SUNSHINE PROJECT

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP81-00706R000100190006-5
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 9
• Document Creation Date: December 23, 2016
• Document Release Date: December 9, 2013
• Sequence Number: 6
• Publication Date: June 7, 1948
• Content Type: MEMO

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Office Memorandum ? UNITED STATES GTElCNT
TO : Assistant Director, Operations
FROM : Assistant Director, Reports and Estimates
SUBJECT: Sunshine Project
REFERENCE: Memorandum to Assistant Director, Reports and Estimates from
Assistant Director, Operations, dated 11 May 1948, Same
Subject as Above.
DATE: xi ri 1948
1. The information requested in the reference memorandum regarding
the functions, accomplishments, and status of subject project is as
follows:
a.
(1) Functions. The functions of subject project were
originally outlined in a memorandum by Captain S. B. Frankel,
USN, to the Director of Central Intelligence dated 18 December
19460 a copy of which is attached marked Enclosure "Aw.
(2) Outline of Nark Completed. The first undertaking of
the research team set up under subject project, was a general
survey of the material in the Hoover Library bearing on Soviet
and Communist penetration in the Far East. This work involved
not only surveying previously catalogued material in the
Library, but screening the steady flaw of incoming new material.
An extensive card index was prepared giving the reference and
a summary of the contents of the material considered relevant
in this aspect of the project.
A second major undertaking of the team was an examina-
tion of all material in the Hoover library which might reflect
deviations or contradictions in Soviet policy, or divergence
between Soviet theory and practice. The purpose of this
study was to develop ammunition for a possible propaganda or
psychological attack on the USSR. Extensive card files on
relevant material were prepared and forwarded to ORE. A
secondary aspect of this phase of the operation was a survey
of the very extensive collection of Soviet propaganda posters
available in the Hoover Library, which dated from 1918 to 1946.
A third major undertaking was a study of "control
technique", or of the means by which the Soviet government and
the Communist party exercised their control and direction over
the various phases of Soviet economic, political, and social
activity. This study also involved the use of the card system
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for recording and summarizing the contents of relevant material,
and in addition developed information from which elaborate charts
were prepared and forwarded to ORE illustrating the responsibilities
and chains of command in the Soviet bureaucracy.
In addition to the three major endeavors outlined above,
the researchers at Palo Alto have developed a substantial quantity
of material on other related subjects including nationalism and
internationalism in Soviet theory and practice, and the Soviet
judicial system.
(3) Status of Work in Progress. At the present time the
research team is devoting its major attention to the study of
nationalism versus internationalism, and is beginning to explore
the material on Soviet education.
(4) Projected or Future Assignments. Projected assignments
for the research team are in the process of formulation and it
is desired that no change be made until these plans mature.
(5) extent to Mich Activities are Supervised. So long as
the project was under the supervision of the Eastern Europe/USSR
Branch, the Director of the project, was advised in 50X1
broad terms of the Branch's interests and needs. Beyond that,
the direction of the project was left mainly up to 50X1
judgment. On one or two occasions officials of CIA visited him
in Palo Alto, and on one occasion he returned to Washington for
conferences. Detailed supervision, however, has been impracticable,
and sound and conscientious judgment has rendered it 50X1
unnecessary.
b. Insofar as this office is concerned, the major objectives of
the project are being accomplished. While all the material in the
Hoover Library has by no means been fully exploited, enough information
has been developed and carded to furnish a general idea of its scope
and value. Furthermore, the researchers engaged in the project have
obtained invaluable experience and training.
c. Administrative Procedures, Equipment, Facilities Used by Project.
(See attached file of administrative correspondence.)
(1) Table of Organization. The initially approved T/0 for the
Sunshine l'roject included one P-5 (part-time Consultant), three P-3
Foreign Affairs Analysts, and one CLF-5 Secretary. During the course
of staffing the project, it was found necessary to reduce one of the
P-3 positions to a P-1 position to employ a qualified young lady
available on the Pacific Coast and at a later date, one additional
P-3 slot was added. However, this last mentioned P-3 slot has
never been filled and the P-1 position has been vacant by virtue of
a resignation for some time. In addition the P-5 Consultant has not
been used to nearly the extent originally expected.
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(2) Supervision. Initially the Eastern Europe/USSR Branch
of ORE was charged with the substantive direction of the Sunshine
Project, but in the fall of 1947 when it was contemplated that the
project would undertake work not directly associated with that
Branch, this function was transferred to the Office of the Assistant
Director for Reports and Estimates. Administrative supervision
of the project has always been lodged with the Administrative Staff
of ORE. (Acting Chief of the Project) has been 50X1
delegated the responsibility for setting office hours, approving
leave, and other minor operational responsibilities.
(3) Security Restrictions. Existence of the Sunshine Project
is classified as RESTRICTED; the nature of its functions as
CONFIDENTIAL. Administratively this means, of course that the
individuals assigned to Sunshine Project are not to be identified
publicly as being associated with the Central Intelligence Agency.
Ostensibly they are engaged in a private research project and
only. Dr. H. H. Fisher of the Library Staff is fully cognizant of
the true situation.
(4) Administrative Services.
(a) Office Space and Furniture. Arrangements were made
with the Library for the provision of space for the project
at no cost to the Central Intelligence Agency. At one time,
recommended that some consideration be given to the
possibility of compensating the Library for such space and
furniture as was furnished by it. However, the Library has
never suggested any repayment and no official action has thus
far been taken. Equipment which cannot be furnished by the
Library is at the present time requisitioned by the project
through the Administrative Staffs ORE. Major items of equip-
ment sent out from Washington include one safe, one microfilm
camera, one portable typewriter and one standard typewriter.
Supply requisitions normally have been prepared by Sunshine
Project and forwarded to the Administrative Staff, ORE. '
(b) Communications. Al]. mail going from Washington to
the Sunshine Project has in the past been addressed as follows:
Stanford, California. These 50X1
communications have been sent in plain (not franked or printed)
envelopes listing for a return address the name of the sender,
Washington, D. C. All classified mail has 50X1
been placed in double wrappers and sent by registered mail.
Mail from Sunshine Project to lashington has in the past been
addressed as follows: Name of individual, Central Intelligence
Agency, 2430 E Street N. IL, Washington 25, D. C. This mail
is also forwarded in evelopes on which the frank does not
appear and uses as a return address his awn name and 50X1
Stanford, California. 50X1
50X1
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Parcel Post packages going to or from Sunshine are
handled in a similar manner. Packages, however, which are
too heavy for shipment by Parcel Post are sent either by
Railway Express or freight. In such cases, Storage and Issue
arranges for the shipments pays for it out of its petty cash
funds, sends the receipt to Administrative Staff, ORE, which
initiates a special funds voucher for the repayment of an
individual in Storage and Issue whose name has been used
throughout the transaction. Such shipments are addressed to
c/o Hoover Library, Stanford, California.
50X1
Arrangements have been made with Moffett Field,
California, a Naval Air Station, for the transmission of
classified messages between Sunshine Project and CIA by
electrical means in code. When the occasion arises,
Communication Division, OSO, is familiar with the procedure
involved in such transmission. One or. more of the individ-
uals on staff have had sufficient cryptographic 50X1
training to insure the smooth operation of this system.
There is included below a discussion of transportation
arrangements in connection with getting to and from Moffett
Field.
(c) Personnel. All personnel actions, including
recruitment ,initiation of actions for appointments, transfers,
promotions, and resignations have in the past been prepared
by the Administrative Staff, ORE, and processed through the
Personnel Branch CIA. In the matter of recruitment and
promotions, has been expected to make recommendationz50X1
to Administrative Staff, ORE
(d) Fiscal - Budget, In the first ten months of the
fiscal year 1948, the operation of Sunshine Project cost as
follows:
01
- Personal Services
$ 9,721.01
02
- Travel
376.45
06
- Printing and Binding
150.00
08
- Supplies and Equipment
?
346.00
Total
$10,595.44
ORE's request for funds for the operation of the Sunshine
Project during the fiscal year 1949 is as follows:
01 - Personal Services $24,391.20
02 - Travel 1,350.00
03 - Transportation of Things 1,500.00
04 - Communications Service 125.20
07 - Other Contractual Services 100.00
Total $27,466.40
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(e)idAtte:p_y.:,TimeazdanReorbsandProll. In the
past, Time.ncetsort-i-$.Attende,ericinnel assigned
to Sunshine Project have been prepared in the field and
forwarded to Administrative Staff, ORE, Salary checks are
mailed by Payroll Division to with signature
sheet enclosed by registered air mail. After obtaining
signatures$1 Ireturns the signature sheet to Adminis-
trative Staff, ORE.
(f) Travel. In connection with necessary travel, Mr.
has Marr; letter request for travel authorization to 50X1
the Assistant Director for Reports and Estimates. Administra-
tive Staff, ORE, has prepared the travel request forms,
secured the necessary approvals, and orders and transportation
requests were issued to through Administrative Staff, 50X1
ORE. In view of the small size of the Sunshine Staff, Adminis.
trative Staff, ORE, has in the past prepared all requests for
reimbursement for travel expenses on the basis of information
furnished by As a general rule, the traveler 50X1
involved has signed the voucher forms and sent them to
Washington in blank.
50X1
50X1
In addition to special travel, is called
on rather frequently to make trips between Palo Alto and
Moffett Field. On occasions the Naval ROTC Unit at the
University can make transportation available to for
these trips to Moffett Field at no cost to Central Intelligence
Agency. However, when this transportation is not available,
must travel to Moffett Field by private automobile
in view of the fact that there is no public transportation
between these two points. During the course of the past two
months, consideration has been given to working out a system
by which could be reimbursed for such travel. It
must be performed on the spur of the moment and usually
without prior authorization. However, has recently
reported that naval transportation between the wo points
is becoming increasingly available and no action is presently
being taken in this matter.
(g) Postage Stamps. In view of the fact that security
restrictions prevent the use of franked envelopes by Sunshine
Project, makes requisitions on Budget and Fiscal
Division for postage stamps. These are sant out direct to
mho accounts for them on a quarterly basis direct
to Budget and Fiscal Division.
(5) Unfinished Business. There are two pieces of business
currently in process in connection with the Sunshine Project. If
desired by the Assistant Director for Operations, ORE will continue
the processing of these items:
50X1
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(a) There is in process at the present time a request for
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reimbursement for travel performed by between 50X1
Palo Alto and Los Angeles. The original request for
reimbursement submitted by did not contain 50X1
sufficient information and Administrative Staff, ORE, is
currently securing the required additional information
from ; and 50X1
(b) A new Underwood portable typewriter sent to the
Sunshine Project recently arrived with certain mechanical
defects. This typewriter was taken by of the 50X1
Staff to a typewriter repair shop in Palo Alto for repairs
for which she mid $5.29.
d. Personnel. At the present time, three individuals are on duty
at Sunshine Project and one is carried as a WAE Consultant. The three
regular employees are P-3;
and CAF-5. The WAE Consultant is Mr. D. /14
. This office does not have copies of the Forms 57 on any
of these individuals but these are, of course, available from the
Personnel Branch, CIA.
50X1
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50X1
Most contact between the Administrative Staff and Sunshine
Project has been had with is 50X1
a very energetic, careful individual and from an administrative
point of view has managed the Sunshine Project in a superior manner.
When the question first came up as to the ultimate dispoSition of the
Sunshine Project, it was decided that should it remain operative
under ORE sponsorship, an effort mould be made to have the P-5
Consultant position down-graded to a P-4 and designated as the Chief,
Sunshine Project. If this arrangement could be made, Mr. Krassovsky
would be made a Special Consultant to the Project not occupying a
budget position. gives glowing reports on the efficiency 50X1
of , but the Administrative Staff, ORE, has had very little 50X1
contact with him. Prior to her assignment to Sunshine Project,
was an employee of the Current Intelligence Group of ORE 50X1
and is known to be an extremely efficient young lady. Our judgment
on this has been borne out b the many good reports we have had on
her efficiency from_________All three of these individuals were 50X1
given efficiency ratingsoExcellent for the latest efficiency
rating period.
50X1
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Enclosure - 1
"A" - Memorandum to DCI from USN,
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P
Y
18 December 1946
MEMORANDUM FOR THE DIRECTOR, CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE GROUP:
In accordance with orders issued by the Director C111 and varbal inatrvic-
50X1 tions fro*
visited the Hoover Foundation and Library of War Revolution and reace at
Palo Alto, California, during the period 2-6 December 1946.
The following information, comments and recommendations are a result of
observation and conference with the Director of the Hoover Foundation, Dr. H.
H. Fisher, his associates, assistants and other contacts:
1. THE SLAVIC SECTION OF THE HOOVER LIBRARY---This section has been
handledlbr over twenty years by Mr. D. N. Krassovsky, a Russian emigre who
is a graduate of the St. Petersburg Law School. Mr. Krassovsky is engaged
in the cataloguing of the vast store of material, a considerable portion of
which has already been catalogued and the remaining material so arranged as to
be reasonably available for research reference work. The scope of material
is extensive; inspection showed that there is much of definite and probable
value to intelligence agencies including factual intelligence in the form of
photographs, charts, and descriptions of geographic areas; summaries of economic
achievements; population shifts; exploitation of natural resources such as
waterways projects, hydro-electric power, mining, etc. Of particular interest
is the amount of material which could be profitably exploited for mapping out
a psychological warfare program; such material includes publications now
withdrawn from the eyes of the Soviet citizen because of statements contained
therein which have since been denied or altered 180 degrees such as the early
works of Lenin, Stalin and early Bolshevik leaders since discredited, news-
papers and periodicals containing such statements, propaganda posters whose
reproduction mould now be embarrassing, etc. Photostats of such material
would be powerful ammunition for the psychological warfare arsenal to have
on hand.
2. THE SCREENING OF NEW' MATERIAL.?Dr. Fisher is prepared to assist in
the screening of new material for information of vaine to military intelligence.
In anticipation of the receipt of material in the Chinese language dealing
with Soviet penetration of Manchuria and China, he has lined up two Chinese
professors and several qualified assistants. He is prepared to make office
and working space available to representatives of Government agencies and
believes that screening can better be carried out at the Library both
because of the specialists available to him and the correlated material
which might be received independent of Army or Navy transmittal. Since the
linguistic experts can readily scan the material and furnish resumes of the
contents to military representatives for appropriate action by the latter, it
is considered both feasible and desirable that the screening be done at the
Library.
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3, ESTABLISHMENT CT A CIG RESEARCH UNIT---Office and working space can
be made available at the Library for a small research unit. Housing for
males is immediately available at the officers' club at nearby Moffett Field
and for families can be arranged at Federal Housing projects within a radius
of 20 miles. Security' of material and classified correspondence can be
arranged through the C. O. of the Naval ROTC at the University, the C. O. of
Moffett Field, or Army posts in the vicinity of San Francisco. It is
recommended that a small experimental unit be established to consist of not
more than four graduate students of Russian language courses, these to be
selected for their linguistic and research qualifications and to include
representatives of the services. This personnel, in addition to screening
new material, would engage in research projects directed by CIG and would
search the Library for pertinent material desired by intelligence agencies.
Suggested studlss of immediate interest are:
(a) Technique of Soviet Penetration in the Far East
(b) Departures of Sovietism from the Communist Ideology
(c) Customs, Traditions, and Superstitions of Soviet
peoples which clash with Applied Communism
Note: The latter two for psychological Warfare program.
It ii further recommended that Mr. Krassovsky be engaged as a consultant
and research worker on his awn time, either on a salary or project basis. He
has indicated a willingness to act as such and Dr. Fisher interposed no
objection when consulted on this subject. Mr. Krassovsky's assistance to
researchers would be invaluable because of his unique knowledge of the
Library and his command of Russian and familiarity with other Slavic tongues.
/5/
SFCr'7'
Captain, USN
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