SYMINGTON SPEECH

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP75-00149R000700430017-3
• Release Decision: RIFPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: December 16, 2016
• Document Release Date: December 27, 2004
• Sequence Number: 17
• Publication Date: January 6, 1966
• Content Type: SPEECH

Approved For Release 2005/01/05 : CIA-RDP75-00149R000700430017-3
S nn ton Speech
OGC/LC JSW:rnks
6 January 1966
In addition to other briefings and reviews during the course of
my recent. trip abroad, I wa.s afforded the opportunity to inspect activities
and programs of the Central Intelligence Agency in a number of places.
Prior to my departure. I roceived extensive briefings from the Agency
and during zn trip 1 t l x:? in. 3 fi :1 with a groat number of Agen
rep rew?tnt tiv aa. I ,c,Fv ;w.ad t ,'-At opporturdity in the past, but on this
occasion I was conducting these interviews in a new capacity.
S*5,aator Russell, C aairmaxa of the Senate Armed Services Committee
and also Chairman of a Subccrmmittce of Armed Services for the Central
lntelligenco Agency. has recently appointed me as a member of that
Subcommittee. In this capacity 1 was afforded the fullest information and
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all of the :details 1 needed to do a meaningful review of the activities
of the Jl ency.
1 think it pertinent to point out that I also discussed the programs
of the A,jezacy with senior military commanders where appropriate and with
the Ambassadors. Uniformly. 1 found that the Agency's activities and
programs were fully coordinated with U. S. policy' and programs. I further
determined that these far-flung representatives of the Agency were making
truly significant contributions to the American effort.
I found no instances where CIA activities were vocontrolled or
contrary to U. 8. policy and indeed I believe it difficult. it not impossiblo,
for such. uncontrolled activities to occur. This beliwfis based on existing
coordination procedures and policy directives Stemming from the highest
level in Washington and the rigid controls appiic le to field activities.
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I have always been impressed over the years in my contacts
with the Agency with the integrity and professional competence of its
representatives. Having had the opportunity to hold detailed discussions
with many more Agency representatives. I am strongly reinforced in my
conviction
ct that the caliber of personnel in this Agency is of the highest.
The Agency has a difficult and at times a dangerous mission to
perform. I believe the Agency accomplishes its tasks in an outstanding
manner. This is not to say the men and women of this Agency are perfect
or do not make mistakes, but I do with to say to the members of this
body and to the American public that they should be proud of this Agency
and the people who serve it and our country with ua.tinting devotion. Is
addition to this brief report which necessarily must be general. I am
reporting my findings and observations to the Subcommittee for the CIA
of the Senate Armed Services Committee and its Chairman.
Approved For Release 2005/01/05 : CIA-RDP75-00149R000700430017-3