LETTER TO(SANITIZED)

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP85-00024R000500040010-1
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: December 20, 2016
• Document Release Date: October 23, 2007
• Sequence Number: 10
• Publication Date: February 24, 1982
• Content Type: LETTER

Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP85-00024R000500040010-1
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FOREIGN BROADCAST INFORMATION SERVICE
UNITED STATES FORCES, JAPAN
OKINAWA BUREAU
APO SAN FRANCISCO 96239
MOK-2019
24 February 1982
Subject: IC Staff Visit/FSN Scale
An apparent recurring t during cent meetings of
IC officers and with FBIS Far East
bureau chiefs was our partic pa ion in e FSN classification
system and the problems therein. This question surfaced first
in Seoul and then in Hong Kong, was asked about it in
considerable detail.
In response to their question to me, I,of course, pointed
out that fortunately we were now the only Bureau in the field
not attached to an Embassy in some way and thus Okinawa (and
Panama for the time being) was not part of the worldwide
classification system. Since the IC'ers were not visiting
Bangkok Bureau I took the opportunity to fill them in on the
very serious problems related to the FSN system there, which
had resulted in low morale among long-time Bureau employees and
is now proving to be a real handicap in recruiting. I also
explained the historical background of our involvement in the
FSN system worldwide a couple years ago. I noted that the
greatest problems from the system were probably in Bangkok,
Vienna, and Nicosia, but in the Far East difficulties of a
lesser degree were emerging in Seoul and Hong Kong in areas
of promction limitation, as well as recruitment and retention.
Lachman particularly seemed genuinely interested and concerned
about this unfortunate situation--which is no doubt the most
serious problem affecting FBIS field Bureaus universally at the
present time.
I am describing this interest of the IC senior officers
simply because it would seem that they should have some
influence in pressing our cause in our attempt to withdraw from
the FSN system. I would suggest you might call
who should have some "clout" even in the personnel area, to
see if he could assist in any way in this matter.
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP85-00024R000500040010-1
STAT:
STAT
FPI
STAT
 Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP85-00024R000500040010-1
Looking forward to seeing you in April.
cc: Chief, Operations Group
Best regards,
STAT
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP85-00024R000500040010-1