CABLE FROM USAIRA PARIS FRANCE TO 1127TH USAF FAG FT BELVOIR VA, RE: FRANCIS GARY POWERS LANDING BY PARACHUTE IN THE SOVIET UNION

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP80B01676R002200020019-8
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 35
• Document Creation Date: December 16, 2016
• Document Release Date: September 27, 2004
• Sequence Number: 19
• Publication Date: February 23, 1962
• Content Type: CABLE

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AF IN
ACTIOI; :
OGC Has Reviewed
DEPARTMIENT OF THE AIR FORCE
STAFF MESSAGE DIVISION
INCO'4ING MESSAGE
49515 (23 F b 62)
CIN-=7 (18)
USAF review(s) completed.
DE -GWA 403
P 231525Z
FM USAIRA PARIS FRANCE
TO RJEAGO/1127TH USAF FAG FT
RJEAGO/COFS USAF WASHDC
AF GR NC
BT
G/1dbpg1o:3
ADDED DIST: ARMY-2., NLVY-2, CiA-11, NSA-7,
(Per Mr. Jaco'sen, CI';, 23 Feb(62~
BELVOIR VP//PKOTECTED//
S E C R E T NOFORN FR USAIRA PARIS
C 39.
OF 1495 239, IT IS PASSED BY WIRE IN VIEW
POWERS INTERROGATION PRESENTLY UNDERWAY,.
IS WIRE TRANS
ITS SIGNIFICANCE IN
SU1"4I'i:':RY: THIS REPORT FORWARDS A SECOND HAD DESCRIPTION
CARY P:WER LANDING BY PARACHUTE IN THE SOVIET UNION,.
i? SCU;KCE VOLUNTEERED THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION AS
TRIP HE MADE TO THE SOVIET UNION IN JULY 1960:
OF FRANCIS
A rcES,LT
SOURCE ATE LUNCH BETWEEN 18-24 JULY 1960 IN A SOVIET
CnUCASIAN BASEMENT RESTAURANT IN MOSCOW. (THE EXACT DATE 0P THE
LOCnT 10,:
AND NAME OF THE RESTAURANT COULD NOT BE RECALLED By SOURCE;?
HE AND TWO OTHER FRENCHMEN SAT AT A TABLE FOR FOUR LEAVING ONE SEAT
VACANT,. THE RESTAURANT WAS CROWDED AND A RUSSIAN ASKED IF HE COULD
SIT AT THE VACANT PLACE. THE NEWCOMER (AS JUDGED BY SOURCE) WAS AN
AVIS IDEOLOGICAL COMMUNIST. AND SAID THAT HE WAS-AN AGRICULTURAL
TRACTOR SPECIALIST. HE SAID.HE HAD SEEN POWERS LAND. THE TRACTOR
SAID THAT HE WAS IN THE FIELDS OF A COLLECTIVE OR
(Reproduaton of this Me wg, is FARM WITH
whole or in part i
e prohibited without approval q f TILE OFFICE OF PRIMARY INTEREST.)
MA?YRSS O.309b
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OF A
ARMENIAN
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DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE
STAFF MESSAGE DIVISION
AF IN : 49515 (23 Feb 62) INCOMING MESSAGE PB 2 of 3
THE FARM WORKERS ONE DAY WHEN, WITHOUT WARNING, THEY LOOKED UP AND
SAW A MAN DESCENDING IN A PARACHUTE. (SOURCE DEDUCED THAT SINCE
THERE WAS NO WARNING THE SOVIETS HAD NOT HEARD ANTI-AIRCRAFT FIRE
RESULT FROM SPIN. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF BULLET HOLES OR
FRAGMENTATION DAMAGE. SOURCE DEDUCED THIS FACT FROM THE PATTERN OF
HE LANDED AND HE WAS STILL.GROGGY). THE TRACTOR SPECIALIST THEN
SAID THAT POWERS WAS DRIVEN AWAY IN A CAR.
3. SOURCE ALSO SAW THE POWERS AIRPLANE ON EXHIBIT0 THE WINGS WERE
DETACHED FROM THE FUSELAGE IN SUCH A MANNER'THAT IT APPEARED TO
HAVE CONTACTED TIfE GROUND IN A HORIZONTAL ATTITUDE SUCH AS WOULD
VERY KIND AND HUMANE PEOPLE AS EVIDENCED BY THEIR TREATMENT OF A
CAPITALIST ESPIONAGE AGENT. (SOURCE REMARKED THAT HE THOUGHT POWERS
HAD NO CHANCE TO ESCAPE SINCE THE RUSSIANS GOT TO POWERS AS SOON AS
THE TRACTOR SPECIALIST POINTED OUT THAT THE COMMUNISTS WERE REALLY
OR EXPLOSIONS WHICH WOULD HAVE ALERTED THE SOVIETS TO LOOK SKYARD).
THE MAN LANDED NEAR THEM SO THAT THE TRACTOR SPECIALIST AND THE OTHER
WORKERS RAN TO HELP HIM. WHEN THEY REACHED HIM HE WAS GROGGY; THE
TRACTOR SPECIALIST THOUGHT IT WAS BECAUSE OF ALTITUDE EFFECTS. HE
ASKED FOR WATER WHICH THE RUSSIANS FINALLY GAVE HIM BUT BECAUSE
POWERS DID NOT SPEAK RUSSIAN THEY HAD CONSIDERABLE DIFFICULTY IN
UNDERSTANDING HIM. UP TO THIS TIME THE RUSSIANS HAD ASSUMED THAT
POWERS WAS A RUSSIAN OR EASTERN COUNTRY CREW MEMBER.AAT THIS POINT
(Raproduation of Chic meaoago in wholf or in part is prohibited without approval of THE OFFICE OF PRIMARY INTEREST.)
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DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE
STAFF MESSAGE DIVISION
INCOMING 114ESSAGE
AF IN: 49515 (23 Feb 62) PS 3. of 3
THE RUPTURE IN THE METAL PIECES HE SAW. THE HORIZONTAL TAIL WAS
MISSING COMPLETELY.
9. COMMENTS OF THE REPORTING OFFICERGC SOURCE VOLUNTEERED THIS ?INFO
SINCE THE DISCUSSION OF THE POWERS FLIGHT IS UNDERWAY AT PRESENT
IN THE US. SOURCE POINTED OUT THAT AT THE TIME HE WAS IN MOSCOW HE
WAS A REPRESENTATIVE OF A FRENCH FIRM EXHIBITING IN MOSCOW AND THAT
HE DID NOT FEEL DISPOSED TO QUESTION THE TRACTOR SPECIALIST. ALL OF
THE INFORMATION WAS VMOLUNTEERED BY THE TRACTOR SPECIALIST AND WAS
NOT A RESULT OF QUESTIONING BY SOURCE. SOURCE ASSUMED THAT THE
TRACTOR SPECIALIST WAS IN MOSCOW TO TESTIFY AT THE POWERS PRE-TRIAL
INVESTIGATION. SOURCE SPEAKS FLUENT RUSSIAN AND IS AN AERONAUTICAL
ENGINEER. X IN THIS CAPACITY HE HAS HAD CONSIDERABLE EXPEKIENCIr IN
.EXAMINING CRASHED AIRCRAFT.- SCP-3
T5C-RADED dl 122 T' R 'Ir F. 7'K
? AtliQ IICALLY Dr-CL $GIPI M.
DIR. 5200.10
(Reproduction of this ,na.op. is whole or in part is prohibited without approval of THE OFFICE OF PRIMARY INTEREST.)
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1. Why was the U-2 flight sent on 1 May?
This was the first day after the flight had been approved that the
weather was satisfactory.
2. What was so important about the targets of the May 1 mission?
Would prefer not to answer this. To acquire positive intelligence information.
3. On the basis of information now available can it be concluded that the
Soviets have the capability of shooting down aircraft at an altitude of
68, 800 feet - 70, 000 feet?
Yes. They advoc3tp capability.
4. Why are the pilots for this project paid $2, 500 per month ?
Considering the perilous mission it is not thought to be excessive.
5. Why did CIA instruct the U-2 pilots to tell everything?
He was not instructed to tell everything; he was instructed to admit
to his CIA affiliation and to his mission if information already
available to the Soviets seemed to indicate that they were aware of
it. This was to preclude4pV misunderstanding that the flight was
a hostile military action.
6. Did Powers withold any information?
Yes. Mr. Powers withheld significant information. We are not
able-to release information he withheld as it is classified.
7. Why did CIA make available the poison needle?
The poison needle was offered as optional equipment to Mr. Powers.
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torture d which he could not bear.
8. Why didn't Powers kill himself?
He was never instructed to destroy himself in event of capture.
9. What criteria were used in selecting pilots for these aseiignments ?
Criteria was: over 500 hours of being a jet pilot, loyalty, integrity,
psychological and emotional stability, physical stamina, age 25 to 30,
arr intensive screening on all of these matters was performed prior
to contracting Mr. Powers.
10. Was Powers trained in intelligence methods?
No. Mr. Powers received no intelligence training. He was employed
because of his as a pilot.
11. Why did the Government want Powers returned to the U. S. ?
We want all citizens returned to the United States who are held
captive in foreign countries. His responses to interrogation was
necessaryto confirm U. S. intelligence estimates of Soviet
defense capabilities.
12. Didn't the Government give up a mechanic for an artist? No.
Mr. Powers has been able to supply current information; Mr. Abel
h" supplied none.
13. Was the Government aware that the 1 May flight would disrupt the
Summit Conference?
We are not convinced that the May 1 flight was agenuine reason for
disruption of the conference.
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14. What value did the Government get out of these flights?
Unique information was acquired from these flights which could
not be gained by any other means.
15. On what basis were pilots for this project picked?
The cirteria for selections of pilots was covered earlier.
16. Was Powers brainwashed?
Extensive psychological examinations show\that Mr. Powers was
not subjected to brainwashing.
17. How was the military connected with this project?
This project was a project of the Central Intelligence Agency.
The Department of Defense provided logistic support.
18. Did Powers cooperate with the Soviets?
Mr. Powers followed the terms of his briefing and cooperated with
his captors to the extent he deemed necessary.
19. Give an evaluation of Powers' performance during his four years'
association with the Agency?
Mr. Powers was considered one of the most capable pilots. His
prior services were excellent.
20. Could not military pilots be used for this type of project?
Military pilots could not be used as it could be interpreted as an
act of aggression.
21. Why did the Government acknowledge Powers ?
C -Since Mr. Powers had been advised that he might acknowledge
his employment by CIA it seems logical that the Government would i
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 of Government.
23. What did Powers tell the.'Soviets ?
This was a decision made. by the president of the United States
after having obtained the best counsel available.
22. Was this a CIA project? If so, was there any coordination done to
put the project into motion?
This was a CIA project and was coordinated with responsible levels
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Mr. Powers answered many questions honestly which a released
by the Soviets in the book Trial of the U-2. Mr. Powers gave no
out at the trial.
significant information over and above what JuDa= was brought
24. At what altitude was Powers shot down?
For public consumption - 68, 000 feet. From the classified
standpoint, it is 70, 000 feet.
25. Was he shot down by a Soviet rocket?
Conclusive evidence on this is lacking, however, we are led to
.. . A / .- .., -
U. Did we know that the Soviets had the surface to air missile site at
Mr. Powers remained with his plane until approximate) the 15, 000
foot level. During this time he was engaged in attempts to free
Sverdlovsk?
Yes. The U. S. believed that there were Soviet Missile sites.{
27. Why didn't Powers go down with his plane?
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28. It was reported that radar tracked the U-2 at a much lower altitude
for considerable distance and in a different direction. How does this
fit in with your conclusions?
We are unable to confirm the radar track reported at the time of
the incident. All available information was considered and the
evidence overwhelming established that Mr. Powers' aircraft was
disabled at 70, 000 feet and there was an immediate descent.
29. Did Powers defect?
An exhaustive examination reveals that Mr. Powers did not defect.
30. What proof do we have that Powers did not defect?
Circumbtances by which Mr. Powers fell into Russian hands are
not suggestive of defection. Analysis of his behavior also denies
the possibility of defection. T
di/s, a41, trb V7 / V14- e
31. What other proof do you have other than Powers' own statements that
he acted as a loyal American?
The nature of the information which Powers withheld would
certainly have been exploited by the Soviets. Our intelligence
indicates no such exploitation. h Gam'
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32. How can you be sure that Powers has told you the truth?
I refer you to the previous question. Mr. Powers has been
interrogated by experts and took the lie detector test with
favorable results.
33. Was Powers tortured?
No.
Was Powers mistreated?
No.
Was he threatened with death or physical harm?
He was threatened with death as a result of a possible penalty
for the crime charged by the Soviets. Physical Harm? No.
34. Is there any possibility that Powers' plane was sabotaged?
No, this matter has been thoroughly investigated.
35. What is your analysis of the orange glow that Powers described?
This matter is still under study.
36. Why have you detained Powers in custody for so long?
He came with U. S. authorities willingly and he has been most
cooperative. The nature of the matter required an intensive
debriefing.
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37. What help did the U. S. give the Powers family after he was shot down?
Powers' wife, under the Missing Persons Act, received an
allotment from his pay. The U. S. Government has ascertained
the well-being of the family at all times.
38. Did Powers have access to counsel before his trial?
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He did not have access to American counsel, however, he had a
cout-appointed Soviet attorney.
A
. Did the Agency make any move to get Powers back prior to his release?
40. What connection did the Agency have with Donovan's efforts?
The Agency was in communication with Mr. Donovan at all times
and rendered necessary guidance, official sanction, and support
to his efforts.
41. Did CIA support Donovan in his efforts?
(see above)
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The Agency has been working for 18 months to secure the release
of Powers.
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No settlement has been made with Mr. Powers at this time.
43. Did CIA pay an allowance to Mrs. Powers? How much?
Yes, Mrs. Powers received a monthly allowance of $500. 00.
44. What is the relationship between Powers' Air Force service and his
being under contract with CIA ?
Mr. Powers resigned his Air Force Reserve Commission to
accept employment with this Agency with the understanding that
if his service was satisfactory, it would not preclude his
reinlistment in the United States Air Force.
45. Was he under contract to Lockheed?
46. What kind of plane is the U-2?
The U-2 is a high-altitude reconnaissance plane, built on the
principle of a glider with a jet engine.
47. Have you examined pictures or the actual wreckage of the U-2?
All available pictures of the wreckage of the U-2 have been exhaustively
examined but we have not had access to the wreckage itself.
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48. What conclusions have you reached on the basis of this examination?
That it was the wreckage of the U-2.
49. Does an examination show that there was a crash of the U-2?
Yes, it does.
50. Is there any evidence from the examination of the wreckage that the
U-2 was hit by a missile or gunfire?
x
It is believed that an explosion to the right and to the rear of the
aircraft disabled it.
51. What are the performance characteristics of the U-2? Altitude?
Speed? Range ?
The U-2 is a high-altitude reconnaissance plane with a speed of
approximately 400 knots, a range of approximately 3, 800 miles,
and an altitude of approximately 70, 000 feet.
52. Isn't it wrong for the U. S. to carry out this type of mission?
It is imperative that the United States gather all information
available on its possible foes.
53. From the legal concept was Powers a spy?
No. Mr. Powers was the pilot of a reconnaissance plane. He
is not' legally a spy uncle
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54. Why are you agreeable to making Powers available to congressional
committees and the press?
I feel that there is a dual obligation both to the American public
and to Mr. Powers himself on this case which has attained such
international significance to fully air the facts of the matter within
the confines of good security.
55. Doesn't this set a bad precedent for other agents of CIA who may be
caught by the enemy?
56. What about Powers' back pay?
n Lee. Li t t3{c a. C, :.
Thrd, having determined that Mr. Powers was consistent
with the terms of his contract, the._term.6..-o..tholc will be
paid.
57. Are you using the U-2 today over Russia or other areas?
No, however, should the international conditions warrant the
use of the U-2 on reconnaissance missions, the matter would be
properly considered by appropriate Government officials.
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58. Do you have any means to substitute for the U-2'?
(See John Warner) (For Foreign Affairs and Foreign Relations
Committee - no, at the present time.)
59. Did Powers ever fly over any other country?
Mr. Powers has flown other reconnaissance flights. Qbv;o jy,
I would rather not--go-into detail on that one.
60. What other flights did Powers make?
Mr. Powers has made peripheral flights along the Soviet border,
he has made an overflight over China (Mongolian Republic), and
he has made an overflight from the Cappian Sea to the Black Sea.
61. Where are U-2 pilots trained?
U-2 pilots had been trained
facilities. There are none being trained at present.
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62. How much experience or how many hours did Powers have in the U-2?
546 hours, 118 sorties, 26 missions.
63. Did he make any other flights over the USSR?
One - the Black Sea and Caspian Sea (sensative).
64. What is the extent of CIA's program using the U-2?
The Agency's use of the U-2 has been extensive, it has proved
one of the most valuable intelligence acquisition systems of all
times.
65. Who are the members of the Board of Inquiry?
E. Barrett Prettyman and two outstanding citizens
Judge E. Barrett Prettyman, Gen. Harold Bull? and John Bross,
a senior Agency official.
66. Did they have available to them all information that is available to
you as Director of Central Intelligence?
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67. Was there any information available to the Board which suggested that
Powers did not tell the truth?
The Board considered all sources of evidence and evaluated it.
After evaluation, the Board concluded that Powers told the truth.
68. Why, if you have kept so much of this information secret from
congressional oommittee s, has it gotten into the press?
No official information was given to the press on this matter by CIA.
69. Did the Air Force participate in the Board of Inquiry proceedings?
The Air Force had an observer and furnished technical experts.
70. Isn't your report a white wash?
The report is a finding of fact.
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Military Affairs - Active participation by an allied nation;
cooperation was extended by several other nations in the form
of landing and base privileges.
71. How much insurance was there on Powers' life and what benefits would
his widow have gotten if he had been killed?
72. Was the salary you paid Powers worth the return that you received?
We believe that the unique product from this operation was worth all
it cost.
73. Where did Powers allegedlyland?
Tvre~aty-five - thirty miles South East of Sverdlovsk.
74. Were other countries involved in these flights ?
Foreign Committee - Several countries extended cooperation
in the form of base rights and landing privileges.
75. What were the security precautions taken at the takeoff point?
The personnel were restricted to the hangar except the commanding
officer. ,
76. Did CIA carefully consider the possibility that Powers defected?
Yes. This subject has been exhaustively examined and there is no
evidence of defection.
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77. What kind of person is Powers? Is he honest? Religious? Patriotic?
"I have read only the transcripts, however, from. the transcripts the
man is telling a true story. There is nothing in the transcripts them-
selves that would give a clear picture of his honesty, integrity, etc. ;
however, there is nothing that would cause us to doubt his honesty,
integrity, etc. "
We know that he is a church goer and are -acquainted with the b= n
that brought him into the church. Seemed perfectly honest, sincere,
willing to cooperate to the fullest possible extent. There is not the
slightest variation in a very complex story+1' C!
78. Did he take this job for pay?
We believe he took the job because he could earn in two years what
he would earn in five to ten years in the Air Force. He also thought
thatltis Air Force career would be benefited by this assignment; he
believed this work would be interesting and a special significance
for his country and finally we believe he was motivated toward
excitement and adventure.
79. Why did Powers express regret that he had participated in this flight?
We believe that Powers was utilizing a trial tactic suggested by his
counsel. (tql,
80. Why didn't he say at his trial that he was not guilty?
He was undoubtedly following the advice of counsel and certainly under
4, r t :st f- 'pr
the circumstances which he was? captured, it was evident.
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81. Did you take into consideration Powers' admissions at his trial which
were then broadcast to the whole world?
These admissions were in keeping with the instructions given Mr. Powers
should he find himself a prisoner and were necessary in order that the
incident not be construed as being of a ,military nature.
82. How much classified information did Powers have?
All members of the detachment were given only that information
necessary for them to perform their tasks.
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83. Did the Agency take any precautions Mr. Powers was incompartmented
to prevent Powers from gaining access organization ak and had only that
to classified information? classified information which was
essential to his performance as a
pilot.
84. If the U-2 flights were so important Decision of the President of
why were they suspended after May ! ? the United States.
85. Was each U-2 flight approved by the
President?
period.
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There were three flights +'^ -a
approved by the President.
plan for a series of flights One was flown on 9 April,
to be flown in a given time the other one on 1 May which
The President approved the
86. Will you give a full explanation of the Intelligence taken cannot be
take from this program?
measured in dollars and
cents. It is of inestimable
value. It is probably the most
outstanding feat of the
entire history of espionage.
was also the time limitation
for all 3 flights, so the 3rd
flight could not be flown.
The information taken from
the pictures resulting from
these flights was correlated
with other intelligence
information and used to
estimate Russian capability.
This was a n}or contribution
for the formulation of the
National Estimate.
The Committee was briefed
previously on the take from
these flights.
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87.. Was Powers instructed or advised that In line with flee idea that the
the President would acknowledge pilots be insulated from most
Government sponsorship of the U-2 of the intelligence aspects of
flights? this program, as much infor-
mation as possible was kept
from them. They were told,
however, to say if captured,
that they were contract
employees of the Central
Intelligence Agency which,
The pilots, of cours, knew of
the Agency sponsorship of this
program and participated
in Agency programs of training
and they knew of the Agency's
support of the entire program.
in fact, they were. Consequently,
they had little or no knowledge
of the Government effort in
this whole field.
88. What were the details of Powers' $2, 500K per month - $ 1, 000 of
which to be retained until
successful completion of his contract.
89. What was Powers' flight course? Peshawar - Sverdlovsk -
Murmansk I
90. Precisely at what point was he downed? 15 to 20 miles east southeast of
Sverdlovsk at 0553 Greenwich
mean time.
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91. How fast was Powers flying:
92. Was the U-2 rigged by CIA to kill the
pilot in case of trouble?
93. Could Powers have done anything at all
to destroy the sound tapes and photo'
pilm?
Foreign Affairs & Public
Approximately 400 knots
Armed Services
Definitely not. Definitely not.
The explosive charge situated
in the aircraft was such that
primary damage would=b-..done
to the camera ba Son
y.,
equipment was located-eTsewhere
and would possibly not be
damaged by the explosive charge.
The most important use of the
destruct system would have been
in the case of after a forced landing
in hostile tertritory. Even so, it
appears that he made every effort
while the plane was in an inverted
spin to activate the destruction switches.
94. Did he, once safely on the ground, have No, Mr. Pp 'ers was searched and
a second opportunity to takehis the lethal removed from his
own life and then waver at the critical possession. (Of course, you realize
moment? that these pilots were trained and
instructed to survive and escape if
possible, and they were never instructed
to destroy themselves.
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94. Did Powers defy an understanding Powers had no obligations to
of his contract with CIA with respect to CIA to take his life.
taking his life?
95. Why did the Soviets let him off so The crime for which he was
easily? convicted could have resulted in
the death penalty. The Soviets
presumably thought that they
had extracted all the information
that Mr. Powers would divulge.
Powers' situation was a unique
one; the world had their eyes on
Mr. Powers. Any mal-treatment of
Powers would have definitely come
out to their detriment.
96. What sort of information did the Soviets The usual type of information:
want from Powers ? Agency installatiorl; personnel;
aircraft performance; equipment
performance; camera performance;
flight characteristics; target data
97. Were there any fighters that attempted to Mr. Powers during his debriefing
intercept Powers on this mission? advised that he saw the contrails
of at least two aircraft shortl after 11 crossing the border. Mr. Powers
stated that at no other time did he see
any contrails. Indications are that they
were far below him.
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98. Did Powers know the risks involved in
this flight?
99. Was Powers functioning above and beyond
the call of duty ?
Did he receive a $10, 000 bonus for each
flight ?
100. Can Powers be tried by the U. S. if it is
found that he gave secrets away?
101. Was Powers fired upon prior to his
downing at Sverdlovsk?
102. What countermeasures to Powers' flight
did the Soviets use prior to the downing ?
Foreign Affairs & Public Armed Services
He accepted a mission he knew
to be hazardous and which he knew
was important to the security of this
country. There were others who
refused to take this on the same terms.
Powers divulged no classified
information because of his inttructions
in event of capture.
Mr. Powers at his debriefing advised
that he did not observe any firings prior
to his downing.
Mr. Powers, during his debriefing
advised that he saw two condensa-
tion trails during his flight which
he assumed to be fighters and did
not see any other activity until
the orange explosion.
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We believe that
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Soviets put fighte'
into the air and banrded
all civil aircraft along
the projected route
and activated anti-
aircraft artillery.
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103. What was the black cloth which Powers As a protective covering of To cover the camera
carried to be usedfor ? certain instruments after ports if he landed iax
landing in friendly territory, at any other base than
xzkx the scheduled base.
104. Could Powers have turned back at any time Mr. Powers was instructed, same
on this flight? in the event of any equipment
failure or trouble, to return Powers' last abort
to his Base if it occurred point was some wyx
prior to the midway point of where 100 miles
his mission. In fact, Powers northwest of
did have a malfunction of his Sverklovsk.
autopilot equipment which
would have justified him in
returning to his Base. However,
Powers elected tokontinue on
his hazardous mission under
manual control in behalf of the
national security of the United
States
'05. Did the Norwgians know that Powers would Landing privilegesk had been
land therehad he accomplished his sought and obtained for a U-2
mission? aircraft. However, the
Norwgians did not know it was
a_x e erf14gb,t....
u.. i
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Foreign Affairs & Public
lp6. Did the Pakistanis know that the U-Z' mission Landing and take-off privileges
was to fly over the USSR: has been sought and obtained
for a U-2 aircraft. However,
the Pakistanis did not know it
was an overflight.
(Clear with State4
107. Why did Powers have a NASA identification A NASA identification card was
a xx card on his person at the time he came necessary equipment in order
into Soviet hands? to fly other type of aircarft.
108. What was the connection with NASA with
these flights?
109. Did any of the Agency U-2 flights obtain
ai any weather information for NASA ?
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MYll. rowers was not aware this
card was in his wallet 3a in the
trousers of his cilrilian suit
which had been placed aboard
the aircraft by a member of the
ground crew.
The U-2 flew some weather
reconnaissance missions for
NASA ~~..rv.~....~_ -.~
(Check with NASA)
In addition to it; primary
purpose, U-2s were used
extensively for weather
reconnaissance and upper
air research. The results of
these type flights has been a
major contribution in
meteorological research.
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NASA was a cover
mechanism for the
flights.
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F :)reign airs & Public Armed Services
llp,. Explain what training is necessary for the
pilot tckx fly a U-2 airplane on this type of
mission.
111. How many U-2 missions wer there over
Soviet Union?
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Mr. Powers had over
500 hours in a single
engine jet xl aircraft,
546 hours in the U-2,
118 sorties, and 26
missions.
Third, he must complete a number
of long-range training missions to
simulate the type of missions that
he would encounter in an operational
enviorment.
Fxath Fourth, it is only after the
pilot has clearly demonstrated his
proficiency on these realist simulated
missions that he is certified competent.
First, x the pilot must be
trained in1Lff.ama! , ';?,.'
This means he must become
proficient in taking off and
landing the aircraft sfifely.
Second, he must be trained
in his enviormentalequipment.
By this I mean his pressure
Bruit and his related oxygen and
survival equipment.
.L I
On this particular point, gentlemen, Several.
unable to ascertain the scope and overall
success of the U-2 program. Any
inadvertant disclosure of this information'
could seriously affect national security.
I, therefore, earnestly request that you
not press for specific details on this
subject.
I would like to request the indulgence
of the Committee. I is extremely
sensitive from the standpoint that the
Soviets, to this day, have been s
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Foreign Affairs & Public OX Armed Services
112. Can a U-2 pilot's difficulty be compared
with that of an astronaut?
113. What are the conditions at 68,000 feet?
Oxygen? Temperature?
114. For the large salary you were paying
Powers and other U-2 pilots why didn't
your instruct them to destroy themselves
and the airplane in the event of impending
capture ?
115. What could the pilot see at 68, 000 feet?
-c U
Yore s , a d- ~t1 4 ? ,
Mom
close confinement. It is a
highly demanding job which
required skills and training,
although perhaps nobd~ to
the same degree as an astronaut.
From the human ssurvival dpoint,
wee, sure
there is approximately one pound
per square inch whereas pressure
at sea level- is approximately 15
poinds per square inch. Therefore,
the pressure at that point is
approximately 1/15th of sea level.
Temperature wokld be approximately
700 below zero Fahrenheit.
ILLEGIB
With good visability conditions, a
pilot could distinguish the larger
identifiable features such as towns,
large rivers, forests, air fields,
and roads. Under these same
c
ILLEGIB
horIzo or a is ance of approximately
35 mileg.
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110. Could the plane go any higher?
Foreign A rrairs & Public
No, the aircraft was at
operational altitude. The
overall aircraft limitation
is 68, 000.
117. What do you mean, that the plane fell The wings separated from the
apart? fuselage; the tail separated;
the engine came
out. Thus, the aircraft descended
7 in a number of different pieces.
We don't mean that it disintegrated
t in the
118. Isn't it morally wrong for the U. S. to Yes.
offer and in effect encourage a man to
take his life ?
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The maximun altitude
is IHoweve
the equipment load on
this one mission was
such that the operations
altitude was 70, 000 feet
120. What was the total cost of the U-2 program? Again, gentlemen, on this particular
point I would like to request R the
indulgence of the Committee. It
is extremely sensitive from the
standpoint im that the Soviet to this
day have been unable to ascertain
the scope and overall success of the
U-2 program. Any inadvertant
disclosure of this information could
seriously affect national security. I
therefore earnestly request that you
`h not press for specific details on this subjec.
A ,
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Foreign Affairs & Public
121. Who was the contractor who built the Lockheed Aircraft Corp.
airplane?
122. Why was James Donovan conducting Because he was the attorn of
negotiations for the Powerx/Abel Abel and had been approached by
exchange? his purported wife tox enter
into these negotiations. It was a
non-diplomatic typeffi negotiation.
123. Did Donovan do a good job? Extremely fine and "able " job.
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Armed Services
124. Waa Pryor connected with intelligence? Pryor had absolutely no connections
whatsoever with the Central
Intelligence Agency. He had offered
his services and they had been refused.
125. Did Powers have legal counsel before Powers needed no legal counsel before
the Board of Inquiry?
the Board of Inquiry. The Board of
Inquiry was not a court of law.
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questions omitted from page 8
I
Please explain the bullet holes in the wings of the
U-2 as shown in the pictures.
I understand from sevdral sources including a
Col. Rand that examination of thexx wreckage in
Moscow would indicate that holes in the turbine
blades indicate damage occurred while the engine
was stopped. Can this be explained now?
Foreign Affairs & Public Armed Services
We could not come forward with
any theories of why they were
there.
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N XF Hltri 42)0509-5i11-MC;0W: This plane vrecka vbich the Ruaxians claim Is of
the Am can U-2 !ee a~ lean a floor bT AAnneiis P anc~ re
DK?. she dam error n.~eia m was put m apT_ it Gorky Park here 5/11.
At yr~ con feren c~ 3oY1 tte Qt+ }g~i~t~r i varnstl.ti
31r r in we: to tre cS ere be ereecd to
fii etteb
sm enhoue in a Washington press se conference. fernce, rejected the Soviet eharges and Nid
that earlier Ruslar. ~hetoggrapt' of the plane debris were not pictures of the t
crr r! , UPI RATffC?E1FPRC^Chfi
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 ILLEGIB
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 Appro