ESTABLISHMENT OF A PERMANENT NATIONAL/TACTICAL INTELLIGENCE INTERFACE 'JOINT ELEMENT'

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP80M01133A000500010002-1
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: December 20, 2016
• Document Release Date: March 3, 2006
• Sequence Number: 2
• Publication Date: October 11, 1975
• Content Type: MF

Approved For Release 2006/03/18WI 80M01133A000500010002-1
11 October 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR GENERAL WILSON
SUBJECT: Establishment of a Permanent National/ Tactical
Intelligence Interface "Joint Element."
The Assistant Secretary of Defense (Intelligence) has been tasked
to answer Mr. Colby's letter to Mr. Schlesinger of 20 August 1975
(attached) regarding the establishment of a permanent National/ Tactical
Intelligence Interface "joint element. " VADM Rectanus has been tasked
by Dr. Hall to personally prepare the response. VADM Rectanus called
me into his office from a navy reception Friday afternoon, 10 October
1975.
VADM Rectanus and his staff misinterpreted Mr. Colby's letter
in two areas:
1. That the DCI desired the DoD membership to include
the US Commands as well as the individual services which would permit
the IC Staff access to and ability to influence internal DoD policies and
procedures regarding utilization of nationally derived intelligence.
.2. That the DCI would use this forum to gain influence in
the funding and availability of intelligence assets organic to field
commanders.
I assured VADM Rectanus that the only purpose for the letter was
to establish a single permanent point of contact in the DoD, instead of
numerous ad hoc committees proceeding in varied directions Also,
that the DCI emphatically expressed no desire to become involved in
DoD internal matters of any nature.
After much discussion RADM Rectanus proposed the formulation
of a "joint element" composed of representatives from the following
organizations: DCI, OJCS (J-3 or J-5 and J-Z), and ASD(I). There
was no mention made as to what organization would chair the "element, "
however, I surmized from the conversation that the ASD(I) representative
would be the chairman. I stressed that the representatives must be senior
people and exercise authority.
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RADM Rectanus further proposed that the. scope of the element
be limited to national satellite systems
The proposal is much less than we desired, however, the first
proposal initiated by the ASD(I) staff was to decline the formation of
a joint element I believe this proposal is about the best we could
expect from ASD(I) as far as membership is concerned; however, I
recommend we counter the scope proposal to include all national
satellites, for there are great tactical potentials in other low orbiting
systems that have not been thoroughly investigated.
RADM Rectanus requested I relay his proposal personally, and.
return an answer or indication during the week of 13 October 1975. 1
promised to contact him Tuesday morning 14 October 1975.
Captain, U.S. Navy
(PD/ Plans)
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