FUNCTIONS OF ICAPS

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP67-00059A000200110073-7
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: November 16, 2016
• Document Release Date: April 18, 2000
• Sequence Number: 73
• Publication Date: September 28, 1948
• Content Type: MEMO

Office Memorandum UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
TO CHIEF, ICAPS
FROM
25X1A9a
MENEW. .1
SUBJECT: Functions of ICAPS
DATE: 28 September 1948
1. In order that the efforts of the Agency representatives assigned
to ICAPS may be more fruitful and productive, I believe that it is very
pertinent for us, at this time, to examine into the current responsibilities
of the Interdepartmental Coordinating and Planning Staff.
2. Under the National Security Act of 1947s the Director of Central
Intelligence is charged with the responsibility "of coordinating the
intelligence activities of the several government departments and agencies
in the interest of national security." Under such broad authority, several
specific duties are enumerated, the second of which reads as follows:
"(2) to make recommendations to the National Security
Council for the coordination of such intelligence activities
of the departments and agencies of the Government as relate
to the national security;"
3. Even though it has been mentioned that ICAPS was originally
established as a planning unit to set up CIG, I feel that the functions
of interdepartmental coordination and planning go far beyond-this initial
field. "Planning and coordination" is a continuing type of activity which
may become progressively more important when an organization is established
and operating. t * : (t-tc `T ~, , YIC,~ vU
1. I have frequently stated that I do not 'believe that ICAPS can
carry on its coordinating function in a vacuum. The individuals of ICAPS
must constantly get around within their own agencies and within the various
organizational levels of CIA to find out what the problems are. Under its
present weak enumeration of functions, the operating problems and difficulties
will not voluntarily "walk in the door" for ICAPS attention.
5. The question does present itself as to what ICAPS members can do
when problems are presented to them since the functions of inspection to
substantiate all aspects of a situation and of follow-up to determine
whether directives are "lived up to" are not within the scope of ICAPS
activities today. This discussion, I believe, :Leads us, logically, to
two basic questions which must be considered:
(1) Do problems exist today in the intelligence field of
interdepartmental coordination and planning?
(2) If such problems do exist, what is the manner in which
the Director of Central Intelligence should attempt to
staff his organization to examine the problems, to formulate
recommendations for solution, and to see to it that the
proposed solutions are complied with?
Approved For Release 2000/05/04: CIA-RDP67-00059AO00200110073-7
 Approved For Release:2Q00/05/04: CIA-RDP67-00059A0002004A0073-7
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Approved For Release 2000/05/04: CIA-RDP67-00059AO00200110073-7