DISTRIBUTION OF NIE'S

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP79R00971A000400020008-3
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 10
• Document Creation Date: December 16, 2016
• Document Release Date: April 6, 2005
• Sequence Number: 8
• Publication Date: February 18, 1960
• Content Type: MF

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CONFIDENTIAL
S E C O N D D R A F2
C E N T R A L I N T E L L I G E N C E A G E N C Y
. OFFICE OF CENTRAL REFERENCE
18 February 1960
MEMORANDUM FOR : thief NIE Disseminators?
1. Pursuant to USIB action (USIB-M-34) the Office of National
Estimates and the Office of Central Reference, CIA, have been Jointly
undertaking a survey of the distribution of NIE's and SNIE's. During
the last few years there has been noted a very large increase in
the number of NIE's published and distributed. It is the purpose of
this survey, as indicated in the action cited, to find out where
these estimates go and who is reading them.
2. There are two aspects to this study: (a) a questionnaire
enclosed in selected NIE's published over an extended period for the
purpose of obtaining certain detailed information regarding the
readership of NIE's and the uses made of them and (b) an inquiry
directed to the distribution offices of the various recipient
agencies for the purpose of determining how the distribution of
NIE's is controlled.
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3. The last set of questionnaires will be inserted in NIE 11-8-59,
which is currently being published. When time has been allowed for the
return of these questionnaires, the collection phase of this aspect of
the inquiry will be completed and we will proceed to an analysis of the
results. The number of completed questionnaires returned to date has
not been very large and suggests either that readers are not filling
them out or that they are not being routed back to this office. It is
suggested that recipients be reminded again to comply with the in-
structions contained in selected estimates to complete the simple
questionnaires enclosed. The completed forms may be returned to this
office through the usual channels.
The second phase of the survey will require the cooperation
and assistance of the officer in charge of NIE distribution in each
of the major recipient agencies. We have attached (in several copies
for your convenience) a series of questions regarding the distribution
of NIE's and their use. Some of these questions can no doubt be
answered readily and briefly; others may require additional research
or investigation. Please provide as accurate and current information
as you can and return the completed forms to this office as soon as
convenient. It will be most helpful to us if all of the questionnaires
are in our hands within 30 days.
5. If you have any questions or if you would like a representa-
tive of this office to assist you in any way, please call either
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Mr. on Code 163, extension or
PAUL A. BOREL
Assistant Director
Central Reference
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Questionnaire on the Distribution of National
Intelligence Estimates to USIB Agencies
(To be returned to the Office of Central Reference, CIA,
The general purpose of this questionnaire is to gather in-
formation on which to base a judgment concerning the adequacy of
current procedures in the distribution and control of NIE's.
A. Number Distributed
1. The number of NIE's* received by your agency or depart-
ment has increased from 19511 to the present time as follows:
1954 1960
* Used throughout to include both NIE's and SNIE's.
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a. Please indicate approximately how these are
divided between intelligence users and policy (or planning)
;:*
users;
1954 1960 1954 1960
Number of NIE's for
Intelligence Users:
Number for Policy (or
Planning) Users:
b. If you cannot provide specific figures for 1954,
please indicate approximately how the increase has been divided
between intelligence users and policy (or planning) users.
2. What in your judgment are the reasons for this increase
in the number of NIE's your agency uses?
The "policy" user is the ultimate recipient who requires national
intelligence in connection with policy formulation as distinguished
from a member of the intelligence community who is himself pro-
ducing intelligence.
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3. Do you consider, in the light of the legitimate needs of
both intelligence and policy personnel, that the number of NIE's
you now receive is
a. Insufficient?
b. Adequate?
Z7 C. Excessive?
la.. If you checked either 3 a or 3 c, please state specifically,
with your reasons, what your present needs for NIE's are.
B. Control of Distribution
1. Who in your agency decides initially what distribution
will be given to an NIE?
Name Position or Title Rank or Grade
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2. Is the initial distribution of an NIE ever determined in-
dependently by a document control unit, reading panel, or comparable
group? (Do not answer affirmatively to this item if the unit merely
distributes NIE's in accordance with a detailed distribution list
established by higher authority.)
Q Yes 1_.__7 No
If yes, give name of unit, the grade or rank of chief of unit, and
the nature of the function that it performs.
3. Is distribution
a. determined separately for each NIE? or
b. on a standing basis?
4. If on a standing basis, how often is the distribution
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5. Is distribution made
a. to individuals by name?
b. to officials by title?
C. to offices?
6. Are any special controls applied to the dissemination,
handling, and storage of NIE's which are not generally applicable
to other documents of the same classification?
Yes No
If yes, please explain.
7. It is assumed that some NIE's are placed in a central
repository such as a library or records center, or both. If so,
please state how access to such copies is controlled.
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8. In your judgment, are the current procedures adequate for
safeguarding the distribution and control of NIE's?
/7 Yes = No
If no, please explain, and suggest changes you consider desirable.
9. Would it be helpful to you (or would you otherwise consider
it desirable) if uniform special controls were required of all
agencies and other recipients in the handling and distribution of
NIE's?
/7 Yes 27 No
Please explain.
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10. Are NIE's distributed outside the Washington area?
Yes = No
If so, please state what distribution controls and records
a. in continental US
b. overseas
11. Please attach a copy of your basic distribution list
for NIEIs.
-7-
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