LETTER TO HONORABLE EUGENE G. FUBINI FROM JOHN A. MCCONE

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP80B01676R001400050014-9
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 4
• Document Creation Date: December 20, 2016
• Document Release Date: July 31, 2007
• Sequence Number: 14
• Publication Date: October 6, 1964
• Content Type: LETTER

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25X1 THE DIRECTOR OF CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE
.6 OCT 1964
Approved For Release 2007/08/04: CIA-RDP80BO1676R001400050014-9
Honorable Eugene 0. Fubini
Assistant Secretary of Defense
(Deputy Director, Research and Engineerin
Washington, D. C.
Dear Gene:
This letter is in reference to yours of September 11th, which
discusses at some considerable length the development of a reseau
capability in our CORONA camera. I am informed that this subject was
raised at the NRO Executive Committee meeting on September 29 by
proposal that contracts be let to modify the CORONA to accommodate
a Stellar Index camera.
As you and I have discussed, the mapping program of the Depart-
ment of Defense is both of vital importance and extremely expensive.
Hence, it is obvious that if by the use of a Stellar Index camera the
CORONA photography produced can be made useful for mapping purposes,
not only would economies result, but our inventory of information essen-
tial to the preparation of useful maps would be greatly increased. I
therefore feel it would be useful to explore every possible means of
utilizing satellite photographic reconnaissance to supplement our map-
ping effort.
I have two concerns about utilizing the CORONA satellite for this
purpose. They are the following: OSD review completed.
In your letter you refer to the priority we have given to
reconnaissance in our overhead program. This we must continue
and recent developments in the Soviet Union observed through
photographic reconnaissance, i. e. , the single silo ICBM launchers
and the unexplained developments in Soviet Air Defense Systems
must be kept under constant surveillance. Moreover, the fact
that the single silo complexes are appearing in locations removed
from railroad facilities requires a careful and repetitive aerial
photographic survey of all of the Soviet Union. Only yesterday
General LeM::ay expressed to me his very deep concern
over the possible existence of undetected single silo ICBM's
25X1 NRO review(s) completed.
Copy .Z
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25X1
and be stated that his feeling that the oxtent of the search of
the Soviet Union was inadequate had given hi:n serious misgivings
concerning the accuracy of our cur"at estimates of Soviet ICBM
capabilities. While I do not personally share General Le-May's
misgivings as I hold a high degree of confidence in our current
estimates, nevertheless, the fact that he so expressed himself
indicates the need for continuing a dynamic satellite photographic
reconnaissance program directed exclusively towards the gathering
of intelligence on the strategic threat to the United States. Therefore,
if the Stellar Index camera is to be incorporated into the CORONA
payload and proves useful for mapping purposes, the mapping mission
must at no time take precedence over the intelligence mission or
compete with the intelligence mission for funds, available launchers
and payloads.
Secondly, it is my understanding that the incorporation of the
Stellar Index camera requires extensive modification to the
CORONA and adds significantly to the complexity of an already
complex system. The NRO has admirably overcome the difficulties
with the CORONA which led to a succession of failures in the first
half of this year. Intelligence needs cannot permit a repetition of this
experience which might be the consequence of a drastic modification.
Therefore any decision involving the introduction of a Stellar Index
camera must, in my opinion, be accomplished as a research and
development project, using a vehicle and payload outside of the
CORONA coverage needs to meet the established USIB requirements
for intelligence collection, as well as the established standby
requirements.
Once the system is proven, which I assume will require three or
four launchings, the camera could be incorporated into the CORONA pro-
gram, assuming that doing so would produce information useful for
mapping in areas confined to the geography of particular interest from
an intelligence collection viewpoint.
I would be pleased to discuss this matter further with you at your
convenience.
Sincerely,
Top
John A. McCone
Director
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Drafted by DCI:JAM:mcm
Minor revisions and. final form: DDCI:MSC:blh
Distribution:
Cy 1 - Dr. Fubini (DCI took to meeting 6 Oct)
Cy2-DDCI
Cys 3 & 4 - DCI w/cy 2 basic
Cy 5'- DD/S&T
Cy 6 - D/NIPE
Cy 7 - ER via Ex Dir
Approved For Release 2007/08/04: CIA-RDP80B01676R001400050014-9
 Approved For Release 2007/08/04: CIA-RDP80BO1676R001400050014-9
Approved For Release 2007/08/04: CIA-RDP80BO1676R001400050014-9