DEAR MR. WHEELON:

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP67B00558R000100150006-8
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: December 19, 2016
• Document Release Date: April 25, 2005
• Sequence Number: 6
• Publication Date: October 9, 1964
• Content Type: LETTER

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FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, MARYLAND ~~
9 OCT 1964
SR*?T
Director
Central Intelligence Agency
Langley, Virginia
ATTN; Dr. Albert I. Wheelon
Dear Dr... Wheelon:
This letter is a confirmation of our discussion concerning some
the deficiencies In the long range SIGINT research and development
area,
NSA is particularly concerned that the typical statement of require-
ments is a relatively short range one (with some exceptions), while the
typical development cycle for collection and processing equipment is a
long one. This dichotomy presents us with unusually severe problems in
the optimum development of collection and processing equipment. It tends
to emphasize the more expensive and less efficient make-shift approaches
inherent in this kind of quick reaction. While NSA has been quite sucdess-
ful In many of these QRC type approaches, it is well recognized that they
are a poor substitute for a well thought out longer term program of develop-
ment based upon the best possible statement of long term requirements
which can be achieved. The expedience of QRC should be relegated to
those few cases in which this kind of quick response is made necessary
by changes or new unanticipated developments in the technology or operations
of our opposition.
are apparently agreed on the desirability of such statements of
longer term requirements for the beneficial effects that can be realized jr,
advancement of critical areas of our state-of-the-art in order to meet
those requirements In a more timely manner in as large a percentage of
cases as possible. Much effort: by individual people or organizations has
been devoted to parts of this problem; we believe the time has come for us
jointly to attack the problem.
DIA review(s) completed.
NSA review(s) completed.
GROUP 3
Downgraded at 12 year
intervals; not automatically
declassified
Approved For Release 2005/06/09 : CIA-RDP67B00558R000100150006-8
--~.fd .l'- 7Z
 Approved For Release 2005/06/09 : CIA-RDP67B00558R000100150006-8
our proposal that CIA name a project officer to work wit
AECRE
Serial: a .1 I
25X1
PL86-36
NSA and a DIA project officer who will jointly obtain from their respective
agencies the best that can be arrived at in terms of long range intelligence
requirements, and particularly the foreseen (future) deficiencies in collec-
tion for which research or development is appropriate.
This is a long term and necessarily a continuing effort; It can perhaps
best be accomplished in two phases:
hage.1 A quick assembly of readily available data on the
directly applicable Since-Soviet electronic technology (and its first derivate;
signals) for use in the present effort of ascertaining next year's program.
This might be the first task to be accomplished in this joint effort.
Ph se I _ A more complete and comprehensive study of Sino-
Soviet technological trends, including the relationship to U. S. technological
developments, accomplished in depth in order to have long range requirements
stated for a period in excess of the typical development cycle.
is necessary by the organizations concerned to keep the work accomplished in
Phase II up-to-date with corrections and additions as dictated by any new or
changing technological developments--U.S. U.S., friendly, or opposition.
tatements. It will also have laid groundwork for the continuing effort which
Completion of these two phases should make it possible to pass the
results to USIS for consideration as longer term extensions of their requirements
In conducting the study outlined above, it is felt that CIA contribution
of information from scientific and technical estimates and from other research
work done by your analysts would be particularly valuable.
If you agree with this proposal, an early meeting of project officers is
suggested to establish working relationships and arrangements. The NSA
project officer 1841, Phone. 7941 (Outside), 3791
(Secure).
Sincerely,
/Sgnd/ Leo Rosen
LEO ROSEN
taut Director, NSA
for
The Research and Engineering Staff
25X1A
Copy Furnished:
CIA 2
Approved or Release 2005/06/09 : C1A-RDP67B00558R000100150006-8
CIA