(UNTITLED)

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP80B01495R000100150009-9
• Release Decision: RIFPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: December 20, 2016
• Document Release Date: October 16, 2006
• Sequence Number: 9
• Publication Date: May 27, 1971
• Content Type: LETTER

Approved For Release 2006/10/16: CIA-RDP80B01495R000100150009-9
VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY
TECEPIIONE 322-7311 AREA 615
Department of Political Science . Direct phone [phone]
May 27, 1971
Mr. Richard M. Helms, Director
Central Intelligence Agency
Washington, D. C.
I write to inform you of a research project I have
undertaken this summer described in the enclosed brief
statement.
Would it be possible for you to grant me a personal.
interview to discuss this undertaking?
I hope you understand my motive to be that of serious
research and not sensational disclosure. I would stress
my primary concern at this time with the research feasibility
of various listed topics rather than the substantive issues.
My present plans are to be in Washington on June 14 and
15 if you could see me then. If a1y other date would be more
convenient.I could probably arrange it.
'Sipcerely,
Harry Howe Ransom
Chairman
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Aga-pEgr
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VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY
Department of Political Science . Direct (phone [phone]
THE UNITED STATES INTELLIGENCE SYSTEM--
SURVEY OF FRONTIERS FOR RESEARCH
June, 1971.
erur1 NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE 37203 7ELEPHOND322.-7311AkiiA615
With support from Russell Sage Foundation of New York
I am undertaking a survey this summer of the "research frontiers"
of questions relating to. the intelligence systems and activities
of the United States government.
My objectives are to draft a concise catalogue of
questions on this topic needing scholarly investigation and to
make a preliminary assessment and analysis of the research
feasibility with regard to such topics.
In a recent book, The Tntelljence Establishment (Harvard
Press, 1970) I describe the vast intelligence bureaucracies
that have evolved since 1947 and I identify some problems of
purpose, policy, organization and control. A great amount of
scholarly work remains to be done in this relatively unexplored
frontier for social science research. Because of government
security "classifications" the question of research feasibility
is a serious one.
I am now making a survey of this research frontier.
My objectives are (1) to develop an inventory of feasible
topics for research, (2) to compile a list of individuals
currently interested in this field of research (3) to outline
a research agenda. I intend to prepare for publication a
brief report on my survey.
Some of the topical questions to be explored are:
1. Is the concept of intelligence "community" a myth?
2. What is the effectiveness of policy controls within
the system? (Executive, Legislative and Judicial)
3. What statutory and administrative authority exists
for current assignments of intelligence roles and
missions?
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4. What is the interface of domestic counter-intelli-
gence arr3 positive (strategic) overseas intelligence
functions?
5. What has been the impact of technology on basic
intelligence functions?
6. What can be known about systems for data collection,
categorization, storage, retrieval and about the
compatibility among various information processing
units within the system?
7. To what extent is sophisticated social science
methodology now used in intelligence analysis and
reporting?
8. What can be known about programs for recruiting,
training and personnel development within.the
intelligence agencies?
9. Can criteria for efficiency and effectiveness of
the system be developed? -
Other topics are likely to be added to this list, which
will be refined in the process of the survey.
With 'reference to these topics, I wish to inventory:
(a) individuals knowledgeable or interested in further explora-
tion of some of these topics (b) relevant published work,
including unclassified public documents (c) research already
in progress related to these topics.
Suggestions and comments woul Zost apprecia b d.
Professor Flar.ry tIowe Ransom, Chairm~:
Department of Political Science
Vanderbilt University
Box 1.817, Station B
Nashville, Tennessee 37203
Tel. [phone]
Approved For Release 2006/10/16: CIA-RDP80B01495R000100150009-9