DISCLOSURE OF SENSITIVE INTELLIGENCE INFORMATION

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP84B00049R001403590003-2
• Release Decision: RIFPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: December 20, 2016
• Document Release Date: April 24, 2007
• Sequence Number: 3
• Content Type: REPORT

Approved For Release 2007/04/24: CIA-RDP84B00049R001403590003-2
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SUBJECT : Disclosure of Sensitive Intelligence Information
In the past few weeks, there have been some striking public disclosures
of sensitive foreign policy issues and NSC deliberations, as well as of highly
sensitive intelligence information. In some instances, officials of this
government have gone so far as to cite specific intelligence collection capa-
bilities. In other cases, information released on policy has pre-empted my
decisions and narrowed my flexibility. Intelligence information has been
released that was so specific that any intelligence professional could easily
deduce the sources of information. In total, the information and assessments
that have appeared in the media give the USSR and other foreign powers substan-
tial insight into our most confidential deliberations and into the capabilities
and limitations of US intelligence.
These disclosures must stop. Disclosure of national security and intelli-
gence information threatens the effectiveness of this Administration and the
intelligence capabilities of the US. In the area of intelligence it gives our
adversaries information that allows them better to conceal their actions from
us. In both the policy and intelligence arenas, each revelation of facts
inspires new questions and leads to new requests for clarification and elabora-
tion. When closely held information appears in the press only hours after a
meeting or dissemination to senior officials, security discipline is undermined
at all levels of government. When senior officials are known to be the source
of harmful disclosure, they lose the confidence of their colleagues and the
respect of their subordinates. Moreover, foreign sources and governments are
complaining about our laxness because we are jeopardizing their policy interests
and their intelligence activities as well as our own.
It is clear to me that the current problem stems from the pursuit of
desirable objectives with an inadequate appreciation of the harm that is being
done. We unquestionably need the cooperation and support of our allies on
matters related to our mutual defense obligations. It is important that the
American public be well informed on subjects of major consequence. But we
cannot allow ourselves to satisfy these needs at the expense of the effective
formulation of national security policies and of our present and future intel-
ligence capabilities.
Approved For Release 2007/04/24: CIA-RDP84B00049R001403590003-2
 Approved For Release 2007/04/24: CIA-RDP84B00049R001403590003-2
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In those instances where disclosure of classified information is deemed
necessary, I consider each of you personally responsible for ensuring full
compliance by your organization with applicable orders and regulations. Any
public disclosure initiative by someone in your organization must have your
approval. Any disclosure--including release to foreign governments--involving
national intelligence assets requires the prior approval of the Director of
Central Intelligence as well. The.Director is responsible to me for protection
of intelligence sources and methods and stands ready to assist you with any
additional guidance that is needed.
The time has come to reverse the flood of damaging disclosures of sensitive
information. Our national security depends upon this and I intend to fulfill
my responsibilities in this regard. I expect each of you to do no less.
Ronald Reagan
Approved For Release 2007/04/24: CIA-RDP84B00049R001403590003-2