LETTER TO THE HONORABLE JOHN T. CONNOR FROM W.F. RABORN

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP68R00530A000100160002-8
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: December 15, 2016
• Document Release Date: November 21, 2003
• Sequence Number: 2
• Publication Date: November 26, 1965
• Content Type: LETTER

Fo iRe c O1 a1I1 2?. CIA-RDP RQ 4618 1.60002-8
6 G NO v 1965
The Honorable John T. Connor
Secretary of Commerce
Department of Commerce
Washington, D. C. 20230
Dear Mr. Connors
This letter concerns the proposed American Standard Code
for Information Interchange (ASCII).
CIA agrees with the recommendation that IPederal agencies
adopt a standard code for communications and ADP. The basic
idea is a good one and should lead to real gains in information
exchange.
Although our future plans call for acquisition of ADP equip-
ment compatible with ASCII standards. we recognize that it will
be some time before a complete changeover can occur. There-
fore, during the transition equipment manufacturers should be
permitted to produce hardware for processing data in existing
codes. Specialized equipment may be needed later on to assist
in the conversion from non-standard codes to standard. CIA
expects to be in a position to undertake AD? conversion to ASCII
sometime in 'Y-67.
Insofar as our message communications system is concerned,
we will have to continue for quite a few years utilizing the five.
level Baudot code as our standard for exchanging teletype message
traffic. The cost of large-scale conversion would be too great
to accomplish until such time as our existing teletype and asso-
ciated cryptographic equipment is normally replaced. This same
problem. of course. exists with other government agencies with
On file DOC release instructions apply.
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Approved For Release 2004/01112 :CIA-RDP68R00530A000100?60002-8
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Page 2
which we communicate and with which our communications
system is inter-connected. We suggest that the timing of
the message communications system conversion from the
present five-level code to the ACSII eight-level code be
established by the National Communications System structure.
The CIA appreciates the opportunity to comment on the
American Standard Code for Information Interchange and
wishes to be kept advised of your final recommendation to
the Bureau of the Budget. If further information is needed.
inquiries may be directed to Mr. Joseph Becker, Director
of of Computer Services, telephone government
Sincerely,
(?+i.nned) W. F. Raborft
W. r. Raborn
Director
Signed: John F.. Blake
1 8 NOV 1965
D~puty Director for Science and Technology Date
DiAtribution:
Orig. + 1 - Addressee
1 .- Executive Registry
1 - DD/S&T
1--1- DD/S&T Registry
1 - DD/I
1 - O/PPB
1 - D/ CO
1 - OCS File
1 - OCS Chrono
D/.OC,S/DD/S&T:JBecker:p~ (17 Nov. 65)
Approved For Release 2004/01/12 : CIA-RDP68R00530A000100160002-8