CURRENT STATUS OF THE INTERDEPARTMENTAL COMMITTEE ON INTERNAL SECURITY AND ITS FUTURE ROLE

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP80M00165A001900130006-5
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 22
• Document Creation Date: December 20, 2016
• Document Release Date: August 6, 2007
• Sequence Number: 6
• Publication Date: January 24, 1977
• Content Type: MF

IN I tKUkt7, ~ YMEN [AL COMMITTEE ON INTERNAL': _.CURITY 0) 1 -. 3,
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WASHiNGTUN, D.G. 20530 j-u..b-yam/1670
January 24, 1977
MEMORANDUM FOR: HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS
AND AGENCIES
SUBJECT: Current Status of the Interde-
partmental Committee on Interrral
Security and,its Future Role
The Interdepartmental Committee on Internal Secu-
rity (ICIS) was established by directive of the National
Security Council on March 22, 1949 (NSC 17/4). It was
instituted to absorb and consolidate the- functions of
existing internal security committees, and to effect
the coordination of all phases of the internal security
field except those of an investigative nature, which
were assigned to the Interdepartmental Intelligence
Conference (IIC) . The ICIS functioned under the Coun-
cil's direction until the issuance of National Security
Action Memorandum (NSAM) 151, dated June 9, 1962, which
transferred the ICIS and the IIC to the supervision of
the.Attorney General and assigned to him primary.res-
ponsibility for ensuring the development of plans, pro-
.grams and action proposals to protect the internal security
of the United States. On March 5, 1964, a revised Charter
was issued by the Attorney General to reflect the provi-
sions of NSAN 161.
Although the ICIS continues to oversee and coordinate
a significant number of important internal security pro-
grams, it obviously is not being utilized to its full po-
tential nor entirely for the purposes for which it was
established. Ile believe it necessary, therefore, to com-
N pletely reassess the role of the Committee and its rela
tionship to the national internal security.
DOJ Review
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1975, and subject as above,
In this connection, the ICIS determined in 1975
that a review of its charter and responsibilities would
be conducted, which would include the identification
and divestiture of, those areas where the Committee had
been pre-empted, and the institution of new initiative:
in areas where there appeared to be voids. To aid in-
the review, the ICIS Secretariat was directed to compile
a listing of the problems the Committee had considered
in the past, and distribute it to the concerned departments
and agencies through the members of the ICIS and its sev-
eral subordinate groups. The listing was distributed by
memorandum from the Executive Secretary, dated December 16,
Inasmuch as the memorandum directed to working level
CONTINUED PROBLE~?'l.S, which have been dropped from further
consideration as a result of past Subcommittee reviews;
.and (3) PROBLEMS DROPPED OR REFERRED AFTER INITIAL CON-
SIDERATION, listed primarily for background information.
Also attached is a copy of the ICIS Charter, and two
problem areas in which the Committee might reassert its.
responsibilities. It is requested that each department
and agency review the attachments with'a view toward sub-
mitting suggestions or comments concerning the following:
officials evoked negligible response, we are re-instituting
the review at the agency-head level. Accordingly, there
is attached hereto a listing of 77 generic problems (and
their sub-problems, where appropriate), numbered as they
appear in the ICIS filing system. For purposes of clarity,.
.the listing has been divided.into three categories. (1)
ACTIVE PROBLEMS, which the Subcommittees review periodi-
cally, and otherwise consider on an ad hoc basis; (2) DIS-
(1) Any new problems which should be
considered by the Committee; .
(2) Any problems of which the Committee
should divest itself (Should include
a statement as to whether any other
groups are }known to be working in
the area);
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(3) Any problems in which the Committee
should expand its activities, or be-
come re-involved (All departments
and agencies are specifically re-
quested to comment on the suggested
review of emergency internal security
plans and preparations appearing as
Item I in the attached "Proposed New'
or Expanded Problem Areas");
(4) Any recommendation for amendments to
the ICIS Charter; and
(5) Any other related observations con-
cerning the. Committee's` structure,
procedure, current status or future
role.
We believe this review to be an important part of
the overall assessment of the current status of the ICIS
and its future relationship to the nations internal secu-
rity. Therefore, we would appreciate a response from each
department and agency, and request that it be furnished
no later than March 4, 1977. Any questions-concerning
E his matter should be directed to myself (telephone 739-
.2333), or Mr. William B. Wark, ICIS Executive Secretary
(telephone [phone]). "
Robert" L. Keuciz
Acting Chairman
Interdepartmental Committee
on Internal Security
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ACTIVE
IC IS PROBL IS
To-prevent the entry through the visa
medium and at the frontiers- of ".persons
who are actually or potentially danger-
ous to the security of the United States
C. Security Measures Applicable
to Nationals of Communist--
controlled Countries Entering
the U.S. as Nonimmigrant Aliens
E. Security Screening Probedures
for Escapees and Refugees Seek-
Incorporates ICIS generic Prob. 60)
H.. Security Safeguards Applicable
to Visits to U.S. Ports by
Public Vessels of Communist-
ing Admission to the U.S. from
Communist Areas (NSC 5607/2)
controlled Countries
Entry Into the U.S. of Crewmen
from Communist-controlled Coun-
tries Aboard Any Merchant or
Private Vessel
J. Fraudulent Use or Forgery
of U.S. Travel Documents
2. To control the exit of 2ersons whose exit
is or may be detrimental to the security
of the United States
A. To. Decrease Security Risks
in the Issuance of Passports
and Other Documentation
(Previously ICIS generic Prob.
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_~ x Ina cleans to Control Tra..4l
Abroad of U. S. Citizens Who Might
Divulge Vital Information Through
Cultural Exchange.- (Students,
Educators, and Others)
(Previously ICIS generic Prob. 34)
3. To prevent the illegal entry of persons in
order to exclude those who are actual or
potential dangers to the United States
A. Illegal Entries into the U S.
Birth Registration
4. To effect the deportation or detention of
undesirable aliens whose countries of
origin refuse to receive them
A. To Control Where Possible Un-
desirable Aliens Whose Countries
of Origin Refuse to Receive Them
.(Previously ICYS generic Prob.. 62)
7. To neutralize so far as possible esianage
and subversive activities of the personnel
of foreign diplomatic, consular or other mis-
sions, including international organizations
A. Persona Non Grata Procedures
Travel Restrictions on Soviet
Employees of the U .N.
To Restrict Contacts by Soviet
Bloc Officials With Emiares
from Sov.1ec Bloc Countries
9. To increase the number and comvrehen
siveness of searches of persons, baggage,-
parcel post, and freight entering or
leaving the United States
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in to -I-qn forces on U.S. soil
20. To control visits to industrial
facilities where internal security
may be adversely affected
in Classified Government Projects
A. Disposition of MAP Trainees
18. To protect in a practical uncomo i--
cated manner all classified,-information
related particularly to data of a mili-
tary nature available to industrial
organizations throughout the country
C. Employment of Immigrant Aliens,
A. Industrial Inspection
by Foreign Nationals
21. To effectuate a program delegating
specific responsibility for the secu-
rity and physical protection of vital
industrial, transportation and utility
installations and facilities
A. Physical Security of
Defense Key Facilities
Protection Against Sabotace,
Espionage, and Subversion o^
In ustri._ l F.= acilities
to War Mobili7aticn 4 r the
Essential Civilian Fconc v;'
Physical Security of Govern-
mental and Industrial Facilities
Important -to the -National Defense
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Security Definitions and
the Delimitation Agreement
buildings, records and personnel
.25. To study the problems attendant upon
protection from unconventional attack
22. To effectuate a .system for the physical
security and protection of government
_i. Defense Against the Assassina-
tion or .Kidnapping of Certain
Government Officials
Denial or Revocation of
Airmen Certificates
of Civil Aircraft in Unconven-
tional Attack
Defense Against the Employment
(Incorporates. IICIS generic
Probs. 29 and 70)
(Incorporates ICIS generic Prob. 28)
C. Special Defensive Measures
to be Instituted by the
Bureau of Customs in the'
Event of an Ems: _rgenc
Plant Diseases in the U. S.
ST^T ~".'t c~
b=-eak.s oc F% Oman. Axz r al_~_y, i1r.
Warfare in the U.S.
Defense Against Biological
Vulnerability of Vital Tarcets
Soviet Research Applicable
to Development of C''; in-
caoacito ting Aueii:.
to Covert CBR Attack
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NOV
P-I-A, Reappraisal of U. S. Defenses
Against Clandestine Intro-
duction of Nuclear Weapons
Internal Nuclear Threat
P--IT-C. Customs Survey Program
P--II--G. Internal Security Safeguards
Ap-olicable to the Entry into
the U.S. of Special Diplomatic
Flights of Aircraft ofCommunist-
controlled Countries
Internal Security Saleq.ards
Applicable to the 'Entr`y into the
U.S. of Aircraft of Communist-
controlled Countries Engaged in
Scheduled and Non-scheduled Air
Services to the U.S.
Emergency Landings of Air-
craft of Communist-controlled
Countries in U.S. Territory
P-V-A. Clandestine Intr. oduc tion of
Nuclear Weapons Across
Seacoasts (PAD')
38. To Protect the security of United
States patents
39. To determine a_,d control the material.
and information American contractors
are sending to foreign interests
42. Protection of transportation facilities
A. Vulnerability of Key Trans-
portation Systems and
Facilities to Sabotage
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 Radio Stations
Radio Operators
Security Program
Naw
operatioof private amateur and
commercial radio facilities
A. Telecommunications Security.
Radio Security Diplomatic
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48.. To prepare for immediate application,
for use when deemed necessar a
planned port security program for
the protection of-wharves docks
and piers, and stratecic cargo -
stored thereon
51. To control the procurement, possession
and use of firearms and ex2losives by
ersons who are actually or potentiaily
dangerous to the United States
63. To consider the question of the dis-
semination-of strategic information
in the course of insurance practices
A. Sa ~=equarding Vital Information
T"rourh Insuranc4 Practices
64. To consider the gue,tion of the
dissa:ination of Unclassified Pon-
statistical government information
B. Availability of U.S. Scientific and
Technical Data to the Soviet Union,
China and Other Communist Countries
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68. To determine the status and dispo-
sition to be made, in the event of
a sar-related emergency, of the crew
members and officers of alien enemy
vessels in American ports
A. To Determine the Status and
Disposition to be Made in the
Event of a War-related Emergency
of Vessels and Aircraft and Persons
Thereon Seized During an Emergency
69. Security processing and screen- I
inq mechanism for persons evacuated
from danger areas
-- r
73. To consider the adequacy of the
controls over the export of
strategic materials
75. NATO Status of Forces Agreement
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DISCONTINUED PROBLEMS
5. To establish a centralized
8. To prepare policies and procedures
for the handling of diplomatic and.
other official-personnel attached to
foreign embassies, consulates, special
missions and international. organiza-..
tions in the event of a break in rela--
-3y6tem or immigration records'
pertaining to all aliens
txons or a state or war between the
U.S. and any other foreign country
establish more effective controls
and surveillance over vessels and
aircraft-of foreign registry (particu-..
larly Soviet and satellites) and alien crews
14. To strengthen legislation of the
Espionaqe Act of 1917 with respect
to internal security
17. To protect in- a prac'tical: uncomplicated
manner all classified government data
Dropped upon issuance of E.O. 11652
'1972, w1--ich c. z ' ?+
the Int.eragenc; C? a.;}_4 icat- r;.
Rev:iew Committee (!CRC)
19. To establish uniform specifications and
procedures for all departments of the
National Military Establishment (NMIE)
for industrial personnel clearance and.
.contract categorizations; also to provide
an agency for maintaining central records
of factories cleared for work on classified
contracts by the Departments of Army,
Navy and Air Force
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24. To prepare for immediate application
in the event of war a civilian
censorship plan
27. To coordinate the preparation of
emergency legislation and legisla-
tive acts and executive orders...'-
pre-sently prepared and on file in other
departments concerned with internal
Security
33. To establish effective controls
over United States technical per-
sonnel working in foreign -countries
to Prevent undesirable disclosure of
technological knowledge
41. To prevent infiltration of un-
desirable financial interests in
United States industry
55. To protect classified government
data during the course of litigation,
investigations and public hearings
? 56. To consider the problem of restrict--
ing the dissemination by non--government
agencies of unclassified technological
information on a voluntary basi s
57. To determine the necessity for
uniform security Clearance o-o--
_ in ' Cn.
tive branch o L? to .I'. . l.. ~..~....
.-~ i_ a ff Z.rt=
61. To provide a more effective basis
for internal security planninr,
(Net Evaluations)
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?67. Government Employee Security
Program - E.O. 10450
71. To consider the matter of requiring
security checks in connection with
government classified contracts,,,
government contracts whose end re-
suit would be highly classified, and
government contracts which require
access to other classified information
72. The importation of Communist literature
74. Congressional publication of
information of advantage to
foreign governments
76. Personnel security of U .S. citizens
employed or t o ' - b e U . S .
or other public international
organizations
77. Security policy and planning
regarding treatment to be ac-
corded aliens in the event of
a national emergency
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rxcuts t , Givl~ .U-VU-V '-UD UR REFERRED
AFTER INITIAL CONSIDERATION
11. ?To apprehend and detain in'the event-
of an emergency United States citizens
of non-military status who constitute a
threat to the nation's internal securit,
Assumed by the Interdepartmental
Intelligence Conference (IIC). Repealed by P . L. 92-128 - - 9/25/71. -
12. To control subversive individuals in
the military forces of the,United States
Assumed by the IIC.
I.S. To obtain the clearance and presentation
to Congress by the Executive Branch o--,":.
the Bill "Relating to the Internal Secu-
rity of the United States" proposed lay
the Interdepartmental Intelligence Con-
ference and sponsored by the Department
of Justice
16. To oreoare an Alien Enemy Control Pro-
am which will provide for the reais-
tration, arrest, detention, of alien
enemies determined to constitute z da n-
cre r f -;D the nation's i n '111.. sec _, :j
Assumed by the !IC.
.23. To prepare for instant implementation
adeauate censorship measures for the NTH,
Assumed by the IIC.
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low
26. To improve foreign political, economic
and military intelligence
Assumed by the Intelligence
Advisory Committee.
30. To determine a generally accepta
and specific definition of the
scope of civilian defense
31.. To coordinate civilian defense
plans and activities with other
internal security measures
32. To consider the need for and means of
effecting registration of all United
States citizens for security ur'oses
and for possible allocation according
to skills and the needs of industry
Referred to National Security
Resources Board (NSRB).
35. To protect public morale and educate
the public concerning internal
security matters
36. ' To urerare plans for dispersion
of government agencies
Referred to NSA%B.
Assumed by the IIC.
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40. To encourage the construction,
dispersion ahd camouflage of in--
dustry in such a manner as to con-
tribute to internal security
Referred to NSRB.
43. To determine the relation of;`measures
of economic warfare defense'?:;to
internal security
44. To determine the relationof
financial security measures to
internal security
45.
6
To determine the relation of
agricultural security measures
to internal security
46, To coordinate the internal security
program with the-plans for the mili-
tary defense of the United States
49. To form alate a Procedure for the
establ i sh;,.ent of control of foreign
funds and securities held withi n the
United States and its territories
and possessions
Rte____e? to ?:SR3,
sei z nr. and control of ene:n~
alien property
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52. What limitations are there on action
ICIS can take with respect to proposed
or pending legislation involving
internal security matters
53. To-establish general categories of
internal security problems and-to
assign each category to the appro-.
priate ICIS member as a primw ary
responsibility for initiating action
in respect thereto
54. To procure enactment of the Internal
Security bill introduced -into the
Eighty-first Congress with special
reference to H.R. 3563, a bill1'author-
izing acquisition and interception of
communications in the interest of
national security.
58. To prevent the filing of spurious
radio or wire messages alledgedly
originated by any agency or de-
partment of the government
59. To roect t.^.a national sec _" i i y in
matters invol ,Tina the publication
and use o= statistical information
65. To evaluate and determine, from the
s tandocin t o nos s irbl e injury to the
nationa ieconomy, thereia'tive im-
o=
i d Sa `_V, " rom d m ae :7y any worm
of enerrv attack
Referred to Industry Evaluation
Board.
To consider restrictions on ex---
portation of publications. (non-
t'chnical) to China and other areas
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' U.S. DEPARTMENT OFJUSTICc BU1LD1N13r
WASHINGTON, D.G. 20530 -
March 5, 1964
Pursuant to the provisions of National-Security Action
Memorandum 161, dated June 9, 1962 from the President, the
Attorney General hereby authorizes and.-directs that the In-
terdepartmental Committee on Internal'.Security (ICIS) effect
the coordination of all phases of the' internal security field
except as pertains to the following functions which are as-
signed to the Interdepartmental Intelligence Conference (IIC);.
the coordination of the investigation of all domestic espion-
age; counterespionage, sabotage, and subversion, and other
related intelligence matters affecting internal security. The
ICIS shall be guided by the terms. of this Charter.
A. ORGANIZATION
(1) The ICIS shall be composed of representatives from
the Departments of State, Treasury, Defense and justice.
(2) The Chairman shall be designated by the President
fro: the riia rriba_s h of the Commit-tee a.-.ter consultation with
`tn
v and Y _
~1 ..=cte ~h ...~ i and lie si i.a_Ll be
:~ 0r
taming the necesse ' % records. An arde- ~.a Le secNe ta__a' t
s ~.afr
composed of representatives of all me:^ber departments shall
be provided_*
(3) The !CIS, through its Chairman, shall inv? to nonmem-
ber agency representatives as ad hoc members of the !CIS when,
matters involving the responsibilities of such none:ers are
Pursuant to 0MB Circular A-63, issued
March 2 1904, L_ secretar-L 4at s%_ I is provided.
entirely by the Department of Justice as the
cha:14ring agency.. .,
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under consideration.
-B. POWERS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
(1) ' The ICIS, in its field, or;?in collaboration with the
IIC, shall take the necessary action: tb insure the establish-
ment and maintenance of the highest practicable state of in-
ternal security, including the making of necessary plans and
preparations for adequate internal security in the event of
a war-related emergency.
(2) The ICIS shall make appropriate studies and take
necessary action to insure that complete coverage is main-
tained by all appropriate departments, and agencies in those
matters under its jurisdiction. .
(3) The ICIS shall take the *necessary' action to insure
that there is no duplication of effort by governmental de-
partments and agencies in those matters under its jurisdiction.
(4) The ICIS shall take the necessary steps to procure
resolution of any conflicts of jurisdiction that may arise in
the field of internal security for which the ICIS is respon-
sible, and it shall determine by what agency or department
necessary action will be handled.
(5) The ICI..S shall _ study and make recommendations with
reference to legislation, executive orders, and regulations
needed to achieve the objectives of the ICIS.
orb"- _"ion_ of i nfortati n' as, 'all as
i SST :1i? ctr?''G t^-~. sc
agcnc? es and dap art rents of the government.
(7) The ICIS shall incorporate under it, or absorb the
functions of, existing interdepartmental committees Which may
be operating in its field of responsibility_
(8) The ICIS shall establish guidance in all Matters
under its jurisdiction and shall perform such other functions
in its field as may be necessary or as may be assigned to it
by the Attorney -127enearal.
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C. PROCEDURE
(1) The ICIS shall establish such ad-hoc and working
committees as may, be necessary for the purpose of discharging
its responsibilities.
(2) The ICIS shall initiate and coordinate necessary
studies, projects, and surveys relating to its responsibili-
ties. It shall request, receive,'and correlate suggestions
or actual studies, projects, and 'surveys from nonmember agen-
cies in the fiel.d of responsibility assigned to the. ICIS;
(3) The ICIS shall maintain coordination with the IIC
. through the Chairman of the ICIS. Whenever appropriate, the
ICIS will hold joint meetings or establish joint subcommit-
tees with the TIC.
(4) The ICIS shall submit to the Attorney General those
problems which require consideration or action by the Attorney
General and those problems which cannot be resolved and worked
out through cooperative consideration and action.
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PROPOSED NEW OR EXPANDED
Review of Emergency Internal
Security PlansMaintained
Throughout Government
Although various aspects of internal security
contingency planning have been examined in re-
cent years through periodic reviews by the ICIS .
Subcommittees, there has not"been an overall,
comprehensive review of plans and preparations
maintained throughout Government. This, there-
fore, may be an area in which the Committee
should reassert its responsibilities and ex-
pand its activities.
I.I. Recommendations With Reference
to New Legislation, Executive
Orders, and Regulations Needed
to Achieve the Objectives of
the ICIS
This may be an area in which the Committee
Shot l d institute new initiatives ou Hsu _:_-_ to
Sc3