups of State, ','Tar, Navy, and Air were
contacted to obtain their views on the problems. Other Government agencies
were not contacted at this time as it is felt the above agencies are
primarily interested and if a central register is established, other
Government agencies will cooperate.
b. Each of the four agencies agreed that a central register, or
index, of intelligence information is highly desirable to facilitate
interchange of information, although there is not unanimous agreement
as to the method of operation. Except for Air, objections were expressed
to placing, old material on a new index system. However, once a system
is established, research personnel can complete a work sheet to classify
any old material they use and thus gradually bring a large portion of
it onto the new system.
c. There is difference of opinion on using a punched card control
system in a central register. From discussion of the problem it appears
that a punched card system is preferable because of its flexibility in
control and classifying of the broad range of subjects; in addition it
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will automatically provide for an accurate check on the date and grade
of any indexed material to indicate necessary additions or deletions.
d. There was unanimous opinion that if a central register is
established it should be under supervisory control of CIG, location and
operating personnel to be agreed upon.
P. The .following questions have developed:
(1) Should a central register, or index, of intelligence
information be established (this has received unanimous approval of the
representatives);
(2) If a central register is established:
(a) What agencies should contribute data to it;
(b) "There should it be located;
(c) Who should have supervisory control of it;
(d) What type of indexing system should be employed;
(e) What personnel will be required to operate the
selected system; and
(f) 71hat are the limits as to type of information to
be indexed in the central system.
4. Action Taken:
The Intelligence Branch has arranged to meet with representatives
of the four agencies on 16 May as an informal committee to approximate
initial steps necessary to solve the questions listed in 3e above.
5. Recommendations:
It is recommended that the Intelligence Branch meet in informal
committee with representatives of the interested agencies at such times
as it deems desirable in order to formulate final recommendations for
formal action.
Intelligence Branch
CONFIDENTIAL
Approved For Release 2000/09/07 : CIA-RDP64-00658A000100090014-4