LETTER TO MR. RICHARD HELMS FROM CHESTER L. COOPER

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP79R00971A000400050042-2
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 1
• Document Creation Date: December 16, 2016
• Document Release Date: July 7, 2005
• Sequence Number: 42
• Publication Date: November 5, 1971
• Content Type: LETTER

Approved For Release 2005/07/13 : CIA-RDP79R00971A000400050042-2
INSTITUTE FOR
DEFENSE ANALYSES
INTERNATIONAL AND SOCIAL STUDIES DIVISION
400 Arlny-Navy Drive, Arlington, Virginia 22202 ? Telephone [phone]
November 5, 1971
Mr. Richard Helms
Central Intelligence Agency
McLean, Virginia 22101
Dear Dick:
Late in September Ham Armstrong asked me to write an article
on "the Government's use of its intelligence apparatus in assessing its
strategy in Indochina, especially, but also as a rule." The piece is
designed for the winter issue and the deadline was very tight. With
some persuasion I was able to squeeze out an extra few days, but
November 8th was it.
I am enclosing a copy of the manuscript that I am sending up to
New York. As you may recall, de Gaulle asked Dean Acheson during
the Cuban Missile Crisis if he were being "informed" or being "consulted."
You may properly ask the same question. I am afraid, however, that I
have to give Acheson's answer -- simply because of the exigencies of
time. If you find anything that is very wrong or obscene, I can catch it
on the proofs. In any case, I feel honor bound to let you see it.
Perhaps the most awkward part of the piece from your point of
view is the material in the last two or three pages. I have always felt
strongly, as I think you know, that the Board has a capability to make a
greater contribution to policy-making than it has actually demonstrated.
The piece is meant to be friendly and constructive, and I hope
you find it so.
Sincerely,
STAT
Chester L. Cooper
Director
Approved For Release 2005/07/13 : CIA-RDP79R00971A000400050042-2