(Sanitized) CONSEQUENCES OF CURTAILMENT

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP79-01154A000100050004-1
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: December 12, 2016
• Document Release Date: March 17, 1999
• Sequence Number: 4
• Publication Date: April 14, 1971
• Content Type: MEMO

Approved For Rgjease 2001/08/08 CIA DP79-01154Ad'00100050004-1
14 April 1971
MEMORANDUM FOR: Director of Basic and Geographic Intelligence
FROM: Chief, Map Library Division, BGI
SUBJECT: Map Procurement Consequences of Curtailment
i
ce,
personnel reduction programs applied to our Foreign Serv
25X1C
and the map acquisition and reporting program which it sym-
bolizes has taken a considerable buffeting. In the midst of such activit
ld b
h
it
i
ies
ou
e
s
nt
of defense of program, meetings and memoranda, at some po
pointed out simply and clearly that full and complete acquisition of up-to-
date, foreign intelligence maps in an absolute "must"
25X1C
man
t
i
d i
b
researc
intelligence
y
o
as
c
s
an
,
25X1C
and operational activities. This was true l
es past, as expressed by
in his writings, and it is true today. The current existence
histicated photography does not obviate the requirement for
foreign intelligence maps, but rather intensifies the requirement. The
successful use of photography, on a continuing basis, requires the enabling,
locational and identification data frequently available only through the
cartographic medium.
In order to meet that situation, the Map
Library implements a continuing procurement program, which blends some
priority procurement with a routine exploitation of foreign sources. The
result is that all countries of the world are covered 25X1C
on a continuing basis. A full, up-to-date, reference map collection is
Rained as insurance against political, military and intelligence
problems that may pop up at any time and in any country or area of the world.
e associated world-wide map procurement
program, insure that those requirements may be met to the fullest extent
possible.
3. If this program is abolished or
affect important intelligence programs
greatly reduced it will severely
These agencies MUST have accurate and current maps to accomplish priority
and important programs and if the present program is not continued they will
have to develop alternate methods of map procurement. It is extremely
doubtful if this can be accomplished as effectively or efficiently and at
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1. During recent years, through BALPA, OPRED, and other fiscal and
 Approved For ReJaase 2001/08/08 : 79-01154AO00100050004-1
the present low cost to the U. S. Government; there will be duplication of
effort and duplication of results. Maps cannot be produced instantaneously
upon demand; they must be systematically produced in accordance with stated
and anticipated requirements.
4. The following are several specific examples of intelligence and
mapping programs that would have been impossible, greatly reduced, or far
less accurate and timely if the regular flow of new and revised maps
had been cut or restricted: 25X1C
b. The White House Situation Room relies on the CIA Map Library
to provide current maps to brief the President and his staff on
CRISIS situations (Cuba, Congo, Nigeria, Cambodia, Vietnam, Pakistan,
Middle East).
c. The emergency printing of large scale maps (1961-67) of the
Dacca and Chittagong areas in East Pakistan by the Army Topographic
Command to be used by contingency forces should the evacuation or
protection of Americans be necessary.
e. CIA map compilation and production by the OBGI Cartographic
Division for the National Intelligence Survey, illustration of
intelligence studies and support of covert operations rely almost
exclusively on maps
f. The latest foreign authoritative source (maps) providing
geographic detail, relative and geographic locations and native
language place names is essential to the special activities of the
National Security Agency.
g. The unique and special needs for maps by the Deputy Director
for Plans to support paramilitary operations, agent contacts, cashing,
surveillance, escape and penetration operations, etc. are apparent.
In some cases original copies of foreign produced maps are essential
for the success of an operation.
Approved For Release 2001/0