MACHINE-LANGUAGE PRODUCING TYPEWRITER FOR OVERSEAS INSTALLATIONS

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP80B01139A000200110014-5
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 7
• Document Creation Date: January 4, 2017
• Document Release Date: July 13, 2005
• Sequence Number: 14
• Publication Date: August 9, 1961
• Content Type: MF

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SECRET
USIB-D-39. 5/9
9 August 1961
MEMORANDUM FOR THE UNITED STATES INTELLIGENCE BOARD
SUBJECT: Machine -Language Producing Typewriter for Overseas
Installations
1. On 25 July the United States Intelligence Board considered the
CODIB memorandum and proposals regarding a machine-language producing
typewriter suitable for overseas installations (USIB-D-39. 5/8, 7 July) and
took the following action.
"Following discussion with Mr. Borel and the
Board noted the CODIB memorandum on problems relevant to
the development of a machine-language producing typewriter
suitable for use in overseas installations (attachment to USIB-D-
:39. 5/8) and approved the CODIB-developed statement of 'USIB
Equipment Requirements for Remote Systems Input Device'
(attachment 1 to above, CODIB memorandum). It was agreed
also that these requirements should be forwarded to the Department
of Defense for appropriate further action, including on research
and development and security aspects of the problem.
(USIB-M-165, item 11)
2. Pursuant to this Board action the attached letter subsequently
was forwarded to the Secretary of Defense, together with the statement
of USIB equipment requirements and general security specifications .for
developing such equipment. In this connection, we might note thatthe
example of keyboard layout referred to in paragraph 3. b. of the statement
of equipment requirements was previously circulated as an attachment to
USIB-D-39. 5/8.
Executive Secretary
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C USIB-D-39.5/9
0 9 August 1961
P
Y
CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
Washington 25, D. C.
OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR
The Honorable Robert S. McNamara
The Secretary of Defense
Washington 25, D. C.
The United States Intelligence Board has for some time been concerned
about the security problems attending the use of flexowriter-type equipment
for intelligence purposes. We have on several occasions re-emphasized the
need for resolving this problem to the Communications Security Board.
As you know, this type equipment produces message tapes as part of
the typing process. These tapes can in turn be fed into communications
equipment and also serve as machine language input into intelligence data
processing systems.
Provided the security problem can be overcome, flexowriter-type
machines will be used increasingly at medium-sized and small foreign
posts, by the State and Defense Departments as well as CIA. We should
therefore seek to avoid multiple maintenance problems at these posts, to
simplify physical security arrangements and inspections, and to facilitate
mutual use of equipment in case of breakdowns.
To that end the Intelligence Board has formulated and approved the
attached statement of USIB Equipment Requirements for Remote Systems
Input Device.
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USIB-D-39. 5/9
9 August 1961
A close relationship exists between the research and development
required to obtain the needed equipment and the solution of the communica-
tions security problem in its use.
Since the Department of Defense is executive agent for communications
security matters, the Intelligence Board concluded that our requirements
should be sent to you. It is the Board's hope that you can promote the
development of this device so that the Intelligence Community can at the
earliest possible date standardize on a piece of .equipment which is not
only more versatile than presently available commercial models but also
free of unacceptable security hazards. Moreover, I understand that there
are many applications for this equipment outside the intelligence area.
General Erskine and. Mr. Dailey of your office are well aware of the
Board objectives and the problems involved. My own staff is of course
available to work with your representatives should additional information
be required.
Sincerely,
S1 Allen W. Dulles
Director
29 July 1961
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Novo,
Attachment
USIB-D-39. 5/f
9 August 1961
USIB Equipment Requirements for Remote Systems Input Device
1. This is a statement of USIB requirements for an input device to be used
in typing classified information at diplomatic establishments and other jointly
used installations abroad. The statement has been formulated by the USIB/
CODIB Working Group on Remote Systems Input. The requirements listed
include those common to all participating agencies, as well as those of
major significance to one or more agencies. They will be the basis for de-
veloping agreed engineering specifications for a common use machine which
will be operable by 1965.
2. Objectives:
a. To produce reports in a machine processable language and
medium as a byproduct of the original typing by the reporting activity.
b. To transmit this information to the processing centers concerned
for further dissemination, the mode of communication depending on the
urgency of the information contained in the report.
c. To put the reports into EDP systems with a minimum of human
intervention.
d. To use the same equipment to prepare information for transmission
to the reporting activities.
3. Requirements for Input /Output Typewriter:
a. The typewriter should be able to produce a machine processable
language on. a medium such as paper or magnetic tape as a byproduct of typing,
and should be able to automatically type when reading this byproduct at a speed
of 120 words per minute or faster.
b. Standard four-bank keyboard with upper and lower case letters,
digits, and those typing and programing functions, and special characters,
which are determined during the preparation of engineering specifications
to be needed by each agency. See example of keyboard layout attached,
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USIB-D-39. 5/9
9 August 1961
c. Provision for programing; that is, the capability for automatically
controlling the functioning of the typewriter, including the automatic typing
of repetitive and control data, to insure formating of records to be processed
into an EDP system. The typewriter should be designed to require the
minimum exercise of operator judgment.
d. Equipment easy for average typist to use, including provision for
a simple and easy method for correcting the machine language byproduct of
typing.
e. Safeguards against interception of information.
f. Safeguards against accidental or deliberate erasure of reports
in transit, if magnetic storage is involved.
4. Coding Requirements:
A coding structure is required which can carry the full range of infor -
mation typed through both the telecommunications and the data processing
systems while retaining the capability for reconstituting the original language,
including the distinction between upper and lower case, at the output terminal.
This must be accomplished without exceeding the internal limitation of 64 code
combinations imposed by the computer systems now planned by member
agencies. This includes provision for the direct acceptance of the machine
byproduct into then-standard communications equipment. For planning
purposes it is assumed that both 8- and 5- channel communications equip-
ment will be in use at diplomatic and other jointly used installations abroad
in 1965. Coding requirements for communications which must pass through
5- channel equipment include:
a. A 5- channel code which does not lengthen teletype message
significantly.
b. A 5- channel code which is sufficiently compatible with the Baudot
code to make possible the monitoring of messages during handling by
communications personnel.
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USIB-D-39. 5/9
9 August 1961
5.. Other Considerations:
Features which should be weighed in evaluating the merits of competing
devices include:
a. Office Use - equipment should be quiet, compact and durable.
b. Maintenance - telecommunications wire technicians, or their
equivalent in technical skill, should be able to maintain the equipment
with a few weeks' special training.
Appendix 1: General Security Specifications for Equipment Development
Appendix 2: Illustrative Keyboard Layout - 4 Bank, 44 Keys
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