LETTER TO ADMIRAL STANSFIELD TURNER FROM JOHN O. KINERT

Document Type: 
Collection: 
Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 
CIA-RDP80M00165A001300140006-0
Release Decision: 
RIPPUB
Original Classification: 
K
Document Page Count: 
6
Document Creation Date: 
December 15, 2016
Document Release Date: 
February 12, 2004
Sequence Number: 
6
Case Number: 
Publication Date: 
October 17, 1977
Content Type: 
LETTER
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PDF icon CIA-RDP80M00165A001300140006-0.pdf245.68 KB
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Approved For Vase 2004/03/11 : CIA-RDP80M00165AA00~01300140006-0 JOHN O. KINERT. P.E., C.S.P. SAFETY CONSULTANT File: Personal KINERT ASSOCIATES y' O,e October 17, 19?7 Admiral Stansfield Turner, USN Director of Central Intelligence Washington, D. C. 20505 Dear Admiral Turner: Thank you for your kind and thoughtful response to my letter of August 16th. I regret that my inadequately developed suggestion that "vio- lation of the rights of a few, possibly innocent, citizens" is sometimes justifiable caused you concern. What I had in mind was defense against internal disorders, sabotage, terrorism and similar threats. Action in these areas is, of course, the re- sponsibility of local, state and federal police agencies up to the point where declaration of martial law becomes necessary. My willingness to accept violations of individual "rights" even in these cases is strictly limited. Current, generally accepted, examples are security systems employing photograph- ic, TV and other types of surveillance; required submission to search of vehicles as a condition for entry onto govern- ment or private property; and required submission to search of baggage and person prior to boarding commercial aircraft. Again best wishes for success in your vitally important and difficult post. Sincerely, =-'`r;GHN 0:` KINERT Approved For Release 2004/03/11 : CIA-RDP80M00165AO01300140006-0 Approved For Release 2004/03/11 : CIA-RDP80M00165AO01300140006-0 Mr. John 0. Kinert Kinert Associates 1 875 Wilson Street San Diego, California 92106 Dear Mr. Kinert, Please accept my sincere thanks for your warm and thought- provoking letter of August 16. I could not hope to respond to all the points you raise, but I would like to address a few of them. My overall objective as Director of Central Intelligence is to build a more effective intelligence service which better serves the intelligence needs of our policymakers and the Congress. President Carter and the top officials of his Administration recently concluded an intensive study of the Intelligence Community.. After lengthy consultations with appropriate Congress- men, he has dltrmined that some centralization of authority in the Intelligence Community under the Director of Central Intelligence is necessary, but that the individual government agencies should retain line control of the intelligence.units within their organizations. I am enthusiastic about this decision. It gives me the tools to more effectively and efficiently coordinate the government's intelligence activities without inhibiting constructive competition in the interpretation of raw data. It has been the intent of the Executive and the Congress to strengthen the DCI in this way since Congress assigned responsibility for the coordination of intelligence activities to him with enactment of the National Security Act of 1947. I believe you will understand that a considerable amount of intelligence is produced which is releasable to the public in unclassified form. I believe we owe it to the American public to provide them with as much of this kind of information as we can. I am also convinced that a public better informed about what the intelligence agencies do and why is the best way to assure the people thattb a intelligence agencies are not violating their rights or the laws of the country.. Moreover, as you know, President Carter has established "openness" as a .policy for all his Administration. In addition, being forthcoming where we can substantially enhances my ability to protect those secrets that are vital to our work. Pleaee be assured that I am dedicated to keeping those secrets that are a Ito a rotection of sources and methods. .Approved FJ Release 2004/03/11: CIA-R VJO V4O 300140406-0 Finally, I confess I am disturbed by your suggestion that "violation of the rights of a few, possibly innocent, citizens" is sometimes justifiable. I must respectfully, but seriously disagree. The intelligence agencies are charged with keeping the policymakers informed of foreign dangers so that they are better able to cope with challenges to our country and to"the individual rights the people of this country have fought to maintain. For the intelligence agencies themselves to engage in violation of these rights would be to undermine what they interest in the Intelligence Community. concerns. I do appreciate your expression of views and your have been established to help preserve. I sincerely hope these comments have addressed your Yours sincerely, Typed 9/19/77:1 rkss Distribution: Original - Addressee 1 - Ex. Reg. 1 - A/DCI/PAO(comeback copy) 1 - A/DCI/PAO(hold back copy) 2E1 S0 11 10 JHH aft Approved For Release 2004/03/11 CIA-RDP80M00165A001300140006-0 oved For Releasd 2 J /1U1 @,1-1gR Routing Slap Oct DDCI 15 DTR ,16 A/DCt/PA 21 DATE I INITIAL. 16: Please develop response for DCI signature. STAT Approved For Release 2004/03/11 : CIA-RDP80M00165AO01300140006-0 Next 2 Page(s) In Document Exempt Approved For Release 2004/03/11 : CIA-RDP80M00165AO01300140006-0