PROPOSED PERIPHERAL ELINT MISSIONS

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP61S00750A000600110086-8
• Release Decision: RIFPUB
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 1
• Document Creation Date: November 17, 2016
• Document Release Date: March 13, 2000
• Sequence Number: 86
• Publication Date: September 9, 1958
• Content Type: MF

TOP SECRET TCS-3780-58
Approved For Release tO,00/08/26,. CIA-RDP61 S00750 0600tf 68e-81
*USAF Declass/Release Instructions On File* py
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PROJECT DIRECTOR
SUBJECT: Proposed Peripheral FLINT Missions
1. Your understanding of my position relative to Chalice peripheral
ELINT activities is substantially correct. In this regard, I concur with
the Leningrad sortie proposed in your memorandum dependent upon its being
conducted over international waters or friendly territory. I make this
point because the sorties forwarded to us on 8 July were, in some in-
stances, planned over Soviet territory. As you are aware, reaction to
overflight, inadvertant or otherwise, can cause serious reprecussion. I
cite as an example the RB-47 incident of 26 July which resulted in the
establishment of an arbitrary border over the Caspian Sea.
2. The question of territorial claims has prompted the USAF to
examine all areas that might evoke a situation similar to the Caspian Sea
incident. In this respect, the State Department is making a survey to
determine whether there are other areas around the Soviet periphery, one
of which is the Gulf of Finland, where territorial prerogative is in
question. Until this question is resolved, it would appear no flight
should be made into the Gulf of Finland (Leningrad) without overflight
approval.
3. Though I agree to the Gulf of Finland sortie subject to the con-
ditions above, I do not view the Barent Sea mission with similar urgency.
Whereas Leningrad represents one of the highest priority ELINT objectives
known to us and has rarely been reconnoitered, the Barent Sea area is
frequently covered by Air Force operations. As a result, I am of the
opinion the necessity for this sortie should be reevaluated.
FREDERICK J. SUTTERLIN
Brig. General, USAF
Deputy Director
Directorate of Operations, DCS/O
O-Ops by SA/PD/DCI'
2-SA/PD/DCI
-Series A, I of 1, PS/DCI
Approved For Release 2000/08/26: CIA-RDP6150075~i 0 UU8'8`LENT
CONTROL SYSTEM ONLY