IMPACT OF THE SOVIET FOOD PROGRAM ON DEFENSE ACTIVITIES

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP85M00364R001001580035-2
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 4
• Document Creation Date: December 20, 2016
• Document Release Date: November 26, 2007
• Sequence Number: 35
• Publication Date: October 11, 1983
• Content Type: MEMO

Approved For Release 2007/11/26: CIA-RDP85M00364RO01001580035-2
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Central Intelligence Agency
1.1 OCT 1983
MEMORANDUM FOR: Lt. Gen. James A. Williams, USA
Director.
Defense Intelligence Agency
SUBJECT: Impact of the Soviet Food Program on Defense
Activities
REFERENCE: Your memo, same subject, dated 26 Sept 83
1. Your thoughtful and detailed response to a Directorate
of Intelligence Memorandum, The Impact of the Soviet Food Program
on Defense Activities, is very much appreciated. That memorandum STAT
was written by a consultant to our Office of Soviet Analysis,
We have
encouraged
re controver- STAT
sial issues in Soviet affairs and to provide analysis that is
thought provoking and useful but not to attempt to arrive at a
coordinated position. Accordingly, as we stated in the
memorandum, the viewpoint is the author's and does not represent
the CIA view. Indeed. many in CIA do not fully agree with
2. linteresting analysis, however, seems to
have provoked the very reaction we had hoped for in the DIA
response. We think the DIA view should be more widely dissemi-
nated here and thus propose to circulate your response to
appropriate offices in CIA. With your approval, we also would
like to publish both memorandum and the DIA
reaction in the "Viewpoint" section of our USSR Monthly Review at
the earliest opportunity. That section is specifically reserved
for controversial topics on which debate is desirable.
STAT
STAT
STAT
STAT
3. The impact of the USSR's economic plans, problems, and
policies on its military posture is of obvious vital importance
to policymakers. Within the Intelligence Community we need more STAT
discussion, research, and analysis of this issue. CIA does
intend to pursue this topic vigorously in FY84. Continued
dialogue between CIA and DIA on this issue will be of great STAT
benefit to the collective effort. If your people would like to
discuss this matter further, they can contact of the
Office of Soviet Analysis on In any case, STAT
will be in touch with your staff to pursue publishing the
memorandum and DIA's response. STAT
STAT
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 Approved For Release 2007/11/26: CIA-RDP85M00364RO01001580035-2
SUBJECT: Impact of the Soviet Food Program on Defense
Activities
4. Let me just add that the dialogue between CIA and DIA on
a range of important issues seems to have broadened in the past
year or so, a development we welcome. Best of all, it has taken
place in a friendly and cooperative atmosphere of mutual
interest, benefit and candor. This is competitive analysis at
its best and Bill, Bob Gates, and I appreciate your part in
bringing this about.
McMahon
IS I Jtohn W.
John N. McMahon
Deputy Director of Central Intelligence
STAT
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