LETTER TO HONORABLE ALLEN W. DULLES FROM MAXWELL D. TAYLOR

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP80B01676R001200060029-4
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: December 15, 2016
• Document Release Date: October 8, 2002
• Sequence Number: 29
• Publication Date: June 11, 1956
• Content Type: LETTER

Approved For Release 2002/10/22: CIA-RDP80B01676R001200060g2a-A ....... ..
UNITED STATES ARMY
THE CHIEF OF STAFF
11 June 1956
You were very kind to forward me the CIA study on "Brain-
washing". The report has been carefully studied by appropriate
agencies of the Army Staff. All agree that it is an excellent dis-
cussion which should clarify some of the misunderstanding that
surrounds current thinking concerning the "brainwash process".
The detailed descriptions of the Russian and Chinese interrogation
techniques are well done and should prove of interest and value to
intelligence personnel.
There is, however, one implied conclusion in the study which
is at variance with Army records. I refer to the statement that
certain repatriated prisoners of war who had been "brainwashed"
were tried by courts-martial. Actually, before initiating court-
martial proceedings against any prisoner of war, the issue of mental
responsibility received careful consideration, and in no case was
this factor substantiated as a valid defense during trial.
In appreciation for your thoughtfulness in providing me with
the opportunity to review the study and with warm regards,
Sincerely,
MAXWELL D. TAYLOR
General, United States Army
Chief of Staff
Honorable Allen W. Dulles
Director
Central Intelligence Agency
Washington, D. C.
Approved For Release 2002/10/22 : CIA-RDP80BO1676R001200060029-4
 $S- l
UNCLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL SECRET
? CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
OFFICIAL ROUTING SLIP
TO
NAME AND ADDRESS INITIALS DATE
I
DD/P :. i`._+N 955
3
STA
4
5
6
ACTION
DIRECT REPLY
PREPARE REPLY
APPROVAL
DISPATCH
RECOMMENDATION
COMMENT
FILE
RETURN
I
CONCURRENCE
INFORMATION
SIGNATURE
Remarks :
For preparation of reply for the Director'
signature. The Director said he wanted
this handled promptly.
1 to 2: Please prepare the reply to this letter,
including some explanation of the point
which General Taylor raises in paragraph 2.
Richard Helms
STAT
STAT FOLD HERE TO RETURN TO SENDER
E. ADDRESS AND PHONE NO.
DATE
15 June 56
pr 9-
FORM NO. n') Replaces Form 30-4 (40)
1APR55 LJ which may be used. 1~7 U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1955-0-342531