USE OF AQUATONE FOR MAPPING FROM CARRIER BASE

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP61S00750A000200080133-3
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: December 9, 2016
• Document Release Date: February 23, 2001
• Sequence Number: 133
• Publication Date: June 20, 1957
• Content Type: MF

Approved For Release 2001/08/27 CIA-RDP61 SO075OA000200080133-3
TCS-1614-57
Copy z of 5
*ARMY Declass/Release Instructions On File*
20 June 1957
ORANDUM FOR: Project Director
25X5
Use of AQUATONE for Mapping from Carrier Base
1. This morning I discussed with Mr. Lundahl and Colonel Elmore
Lawton, Colonel Byrd Sergent and Mr. Harold Sewell of the Army the
question of priority needs for mapping photography in areas out of range
of Bases A. B. and C. Colonel Lawton is the most knowledgeable party
in the Army in terms of Army needs and is already privy to Air Force and
Navy requirements which the Army has responsibility for listing. .Accord-
ingly, his views, I believe, can be considered authoritative in terms of
military needs.
2. The Defense Department is about to issue a priority listing of
areas throughout the world on which mapping is required. Within that
listing and also within the purview of this examination is Afghanistan with
a priority of #2 (out of a possible 5).
3. Efforts to photograph Afghanistan currently are under way in
the form of a possible contract between Afghanistan and the Fairchild
mapping firm at a cost of $1, 500, 000 of which the Army has considered
putting up a half million, the Afghanistan Government a half million with
the possibility that the Air Force might put up a half million. Reported
Russian infiltration in Afghanistan is an intelligence need though this does
not necessarily support an argument for mapping. Afghanistan could be
reached from the Indian Ocean presumably.
4. The next most important mapping requirement was thought to
be north Viet Nam, again within the framework of this investigation though
I have the impression that this ranks well below Afghanistan.
Approved For Release 2001/08/27 : CIA-RDP61SO075OA000200080133-3
 Approved For Release 2001/08/27 CIA-RDP61S00750A000200080133-3
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5. There are other mapping needs but of much lower priority.
Venezuela in Latin America is in Priority #1 because of its strategic
and economic importance. but a joint US-Venezuela mapping program
using a private firm is currently under way. Eastern Panama has not
been photographed but this only for lack of proper weather. Most of
Central .reerica has been covered by contract work. Thailand has been
finished. Indonesia and India are of low priority. South and Central
Africa are of low priority. Currently the Burmese Government is
attempting to get bids from private firms from both this country and
other countries to do aerial photography for mapping purposes.
6. Other considerations which you did not invite me to look into
particularly but which come to mind in considering the carrier-based idea
are as follows:
a. Whereas practically any photography from .F fghanistan
would be warmly received in the present absence of information.
it is to be expected that a careful mapping performance wu ld
require the introduction of now pilot techniques, possibly new
equipment, in order that the utilization of the material might be
efficient. Lundahl would be able to advise on the details of this
factor.
b. The A-I configuration would probably be the one to use
to jibe with currently used exploitation equipment and procedures.
c. The development of carrier-based capability at this
o might be important as a means of experimentation and then
readiness for use in the event of war.
JAM ES Q. REBER
Intelligence Requirements Officer
JQR:cw
ject Director
2-Deputy Project Director
3-Chief /HTA
4-file
5- TCS chrono
Approved For Release 2001/08/27 : CIA-RDP61S00750A000200080133-3