ALLIED COMMAND EUROPE ATOMAL CLASSIFICATION HANDBOOK

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP96B01172R000400040003-2
• Release Decision: RIFPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 74
• Document Creation Date: December 21, 2016
• Document Release Date: February 6, 2009
• Sequence Number: 3
• Publication Date: January 8, 1988
• Content Type: BOOK

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NATO Unclassified
ALLIED COMMAND EUROPE
ATOMAL CLASSIFICATION HANDBOOK
On file OSD release instructions
apply.
DOE review
completed.
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OON~'S
Page
Introduction
Classification Policy
lour Duties as an ATONAL Drafter
Terms, Definitions and Concepts
Abuse, classification
ATONAL Information
Classification
ATONAL Drafter
Classification Category
Compromise
COSMIC Top Secret (CTS)
Covering Letters
Declassification
Document
Do~rngrade
Guidance
Information
Information in the Public Domain
NATO Restricted (NR)
NATO Confidential (NC)
NATO Secret (NS)
Need to Knou
Physically connected documents
Precedence, classification
Principle of Association
Reclassification
Security
Sensitivity Levels
:3pgrade
Upgrading Notice
Bac;cground Regarding ATOM.AL information
The NATO Classification Guide for Nuclear Weapons
Making a Classification Determination
General Rules for Declassification
Classifying Reclassification Notices
Upgrading
Dor+ngrading
Results of Improper Classification
Information and Documents
A Reminder
On file OSD release instructions apply.
NATO IINCLASSIFI#D
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- - - ~ ?? . .. . v ~ a ~ a f Y
INTRODOCTION
This handbook on ATONAL classification has been prepared for AT'ONSAL
Drafters to supplement ACE Directive 70-b as a ready reference. It is
meant to remind you of classification policy, principles, authority and
procedures. When making classification determinations, you should always
use AD 70-6 and the NATO Nuclear Classification Guide contained in
crK(bs)u~.
Since classification decisions are often judgmental, protect information at
the highest ieve being considered until a final determination has been
made.
Classification of information is a command responsibility. To ensure
proper classification, ATONAL Drafters are designated and trained Within
each command that may originate documents eontaininb ATONAL information.
Only ATONAL Drafters are authorised to prepare documents that contain
ATONAL information. i~ithin each such command, a clear path for question
and problem resoiutior. should exist.
The ACE ATONAL Classification Officer (ACO) assures that current classi-
fication guidance is available to all ATONAL Drafters. His goal is to
assure that all ATONAL information contained in documents originated Within
ACE is identified for protection according to guidance furnished by the US
or UK.
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Q.iSSIFICAYI0i1 FOLIC?
ATONAL classification policy originates within the United States and the
United gingdom and is kept current by appropriate US and UB authorities.
Classification begins the process of limiting dissemination of certain
information by identifying it as sensitive. Classification markings tell
people, ?This data seeds protection.* The markings also direct people to
act appropriately, because they tell us hok much protectior. is needed.
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?OUR DUTIES AS AN 1TOtlAL DRAFTER
As an ATONAL Drafter you decide whether information contained in documents
falls into an area requiring protection (as established by the NATO Guide).
The documents may be ones that you are preparing or nay come to you from
different sources. Since you lmow the subject material and have been
trained as an ATONAL Drafter, you can distinguish between information that
needs protection and that which can be released without concern.
You must consider ail pertinent factors when making classification
decisions. Basic questions are:
- How does the NATO Guide for Nuclear Weapons deal with the
information?
- How is the information used?
- idhat information can be derived from what's being considered?
- wrap 3550^~S~~Or i3 there tv otaer ilnc339ified i=ij'Ormation, and
what chance is there of forming classified information by
association?
NATO Nuclear weapons information falls into one of three levels of
classification sensitivity; COSMIC Top Secret ATONAL, NATO Secret ATONAL
and NATO Confidential ATONAL. Abbreviations are CTSA, NSA and NCA.
The classification sensitivity levels are explained in the next section, as
are important concepts of classification.
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TEAliS. DEFINITIONS iND CONCEPTS
Abuse, classification: Over or underclassificatioa; failure to follox the
proper downgrading or upgrading and declassification procedures; improper
application of classification markings. Classification abuse also refers
to any classification action by an individual not authorised to take that
action, and to any improper delegation of authority.
ATONAL Information: ATONAL information is that nuclear weapons information
that has been provided to NATO components under agreements, either by the
U5 tfrom their "Formerly Restricted Data") or by the UK (from their "UK
ATOMIC Information"). See the section, "Background Regarding ATONAL
Information." By its very nature, ATONAL information requires strict
access limitations. Only individuals granted an appropriate clearance and
having a need to knout may be given access to ATONAL information.
Classification: The process of determining and identifying what infor-
oration needs tc be protected in the interest of security. Classification.
.s distinc~ from security xhich is the means of protecting classified
information.
ATONAL Drafter. An ACE officer xho has been authorised to prepare ATONAL
documents. All classification and declassification determinations must be
based upon approved guidance.
Classification Category. The type of classified information. Within. ACE,
the txo categories are ATONAL and NATO information.
Compromise: Acquisition of classified information by persons not cleared
to receive such information. (This does not include unauthorised or
gratuitous acquisition by cleared personnel ~rithout a need to knout).
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COSr!!IC Top Secret (C?S). ? alassitieatioo level applied to infor~atioo,
the unauthorised disclosure of which would result in ezceptioaally grave
damage to NATO.
Covering Letters. Let~rs covering classified enclosures must bear the
markings of the highest classificatioa enclosed. If information in the
covering letter itself requires higher classification, use that. Shen the
covering letter does not contain information, it may be handled as
unclassified When separated from the classified enclosures if it contains a
statement to that effect.
Declassification: Applied to information, declassification removes it from
a classification category. Applied to documents, declassification is the
act of determining that the documents contain no classified information.
See the section "General Rules for Declassification".
Document: Any recorded information regardless of physical form
characteristics, including but not limited to;
- All nandWritten, printed, typed, painted, dra~rn or engraved matter.
- All sound, magnetic or electromechanical recordings.
- All photographic prints and exposed or developed film.
- All reproductions of the foregoing by any process.
- Automatic data processing input, memory, program or output
information, or records such as punch cards, tapes, memory, drums,
disks or visual displays.
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povn~ade; Laver the alaasifiaation level of info~atiao ar doe~ents.
(Does not include declassification).
Guidance: Published classification policy.
Information: Facts, data, or knowledge itself, rather than the medium for
conveying it. (Documents are conveyers or containers of information; they
are not information per se).
Information in the Public Domain: Just because statements, speculations or
quotations from "informed sources" appear in public news media (including
trade magazines), it cannot be assumed that the Information has been
officially released. It may still be classified.
NATO Restricted (NS): A classification level applied to information, the
unauthorised disclosure of which would~e undesirable iz~ ~e interests of
NATO Confidentia' (NC):
A classification level applied to information,
t7e unaut~:,orisec disclosure of W:^.ich could '~ re,~ud'_c'.a_ to he interests
~~~~---
NATO Secret (NS) : A classification level of informatior:, the unauthorised
disclosure of which Would result in rious damage of 1~AT0.
~_--=~-
Need to Know: This access policy refers to limiting the transfer of
information to those Who are bath cleared to receive it and who require it
to perform their work. (Need to know is technically neither classification
or security, but rather an operational concern).
b
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Pt~aicall~ oonneetad doeu~sats: ? Sroup of ~jsioal], oooaaotb doouNnts
(e.g. stapled or Douad together in a notebook). They must be classified at
least as high as the most highly classified docuoent therein. (See
Principle of Association).
Precedence, classification: Sometimes a document comprises parts which are
classified differently by categories and/or levels. The document should be
marked at the most restrictive category and most sensitive level. For
example, if a document contains information that is properly classified as
NCA and NS, the document. xould be. ma` r_4.-,ked NSg. {Ii topics of guidance
_
",--,_.
conflict, apply tre~most restrictive of the measures .
Principle of Association: A document cannot be unclassified if~.when it is
added to unclassified information already available, the combination
reveals classified information.
Reclassification: With the written consent of the originator, his
successor or higher authority, documents may be reolassified by one of
three ae~ioas: spgrading, dow-ngradirg or dec_assifying, ATO!KA:.,
information may be only doxngraded or declassified and then only by proper
US or UK authority. Document reclassification procedures are specified in
AD ? 0-1.
Security: The mechanism for protecting classified information.
Sensitivity Levels: The three sensitivity levels of ATOHdL information are
Cosmic Top Secret, NATO Secret and NATO Confidential. See each in this
section. The terms designate the risk, or degree of damage to NATO that
can be expected if the information is disclosed to unauthorised persons.
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IIpgrada: The raining of the elassitioation oatesory a. e~aaiti~ity lt~~l
of documents.
upgrading Notice: Hritten announcement by a classifying official either
that a document has been erroneously issued as unclassified and is in fact
classified, or that it has been erroneously marked at a loxer level or
category than appropriate. The notice indicates the corrective action
needed. upgrading notices are alxays classified.
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HlC[GSOO~iD BDGAADIgG 11'OtlAL LI>FOAMLMO>~
In drafting the US Atomic Energy Act, the phrase *Restricted Data" (RD) xas
coined to cover nuclear xeapons, nuclear material and their production. In
similar fasbion, UK lax established "ATOMIC Information". Security
restrictions that xere imposed for RD xere quite severe and impractical for
armed forces in the field. To resolve this problem, certain types of
information needed by the military were identified from xithin the body of
-- --, ----~ ,.~,.~a~, ~ ~? iniormaLlon xas given
a new name and a less severe set of security criteria. This information
still related to nuclear xeapons but xas fudged to permit security
provisions that xere consistent with broad use xithin the armed forces.
Unfortunately, the name that the US Congress used_and xhich became common
usage is confusing. They calle it "Formerly Restricted Data". his name
~-.`._
constantly causes confusion. At the very least, people assume that it is a
category of information that is unrelated to Restricted Data - it
definitely is closely related to Restricted Data. 9t the worst, they
assume that it is not classified!! FRD is definitely classified.
The formal definition of FRD is: "Information pertaining to utilisation
and deployment of nuclear weapons." In practical terms, it is information
that relates to:
- Stockpile quantities and locations.
- Yields and effects.
- Vulnerability and hardening.
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- aeli~tbility information, oz~
- Arming and fusing.
Because all ATONAL information was originally either RD or tTOMIC
information, it is by laW classified unless declassified by proper
authority. This characteristic is referred to as "Borg Classified".
Because of this characteristic, the KATO Classification Guide for Nuclear
~leapons specifies what information is Confidential or Unclassified -
otherwise the information is Secret. It is generally true that ATONAL
"rn Secret. 1~Iithin the US Armed Forces, FRD is protected
in the same manner as is their regular defence information, however, it has
a firm restriction regarding its transmission to other nations or treaty
organizations.
10
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'!BE 11-TO CIJ.SSZFICA?I011 GOIDE x+08 10CLBLg ilg~ppl~g
Consistent classification determinations are accoeplished by having all
classifiers use the same policy and guide. All ACE organizations use the
NATO Classification Guide for Nuclear iieapons t+hich is contained in
CM(68)41 and the Nuclear Planning Manual. Its purpose is to provide a
basis for determining the appropriate ATONAL classification of information
concerning the characteristics, storage and use of nuclear weapons. An
evaluation of all applicable topics of the guide is required in determining
tae classification of a document. If information appears to be covered
equally well by more than one topic at different classification levels, the
highest level must be chosen.
MAKING A CLASSIFICATION DETERMINATION
1. You have a document to consider.
2. If text, pictures or graphics are classified by existing guidelines,
ioo;~ at guidance and give category (AiGMAi) and sensitivity level
(~TSA, NSA, NCAJ.
3. If text, pictures and graphics are Onclassified by existing
guidelines, consider this information in light of other knor~m
unclassified information. Would any combination of these cause
damage if released. If so, apply the appropriate classification.
4. Finally, inriicate classification category and level of the complete
document and its title. Forxard the document to the unit's
authorised ATONAL originator.
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Gi~7tER~I. RULES !'08 lDECL~3SIFICAtIOr
Declassification of ATO!!AL information nay only be scconplished by the
proper US or QK authority. That authority must then revise Lhe approved
classification guidance to reflect the declassification decision.
Declassification of a document falls into three cases:
The first case applies when the ACE ACO determines that based upon
approved guidance the information contained in the document is not
classified.
The second case involves the originator of the document. Any
originator may later declassify that document if current guidance
permits.
In the third case, ATONAL Drafters have authority to declassify
documents by removing markings in accordance with a declassification
notice from an appropriate classificatior. authori~y.
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CLLSSIFIIIiG OF IISCLLSSIFIC~TIOg ~0'TICgS
OPGRADING
Upgrading notices are alwrays classified. The level of classification
depends upon both the likelihood of compromise and the contents of the
upgrading notice.
- No compromise - it is reasonably certain tha? no actual compromise
of improperly marked documents has occurred. Notices in no
compromise situations are classified NATO Confidential. The
notices are automatically declassified after tvo years to a11oW for
retrieval of all improperly marked copies. If this provides
insufficient time for retrieval, the classification may be
extended for up to six years from the original data of issue.
Longer extensions may only be authorised by tie ACE ACO. Hhen a~I
upgrading has been completed (copies accounted for) the notices may
be declassified.
- Definite compromise - a compromise has or is likely to have
occurred. These notices Will be classified at the correct level
and category of the information in the document to Which it
pertains, e.g. those notices upgrading a document to NATO Secret
ATONAL will themselves be NSA. If it is later determined that no
compromise actually occurred and all copies have been properly
marked, the upgrading notice may then be declassified, providing
the notice itself contains no classified information.
- Upgrading notice contains classified information - notices irhich
contain information that is itself classified frill be classified
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aeaordia6 ~ tb? cost >striati~a oat~gcar~ and lo~~l of tbst
inforaatioa.
Notices upgrading the classification of a document should be sent only to
persons r+ho are cleared to receive both the upgrading notice and the
document to which it refers. If these conditions cannot be met, inform the
local Security authority.
DOWNGRADING
Documents authorising downgrading action should identify either the
applicable classification guide and its topic number or the authorising
message.
Lowngrading notices are normally unclassified but if the notice itself
contains classified information, it must be cla s~~ appropriately.~`_~
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Hl~SOi.TS OF DlPROPSR CL~3SIFIC~TIOB
As an ATONAL Drafter, you should strive to avoid iaproper classification of
documents. Informatioa requiring protection Est be appropriately
identified and protected. The operational penalties for misclassification
may be severe:
- Unclassified information does not receive the protection its
sensitivity xarrants.
- Overclassification complicates handling procedures, creates time
delays, and limits distribution.
INFORMATION AND DOCUMENTS
In classification and declassification, distinction must be made between
information and documents.
A REMINDER
The :~~~ ACC adv,ses AC# personnel on c;:rrert class_fication pol,cy to
assure that information and documents originated :.a this command are
classified according to the latest, approved guidance. If you have
questions about classification, consult other ATOMA Drafters within your
unit or the ACE ACO.
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UNIT BRIEFING FOR
=ur5uant :: ACE vl~ectlve ~a-a, you are an A7pMf;~ Draf;er because ~?our
Dulles 1n=iuCe the preoare:len pf documents that mZv Gor,ialr, fi7CMAL
lnformatlon. Therefore, ycu are to oeccme fafililar ~itn the ACE ATOf"AL
ilas51f1C3tiOn Programme, ihE NATG Classi~lcatton Gains for Nuclear
Lleapons, and the prl.nciples of AT~MAI_ classification.
The purpose of this briefing is to give you sufficient i~.nomiedge to begin
functienlr+g es an ATOMAL Drafter, After this brlefln5i yea Wlll be given
catR :e-e_-:ai co;, t-?? one A~~ r"~"'%-_ ~, < '1G8t
k'.'-G 3'., Lne ~~nT_ ~.as=,'.Cdil?_? CJil7i' ~~r iV ~~ c ,.! '
UCle W2d~0rs ,grc -e~ _1
d??_i9~.r 4.?r:_ tr.= CC>Mr,a^~. T~?c y,...GE :5 lr.tiu+~?C r? -*? - `.. '. ',.
- Fa-- PLanr.v~:: "an a ~ -- arj ne
?v~~. ~ _ .
nt;er' yC~ nave r?d~ :';__ ~r:eFln_, 5i~r; ana d2 `.e tf'O a?td?=nE~ FOr~', ar;d
.^cj.J ~-. ~.~?.. L~ ~:B r?+. Fi rv= ~ vt.. ~' ~'"i~ti __ C_ -N^~ .E~ ,
~+c : 1 riE _
you sncu:_ dlscuse ~:tf, ^,1R+ any qupst.or:= or ,:n_erta. ~ie~ y^u mey name
re_a~d:nS :his r~a'e-3ai.
['.~ on r ~~~^~rir2ilte' a'::~: Wil. `.je=_~? wf,t~.~E~ d?=~:i"1c _ ' - -
rE:~;...."1~._ .."CLc.rtiG^? c?_ ac+..3~._S~iE~ h_ fihE Cy-?T:. L;,:Gc F` rV~.}e:r.
The decu~*ents may tse ones that you are preparing or :^~v coTE tc yo,, from
Our - =.._e_ _:E~_3. _ .~ !u.. _ na _
~J~_p^-.
?'Ol: muSL COnSiJer 3t: ~7erL:nerL raCiCrS when mati:ny ?_.ass:ricai:on
t~ECiS:On~. Basle cuestlGns are:
i-+cLL woes '.~+e 'Vr=~_ ou~de f r t,U~
_ear weanv:{= ~e=- .,-,. Lie
_ ~r+,c:_.,.
:v hJt. :5 the 1nfC;rmCLiOr used?
o Wrai lnfcrmatlon cer, be aeri~ed front what's be:n7 c::r.siaered~
c: ~+>`.. ~: the vcr _..-e ~' r"",':~!'?!=.~
1^,f.:~-r~c'';Gr', C?l.lL Cl~~S1~rJyGn= 15 QD-7j~~eftlV~.1~Ye~1,~.. ,
. .,. -..- T . _ - = w ~ 1 i b ~ c l a s~ rF y _~l ~n ~- k~,k,~~ ?~ tb~e f ~~~ cs ~ ~.c~~
a~~~. s~~~ox~.,
`vJhen dealing _,, glass]fication, it ], irlpGr'_r. Lo ~e-: clearly i1 m;nd
. r~ t r^,c :. _ ~ 3rf= . G:Jfient 5 arc _;:l~~ ~,3y`=rferi~i .~.' =;Jf+;?~r_ _y of
{~EV~Qi2~= ~ Y7f1br'?=2:~r: drG ~.icc~~b .~ 1c~~V ~E !"~'M~i~I~jQR!~-~Y1~1.'vdi?_^": _
the 'jG~uM?r,. reGL::re~ r~.= ? J i~s!=
~~ p sec :or,. Tn:?_ seefis G~yizat;(s. iic,ue.er , ~ ne
utter of the ;nformatlon's con#e~.t ~a be quite 3+~b~Ie and 1'~~t~sive. :f
tnls as~,ect ;s dlsreyarded, unciassi'ie~ ]nfo~K.aticr _or~birec ~sith ].s
GO^tE.?.t may ;r~y,iy Cla5siflEGs 1nfOrr,d.lQr r,.t B:.:Ud .,, the t7C[unle"1t.
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2. ATOMAI i~forwatiow wust not be so subdi~ridsd that all its cowponants
ars unclassified.
In theory, the ind:.?idual co~+ot~ne^.:s of ATOMAi. :nfor~ation zdnnoi ai= be
unciess:fie. ~+; leas: one CD~:~onen; Rest be at ine :eye. of the total
:rformatlon. it pract:;.e, o~ere.:ona: cons.deratlor_ cT'en ie+~v: us tc
brea+< a Mass:ilex message into "unclassified" com;or+ents. ?nee i.7Juic be
sc? much puicker to send and 'W::n the wording obscure enougn, the enemy
wCn't ae able t:+ understand what we're really sayinq~' uor,'t rely on
disguised contest. That's a gave that can't be played--:t isn't safe and
it's rot lepai.
However, what can be done :s to break the message into components to
seDa~ete the Categorle5 of informati.n. That :s, a Ressage Ray co:~tein
l1j"fOlQ~12"t70!? dii, r -= -rE: ,,,~.. .~ JM, 1
'1 lCf~. . # ?.. v~~.'_t 1- n , '7 L ~ a ^ t", a ~ s '. 1 ~ v~ ~- _ L I'~'~O/`Ti 8 ~ i ?~ r : `r - e
IOWC~ IC':F1 , si.. Gt'1 ?= ~0~~6~[~V~-i~.A _ ci:~~, ~ ~25E fl~?_ r~E_=^:_ic U/1~~~ l7=
~'-~ :r.a G;rE' IYC.'1. _~~ ? c :a~ SEFC~3.c Te~~a- = - iu. =? - -
cR oSS ~Ce#e.Re~vIC,+C,S~ '(tt~ +tes~t-t o~ such ^1e.~tlR.eS woulcL be ~e~~-~tssa~~e~
{tta~c iG pRabl ems 3ricl.~nan(~b~woks c~e~cnt~.etr~~
.. .._ , - rvRTO and. ATC.. , n~4M~t~vK wad co-1t~.irl ete!~s the ate. ~t~s~~-,~
ec~ pKe..~eVe1 rv~ 8. pa~Eiueaa+~e~t~kibtLt"re.;uirp a ftL;r,er 1eVel ~tll a^;:tnz~-
e o n t~ ~ ~; ';i~,eR~ i.s -?P kKL weR sue, j ~ Lc! ~. foR kc-w K, u c h a cctartril a ~er~ i r~'Q~,f+? eft orb
er assoc:aticn merits higher class:f;catior, Char, its ind:.:duai
cor;po^ent s .
'r'ha.s coarerty~ -f-~q eovlte L~{. is l aR~el, _ ^?~a - *_ er ~ ivttau#sv~t. So when, ~ae~
feeJ.1. u~~ ~ ~y ~bou.'r-ate ~dFq ~+~ ~-.~ ~ : ~ .. i ~ ~ c t sa~y.arweyt~ ?t'fi~t- ss `
L7t~J~'~~ ;v .~,c ~ti'+i~.~ v~~.v"~~'_ if`3~ ;~ i=,r...ve~ ~+1~1L~~~1,~P_' '~,~.~4
dI1C~, SEEK c~~/16E ]~ ~r~c :..^.~Er~a:.^?Et~/ ~~ria;r,5. ~8ri I~t~'1~/O(d,~,'~C~~OMI y5
ar,d wort. up the chain o~ co~:Rana if necessary,
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4. Classification mill be based on an svaluation using all applicable
puidence. Individual parts, ph~saea, or pieces way justifiably be
assigned a particular classification level unde* one tonic of this guide
au: the co~Cinaiior of ite~~s may re~eel a highe- ieve_ of ~iase:sled
it fOrr~aila~?. if SC', LftC nlt~htr Classifl%8::ar Wlli ~C DSS:gneC.
~. =11'lilariy, Wher~ an lte~ of ir~for,~atior. appease to ,e cc.?erEO equally
Weil by tWe ar more tvC:cS at dlf`erent ciass:Flcai:er :e~e_'s, the highest
:eve; Wii: be chosen.
6. Any postulated assessr+ent of ener+y Weapons, Would not be AiOMAL if
based solely cn inteiilgence data. iioWever, if based on analysis of, or
cofiparisan With US or U~' weapon designs, then such infer~ation ;s ATOMAL.
In ail cases, such determination should to +~ade by ar, ~?pM!;~ ~.la_s:fler.
This y ~i dtl: a *!~ ~? L 3~es kO a . s e s s ~ e r:. s o~ a rle"f ~; a ap~ItS ss/5~ts -f.kat we dp
i1o?C y-+1,aet?sE`a~(. !~"~ ~ R ate .pt~ofESS a~ sl~tfl ms5t.s5+~t~~'1~.s. '~1e a~'la 1 y~zeRS
W ~ t 1 k5t. ~a~ _ ~ nlfc~l=ti s~vt c ed+i,G ~ n ~ ~ ~St ito4V t6tt ~,eW ei1= -~~I Sal s~dl ' a :?
p ,, nLL
tJ0-eK ~~' ,M'~1~.t~1~' Cc~c~?:. i ;^,c~/ ~e . ~l~,~l~/, ~~" 2 ~~ICF R~_~Q f~~.SE
-~~'~?e., ~,e s cal . s t. 1(~?_ ? `E _ l .~ ~~ ~''i n L i,~ o r M a t i o n. \J J
flE toi L`;~ 2 G:.CUrncrit fl7aKE?"eferenC?_ :C :. C:d?_?.12G rJC~:elo-,.
-
^G? o tid?lE ft' CiaS=!iyino t~'~F3~ (JC::U~~1e'l; u^:e==_ i,hE re`er2~CE C:toL:O~,
standing elope cr lr, cor.te~,t, re~?eais classified Info^R,at:an.
~he~a are tO~iCS wh1C~ Classify S;jCti Lhln?? d5 'fac' tf8: ~ r.r
0`_5...18t!,vr~ ~t k.t~i ?? Tr;E,s?- :vIJ~; ~F Cv~~Si~?~=- y?H.~~ ~cfE~E.-`!r;s
_ _.2.~-f,FG ~Qi:JT1c'~ ~~ 2~~ ufC,655:1icC ~ ~c. "~.Sv~'~L~'-"~c i.= i~i2
~. C : ~ . _ ... `. '.~~ a . KI~E ~l ::: ~-~ { ~~f ~ ! E _ - - ~ - - - =~ C? C ~ r: cYC~- ~ly~ 17G, C ~ Q~ ~ `~"1
~. ~L+en publicai;cr of classified lnfor~+ation is pct a tias:s frr
feGlass!-~yt~~ '~~ t1t~ORA(9fY?~ol ~R ~ffft,.5 !'~~e~11A:?.oi; tDh~iVW.E,~
dl eaS~?~c._~?~'~ovt o~ ?~'t~Fo~Ms#ao~. Co~tRrt(4'~?rvn5 0~ aln~.ie~~ ~~ 'fe1tP..a-.~
~ l ~dys ~fl e~ /1l:~0~~16tt1 ~ o+~ eROabc, its ~~,Cf"; b1~? Goxse~4er~-~
eEr'-1.ft ~1'48{,i al't?l C~e,/R.iQ?~.. ~+~ P.dC~3/LSL ti~ ~~ ~~ k L fkt.IT~ GOVF~2i~j
~ a5~c~ye~ ivt~'oR~c a~ Ys ~RoKsbitei( J
~tf$?~li~.~ guloellne ~a= to do wit!' what ~a^ tie ,saty a~?.ut ~,u.~.l.c
S'La,t:` Mle~S ~, r~ e L s c a ~, e ~ a'e~ ~,1'~S WMl l C.1'1 COrI'~.i[t l,l ~ O eN~Ltl C-~? "~'kt8~ q1C..
pl~o t~-~'~8S ~R551'~1 P~ = , e r , ` s ~_ T, F ne c ~ mf- s :ate As. _ e t~: _ 3{-~~ s ,- : - -
~ha, t,~ ~1ot'a ba:.l? f;- ~classl~, ing the -Aior~atlp?l cEyeB_t~ r.or+doe_
It ?seclude contlnve~. C..:assiflGatien ~f tna; inicrr+at:on.
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 a ~ ~ .~
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~OL-!;_ t_~CtURE
~1DMA~ GL_ASSiFICATIL'N
s meets all myor US e3-
pectations and is acceptable to ACE as being consistent with their practices
and within their manning level and structure. Its essential feature is the re-
quirement that only formally designated and trained ATONAL Drafters, using
approved classification guidance, may prepare documents containing ATONAL
information and recommend the correct classification to their authorized
originators.
The training materials constitute an appropriate "learning package" to in-
crease ATONAL classification awareness throughout ACE and to maintain an
adequate level of classification education.
The viability of the AACP will depend upon ACE command support and the ef-
fectiveness of the ACE ACO's oversight program. In the interests of getting
the new AACP off to a strong start, it is fortunate that the assigned officer is
Wing Commander McGinty. His education, background, and inherent talents
make him exceptionally suited to this function. The pending visit to DOE
Headquarters and LLNL should further enhance his effectiveness.
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FUTURE ACTIONS
D dRey Aeadq~artaa Ol6eiah
This is scheduled for January Z0, 1988.
Education of the Gbrrent ACE ACO
As recommended in a monthly progress report and in separate correspondence,
this is considered essential. Besides putting the function in proper perspective,
Wing Commander McGinty's trip to the US should enhance his role by develop-
ing an understanding of Restricted Data and Formerly Restricted Data as well
as the implementation of classification policy by a large, multi-level organiza-
tion. This is tentatively scheduled for Apri14 to 15, 1988.
Annaal ATONAL Surveys
Future surveys should be conducted with an understanding and appreciation
of the classification environment within ACE. The main item on the classifica-
tion agenda should be, "how satisfactorily is ACE performing ATONAL clas-
sification."
Submitted by:
William A. Whitesell
US ATONAL Classification Advisor
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E;NC(.OSUItI~: i Y~xticipetin~ oEf i.c f uls
l
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FACT
AJI4'~~ ~Egu+41~'~ ~-ce..
y~Rt~. ~~~~.
~a~c~n~co C~aRi+1p
sHa~ N~cc. oP~RM'i o~
L.~Go[ HeR~nale.
~~ 3.~, e.i~~~,.
ACE DIRECTIVE
NUMBER 70-6
NUCLEAR CLASSIFICATION
This directive supersedes Allied Command Europe (ACE) Directive 70-6,
1? January 1984. ACE Directive 00-1, "Index to ACE Directives and Manuals"
vill be posted to indicate the current date of this directive.
1. APPLICABILITY. This directive applies to all agencies that prepare,
originate, classify or declassify nuclear information.
~. SUFFLEMEtiTATION. Subordinate headquarters are authorised to
supplement this directive. SHAPE Will be provided xith a copy of such
supplement.
3? INTERIM CHANGES. Interim changes are authorised when approved by
SECCOS.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Paragraph
Page
SECTION I - GENERAL
Purpose
{-~
~
Authority
Definitions
~-2
~
Responsjbiiities
sE;,TICN II - ~:;acTICEs
~-~
2
Classification Guidelines
2_S
Z
Classification Procedures
2_2
3
NATO Classification Guide
SECTION III - EDUCkTION
2_3
3
Purpose
~-1
~
Application
3-2
4
Training
3-3
~
Indoctrination
SECTION IV - CLASSIFICATION OVERSIGHT
3-4
4
Classification Programme Oversight
q_~
4
Oversight Plan
SECTION Y - PROBLEM RESOLUTION
4-2
4
Problems, Questions or Suggestions
5,.~
~
i
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tD. 70-6
WC'LS~x CLLSSIFICIlIOIi
1-1 PURPOSE. This directive establishes the structure and principles to
be applied thraughout Allied Command Europe (ACE) to ensure correct
classification of nuclear xeapons related information. The principal
objective of classification is to identify information correctly so that
appropriate security measures can be taken to safeguard it from espionage,
compromise, or unauthorised disclosure.
1-2 AUTHORITY. This directive is based on the 196 Agreement Betxeen the
Parties of the North Atlantic Treaty for Cooperation Regarding Atomic
information (CM(64)39), document CM(68)~+1(Aevised) and North Atlantic
Council document CM{57315(Final}. The NATO Classification Guide for
Nuclear Weapons is contained in CM(5$}41.
+-3 DEFINITIONS. The following definitions and those contained within
CM(68)~1 apply to this directive:
a. ATONAL Drafter. An ACE officer xho is authorised to prepare
ATONAL documents.
b. ACE ATONAL Classification Officer {ACE ACO}. The person
designated to manage the ACE ATONAL Classification Programme for
SACEUR.
c. Classification Category. The type of elassified information.
Within ACE, the txo categories are ATOMAI. and NATO information.
d. Declassification. A determination based upon US/T,1% guidance that
~oc~,.ime^.t is no longer classified. The process of removing
classification markings from a document is also caied
declassification.
e. Document. Any recorded information regardless of physical form
or characteristics, e.g. i+ritten matter, electromechanical
recordings, photographic prints or computer memory.
f. Doxngrading. Reducing the level of classification of documents.
ATONAL documents may not be doxngraded to any level belox NATO
Confidential.
g. Information. Facts, data or knoxledge itself, rather than the
medium coveying it. Documents convey information; they are not
information per se,
h. Upgrading. Raising the level of classification of documents.
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~D T0.6
b. ATONAL information 'ust not be ao subdivided that all its
components are unclassified.
c. Both NATO and ATONAL information may contain items that are
classified at one level in a particular context but require a
higher level in another context. There is no universal rule for
how much accumulated information or association merits higher
classification than its individual components.
d. Classification will be based on an evaluation using all
applicable guidance. Individual parts, phrases, or pieces may
justifiably be assigned a particular classification level under
one topic of this guide but the eombinatior. of items may reveal a
higher level of classified information. If so, the higher
classification will be assigned.
e. .similarly, wher, an item of information appears to be covered
equally Well by txo or more topics at different classification
levels, the highest level xill be chosen.
f. Any postulated assessment of enemy weapons, r~ould not be ATONAL
if based solely on intelligence data. However, if based on
analysis of, or comparison with US or UK Weapon designs, then
such information is ATONAL.
g. The fact that a document makes reference to a classified
documents is not a basis for classifying that document unless the
reference citation, standing alone or in context, reveals
classified information.
h. Dpen publiation o` classified information .s not a Oasis for
declassi`ying that information ncr dots it preclude continued
classification of that information. confirmations or denials may
reveal classified information or erode its protection.
Consequently, confirmation, denial or expansion upon public
statements covering classified information is prohibited.
i. The topics in CMC58)~1 apply to both the US and UR information
unless otherwise indicated.
2-2 CLASSIFICATION PROCEDURES. Classification procedures contained in AD
70-1 apply for ATONAL documents. Each person Who signs, or otherwise
approves, an ATONAL document Will assure that it has been prepared by
a designated ATONAL Drafter.
2-3 NATO CLASSIFICATION GUIDE.
a. The classification guide contained in CN(b8)A1 is prepared by US
with UK concurrence and is periodically revised and updated, as
necessary. The Nuclear Planning Manual is issued annually with
the most recent version of the NATO Guide. Only the most recent
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' ?D 70-6
revision of Ai(68)41 will be used as a basis for classification
determinations.
b. It is essential that current classificatioa guidance be available
to all ATONAL Drafters.
SECTION III - EDUCATION
3-1 PURPOSE. The purpose of the classification education programme is to
establish and maintain the level of awareness and lmowledge needed to
ensure effective ATONAL classification.
3-2
APPLICATION. ATONAL classification education ~-ili b
e given te:
a.
b.
All designated ATONAL Drafters, and
Students in nuclear-related courses at the iitiTO School.
3-3
TRAINING.
a. All officers designated as ATONAL Drafters will be trained in
ATONAL classification prior to making any ATONAL classification
or declassification determinations. This training will cover the
essentials of ATONAL classification including theory, principles,
policy, authorities, procedures and practices.
b. Each nuclear-related course given at the ~IATC School will include
coverage of those aspects of ATONAL classification policy and
practices relevant to the content of that course.
-~1 I!~IDCCTRZNATION. All personnel authorised access to ATONAL
informa ~i~?n Wi=1 be indoctrinated is `undaneata ATOMS:., classification
pcicti and procedures as part of the security indoetri~ation process.
SECTION ZV - CLASSIFICATION OVERSIGHT
u_1 CLASSIFICATION PROGRAMME OVERSIGHT. The ACE ACL will exercise
sufficient oversight of the ACE ATOM.A.L Classification rrogramme to:
a. Determine the effectiveness of the ATONAL classification
programme.
b. Determine whether classification practices and performance
conform with this directive.
c. Evaluate the effectiveness of classification guidance provided by
SHAPE.
U-2 OVERSIGHT PLAN. The ACE ACO will develop a plan to establish
oversight requirements and practices throughout ACE down to Principal
Subordinate Command {PSC) level. The plan will establish a method for
evaluation within each command of:
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AD 7a6
a. The effectiveness of ATONAL classification practices.
b. The availability of current guidance to ATONAL Drafters.
c. i~lhether ATONAL Drafters have been designated and trained in all
organizations r+here needed.
d. The quality of ATONAL classification education.
SECTION Y - PROBLEM RESOLUTION
5-1 PROBLEMS, QUESTIONS OR SUGGESTIONS. Problems concerning ATONAL
classification should be referred promptly up the military command
structure to a level possessing appropriate authority and expertise to
resolve them. If there is uncertainty whether specific information is
ATON,Ai., it 47i1i be handled as ATONAL until a final determination is made.
Questions or suggestions concerning the NAT_0 Classification Guide for
Nuclear i~eapons Will be forwarded to the ACE ACO.
FGR THE SUPREME ALLIED COMMANDER EUROPE:
H.G. BROHN
Brigadier, UK A
Secretary to the Chief of Staff
DISTRIBUTiCN:
AMEN::"i#NTS/COMMENTS
Users of this directive are invited to send comments, amendments and
suggested improvements to SHAPE, INTEL Division, Attn: CZ and
Security Branch.
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E:NG1.C)SUR~ 3 - Nandbvuk Covr. r
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