MACHINE-LANGUAGE PRODUCING TYPEWRITER FOR OVERSEAS INSTALLATIONS

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP80B01139A000200110030-7
• Release Decision: RIFPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 6
• Document Creation Date: January 4, 2017
• Document Release Date: July 13, 2005
• Sequence Number: 30
• Publication Date: June 9, 1961
• Content Type: MF

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A
F
T UNITED STATES INTELLIGENCE BOARD
COMMITTEE ON DOCUMENTATION
CODIB-D-85/1
Limited Distribution
9 June 1961
MEMORANDUM FOR: Chairman, United States Intelligence Board
SUBJECT: Machine-Language Producing Typewriter for Overseas
Installations
REFERENCES: (a) USIB-D-39.5, 1 Mar 61; subject: CODIB Progress Report
(b) USIB-M-144, 7 Mar 61, item 9
(c) IBSEC-PR/2, 5 May 61 to USIB; subject: Report of
the Security Committee in Implementing Recommendation
No. 42 of the Joint Study Group Report re "Foreign
Intelligence Activities of the United States Government"
dated 15 December 1960
1. Your Committee on Documentation (CODIB) reported in reference (b) the
steps it was taking to coordinate Service and departmental plans for using
flexowriter-type equipment (i. e., typewriters producing a machine-language
by-product) in overseas posts. The USIB-endorsed these steps (reference (a) )
and conveyed its sense of urgency for resolution of the flexowriter security
problem viz. , line and air radiation) to the Communications Security Board in
a memorandum from the Executive Secretary, USIB to the Executive Secretary,
USCSB dated 13 March 1961. The security problem was also considered by the
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USIB Security Committee as reflected in reference (c), which states that the
problem now rests with the USCSB's Committee on Compromising Emanations.
2. CODIB has proceeded as far as it can in developing compatible second-
generation equipment requirements (the first generation being the Flexowriter
machines now in use or on order). A statement of Intelligence Community
requirements has been formulated by a CODIB working group and is enclosed as
Attachment A; CODIB comments on the report are enclosed in an excerpt from the
latest CODIB minutes as Attachment B. The basic issue to be resolved is the
Identification of the authority in the U. S. Government best able to act in the
interest of the Intelligence Community as a whole in contracting for the development
of a secure remote systems input device (typewriter) which meets agreed
Community requirements as stipulated in Attachment A.
3. CODIB feels that the USIB is the proper authority and, with the NSA
member abstaining, that the National Security Agency is the Community member
best qualified to serve as the contract agency on USIB's behalf, to negotiate with
industry for development of a secure device which also meets the systems
requirements specified. CODIB recognizes that such common concern activity
in the information processing field may be considered to be outside NSA's
charter, but suggests USIB designation of NSA for this role in view of that
agency's special competence.
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4. Some clarification might be helpful in view of certain (mainly
semantic) problems that arose when CODIB considered Attachment A. These
are concerned with:
a. The provision of a 5-channel paper tape medium to be used in
communications equipment.
b. The stipulation that, upon development of the second-generation
device, it alone will be used at diplomatic or other jointly used installa-
tions abroad.
c. Exclusive concentration on the development of a future device
when there is an immediate need as well.
5. There Is a Tri-Service Executive Agency agreement that the 8-channel
Field Data code be used in Army, Navy, and Air Force equipment. Service
interest in fl exowriter -type equipment abroad is principally in preparation of
a machine language input to information processing systems which incorporate
scientific and technical information as well as military, and which, therefore,
require maximum information carrying capability. The Field Data code provides
this. In addition to the computer input need, the community also much increase
the speed of its field reporting. This means that for a time in the future -- we
do not know how long -- a 5-channel paper tape must be available. These
requirements are technically compatible if appropriate code conversion is
provided at both ends of the communications channel. The Statement of
Requirements is worded to do this.
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As to future communication equipment possibly not being 5-channel, two
points are pertinent and money will be the determinant: a) big installations will
get new communications equipment when developed and of whatever type, first.
For some time, diplomatic and other jointly used installations (the facilities
of principal concern to the CODIB group), particularly the smaller posts, will
continue to rely on 5-channel commercially available equipment. b) Manufactueres,
to be realistic in designing a device to tie in with a communications sytem,
must be given a specific idea of what that system will be, hence the 5-channel
provision for planning purposes, rather than reliance on the generalized reference
to "the then standard communications system". In brief, the coding structure
." must "carry the full range of information" and be transmittible through the
telecommunication system.
6. The commitment sought in para. 5.f. of Attachment A that no other
equipment will be used pertains again to diplomatic or other jointly used facilities
abroad. This was developed to minimize cost, particularly the number of
persons at overseas posts by a) avoiding multiple maintenance; b) simplifying
security arrangements and inspecitions; c) facilitating mutual use of equipment
when one's own equipment was inoperable. The Army CODIB member's substitute
language to allow for continued use of presently held first-generation equipment
until phased out was satisfactory to CODIB and is the only specific language
change CODIB would make in passing the report to USIB.
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7. This CODIB effort was deliberately aimed at second-generation
equipment because current Flexowriter use was well underway or in the advanced
planning stages. It was determined a) that a community statement of requirements
was desirable to determine compatibility needs in heretofore independent
information systems development; b) that the communications problem contained
elements of common interest; c) that the security problem was common to all
In identifying the extent of the security problem for second-generation equipment,
its immediate implications for the current Flexowriter became more widely
appreciated. A solution to the current problem is being actively pursued by
the USCSB's Committee on Compromising Emanations -but this should be
considered separate from the need for Community development of the 1965 device.
Recommendations
8. It is, therefore, recommended that
(a) the USIB approve the CODIB-developed statement of "USIB
Equipment Requirements for Remote Systems Input Device";
(b) in view of the urgency and interest to the intelligence community
as a whole, the USIB accept the central authority role in promoting
development of the required device;
(c) the USIB designate NSA as the contract agency to negotiate with
industry for development work for a secure device which meets the
Community requirements, and direct NSA to keep CODIB and USIB
advised on progress at frequent intervals;
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(d) appropriate research and development funds be made available for
the work involved;
(e) the USIB direct that work commence as soon as general security
specifications can be developed in adequate depth;
. (f) this device, when developed in as close accord as possible with
the statement of community requirements, be the only input typewriter
used by intelligence community members for typing classified information
at diplomatic or jointly used installations abroad and that no other new
input typewirter will be procured. Other equipment then in operation
which adequately meets security standards may be used until phased out.
(g) the USIB acknowledge and reiterate its concern with USCSB
efforts to resolve the security problems of the presently held Flexowriters.
PAUL A. BOREL
Chairman
Attachment A: Report by Working Group on Remote Systems Input
Attachment B: Excerpt from CODIB-M-32, 5 June 1961
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