AQUATONE

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP61S00750A000500150052-2
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: December 19, 2016
• Document Release Date: December 13, 2005
• Sequence Number: 52
• Publication Date: February 15, 1956
• Content Type: MF

TOP SECRET
Approved For Re ase 2006/01/03 : CIA-RDP61SO075OAQ00500150052-2
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT CHIEF OF STAFF, _ INTELLIGENCE
WASHINGTON 25. D.C.
25X1A9A
ACSI-CD
*ARMY Declass/Release Instructions On File*
MEMORANDUM FOR: I
Office of Special Assistant to the
Director of Central Intelligence
Room 315, Administration Building
Central Intelligence Agency
2430 "Et' Street, N. W.
Washington 25, D. C.
SUBJECT: AQUATONE
15 February 1956
1. In a conference held on 1 February it was requested that I furnish
an informal memorandum which would reflect Army reaction to the various
proposals offered.
2. One of the primary considerations concerning this subject matter
is the security safeguards to be employed. I consider that the products
from the operation, in the main, should be classified Top Secret, and that
access to photographs should be limited to a strict "need-to know4' basis.
The utilization of a code word is necessary. However, the suggestion that
the photographs be handled on a Comint basis is believed to be improper,
since to do so violates the accepted definition of Comint. Moreover, the
Comint classification negates adequate utilization of the product in the
future support of military forces.
3. It is expected that the photographs will provide the Army with
operational intelligence, current intelligence, basic intelligence data,
and information which can be utilized in the preparation of maps and charts.
For that reason an examination of the means whereby a joint integrated
effort may be created is necessary, with each agency involved providing its
fair share of trained personnel at every stage wherein photographs are
examined. Separate duplicate sets of photographs and negatives distributed
direct to each of the Services and CIA not only would result in a massive
and unwieldy flow of information, but would cause unnecessary duplication
of effort and generate security breaches. On the other hand, a strictly
"retail" operation could result in too restricted a flow of material.
As against these two approaches, I believe that a joint integrated effort
at every stage is essential. This type of operation would ensure that the
interests of each agency are satisfied, while at the same time the flow of
information would be held to steady, manageable proportions. Initial screen-
ing of the photographs would identify the particular photograph as being of
Reproduction of this document In whole or In
THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS INFORMATION AFFECTING THE part is nrny;;,s ^? -^apt with permission of
NATIONAL DEFENSE OF THE UNITED STATES WITHIN THEI
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 SECRET
Approved For Rase 2006/ 3 : CIA RDP61 SO075OAQQ0500150052-2
ACSI-CD
SUBJECT: AQ;UATONE
interest to one or more of the agencies concerned. It would also provide
the means whereby information of immediate operational interest could be
developed. To be sure, there would be some overlap of interest, but this
fact holds true in any event. I am convinced that a joint integrated
effort provides the only secure and effective means whereby the agencies
concerned can achieve the desired results.
4. In order to provide complete Army support to this project it is
mandatory that our planning be accomplished as soon as possible so that
the implementing actions can be initiated. The time in which these actions
must be completed is short. I therefore request that I be permitted to
utilize the services of Lieutenant Colonel Bruce Merritt, 0-46220, and
Lieutenant Colonel James C. Bagley, 0-1285173. Both of these officers are
assigned to the Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff, Intelligence.
Each of these officers has a Top Secret and Comint clearance. I shall
restrict my briefing of these officers to the context of AQUATONE. I would
appreciate approval of this as soon as possible.
CHAS. G. DUNN
Colonel, GS
Chief, Collection Division
Reproduction of this document In whole or In
part is prohibited except with permission of
the issuing office.
Approved For Release 2006/1W3 P61500750A000560150052-2