USE OF OCI HANDBOOKS(Sanitized)

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP79T01762A000400060001-8
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: C
• Document Page Count: 37
• Document Creation Date: December 12, 2016
• Document Release Date: June 5, 2001
• Sequence Number: 1
• Publication Date: April 12, 1961
• Content Type: MEMO

Approved I-orr ase 2OOf ' qumnnr791O17s A00040006000145
Office Memorandum ? UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
TO DATE: 12 April 1961
FROM : Special Assistant/Assistant Director/Basic Intelligence
SUBJECT: Use of OCI Handbooks
1. It may be of interest to you to know that OCI handbooks and
NIS material on the following areas are being forwarded to -
Cyprus
Yemen
Saudi Arabia
Ceylon
Burma
Singapore and British Borneo
Malaya
Ghana
Nigeria
Guinea
French West Africa
Mali Federation
Togo
Liberia
Ethiopia
Somalia
Kenya
Uganda
TanRanvika
Colombia
Chile
Brazil
Philippines
2. The request for these items came from Mr. Daniel J. Clinton,
State Dept/INR who indicates will use the material to
brief himself for a forthcom ng trip. was determined by this
office that holds the appropriate security clearances
and has secure facilities for storing the classified materials.
Approved For Release 2001/0 MERT01762A000400060001-8
 CONFIDENTIAL
Approved For eF lase 2001/08/08: CIA-RDP79TO1762A000400060001-8
OCT No. 6311-60
16 December 1960
A program has'been worked out by OBI and OCT
to ensure that the various countries are reason-
ably covered by handbook-type publications issued
by one of the offices. To avoid duplication, OCT
has discontinued Handbooks for those countries
covered by OBI's Annual Supplement to Chapter I,
NIS; and has suspended issuance and revision of
Handbooks covered or soon to be covered by a
current Chapter I, NIS.
1. Since NIS Annuals have been published for
the following countries, the corresponding OCT
Handbooks have been discontinued and should be
destroyed.
Bulgaria
Communist China
Czechoslovakia
Denmark
Egypt
Finland
France
Hong Kong
Hungary
India
Iran
Iraq
Lebanon
Nationalist China
Netherlands
Norway
Pakistan
Poland
Portugal
Rumania
Spain
Sweden
Syria
Thailand
Turkey
USSR
Yugoslavia
Approved For Release 2001/08/08 : CIA-RDP79TO1762A000400060001-8
CONFIDENTIAL
 CONFIDENTIAL
Approved For Rase 2001/08/08 : CIA-RDP79TO1762A000400060001-8
N"K
2. In line with OBI's production schedule for
NIS Chapter I's and Annuals, OCT has suspended revi-
sion of Handbooks for the countries listed in this
paragraph. A Handbook on any country for which an
Annual is planned will be discontinued when the
Annual is published; a Handbook on any country for
which a Chapter I is planned will not be considered
for revision until a year after the publication
date of the Chapter I. (Dates are given for Chapter
I's already published.)
Afghanistan
Austria
Belgium
Burma
*Cambodia
Greece
Ital
Jordan
Laos
Luxembourg
*Morocco
North Korea
North Vietnam
*South Korea
South Vietnam
*Tunisia
Venezuela
(Ch. I)
(Ch. I)
(Annual)
(Ch, I)
(Ch. I, Jan 60)
(Annual)
(Annual)
(Annual)
(Annual)
(Ch. I, Feb 60)
(Annual)
(Annual)
(Annual)
(CYO. I, Mar 60)
(Annual)
(Ch. I, Apr 60)
(Ch. I)
(Ch. I)
*Indicates extremely out-of-date Handbooks,
-2-
Approved For Release 2001/08/08 : CIA-RDP79TO1762A000400060001-8
CONFIDENTIAL
 CONFIDENTIAL
Approved For Rase 2001/08/08: CIA-RDP79T017620400060001-8
3. The following Handbooks are scheduled for
revision within the next year:
*French Equatorial Africa Togo
*French West Africa Union of South Africa
Ghana
Iceland
Indonesia
Kenya
Algeria
Angola
'. -Argentina
Cameroun
Ceylon
Chile
Congo, Republic of the
(issued as Belgian
Congo and Ruanda-
Urundi)
Cyprus
East Germany
Ecuador
Ethiopia
Malagasy Republic
Mozambique 0
Malaya r Pla
Panama
Philippines
Rhodesia-Nyasaland
Sierra Leone
Somali Republic (issued
as Somalia)
Switzerland
Tanganyika
qrw~~~
Yemen
Handbooks on the British West Indies Federation,
the Persian Gulf States, and the European Community
are planned as new issues.
*Handbooks are planned for the countries of former French
Equatorial Africa and French West Africa--Central African
Republic, Chad, Congo Republic (Brazzaville), Dahomey,
Gabon, Ivory Coast, Mauritania, Niger, and Upper Volta--
but no production dates are scheduled.
Approved For Release 2001/08/08 : CIA-RDP79T01762A000400060001-8
CONFIDENTIAL
 CONFIDENTIAL
Approved For Rase 2001/08/08: CIA-RDP79T01762Ap0400060001-8
4. Our present schedule does not allow for revision
of Handbooks on the following countries. Need for
updating these will be borne in mind,however,in future
scheduling.
Bolivia
Brazil
British Guiana
Lineria
Libya
**Mali Federation
Colombia
Costa Rica
*Cuba
Dominican Republic
El Salvador
French West Indies
and French Guiana
Guatemala
Guinea
Haiti
Honduras
Ireland
ongo is
Netherlands Antilles
Nicaragua
Paraguay
Peru
Saudi Arabia
Singapore and British
Borneo
Sudan
Surinam
Uganda
*The Cuba Handbook is out of date, but revision cannot
be scheduled at present.
**The Mali Federation Handbook treats what are now the
independent countries of Senegal and Mali (Soudan).
Approved For Release 2001/08/08 : CIA-RDP79T01762A000400060001-8
CONFIDENTIAL
 Approved For Release 2001/08 G C ~ 01 70
0004000600010tl x~ - 58
5 June 1958
MEMORANDUM FOR: Assistant Director for Current Intelligence
SUBJECT: NIS Annuals
REFERENCE: My memo to DD/I, subject: Handbook Program,
dated 24 September 1957
1. The NIS Committee has found it necessary to modify the planned
features of the NIS Annuals, as set forth in paragraph 3 of reference memo,
in view of the severely limited NIS production capabilities existing at this
time. Instead of issuing NIS Annuals on all published Chapters I on a yearly
basis, it is now planned to review annually all published Chapters I and to
issue, in accordance with agencies' capabilities, NIS Annuals on a yearly
basis for those Chapters I in which major changes have occurred, for which
information has become available to fill major gaps, or both.
2. Implementation of this modified concept will result in limited
revision of Chapters I where revision is most necessary, preservation
of user confidence in Chapters I, and maximum utilization of basic intel-
ligence research facilities for which the NIS staffs in the producing agencies
are best adapted. Unlike the regional staffing pattern in OCI, the NIS staffs
in the Defense Agencies are functional in nature so that analysts are un-
prepared for country-by-country analyses without undertaking thorough
research of all source materials.
3. I have reluctantly concluded, therefore, that the present NIS
Annual program will not replace the OCI Handbooks in their "primary
emphasis on material of a changing nature, such as cabinet composition,
economic statistics, etc." However, the present NIS Annual program
will be adequate to reflect all fundamental changes in countries for which
Chapters I are published.
Approved For Release 2001/08/08 : CIA-RDP79T01762A000400060001-8
CONFID I
 Approved For Release 2001L$":,gam T014000400060001-8
4. There is a continuing intelligence need for a sort of "World
Almanac" type of reference handbook, primarily of a statistical nature,
to reflect current changes in foreign countries of the world. If the
present OCI Handbooks could be phased into this briefer type of current
reference periodicals on foreign areas covered by NIS Chapters I, it
would eliminate duplication of the basic intelligence properly handled
by the NIS program and fill the current intelligence gap which would
exist were the publication of OCI Handbooks suspended.
cc: DD/I
ssistant Director
Basic Intelligence
Approved For Release 2001/08/08 : CIA-RDP79T01762A000400060001-8
clrI
 Approved For Release 2001/08/08: CIA-RDP79T017VA000400060001-8
10 October 1957
NIRMORANDUM FOR: Deputy Director (Intelligence)
SUBJECT : Handbook Program
REFERENCE . Memo to DD/I from AD/BI, same subject, dated
24 September 1957
1. The prototype "NIS Annual to Chapter I" looks like arty
acceptable replacement for the present Handbook. We did note the
absence of a chronology, but
has already agreed to
insert a chronological section in the Annual.
i_ranuitinn,, ni aarz. OCI will presumably maintain Handbooks on the
diminishing list of countries not covered by NIS Chapter I.
(memorandum To avoid confusion on the part of recipients of the two series
ould be helpful if the cover of the proposed Annual made reference to
replaced Handbook for sake of identification and continuity. A
of explanation addressed to all recipients at the beginning
he transition would also be useful.
OCR should take over the bookkeeping on distribution for both
the Handbooks and the NIS. I have already spoken to Paul Borel about
this part of the problem.
HUITINGTON D. SHELDON
Assistant Director
Current Intelli en
Approved For Release 2001/08/08 : CIA-RDP79T01762A0004000660001-8
/1 u/, /
 Approved Four Release ZDP79T01762A000400060001; 8
24 September 1957
MEMORANDUM FOR: Deputy Director /Intelligence
SUBJECT: Handbook Program
REFERENCE: Joint Memorandum to DD/1 from
AD/CI and AD/BI, same subject,
dated 14 August 1957
1. I have re-examined the question of transferring the OCI Handbook
program to OBI for development under NIS auspices in accordance with
understanding reached at a meeting on 19 August 1957 with you and Mr.
Sheldon.
2. The result of this re-examination is enclosed as a prototype
NIS Annual to Chapter I on Yugoslavia, which is based on the data
appearing in the OCI Handbook of December 1956. The essential
features of this Annual are:
a) It will provide interim currency for Chapter I and,
in combination with that Chapter, should reasonably meet
the needs of all regular users of the present OCI Handbook.
b) While it uses Chapter I format for correlating purposes,
its arrangement provides for valuable Handbook data not now
carried in Chapter I because of their variable nature, such as
selected capsule biographies, which will extend the usefulness
of the Annual.
c) Provision is made for a pocket in the back cover of
Chapter I to hold the latest issue of the related Annual, thus
mechanically tying these two publications together for
convenient reference and to ensure that they are used in
combination.
Approved For Releasp 2001/08/08 ::CIA-RDP79T01762A000400060001-8
tIUF1OENTML'
 Approved For Release 2015f b -, P79T01762A000400060001-8
Aw~
3. It is planned to issue NIS Annuals on all published NIS Chapters I
on a yearly basis and to include in them significant new intelligence
appreciations and data which developed since the Chapters I were produced.
This would not only extend the useful life of Chapters I before maintenance
was necessary, but the plan would also permit a more gradual transition
of the Handbook program into the NIS. Thus, during the first year, NIS
Annuals would be issued on the 24 Chapters I that are presently published
and, during the succeeding years., on an average increment of 10 new
Chapters I, until all Handbooks were phased into the NIS program.
4. The simple format of the proposed NIS Annuals resulting
from the fact that they supplement rather than duplicate Chapters I,
will reduce printing costs and personnel requirements over those
contemplated in the reference memorandum. I consider a staff of
three people in grades 9, 11, and 13 will meet the initial requirement
of this Office.
Enclosure:
Chapter I on Yugoslavia with
prototype of Annual in pocket
cc with attachments to:
AD/ CI
AD/RR
ssistant Director
Basic Intelligence
RDP79T01762A000400060001-8
Q LA
Approved For Relel gg
l
 Approved Fore ease 2001/0$/0: EIA RpP.~9T01762A000400060001-8 'WW
31 May 1957
OUTLINE AND WORKING INSTRUCTIONS FOR OCI HANDBOOKS
(ORBIT)
One copy, triple-spaced, is to be furnished the
Handbook Section. All information should be kept brief
and factual. Wherever possible, use comparisons (e.g.,
trade figures should show percentage of world trade).
Also, in compiling data, keep in mind US strategic
interests.
No material higher than SECRET is to be included
in the Handbooks.
This section should cover the basic and recurring
political and economic problems of the country, giving
a brief review of the historical antecedents of the
present form of government, and a broad description of
the nature of the present government and role of the
Communist Party. (To be written in conventional
paragraph style, not,:over two typewritten pages in
length).
II. CHRONOLOGY
A chronology of important events since World War II.
III. POLITICAL
A. Government System
1. Party: A brief description of each of its
components.
Approved For Release 2001/08S)BE ( ]AFRMP719TO1762A000400060001-8
 Approved For a ease 2001/08108.: &An-RDP29T01762AAO00400060001-8
ORBI T
31 May 1957
2. Government
a. Legislative ) Description of each
b. Executive ) branch, composition,
c. Judicial ) duties, when it convenes,
etc.
B. Current Government
1. Party Leaders: Politiburo and first sec-
retary.
2. Cabinet: List title of office, incumbent's
name and political-affiliation.
3. Policies
a. Foreign: Enumerate
b. Domestic: Enumerate
4. Official and Popular Reaction to US Policy
5. Other Political Parties and Groups
6. Labor Organizations
C. Instruments of Control
1. Security Forces: Size, reliability and.types.
2. Soviet Occupation Troops
D. Resistance Strength and Activities
E. International Commitments: Treaties, important
trade agreements, a it amt on with internationa organiza-
tions. If in UN, give name of chief delegate; if not
in UN, state why.
F. Diplomatic Representation: Name countries where
subject country has representation, indicating whether
embassy or legation. (Name and title no longer required).
Approved For Release 2001/0868E gARR[J719T01762A000400060001-8
 Approved For Rase 2001/0$x08: &ARRPPT01762A000400060001-8
ORBIT
311 M-ay 1957
IV. ECONOMIC
A. Currency
1. Basic Monetary Unit
2. Exchange Rate: In US dollars, in rubles.
B. Banking System: General outline of system,
who controls it, adequacy.
C. Economic Trends
1. Basic Economic Factors: Important perma-
nent or semipermanent economic conditions in the coun-
try which affect its development and future, such as
overpopulation,.; few resources, agricultural economy, etc.
2. Currency Stability: Devaluations, tendency
toward inflation, etc.
3. Government Controls: Government controls
over exports, imports, production, etc,; government
ownership of important industries, etc.
D. Annual Budgets: Give figures for the last two
or three years. Show also military budget and what
percent it is of total budget. Also, what percent.
total budget is of the gross national product.
E. Soviet Economic Aid: Type, amount, effective-
ness.
F. Natural Resources
1. Agricultural ) Those of international sig-
nigicance, giving production
2. Mineral ) figures and percent of..
world production. In what
3. Fuel ) is country self-sufficient?
Approved For Release 2001/0&g08E: JARR1AP7IOT01762A000400060001-8
 Approved For Rase 2001/08?8E QJA [JP118T01762A0Q0400060001-8
ORBIT
Slay 1957
G. Industry
1. Capital Goods ) Types of industries. Is
country self-sufficient
2. Consumer Goods ) in these products? Vulner-
ability of these industries
3. Munitions ) in wartime because of their
dependence on raw materials
from other countries.
H. Foreign Trade
1. Principal Exports (to Western countries
only). What are they, how much, where do they go?
Importance in world trade picture.
2. Principal Imports (from Western countries
only): What are they, how much, where do they come
from? Importance in world trade picture.
3. Trade within the Sino-Soviet Bloc: Ex-
tent, what pmts, with-w- at countries?Government
controls on such trade.
4. Balance of Payments: If deficit, why?
How is it made up -
1. Telecommunications
system.
1. Domestic: Extent and effectiveness of system.
2. International: Extent and effectiveness of
J. Transportation: Stress adequacy in periods of
emergency.
1. Railroads: Mileage, width of track, rolling
stock or haulage capacity. Basic pattern of system.
Importance in whole internal transportation system of
country.
2. Roads: Mileage, types of roads, basic pat-
tern. Importance in whole transportation picture.
Approved For Release 2001/0808: ElA RRP,J9T01762A000400060001-8
 Approved For Rase 2001/O W%: cJA RP719T01762A0Q0400060001-8
ORBIT
3 =ay 19 57
3. Merchant Marine: Number and kind of ships,
tonnage; owned by governmen ? Do they carry trade to
other Sino-Soviet bloc countries? To Western countries?
Principal ports.
4. Inland Waterways: Basic pattern, haulage, etc.
5. Civil Airlines: Principal airports, number
and types of pines. Important international service.
V. MILITARY
A. Ground Forces: Commanding officer.
1. Strength: Total strength and number and
types of units.
2. Equipment: Number, kind, source and condi-
tion of repair.
3. Disposition: Location of major units, both
inside and outside country.
4. Capabilities: For defense from external
attack; ability to maintain internal security.
5. Soviet Ground Forces in subject country.
B. Navy: Commanding officer.
1. Strength: Total strength and number and
types of units.
2. Equipment: Types and number of vessels;
important naval bases-. Condition of repair of naval
equipment.
3. Disposition: Location of major units,
both inside and outsi a country.
4. Capabilities: As a patrol force, an anti-
smuggling force, etc.
Approved For Release 2001/08 OJT: QJAftRIRP7j9T01762A000400060001-8
 Approved For Rase 2001/08 Q8E C~A ?7~T01762A000400060001-8
ORBIT
31 May 19 57
C. Air Force: Commanding officer.
1. Strength: Total strength and number and
types of units.
2. E uipment: Types and number of aircraft;
important airbases. Condition of repair of aircraft.
3. Disposition: Location of major units, both
inside and outside country.
4. Capabilities: Role in country's defense.
5. Soviet Air Force in subject country.
D. Militarized Security Forces
E. Reliability of Military Forces
F. National Conscription and Mobilization Plans,
if any.
G. Soviet Military Assistance: Extent and effec-
tiveness.
NOTE: Material for this section should be obtained from
Project 4831, G-2, Summary of Intelligence Refer-
ence Data. _
VI, GENERAL DATA
A. Population: If estimate, so indicate.
B. Area: In square miles.
C. Climate
D. Topography
NOTE: This chapter should be limited to one typewritten
page where possible.
Approved For Release 2001/OWO : @l RRPP9T01762A000400060001-8
 Approved For ease 2001 /0?/01 :&I -FWF '9T01762 100400060001-8
ORBIT
May 1957
A. List of Current (SECRET) National Intelligence
Estimates on su jet ct country .
B. List of Available NIS Units
C. MMa.
NOTE: Above information will be furnished to
Section by O/NE and O/BI.
Approved For Release 2001/0W8E: gARRIRP7I9T01762A000400060001-8
 Approved For Iase 2001/0810"~fARDP79T01762UP0400060001-8
Orbit Edition
(17 August 1955)
OUTLINE AND WORKING INSTRUCTIONS
FOR OCI HANDBOOKS
Copy is to be furnished Presentations Division in
duplicate, triple-spaced, according to the following
outline. No production priorities will be set up,
and material will be accepted by Presentations Divi-
sion as it is completed.
All information should be kept brief and factual.
Wherever possible, use comparisons (e.g., trade figures
should show percentage of world trade). Also, in com-
piling data, keep in mind US,strategic interests.
No material higher than SECRET is to be included
in the Handbooks.
NAME OF COUNTRY
A brief review of major problems and indications
of significant political and economic trends in subject
country, in conventional paragraph style not over 700
words (two typewritten pages) in length.
II. POLITICAL
A. Government System
1. Background: Historical antecedents of the
present form--of government.
2. Type: Broad description of,nature of pres-
ent government and role of Communist Party.
3. Structure
a. Party: A brief description of each of
its components.
Approved For Release 2001/08/08 : CIA-RDP79TO1762A000400060001-8
SECRET
 Approved For I ase 2001 /09t 9T-RDP79T01762 0400060001-8
Orbit Edition
(17 August 1955)
(1) Legislative ) Description of each
(2) Executive ) branch, composition,
(3) Judicial ) duties, when it con-
venes, etc.
B. Current Government
1. Background: Immediate background of pres-
ent governmen .
tary.
2. Party.Leaders: Politburo and first secre-
3. Cabinet: List title of office, incumbent's
name and poliaffiliation.
4. Policies
a. Foreign.. Enumerate.
b. omen ic: Enumerate.
5. Official and Popular Reaction to US Policy
6. Other Political Parties and Groups
7. Labor Organization
C. Instruments of Control
types.
1. Security Forces: Size, reliability and
2. Soviet Occupation Troops
D. Resistance Strength and Activities
E. International Commitments: Treaties, important
trade agreements, a i TiationVIth international organi-
zations. If in UN, give name of chief delegate; if not
in UN,.state why.
F. Diplomatic Representation: List representation
in foreign coup r es and ore gn representation in
subject country (name of country, name and title of
representative).
Approved For Release 2001/08/08 ?CIA-RDP79T01762A000400060001-8
SECRET
 Approved For Rase 2001/08'W~8i- RDP79T01762AQ0400060001-8
Orbit Edition
(17 August 1955)
III. ECONOMIC
A. Currency
1. Basic Monetary Unit
2. Exchange Rate: In US dollars, in rubles.
B. Banking System: General outline of system,
who controls it, adequacy.
C. Economic Trends
1. Basic Economic Factors: Important perma-
nent or semipermanent economic conditions in the coun-
try which affect its development and future, such as
overpopulation, few resources, agricultural economy, etc.
2. Currency Stability: Devaluations, tendency
toward inflation, a c.
3. Government Controls: Government controls
over exports, imports, production, etc.; government
ownership of important industries, etc.
D. Annual Budgets: Give figures for the last
two or t rFee years. Show also military budget and what
per cent it is of total budget. Also, what per cent
total budget is of the gross national product.
E. Soviet Economic Aid: Type, amount, effectiveness.
F. Natural Resources
1. Agricultural ) Those of international sig-
nificance, giving production
2. Mineral ) figures and per cent of
world production. In what
3. Fuel ) is country self-sufficient?
G. Industry
1. Capital Goods ) Types of industries. Is coun-
try self-sufficient in these
2. Consumer Goods ) products? Vulnerability of
these industries in wartime
3. Munitionst, ) because of their dependence
on raw materials from other
countries.
Approved For Release 2001/08/08 3CIA-RDP79T01762A000400060001-8
SECRET
 Approved For F ase 2001 /08f08"q. RDP79T01762 p0400060001-8
Orbit Edition
(17 August 1955)
H. Foreign Trade
1. Principal Exports (to Western countries
only): What are they, uch, where do they go?
Importance in.world trade picture.
2. Principal Imports (from Western countries
only): What are they, howw much, where do they come
from? Importance in world trade picture.
3. Trade within the Sino-Soviet Bloc: Extent,
what products withwwhat countriies? Government con-
trols on such trade.
4. Balance of Payments: If deficit, why?
How is it ma eeuupp? -
system.
1. Domestic: Extent and effectiveness of system.
2. International: Extent and effectiveness of
J. Transportation: Stress adequacy in periods of
emergency.
1. Railroads: Mileage, width of track, rolling
stock or haulage capacity. Basic pattern of system.
Importance in whole internal transportation system of
country.
2. Roads: Mileage, types of roads, basic pat-
tern. Importance in whole transportation picture.
3. Merchant Marine: Number and kind of ships,
tonnage; owned by government? Do they carry trade to
other Sino-Soviet bloc countries? to Western countries?
Principal ports.
4. Inland Waterways: Basic pattern, haulage, etc.
5. Civic Airlines: Principal airports, number
and types of`planes. Important international service.
4 -
Approved For Release 2001/08/08 : CIA-RDP79TO1762A000400060001-8
SECRET
 Approved For ease 2001 /08f4qu DP79T0176 A 00400060001-8
Orbit Edition
(17 August 1955)
IV. MILITARY
A. Ground Forces: Commanding officer.
1. Strength: Total strength and number and
types of units.
2. Equipment: Number, kind, source and con-
dition of repair.
3. Disposition: Location of major units,
both inside and outse country.
4. Capabilities: For defense from external
attack; ability to maintain internal security.
5. Soviet Ground Forces in subject country.
B. Navy: Commanding officer.
1. Strength: Total strength and number and
types of units.
.
2. Equipment: Types and number of vessels;
important naval bases. Condition of repair of naval
equipment.
3. Disposition: Location of major units,
both inside And outs ~d country.
4. Capabilities: As a patrol force, an anti-
smuggling force, etc.
C. Air Force: Commanding officer.
1. Stren the Total strength and number and
types of uni s
2. Equipment: Types and number of aircraft;
important air bases. Condition of repair of aircraft.
3. Disposition: Location of major units, both
inside and outs a country.
4. Capabilities: Role in country's defense.
5. Soviet Air Force in subject country.
- 5 -
Approved For Release 2001/08/08 : CIA-RDP79TO1762A000400060001-8
SECRET
 Approved For ease 2001 /08/Uc' -RDP79T01762,4 00400060001-8
Orbit Edition
(17 August 19 51
D. Militarized Security Forces
E. Reliability of Military Forces
F. National Conscription and Mobilization Plans,
if any.
G. Soviet Military Assistance: Extent and effec-
tiveness.
NOTE: Much of the material for this section can be
obtained from Project 4831, G-2, Summary of
Intelligence Reference Data.
V. GENERAL DATA
A. Population: If estimate, so indicate.
B. Area: In square miles.
C. Climate: (Geography Division, ORR, will supply
necessary data -directly to Presentations Division.)
D. Topography: (Geography Division, ORR, will
supply necessary data directly to Presentations Division.)
Approved For Release 2001 /0882a ll$DP79TO1762A000400060001-8
 Approved For Wease 2001 /0 R TRDP79T01762AA000400060001-8
(5th Revision,
12 September 1955)
OUTLINE AND WORKING INSTRUCTIONS FOR
OCI HANDBOOKS
Copy is to be furnished to Presentations Division
in duplicate, triple spaced, according to the following
outline. No production priorities will be set up, and
material will be accepted by the Presentations Division
as it is completed.
All' information should be kept brief and factual,,
Wherever possible, use comparisons (e.g., in trade
figures, show what per cent they are of world trade)..
Also, in compiling the data, keep in mind the strategic
interests of the United States.
No material higher than SECRET is to be included
in the Handbooks.
I. CURRENT ISSUES
A brief review of major prle- * and indications
of significant political and economic.4tr'4nds in subject
country, in conventional paragraph style, not over 700
words (two typewritten pages) in length.
II. POLITICAL
A. Government System
1. Background: Historical antecedents of present
form of government.
2. Type: Broad description of nature of present
government.
*Discuss NATO, SHAPE, EDC problems when applicable,
Approved For Release 2001/08/08 : CIA-RDP79TO1762A000400060001-8
SECRET
 Approved For lease 2001/0&/EC.ItfiOhDP79T01762~A000400060001-8
(5th Revision,
12 September 1955)
3. Structure
a. Legislative ) Description of each branch,
composition, duties, when
b. Executive ) it convenes, etc. Frequency
and date legislature con-
c. Judicial ) venues; procedures in pass-
ing important legislation
B. Current Government
1. Background: Immediate background of present
government.
2. Orientation: General political orientation
and East-West position.
3. Policies
a. Foreign - enumerate.
b. Domestic - enumerate.
4. Official and Popular Reaction to US Policy
5. Cabinet: List title of office, holder of
office, officials-political affiliation.
C. Political Parties
1. The Communist Party and/or Communist-dominated
parties.
a. Strength
(1) Organization, size, distribution
and influence. Weaknesses. Leaders.
b. Operations
(1) Targets and degree of infiltration
and control, especially of national affiliates of inter-
national Communist Front Organizations (labor and trade
organizations; peace councils; veterans', youth and women's
organizations; racial, religious and national minorities
organizations; etc.)
Approved For Release 2001/08/08 : CIA-RDP79T01762A000400060001-8
SECRET
 Approved For lease 2001/OSIc RDP79TO1762900400060001-8
(5th Revision,
12 September 1955)
(2) Identification of and control over
communications media (press, radio, etc.).
support.
(3) Degree and character of external
c. Plans
(1) Indications of intended change
or build-up of activity.
2. Other Political Parties: Policies or plat-
forms, sources of support, and party leaders. Be brief
and describe only significant parties or ones likely to
come into prominence.
3. Party Strength in Legislature: Indicate, in
tabular from the compose n o the national legislative
bodies by political party; also vacant seats. List from
right to left.
4. Dissident or Politically Active Minority
Groups: Composition, pol cies, capabiilities, leader(s).
D. Labor: List prominent labor organizations. Give
their strength and source of strength (area, industry,
political, ethnic or religious groups). List the leader(s),
the political orientation of the organization and its
international ties, if any. Describe its capacity for
sabotage and any paramilitary organizations connected with
it. If there are no labor organizations of significance
in a country indicate that fact.
E. Suffrage
1. Legal Provisions
2. Use (2~f`~ Vote: How electorate actually exercises
right to vote. What percentage votes? is voting free from
corruption? Is electorate's will reflected in. its govern-
ment?
Approved For Release 2001/08/08 `CIA-79T01762A000400060001-8
SECRET
 Approved For1i lease 2001 /(SHC DP79T017624D00400060001-8
(5th Revision,
12 September 1955)
F. International Commitments: Treaties, important
trade arrangements, affiliations ,with international
organizations. If in UN, give name of chief delegate.
If not in UN, state why not.
G. Sino-Soviet Bloc Diplomatic Representation:
List Orbit countries -w icEEave diplomatic representation
in subject country, names of the representatives and
their titles.
III. ECONOMIC
A. Currency
1. Basic Monetary Unit
2. Exchange Rate (in US dollars).: Note whether
there is an official an an unofficial exchange rate
or any variations which favor or disfavor certain
trade.
B. Banking System: General outline of system,
who controls it, a equacy.
C. Economic Trends
1. Basic Economic, Factors: Important per-
manent or semipermanent economic conditions in the
country which affect its development and future,
such as overpopulation, few resources, agricultural
economy, etc.
2. Currency Stability: Devaluations, ten-
dency toward inflat on, etc.
3. Government Controls; Government controls
over exports, imports, production, etc. Government
ownership of important industries, etc.
D. Annual Budgets: Give figures for the last
two or three years. Show also military budget and
what per cent it is of total budget. Also, what
per cent total budget is of the gross national
product.
Approved For Release 2001/08/08 : CIA-RDP79TO1762A000400060001-8
SECRET
 Approved Forfii pease 2001 /Q jgLP DP79T01762&00400060001-8
(5th Revison,
12 September 1955)
E. US Economic Aid:
Type, amount and effectiveness
of US aim
1.
Agricultural ) Those of international sig-
nificance, giving production
2.
Mineral
) figures and per cent of world
production. In what is
3.
Fuel
) country self-sufficient?
G. Industry
1. Capital Goods ) Types of industries. Is
country self-sufficient in
2. Consumer Goods) these products? Vulnera-
bility of these industries
3. Munitions ) in wartime due to their
dependence on raw materials
from other countries.
H. Foreign Trade
1. Principal Exports: What are they, how much,
where do they Importance in world-trade picture.
2. Principal Imports: What are they, how much,
where do they come fiom Importance in world-trade
picture.
3. Trade with Sino-Soviet Bloc: Extent, what
products, with -at countries overnment controls
on such trade.
4. Balance of Payments: If deficit, why?
How is it made up '- -
I. Telecommunications (stressing adequacy in
periods of emergency)
system.
1. Domestic: Extent and effectiveness of
2. International: Extent and effectiveness
of system.
Approved For Release 2001/08/08 : CIA-RDP79TO1762A000400060001-8
SECRET
 Approved For t 1ease 2001 /OF' TRDP79T017624 00400060001-8
(5th Revision,
12 September 1955)
J. Transportation (stressing adequacy in periods
of emergency
1. Railroads: Mileage, width of track,
rolling stock f haulage capacity. Basic pattern
of system. Importance in whole internal transporta-
tion system of country.
2. Roads: Mileage, types of roads, basic
pattern. Importance in whole transportation picture.
3. Merchant Marine: Number and kind of ships,
tonnage; owned b ggovernment? Do they carry trade to
the'bloc countries? Principal ports.
4. Inland Waterways: Basic pattern, haulage,
5. Civil Airlines: Principal airports, num-
ber and type of planes. Important international
service. .
IV. MILITARY*
A. Ground Forces (commanding officer)
1. Strength: Total strength and number and
type of units.
2. Equipment: Number, kind, source and
condition of repair.
3. Disposition: Location of major units
inside and outs iu`ntry .
4. Capabilities: For defense from external
attack; ability to ma ntain internal security.
*Much of the material for this section.can be
obtained from Project 4831, G-2, Summary of Intelli-
gence Reference Data.
Approved For Release 2001/08/08 : CIA-RDP79TO1762A000400060001-8
SECRET
 Approved Fo F elease 2001/CSEC DP79TO17 26 000400060001-8
(5th Revision,
12 September 1955)
B. Navy (commanding officer)
1. Strength: Total strength and number and
type of units .
2. Equipment: Type and number of vessels; impor-
tant naval bases. Condition of repair of naval equipment.
3. Disposition: Location of major units
inside and outside country.
4. Capabilities: As a patrol force, an
antismuggling force, etc.
C. Air Force (commanding officer)
1. Strength: Total strength and number and
type of units.
2. Equipment: Type and number of aircraft;
important air bases. Condition of repair of aircraft.
3. Disposition: Location of major units
inside and outside the country.
4. Capabilities: Role in country's defense.
D. Security Forces: Size, reliability, types,
capabilities.
E. National Conscription and Mobilization Plans,
if any.
F. Foreign Military Assistance: US, UK, etc. -
extent and effectiveness. US or her foreign military
bases in subject country.
V. GENERAL DATA
A. Population - if estimated indicate.
B. Area - in square miles.
Approved For Release 2001/08/08 : CIA-RDP79TO1762A000400060001-8
SECRET
 Approved ForIease 2001/0
C'jZDP79T0176 00400060001-8
(5th Revision,
12 September 1955)
C. Topography - /Geography Division, ORR will
supply necessary data 'directly to Presentations Division7.
D. Climate - /Geography Division, ORR will supply
necessary data directly to Presentations Division7.
Approved For Release 2001/08/08 : CIA-RDP79T01762A000400060001-8
SECRET
 I
DR AF T
13 May 1954
MEMORANDUM FOR Assistant Director, Current Intelligence
Approved For Tease 2001/08/08: CIA-RDP79TO1762 0400060
CIA INTERNAL USE ONLY
To establish a review schedule for the Current Issues
section of the OCI Handbooks which will meet the needs
of the Handbook users and yet be within the capabilities
of the producers.
2. FACTS BEARING ON THE PROBLEM
The Current Issues sections of books currently in
circulation are kept under constant review, but
gone over completely not less than once a month.
b. A sampling of the users of the books brought out
that, although the Current Issues section meets
specific needs, a monthly review is not necessary,
c. Western Division with 40 countries will have to
revise 2 books each working day; Near East Africa,
one and one-half books each working day; Far East,
about 1 book per day; and Soviet Division with 9
countries will revise 1 book every other day.
d. In instances where 1 analyst is responsible for more
than 1 country the workload on him increases out of
all proportion. For example, in Western STATINTL
Division would have to revise e g en ralAmerican
countries each month, an average of one every other
day.
e. It has required from 3 hours to a full day of the
analyst's time to rewrite Current Issues sections.
f. Additional workloads on the Divisions (e.g. the
new Indochina Weekly) have added materially to the
responsibilities of the individual analysts.
Approved For Release 2001/08/08 : CIA-RDP79TO1762A000400060001-8
 Approved For qpkease 2001/08/08 : CIA-RDP79T017620400060001-8
CIA INTERNAL USE ONLY
D RAF T
It is neither necessary nor practical to review the
Current Issues section as frequently as.once each
month.
ACTION RECOMMENDED
That the Current Issues section be under constant review
in the Divisions and that revisions be published:
a. As deemed necessary by the regional Division Chief
b. Not less frequently than every three months.
Approved For Release 2001/08/08 : CIA-RDP79T01762A000400060001-8
 25X1 B
Approved For Releas
6 January 1954
SUBJECT Basic Intelligence for Planning and the
OCI Handbook
1. As the title indicates, the Basic Intelligence for Planning
(BIP) is intended to backstop the plannin of actual military
operations. In comparing the BIP on with the OCI Handbook 25X9
on the same country, we find that in the BIP of a total of 14 pages
of text, 122 pages are devoted to the detailed review of the
country's terrain, highway communications, and military forces.
Exactly 11 lines of script are given to its economy and a total of
16 lines to its political aspects both internal and foreign policy.
2. Obviously, OCITs principal interest is in these political
and. economic aspects with only a limited interest in military
capabilities and the most minimal interest in the details of geography,
conditions of specific road and rail links, etc. Consequently, we
have adjusted the proportions of the OCI Handbook in almost diametrically
opposite fashion. Of 24 total pages, our Handbook has 11 pages on
political aspects, 3 pages on economic aspects, and only 2 pages on
the purely military factors. To guard against the very occasional
requirement for specific information on geography and transportation,
we have included 2 pages on these aspects. In addition, we have
included 5 a es of current
plus a map o e area.
3. This Division was very well aware of the existence of this
series of books at the time it was planning the Handbook series. At
one time in 1952 it was suggested that Situation Room Division
personnel might compile the Handbook series themselves from existing
publications; in that case we had marked the BIP as the best document
to use--in condensed form--for the military and basic sections.
4. If it is agreed that OCITS working interest can best be
served by placing the greatest emphasis on current political and
economic factors, then we would recommend that the Handbook be
continued with its present emphasis, as there is no document known
to this Division which treats these aspects in a current, comprehensive
fashion.
41IkDP79TO1762A0004,,Q 001-8
Approved For Relea T RDP79T01762A000400060001-8
 Approved For Release JOAFOWERTA4
1400,
9T01 762A000400060001-8
5. We would also recommend, however, that the analyst use the
BIP for compiling these sections of the Handbook if they have no
better information available in their files. If this JCS publication
is determined satisfactory and sufficiently current for these
purposes, it might well be possible for Situation Room Division
personnel to abstract from this document for the military and trans-
portation sections of the Handbook and thereby relieve the analyst
of this job.
OCI/S it/DRD : mis (6 January 1954)
Approved For Release fflr J> t pP79TO1762A000400060001-8
 Approved For Fuse 2001/0
,fflr*.DP79T01762A0 0400060001-8
SECURITY INFORMATION
6 October 1953
MEMOBAIPDUM FOR: Chief, Intelligence Staff
Chairman, Publications Board
Chief, Special Support Division
Chief, Indications Staff
Chief, Par Eastern Division
Chief, Near Eastern African Division
Chief, Western Division
Chief, Soviet Division
SUBJECT: Current Intelligence Handbook Series
1. The Assistant Director, Current Intelligence, has approved
the production of a Current Intelligence Handbook series. This
program is to be scheduled on a long-term basis and should not
interfere with the regularly scheduled work of the Office of
Current Intelligence.
2. The series is envisioned both as an encyclopedic-type aid
for intelligence users internally and for the office of the Deputy
Director, Intelligence. There will be a section, or book, for
each country and for the various dependencies and colonial areas.
Each section will contain basic political economic military and
to be compiled
V the Department of State, will be channeled through the Situation
Room Division:to the Special Support Staff.
3. The Situation Room Division has been assigned the responsi-
bility for developing a standard outline for the series, coordinating
and editing the material, providing the graphics support and distri-
buting the final product. The Publications Board Secretariat will
be responsible for the reproduction of the material.
4. Regional divisions will be responsible for compiling the
basic material which will be arranged according to the standard
outline, a copy of which is attached. Sample copies of a Handbook,
which has been prepared by Far Eastern Division, will be furnished
in quantity to the divisions to serve as a guide.
5. has been designated as the Handbook
Coordinator for the tuation Room Division, and will be available
to meet with the division personnel for further guidance and
assistance in initiating the project.
Approved For Release 2001/08/08 : CIA-RDP79TO1762A000400060001-8
SECRET
 Approved For Release 2001/Osl'~Rff1 DP79T01762AO 0400060001-8
SECURITY INFORMATION
6 e The problem of keeping the material current after a country
Handbook has been produced is presently being worked out and instruc-
tions for maintenance will be issued later.
Acting Deputy Assistant Director
Current Intelligence
1 Attachment
Outline and Working Instructions
Approved For Release 2001/08/08 : CIA-RDP79T01762A000400060001-8
SECRET