THE COLLECTION OF INTELLIGENCE INFORMATION IN CHINA

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP64-00658A000100110004-2
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: December 9, 2016
• Document Release Date: August 16, 2001
• Sequence Number: 4
• Content Type: MEMO

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CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE GROUP
NEW WAR DEPARTMENT BUILDING
21st and VIRGINIA AVENUE, N. W.
WASHINGTON, D. C.
DIA, DOS Declassification/Release Instructions on File
IVMORANDUM FOR THE DIRECTOR OF INTELLIGENCE, ff.D.G.3.
SUBJECT: The Collection of Intelligence Information in China.
1. During the months of March and April, 191.6, two plans for or-
ganizing post-war intelligence activities in China were presented by the
Office of A.C. of S., G-2, W.D.G.S. to the Director of Central Intelli-
gence for study, comment and recommendation. The first of these plans,
dated 30 November, 191i5,.was prepared in the Headquarters of U. S. Forces,
China Theatre. The second plan, dated 15 March, 1916, was prepared in the
same Headquarters, but by different personnel.
2. A thorough study of both plans and of the subject itself, by the
former Central Planning Staff of C.I.G. was completed on 20 June, 1946,
but the necessary reorganization of C.I.G. prevented an earlier report.
In the course of the study, many conferences were had with persons of the
following categories:
a. Officers of the Army with rich backgrounds of experience in
China;
b. Officers of the Navy with similar backgrounds;
c. Officials of the Department of State with broad knowledge
of China;
d. Officials of SSU with knowledge of the operations of that
organization and of its predecessor, OSS, in China.
3. Due to the fact that China is an area which demands thorough
coverage for the collection of intelligence information concerning the
country itself and its neighbors to the north, a thoroughly integrated
and coordinated organization, sufficiently large to permit thorough cover-
age is essential. It is one of the most sensitive areas in the world today
_anc -one: - of the t7i+o or 'three most= likely-areas in wl:.oh.t49 torch to : se-t- off
_a- new, wor- ld con? gr'ation might b = I ed.>
4. Essential portions of a coordinated intelligence information col-
lecting program for China are:
a. Military Attache establishment with Headquarters connected
with the Embassy and Assistant Attaches or Military observers
with appropriate staffs at a sufficient number of inland
points to permit thorough coverage;
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b. Naval Attache establishment similar to the M/A establishment
and working closely therewith, but with the Assistant Naval
Attache and Naval Observer staffs at important ports;
c. Strong State Department facilities for overt collection of
political, economic,. financial and related intelligence.in-
6. The personnel of the present Military and Naval Attache establish-
ments are not sufficiently numerous adequately to cover the area. Recom-
mndations of G-2, China Theatre, concurred in by two former incumbents of
the same office, are that the M/A establishment should be expanded to include:
22 Officers headed by a General Officer; 2 Warrant Officers; 37 Enlisted Men;
12 Civilians including translators. Naval opinion is that the N/A establish-
rent should be expanded to equivalent strength and should be headed by a Flag
Officer. The Director of Central Intelligence concurs in these views and
recommends that the indicated expansion be effected as rapidly as possible.
7. Your con nts upon the foregoing are invited. Duplicate of this
memorandum is being sent to the Chief of Naval Intelligence, with copy to
Colonel Eddy, Special Assistant to the Secretary of State.
Copy to -
(for information
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