DISCUSSION WITH(SANITIZED) ON 31 MARCH

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP70-00211R000500030002-0
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: December 19, 2016
• Document Release Date: December 13, 2006
• Sequence Number: 2
• Publication Date: April 4, 1966
• Content Type: MFR

Approved For Release 2006/12143
SUBJECT: discussion with Mr.
CIA-
4 April 1966
on 31 March
1. On 31 March I discussed the following topics with Mr.
1. Storage of Index to WALNUT at Records Center.
I showed me two memoranda, one from Mr. Helms, the
Deputy Director o the Agency and the other from the Assistant DDP,
Mr. Karamessines, concerning the general security of the WALNUT project.
In his memorandum Mr. Helms discussed relative security at Headquarters
and at the Records Center. He referred to apparent attempts by "the
enemy" to penetrate IBM. He also referred to the possibility of any
penetration at the Records Center. Mr. Karamessines dwelt at length
on the security measures at Headquarters to protect the WALNUT project.
With respect to the Records Center, his memorandum outlined the storage
of the Index over a period of several years and emphasized the fact that
the Index is housed in unlocked safe cabinets at the Center, The
memorandum points out that these safes should be locked and it was the
responsibility of the Records Center personnel to see that this was done.
These two memoranda were referred to the DDS who has asked the
Office of Security to make a survey o determine circumstances 25X1
relative to the allegations made in the memorandas.
My comments tol ere to the effect that we carry out 25X1
whatever special secure-Ty requests that are necessary from the stand-
point of overall security, special restrictions placed on the records
b offices who trans-Per em there and special requirements the
I pointed out that in every instanc the 25X1
Records Retirement Request has a provision on it for the transferring
office to indicate the kinds of restrictions. I also pointed out that
with articular respect to the WALNUT project that on 2- March, Mr.
I pasked me whether the Safes were locked. When I told him that 25X1
e not he wanted to know why. I reminded him that about one year
ago he and Mr. of the CI Staff made a tour of the Records 25X1
Center and at a ef, of the Records Center, 25X1
-Joverheard say he thought the safes should be locked. 25X1
It was our understa ing a if this was necessary we would receive a
formal request. Such a request was never received.
It is particularly significant that DDP does have several safes
containing other types of records in the Center and these are locked
and DDP retains the combination.
Approved For Release 2006/12/13: CIA-RDP70-00211 R000500030002-0
 Approved For Release 2006/12/13 CIA-RDP70-00211 R000500030002-0
I advised that there is considerable history in
connection with this particular situation and it is well documented
at the Records Center.
2. Report on the Status of DDI Records Management Program.
stated this report had been transmitted to the
DDI. The covering memorandum, prepared by me, however, was rewritten.
He further stated that the body of the report contained factual and
typographical errors, but they were not corrected by the Office of DDI.
When I challenged this he had no specific instances. On returning to
the office we reread the report in detail and could find no factual or
typographical errors.
I advised that these had been approved as of 27 March.
He said that it was the practice of the DDg to present the promotion
action to the persons concerned and asked my opinion. I concurred in
this idea and suggested that the operating officials in NPIC and OTR
should be advised and that appropriate representatives from their offices
should be present. In addition, I advised him that NPIC in particular
was anxious to make somewhat of a ceremony on this action and I suggested
he call
Chief, Records Administration Staff, DDS
25X1
25X1
Approved For Release 2006/12/13: CIA-RDP70-00211 R000500030002-0