COMMENTS ON 'THE INTELLIGENCE MAP PROGRAMS ON COMMUNIST AREAS'

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: NGA Records (Formerly NIMA)
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78B05703A000400070002-3
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 5
• Document Creation Date: December 28, 2016
• Document Release Date: December 9, 2003
• Sequence Number: 2
• Publication Date: December 21, 1970
• Content Type: MF

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"1 DEC 1970
ME4)RANLU4 FOR: Chairman, DDI Historical Board
SUBJECT : Comments on 'The Intelligence Map Programs on
Coumunist Areas"
1. This manuscript is a competent, though not particularly stimulating,
history of the intelligence map program on communist areas. It is in good
physical shape. Under the circumstances, I think there are better ways for
all concerned to spend their time than to attempt any substantial revision
of this paper.
2. There is, however, one brief passage that seems to lack proper
historical perspective. Since this will become the official record on the
subject, I think some further work is necessary.
3. The passage consists of the first five sentences in the paragraph
commencing on the middle of page 53. Each of the three sources cited is a
monthly report of the USSR Branch, OBGI. Whereas sources so close to the
working level doubtlessly chronicle faithfully the .tenth-to-month activities and frustrations -- of the component in question, I think you will agree that
they leave something to be desired as a final authority on controversial
matters involving another office.
4. The main thrust of this passage unmistakably casts NPIC in the role
of a bungler, and responsible for a series of unhappy events which adversely
affected the mapping program. Though this may, understandably, have been the
parochial view of those in the USSR Branch who were having problems, some of
the statements, when incorporated in an office history, become unsupportable
or naive. Thus, the statement that "much top-quality film was destroyed
and useless materials retained" is clearly a subjective response by thwarted
people. Moreover, the time criterion used by NPIC was adopted only after
community-wide negotiations and agreement. Though a hardship seems to have
been worked on the USSR Branch of OBGI, their quarrel, if any, should he
Declass Review by NIMA/DOD
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B CT: Comments on "The Intelligence Map Programs on
Cc st Areas"
with those who represented their interests in the negotiations. Undeniably,
competition did develop for use of the remaining copy of film, but NPIC PI's
also deplored their inability to get immediately film being used by OBCI.
So this approach results in a draw, with no real insight into what really
happened. If it can be proved that such top quality film was destroyed, so
be it. But it should be clear, I think, that there was adequate evidence
to show that any authority used to substantiate such a claim was knowledge-
able of and carefully weighed all the facts before coming to such a
conclusion.
S. I wish I could throw more light on the subject, but all I can offer
after some searching is the attached Xerox copy of an NPIC Notice. I am
reluctant at this point to drop everything else and start a major search. I
think the Notice will establish the fact that the program was not capricious
in its plan or execution. Note especially paragraphs l,b. and l,c. also,
note the distribution list, which includes DC) and NSA. Incidentally, at
this time, CIAJIAD was the funnel through which formal NPIC contacts and
business with other parts of the Agency passed. It would be totally
unwarranted, however, to blame IAD; I have no such evidence, and besides,
there were many other places where communications could have failed -- even
including OBGI itself.
6. I am neither able to confirm nor deny the role of 2511
now deceased, but I think it doubtful that he spoke for the Center in any
decision to gii.ee the Geography Division surplus filn. On the other hand,
I would not be surprised to find that he arranged the exchange on this end
of the pipeline once the basic policy decision was made.
7. My purpose in thus challenging the passage in the mini- 25>1
script is not to introduce a strictly parochial counterclaim. Rather, in
the absence of definitive documentation, I am simply trying to establish
the position that I think the official historical record deserves a more
authoritative and objective treatment of this problem. Unfortunately, the
NPIC Records Management Officer has died just recently, arxi 25)1
the Assistant for Operations at the time, is now living in retirement in
Florida, with only his personal recollections, which would scarcely provide
adequate documentation of what happened. However, since the film disposal
problem in all probability is a matter of record in the minutes of CR
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 Approved For Rele
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SUB'ECT: Cents on "The Intelligence Map Programs on
Communist Areas"
and/or the AdCom, these documents and/or the Agency representatives to
these former groups might be able to provide leads for obtaining better
sources of information than these nresenr1v nrnvided-
Attachmnts :
Xerox co o.
Distribution:
Copy 1 - Chairman, DDI Historical Board w/atts
2 - NPIC Historical Officer w/o atts
3&4 - NPIC/ODIR w/o atts
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