SCOPE COTTON DECISION NO. 21

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP72R00410R000100010018-8
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: December 15, 2016
• Document Release Date: August 22, 2003
• Sequence Number: 18
• Publication Date: January 27, 1969
• Content Type: MF

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(S) NATIONAL RECONNAISSANCE OFFICE
WASHINGTON, D.C.
JAN 2 7 1969
MEMORANDUM FOR THE DIRECTOR OF CIA RECONNAISSANCE PROGRAMS
DIRECTOR, PROGRAM D
SUBJECT: Scope Cotton Decision No. 21.
Reference: Presentation to DNRO on December 16, 1968 Concernin
Optional Levels of Continued Operation ofi
As a result of the referenced presentation and other considerations,
the following guidance applies:
2. The TAGBOARD program will continue until mid-February
1969, then transfer to Beale AFB, remaining under Rhu management.
3. Limited operations will continue thru June 30, 1969, in
support of Air Force, CIA, and NRP projects, as appropriate. The SR-71
aircraft is considered to be an Air Force project in this connection. The
Air Force and NRP projects are subject to the specific advance approval of
the DNRO.
5. Subsequent to June 30, 1969, for the foreseeable futurcI
will continue as a National A providing a limited air base opera ion,
5X1 and to be contracted and operated by CIA.
The basic effort will be in accordance with the assumptions in the presented
Posture III, with one-third equal cost-sharing by each of the Air Force, CIA
and NRP. Projects requiring support beyond this basic effort may be accom-
modated, provided that the using customer agrees to pay the appropriate costs.
NRO review(s)
compietea. 1t 4~ CO
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6. The level of capability which is to be maintained beyond Posture
III will be redetermined semi-annually on the basis of project activities
then underway and planned for the ensuing six-month period.
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7. All Air Force and NRP projects for use will be subject 25X1
to the specific advance a roval of the N 25X1
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8. The Director, Program D, will be responsible for coordinating and
recommending for approval, any Air Force project for use in- 25X1
cluding specific fund citations,
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ALEXANDER H. FLAX
Director
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