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

Document Type: 
Collection: 
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
Case Number: 
Publication Date: 
November 26, 1965
Content Type: 
LETTER
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PDF icon CIA-RDP68R00530A000100160002-8.pdf104.18 KB
Body: 
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. ON3X ~' 01 Approved For Release 2004/01112 :CIA-RDP68R00530A000100?60002-8 1Zdoa odax S1TA if roved Fc Re. The Honorable John T. Connor ASCII 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