PLAN FOR CONDUCTING PSYCHOLOGICAL OPERATIONS DURING GENERAL HOSTILITIES

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP80R01731R003200010021-7
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 16
• Document Creation Date: December 19, 2016
• Document Release Date: August 8, 2005
• Sequence Number: 21
• Content Type: SUMMARY

Approved For Release 2006/03/17 : CIA-RDP80R01731R003200010021-7
TOP SECRET
SECOUNY MFORMATION ttotd V p
P La Qunduclirga, Psvcical Operations
Sdg General Hostilities
Summary: This item is carried forward from previous meetings. At the
last meeting; of the Board, the Deputy Secretary of Defense
indicated he had not had :sufficient time to study the comments of the
Joint Chiefs of Staff. It was understood, however, that these comments
would be available to the other members of the Board to study prior to
the next meeting. The Joint Chiefs of Staff's comments were not released
to the Director of the PSB or the members of the Board.
It is anticipated that they will be placed before the Board at the
meeting and a verbal briefing made by the Representative of the Joint
Chiefs of Staff.
NSC review(s) completed.
Approved For Release 2006/03/17 : CIA-RDP80R01731R003200010021-7
 Approved For Release 2006/03/17 : CIA-RDP80R01731R003200010021-7
Security InforL1 tion PSB D-&'t
13 November 1951
Copyl4 of 50 Copies
PLAN FOR CONDUCTING PSYCHOLOGICAL OPERATIONS
during,
GENERAL HOSTILITIES
OIL TSC NO.
Note: Farar1ai;h 11 of Section VI, on Dar e of the attached plan, is in
question, Divergent views are indicated.
Approved For Release 2006/03/17 : I%-RD 5~M731 R003200010021-7
 Approved For Release 2006/03/17 : CIA-RDP80R01731R003200010021-7
TOP SECI(FT PSB D-8a
1,FC01t Y INFORMATION 13 November 1951
Copy,/le of 50 Copies
PLAN FOR CONDUCTING PSYCHOLOGICAL OPERATIONS
during
GENERAL HOSTILITIES
(Code Name:
Reference: (a) Presidential Secret Directive of 4 April 1951
Establishing a Psychological Strategy Board,
(b) Approved Role of Psychological Strategy Board under
4/4/51 Presidential Directive.
(c) NSC 10/2.
(d) NSC 10/5.
(e) NSC 2:0/4,
(f) NSC ;59/1.
Enclosure: (1) Copy of reference (a).
(2) Copy of reference (b).
I. MISSION
To conduct psychological operations in pursuance of prescribed national
objectives during general hostilities,
II. DEFINITIONS
Within the purview of this plan the following definitions shall apply:
a. PSYCHOLOGICAL OPERATIONS: Shall include all activities (other
than overt types of economic warfare) envisioned under NSC 59/1 and 10/2,
Approved For Release 2006/03/17 CIA-RDP80R01731R003200010021-7
See references (a) and (b).
4MI-M& lion 14; h
 Approved For Release 2006/03/17 : CIA-RDP80R01731R003200010021-7
'FCgiRITY INFORMATIew
b. MELITARY THEATER OF OPERATIONS: A so entitled., geographically
delimited, and competently proclaimed portion of a theater of war necessary
for military operations, either offensive or defensive, pursuant to an
assigned mission, and for the administration incident to such military
operations,
c. TO COORDINATE,. This expression means that agencies "coordinated
with" shall participate actively; that their concurrence shall be sought;;
and that if concurrence is not obtained, the disputed matter shall be re-
ferred to the next higher authority in which all participants have a voice.
III. ASSUMPTION
That the United States and its Alliej are engaged in general hostili-
ties forced upon them by the USSR or any of its satellites.
.NATIONAL OBJECTIVES WHICH WILL MAINTAIN IN A
CONDITION OF GENIAL HOSTILITIES
During a condition of general hostilities United States National Objec-
tives vis-a-vis the USSR will be, unless modified by appropriate authority.,
as set forth in Paragraph 19 of NSC 20/4;
"To counter the threats to our national security and well-being posed
by the USSR, our general objectives with respect to Russia, in tine of
peace as well as in time of war, should be:
"a. To reduce the power and influence of the USSR to limits which
no longer constitute a threat to the peace, national
independence and stability of the world family of nations.
"b. To bring about a basic change in the conduct of international
SECURIITfpp INFORCCMArrT ON
Approved For Release 2006/03/17 : GD 11731R003200010021-7
 Approved For Release 2006/03/17: CIA-RDP80RO1731R003200010021-7
TOP SECRET
SFC,IR'TY INFfRMATMN
relations by the governrzent in power in Russia, to conform with
the purposes and principles set forth in the UN Charter.
"In pursuing these objectives due care must be taken to avoid perman-
ently impairing our economy and the fundamental values and institutions
inherent in our way of life."
V. BASIC PRINCIPLES OF OPERATIONS
1. Psychological operations programs are established instruments of
national policy and shall, therefore, be consistent with and directed toward
the achievement of national objectives.
2. As appropriate, psychological operations and policies and plans
pertaining thereto shall be coordinated with similar operations, policies
and plans of our Allies.
VI, DELINEATION OF RESPONSIBILITIES
1. The Psychological Strategy Board shall be responsible for:
(a) the formulation and promulgation, as guidance to the departments and
agencies responsible for psychological operations, of over-all national
psychological objectives, policies and programs, (b) the coordination
and evaluation of the national psychological effort.
2, The Joint Chiefs of Staff, in conformity with established national.
policy and Psychological Strategy Board guidance, and except as provided in
paragraphs VI 4 and VI 5 immediately below, shall be responsible for planning
and execution of U.S. psychological operations in military theaters of opera-
tions.
a.,CURUY ItORMATIQN
TOP SECRET
Approved For Release 2006/03/17: CIA-RDP80RO1731R003200010021-7
 Approved For Release 2006/03/17 : CIA-RDP80R01731R003200010021-7
TOP SECRET
{RfQROPON
3. The Department of State, in conformity with established national
policy and Psychological Strategy Board guidance, and except as provided in
paragraphs VI 4 and VI !j immediately below, shall be responsible for the
planning and execution of U,S, psychological operations, in areas other than
military theaters of operations.
4. In situations in which a military theater of operations embraces
territory of a government which exercises civil authority and to which a
U.S. diplomatic mission is accredited, in conformity with established
national policy andsychological Strategy Board guidance and except as
provided in paragraph VI 5 immediately below:
The Joint Chiefs of Staff shall be responsible for U.S.
psychological operations directed toward enemy, enemy-
occupied, or allied-occupied territory,
b. The Department of State shall be responsible for U.S,
psychological operations directed toward nationals of the
country concerned*
c. The Joint Chiefs of Staff shall be responsible for establish-
ing arrangements for coordination of psychological operations
conducted by a theater commander and chiefs of mission
within the theater.
Covert psychological operations shall be planned, conducted, and
coordinated in accordance with NSC 10/2, NSC 10/5, the pertinent provisions
of NSC 59/1, and Psychological Strategy Board guidance.
-1-
SECRRtTY INFORMATION
0E SECRET
Approved For Release 2006/03/17 : CIA-RDP80R01731R003200010021-7
 Approved For Release 2006/03/17 : CIA-RDP80R01731R003200010021-7
'i'OP SECRET
UR. tJNFORmATnN
Overt psychological operations originating in areas other than
military theaters of operations shall be coordinated with the Joint Chiefs
of Staff when such operations will directly affect current or projected
military actions,.
7. All psychological operations originating in military theaters of
operations shall be coordinated with the Department of State in cases where
theater psychological operations will have direct effect outside the theater
of operations upon current or projected psychological operations of that
department.
8. The Psychological Strategy Board shall ensure, through the govern-
ment agency or agencies appropriate in the instant circumstances,` any
necessary coordination of national psychological operations, policies, or
plans with the appropriate agency or agencies of other governments;
e-9 The Joint Chiefs of Staff shall be responsible for any necessary
coordination of U.S, psychological operations with similar operations of
other governments in military theaters of operations.
10. The Department of State shall be responsible for any necessary
coordination of U.S. psychological operations with similar operations of
other governments outside military theaters of operations,
----------------------------------------
Paragraph 11 is in question
View of Cand-JCS Military Adviser to PSB:
11. All government departments and agencies which are not elsewhere
mentioned in this plan and which are or may be assigned responsibilities
for executing psychological operations outside the U.S, shall adhere to in-
structions issued by the Psychological Strategy Board.
Approved For Release 2006/03/17 : CIA-RDP80R01731R003200010021-7
SIC9RiTT 'it RMATJON
'.COP SECRET
 Approved For Release 2006/03/17 : CIA-RDP80R01731R003200010021-7
View of Department of State:
TOP SECPJ T
1RlTY 1l FORAnn$
11. All government departments and agencies which are not elsewhere
mentioned in this plan and which are or may be assigned responsibilities for
executing psychological operations outside the U.S. shall:
a, Adhere to guidance issued by the Psychological Strategy
Boardv
b. Coordinate their policies and plans with the Joint Chiefs
of Staff for activities in military theaters of operations
and with the Department of State in areas other than
military theaters of operations,
c. Coordinate their operations in the field with the senior
U.S. military officer in military theaters of operations
and with the chief of the U.S. diplomatic mission in areas
other than military theaters of operations,
f 12. The Central Intelligence Agency shall ensure that appropriate
intelligence support is provided for U.S. psychological operations and that
intelligence activities of government departments and agencies in this field
are properly coordinated.
VII. ORGANIZATIONAL PRINCIPLES
Information facilities and appropriate personnel of the Department of
State and other overt executing agencies in areas which become military
theaters of operations shall be made available to the senior U.S. military
officer in that theater under statutory and other competent authority
during the approximate tine of military control in that area. Plans for
orderly transfer,, and later returns of information facilities and appropri-
Approved For Release 2006/03/1~ctj 31R003200010021-7
MTY
SECRET
~~EE TOP
 Approved For Release 2006/03/17 : CIA-RDP80R01731R003200010021-7
'!' ?IIRRY INFORMATION
ate personnel of the Department of State and other overt executing agencies
shall be coordinated by the Psychological Strategy Board,
N'III, PLANNING AND EXECUTION
1, This basic national psychological operations plan is in effect for
planning purposes. All government departments and agencies having responsi-
bilities specifically assigned herein shall., as a matter of high priority,,
draft supporting plans and make all preparations necessary. for efficient
execution of the provisions herein contained.
2. This plan shall be executed upon Presidential proclamation that
a state of general hostilities exists with the USSR and its satellites,.,
upon official declaration of war with the USSR and its satellites, or at
such other time as the President may direct.
Approved For Release 2006/03/fl - M31R003200010021-7
TOP SECRET
 (COY'i)
Approved For Release 2006/03/17 CIA-RDP80R01731R003200010021-7
TE,, ::flilTu HOUSE
iiashington itpril 4, 1951
c war
include all activities (other than overt types of econom
envisioned under NSC 59/1 and NSC 10/2, the operational planning and
execution of which shall remain, subject to this directive, as therein
assigned,
DIR1i;CTIV" TO: The Secretary of State
The Secretary of Defense
The Director of Central Intelligence
It is the purpose of this, directive to authorize and provide for
the more effective planning, coordination and conduct, !"thin the frame-
work of approved national policies, of psychological operations.
There is hereby established a Psychological Strategy board. responsibl
within the purposes and terms of this directive, for the formulation
and promulgation, as guidance to the departments and agencies responsible
for psychological operations, of over-all national psychological
objectives, policie-' and programs, and for the coordination and evalua-
tion of the national psychological effort,
The Board will report to the National Security Council on the
Board's activities and on its evaluation of the National psychological
operations, including implementation of approved objectives, policies
and programs by the departments and agencies concerned.
For the purposes of this directive, psychological operations shall
fare)
i
The Board shall be composed cif:
a. The Undersecretary of State, the Deputy Secretary of Defense,
and the Director of Central Intelligence) or, in their absence,
their appropriate designees;
b, An appropriate representative of the head of each such ether
department or agency of the Government as may, from time to
time, be determined by the Board.
The Board shall designate one of its members as Chairman.
A representative of the Joint Chiefs of Staff shall sit wit)- the
Board as its principal military adviser in order that the Board may
ensure that its objectives, policies and programs shall be related to
appreved plans for military operations.
Enclosure
SECRET
Approved For Release 2006/03/17 : CIA-RDP80R01731R003200010021-7
 SECRET
Approved For Release 2006/03/17 : CIA-RZP80R01731R003200010021-7
There is established under the Board a Direstor who shall be
designated by the President and who shall receive compensation of
~16,000 per year. The Director shall direct the activities under
Board. In carrying out this responsibility, he shall
a. Bo responsible for heving prepared the programs, policies,
reports, and :recommendations for the Board's consideration,
b. Sit with the Board and be responsiblh, to it for organizing
its business and for expediting the reaching of decisions,
c. Promulgate the decisions of the Board,
d. Ascertain the manner in which agreed upon objectives, policies,
and programs of the Board are being implemented and coordinated
among the departments and agencies concerned,
e. Report thereon and on his evaluation of the national psycho-
logical operations to the Board together with his recommend;-
tions,
f. Perform such other duties necessary to carry out his responsi-
bilities as the Board. may direct.
The Director, within the limits of funds and personnel made. avail-
able by the Board for this purpose, shall organize and direct a staff
to assist in carrying out his responsibilities. The Director shall
determine the organization and qualifications of the staff, which may
include individuals employed for this purpose, including. part-time
experts, and/or individuals detailed from the participating departments
and agencies for assignment to full-time duty or on an ad hoc task force
basis. Personnel detailed for assignment to duty under the terms of
this directive shall be under the control of the Director, subject only
to necessary personnel procedures within their respective departments
and agencies,
The participating departments and agencies shall afford to the
Director-and the staff such assistance and access to information as
may be specifically requested by the Director in carrying out his.
assigned duties.
The heads of the departments and agencies concerned shall examine
into the present arrangements within their departments and agencies for
the conduct, direction and coordination of psychological operations
with a view toward readjusting or strengthening them if necessary to
carry out the purnses of this directive. The Secretary of Stet: is
authorized to effect such readjustments in the organization established
under NSC 59/1 as he deems necessary to accomplish the purposes of this
directive.
SECRET
Approved For Release 2006/03/17 : CIA-RDP80R01731R00320001,0021-7
 Approved For Release 2006/03/17 : Gtr= 80R01731R003200010021-7
3-
This directive does not authorize. the Board nor the Director to
perform any "psychologic.l operations".
utilize to the maximum
In performing its functions, the Board shall
extent the facilities and resources of the participating dep .rtments
and agencies.
!s/ Harry S. Truman
SECRET
Approved For Release 2006/03/17 : CIA-RDP80R01731R003200010021-7
 Approved For Release 2096/0 y17C.:,A-RDP80R01730?2Q0010021-7
'.ievisod
PSYCHOLOGICAL ISTIL,TEGY BO_'M
28 September 1951
Role of Ps chologica1 Strategy Board
under 51 Presidential Directive
The President's Directive creates the Psychological. Strategy
Board to provide more effective planning of psychological operations
within the framework of approved national policies, to coordinate the
psychological operations of all departments and agencies of govern-
ment, and to evaluate the effectiveness of the national psychological
effort.
The members of the Board are the under Secretary of State, the
Deputy Secretary of Defense, and the Director of Central Intelligence.
The Director, appointed by the President, sees that the decisions of
the Board are carried out. A representative of the Joint Chiefs of
Staff sits with the Board as its principal.militar7 advisor; and the
Board may add to its number fron time to time appropriate representa-
tives of the heads of other governmental units.
The Board is the nerve-center for strategic psychological operations.
At the apex of government, it provides a fool. point for assuring the
planned use by all governmental unita_ of activities to influence the
opinions, attitudes, emotions and behavior of foreign groups in ways
that will support the achievement of our approved national a-:as. Through
the Board, the President is enabled to turn to one body, instead of
many, fora prompt assessment of these psychological operations--as to
magnitude, emphasis, pace, effectiveness, and responsibility for execu-
tion. Thus, a unified base is. afforded from which to take from an enemy
the initiative in psychological operations.
The Board itself does not engage in operations. It is not con-
cerned with day-to-day problems arising in the psychological field,
except as they may affect progress toward major strategic objectives,
The Directive reposes in the Board the responsibility for overall psycho-
logical policies, objectives, and programs, and their coordination among
the various departments and agencies; provides for adjustments to be
Enclosure (2)
RESTRICTED
Approved For Release 2006/03/17 : CIA-RDP80R01731R003200010021-7
 Approved For Release 2006/03/17 : CIA-RDP80R01731R003200010021-7
PS33 D-4
lovisod
9/28/5l
made by such departments and agencies in thoir existing arrangements
in this regard; and amends previous National Sodurity Council instruc-
tions to that extent.
1. The Board will preparo, in order to dot .r, ,ine the f_,unewor.'of
its action under the Di:^octive, an inventory of those an: rov :d n..ti;:n J_
policies which may directly or indirectly involve psychological o_peera-
tions; rocommonding to the appropriate agencies the adoption or develon -
ment of such additional policies as may directly or indirectly involve:
psychol3gtcac1- opcrati6ni~,~; ,
2. In support of such a.p1)roved national policies, the Board
formulate and promulgate overall policies, protgrams, .and objectives
for psychological operations; including overall >tr _ egic plans in
such detail as to enable operational planning by departments and. -igen-
ci:s
3. The Board ,,rill stimulate all. departments ,-a.nd agenc es engage d
in operations having psychological aspocts, to sot up effective psycho-
logical operational plans:
a. by assigning to such depa.rtaonts and ag: nci es the
preparation of psychological operational plans to carry out
any part of such overall strategic plans as to which no
psychological operational planning has boon init.iat'ed;
b. by rov:Lowing all psychological operational plans
already initiated by departments and agondios in order to
assure that they are consistent with such ovc_:? 7.11. strategic
plans, detormin:i.ng those plans which. riay bo loft to the
initiating dopartnonts and agencies without farther action
by the Board and those plans as to which the Board .Mould
take some further action.
4. The Board will dotumminc as to the various psychc:lo~gical
operational plans: (1) e ph: psis, (2) priority, and (3)
Enclo ,ure (2)
Approved For Release 2006/03/17 : CIA-RDP80R01731R003200010021-7
 Approved For Release 2006/03/17 : CIA-RDP80R01731R003200010021-7
RESTRICTED
PSB D-4
Revised
9/28/51
5. The Board will coordinate the oxecu.tion by d,,4)artnlonts ^r<
agencies of all such plans within the framework of overall. strca.ce i r,
plans.
6. The Board wi7.l evaluate the programs of departments and a ;one ,s
and their el.ecutirn through psychological operational .fans, in terms
of effective acco-ra. iishrient of the national psyc solo rical effort; selec-
ting programs and plans for evaluation which aro most important to the
attainraont of national ob;joctivos.
(End)
RESTRICTED
Enclosure (2)
Approved For Release 2006/03/17 : CIA-RDP80R01731R003200010021-7
 25X1 Approved For Release 2006/03/17 : CIA-RDP80R01731R003200010021-7
Approved For Release 2006/03/17 : CIA-RDP80R01731R003200010021-7