LETTER TO HONORABLE ALLEN W. DULLES FROM DONALD A. [ ]

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP80R01731R000300180016-7
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: December 14, 2016
• Document Release Date: May 21, 2003
• Sequence Number: 16
• Publication Date: April 4, 1959
• Content Type: LETTER

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THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE
WASHINGTON
APR 4 1959
Dear Allen:
The following information is in answer to the inquiry in your
letter of March 17, 1959, concerning the status of the Department of
Defense's program for critical intelligence communications.
As you are aware, substantial completion of the system cannot be
achieved immediately, but is desired by the end of 1961 if possible.
A major effort is being applied to developing the communications system
for critical intelligence as rapidly as possible. The introduction of
improved and systemized handling procedures for critical intelligence
traffic transmitted over existing communications facilities has already
resulted in some improvement in transmission times. The program for
improving communications facilities involves two general areas of
development q. improvement of existing channels and facilities, and
augmentation of existing facilities, mainly through establishment of
automatic electronic switching centers at various key relay points
throughout the world.
In the first of these areas, a number of improvements are underway,
and other improvements will follow. The capability of the system to
achieve consistent speeds on the order of 10 minutes, however, is more
dependant on the establishment of automatic electronic switching
facilities. In this area, involving sophisticated and costly equipment
which is not yet completely in being, and a time program through the
end of 1961, we are naturally in a more early stage of development.
Because of the major investment involved, and the necessity to avoid
premature obsolescence of equipment, we have found it necessary to
proceed very carefully to ensure that the electronic switching equip-
ment to be obtained for this portion of the military communications
system will be compatible with other known or forseeable future
military communications requirements. Steps have been taken to in--
corporate a substantial portion of the cost of these switching centers
in the budget for FY"1960.
SECRET
THIS DO1C'J:/,E!11!-i.
70-
AUTHOR'! f`(. 'P
7HE. C.I.A. HAS NO 0SJECT1OA
TO THE OECLASS!1::;CATICN OF-
DATE2~121i1
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=SECRET
In addition to the above, a program is being developed, in
consultation with communications representatives of the CIA, for the
use of certain of its communications facilities for critical intelli-
gence in areas where military communications facilities are not
available or feasible.
I should like to assure you that we are in full agreement with
your views as to the importance and urgency of this program, and also
to let you know that we appreciate your strong support for pushing for-
ward with the CRITICOMM system.
Sincerely,
Honorable Allen W. Dulles
Chairman
United States Intelligence Board
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MEMORANDUM FOR: General Caball ,
of the attached has been sent to
for appropriate action.
A copy has also been sent to DD/I.
10-01
MAY FORM
FORM GN 54 lol WHICH REPLACES
1 AU
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