LETTER TO GEORGE P. SHULTZ FROM RICHARD HELMS

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: Library of Congress
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): LOC-HAK-17-1-42-5
• Release Decision: RIPLIM
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 4
• Document Creation Date: January 11, 2017
• Document Release Date: November 16, 2011
• Sequence Number: 42
• Publication Date: September 22, 1971
• Content Type: LETTER

No Objection to Declassification in Part 2011/11/22: LOC-HAK-17-1-42-5
ON-FILE NSC RELEASE
INSTRUCTIONS APPLY
MORI
C05146952
THE WHITE H?usE
WASHINGTON
MEMORANDUM FCR: HENRY A. KISSINGE t
Director Helms wants you to have
this copy of a 1ebter he sent to
George Shultz, trying to get CIA
off the hook for the 5% redurrtion
in force.
Tom Latiher
No Objection to Declassification in Part 2011/11/22 : LOC-HAK-17-1-42-5
 No Objection to Declassification in Part 2011/11/22: LOC-HAK-17-1-42-5
The Honorable George F. Shultz, Director
Office of Management and Budget
Washington, D. 0.
22 September 1971
Dear George,-.
1. I am writing to express my serious concern about the impact
on CIA of the general instructions contained in OMB Bulletins 72-4
and 7245 to reduce personnel strength by 5%a in FY 1972 and to reduce
average grade by .1 in F Y 1972 and an additional .1 in F Y 1973.
2. These two actions are inextricably related. Either poses
a considerable problem and together I believe they would have a seri.
ous adverse impact on our program.
4. The 'administrative problems which these two actions would
create are serious indeed. I am in full accord with Caspar Weinberger's
.. statement in his letter of 12 August 1971 that, "The quality, effic e
25X1
No Objection to Declassification in Part 2011/11/22: LOC-HAK-17-1-42-5
CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20505
OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR
 No Objection to Declassification in Part 2011/11/22: LOC-HAK-17-1-42-5
. We be permitted to hold our on-duty average grade
We proceed with current plans to reduce our strength
wring FY 72. If we can improve upon
. good records, we will do so, and
this without involuntary termination of employees with
In examining our budget submission this fall, we dew
? cide mutually what our target shall be for FY 73.
o Declassification in Part 2011/11/22: LOC-HAK-17-1-42-5
 No Objection to Declassification in Part 2011/11/22: LOC-HAK-17-1-42-5
? V{-MI
9. I wish to comply fully with the spirit of the President's
Program. I do believe, however, that CIA should be given credit
for the substantial reductions we have already made. I.also believe
that it would be in keeping with the spirit of the Program to continue
our reductions on a scale and at a pace which permits a reasonable
input of new blood, and a reasonable promotion rate and which avoids
large scale involuntary terminations.
10. For these reasons I believe that our case merits your
approval and trust that you will honor the' request outlined in para-
graph 8 above.
Sincerely,
Richard Helms
Director
Copy for:
Dr. Henry A. Kissinger
The White House
SECRET
No Objection to Declassification in Part 2011/11/22: LOC-HAK-17-1-42-5