AGENCY'S IMAGE, CHIEFS OF STATION SEMINAR

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP84-00780R001500050040-9
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 4
• Document Creation Date: December 19, 2016
• Document Release Date: July 14, 2006
• Sequence Number: 40
• Publication Date: June 22, 1966
• Content Type: MF

Approved For Release 2006i07/1
3 F E ET /f P84-00780R0015$b} b6g 91
2 2 JUN 1966
MEMORANDUM FOR: Deputy Director of Central Intelligence
SUBJECT : Agency's Image, Chiefs of Station Seminar
1. I have reviewed the comments of the Chiefs of Station and my views
and recommendations as to the Agency's image and our public posture are
as follows:
Despite the current rash of publicity in the public press,
I believe we have a deep reservoir of goodwill in the American
public. This goodwill can only be expressed indirectly. Our
Personnel Recruitment Program, the Domestic Contact Service
Program, and our extensive other relationships with American
business, universities, and the public reflect an understanding
of our public relations problem and confidence in our people
and our program. We at headquarters frequently do not suffi-
ciently distinguish between publicity per se and unfavorable pub-
licity. I think we should give the American public more credit
for reading through the self-serving, critical comments of
columnists, editorials, and private and public officials.
2. The Agency's public policy has been predicated historically on the
premise that we are a clandestine organization whereas, actually, there is
much we can talk about which does not affect clandestine programs, sources,
and methods or sensitive activities. I feel we can make public appearances
in a quiet, conservative way speaking of our functions, purposes, national
security relationships, and some of our internal organization, but, of course,
avoiding controversial or national topics. Our non-vocal friends are trou-
bled that we do not present some form of a public program. To improve our
public posture, correct misinformation about the Agency, and to gradually
reach those groups who can be helpful to us, I suggest the following:
a. Promote visits and briefings of selected newsmen.
b. Accept more invitations to speak before organized groups,
such as business associations, academic and business conferences,
universities, and similar organized group meetings.
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c. On an off-the-record basis, provide background
briefings on pertinent topics to selected newsmen to give them
basic intelligence guidance on these matters which in turn will
develop appreciation and understanding of the Agency and
enhance our posture of objectivity.
d. Continue to pursue and perhaps enlarge our contacts
with universities and the public in our overt processes such as
the Recruitment Program.
e. Encourage our friends to speak up on our behalf from
time to time.
3. Regardless of the above, we should expect attacks upon the Agency
and challenges to our activities. Those that are pure nonsense, such as
the "Boy Scout story, " we can promptly and directly deny; whereas with
those of an intelligence operational nature we can either:
a. Respond through Congressional statements;
b. Respond through the Department of State or other com-
ponents of Government; or
c. Remain quiet depending on the nature of the issue at hand.
In principle, I think we are losing by our policy of silence and, to arrest this
trend, I suggest we begin to fight back against unfounded or misinformed
criticism.
L. Bannerman
Deputy Director
for Support
Att: Summary of Comments--CIA's Image
GRGUP 1
Excluded from automatic
downgrading and
R FT deolasslfleatloa
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CIA'S IMAGE
Summary of Notes from COS Seminar
The Status of the Agency's Image
Could be improved .................... 8
Is being hurt . .. . .... .. ? . . . ? ... .. ... 3
No real damage yet ... .... . ? . . . . . ..... 2
Origin of the Problem
Misinformation about Agency .............. 3
Inherent part of our culture ...... . ........ 2
Negative press policy ..... ? ............ 1
Lack of strong public relations program . . . .. . . . 1
Leaks to news media ............... . . ? , 1
Not enough leaks on successes ...... ? ? . . . , 1
Lack of appreciation by news media of damage
caused by its exposures.... .... 1
No comment . . ? . . ? ? e ? ? . ? ? ? ? ? s e ? ? ? ? e 3
How to Improve the Agency's Image*
Positive public relations program . . . ......... 8
Improve quality of personnel, security, cover,
and performance ........ .. . ....... 4
Improve relations with Congress and other agencies . . 4
"Grin and bear it" except for answering gravest
charges .. ... ... .. ? . .... . ... . . 3
More rigid control of media contacts ........ .. 1
Stop revealing operations to news media .... . ... 1
*Some of the 13 responses contained more than one recommendation.
Suggestions for a positive public relations program included: use of
experts and a special Agency group concerned with "image;" broader
contacts with students and educators; furnishing sanitized success
stories to selected news media; explaining the role of espionage in
preserving democratic principles; and getting influential public officials
and private individuals to speak out for the Agency.
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