INTER OFFICE TELECOMMUNICATIONS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES OF THE 'SPECIAL MEETING' HELD ON 16 JULY 1956 AT 1400 HOURS IN ROOM 1521 BARTON HALL.

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78-01634R000300070027-3
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: December 9, 2016
• Document Release Date: July 10, 1998
• Sequence Number: 27
• Publication Date: August 9, 1956
• Content Type: MIN

Approved For Release 2001/07/28 : CIA-RDP78-01634R000300070027-3
S-E- C-R-E-T
9 August 1956
INTER OFFICE TE=ONMNNICATIONS ADVISORY COMR3 1E
MINUTES
Minutes of the "special meeting" held on 16 July 1956 at 14oo hours
in room 1521 Barton Hall.
The meeting was called to discuss the Trimmer paper "Soviet
Jai.ng - New Developments" dated June 1, 1956. in fact, however,
the discussions were centered upon the recommendations of the BEAM
Committee in regard to the informal approach to the USSR on the
termination of VGA Russian language broadcast jamming. In addition
to the BEAM paper, a cable from the State Department to the
AmEmbaasy, Moscow, was exhibited, suggesting an approach to
negotiating with the Soviets regarding jatmaing, as well as a memo-
randum from the.Ambassador in Moscow to the State Department.
led the discussion and stated that the main
point o concern wag in terms of radio spectrum usage if the jamming
abates or ceases. Since the U.S.-sponsored broadcasters, VOA, RFE,
and RLN, enjoy a privilege in using the number of frequencies they
do as a result of the anti-Communist front, reduction in jamming
in return fok a reduction in frequencies would'pose serious tech-
nical considerations. Among these, the U.S. Government, i.e., the
FCC or others, would probably bring the review of frequencies into
focus. Since occupancy of channels is primary, the loss of a
channel is usually permanent. The European channel occupancy is
likewise aggravated, and the loan is even more permanent because
of the complexity of European frequency usage. A general discus-
sion followed.
On the Soviet side of the picture, there is every advantage
in either an abatement or cessation of jamming. It clears the
whole matter of illegality of Jamming,, demonstrates a fictitious
good will, clarifies the complicated matter of aggravated inter-
ference both to themselves and to the spectrum usage in the "free
world."
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 Approved For Release 2001/07/28 : CIA-RDP78-01634R000300070027-3
Finally, the Soviets probably would not give up the jamming
plants installed, could put them into immediate usage at a moment's
notice, have gained everything and lost nothing in return for a
reduction in broadcast frequencies, which probably would be lost
to the U.S.
felt some concern that the technical considerations,
particularly those involving frequency usage, had been ignored in
the proposed negotiation with the Soviets. In particular, the
telecommunications interests of QDM, FCC, and others should be
considered before any approach was made.
expressed a personal belief that the main
object of any approach should be what the Soviets were getting,
not those accruing to the U.S.
and others agreed that the Agency interest was in
jeopardy because of its commitments in the field of radio broad-
casting, particularly to the Satellites. That is, if the Agency
supports the USIA (VOA) on a Soviet negotiation, it is at cross
purposes with its intent to the Satellites.
ORR, questioned the accuracy of a statement
in the Trimmer paper about the existence of a microwave cable
extending from Moscow to Vladivostok.
The IOTA Committee feels that insufficient consideration has
been given to the technical considerations involved in a proposed
USIA approach to the Soviets on the possibility of the cessation
of jamming. The IOTA Committee feels the recommendations of the
Trimmer paper'are.sound and that technical considerations be
further weighed before a U.S. position is established.
Respectfully submitted,
Acting Secretary
Approved For Release 2001/07/28 : CIA-RDP78-01634R000300070027-3