HTAUTOMAT CAPABILITIES

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP61S00750A000200060087-7
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: December 14, 2016
• Document Release Date: October 22, 2002
• Sequence Number: 87
• Publication Date: October 25, 1957
• Content Type: MF

Approved For Release 2002/10/29 : S00750A000200060087-7
RANDUM FOR: Deputy Director (Intelligence)
SUBJECT
HTAUTOMAT Capabilities
25X1
Copy X of 8
tober 1957
1. The HTAUTOMAT facility in its various stages of development
has been closely related to Project AQUATONE from the beginning. I
have depended upon that office for PI guidance in regard to AQUATONE
equipment, processing problems, and, once missions were accomplished,
for the prompt handling of the return and feedback for operational guidance.
Z. In addition, HTAUTOMAT has provided numerous services
to the research elements not only of this Agency but of the military services.
3. It is my observation, and! believe that of other organisations
dependent upon the work of HTAUTOMAT, that high quality work has been
produced promptly and skillfully frequently under stringent time limitations
and at times requiring extensive overtime.
4. As the amount of material from AQUATONE has increased,
the needs for photo interpretation with attendant laboratory support and
handling of materials in the TALENT system have grown rapidly. In
the face of the needs and the limitations of personnel, it may be that we
will have to be satisfied with a more selectiv* exploitation of materials
at a greatly reduced pace. Whereas I have not explored the matter, it
may be that some of the pressure might be removed from HTAUTOMAT
if the Services, and in particular the Air Force, were to be expected to
conduct more of the photo interpretation work.
5. In considering the personnel status in HTAUTOMAT, it might
be worthwhile to consider carefully whether over the long pull HTAUTOMAT
should not be an expending industry within the DDI I'. purview. Within
existing ceilings, such a conception might adversely affect other activities
or interests, some of which upon a careful examination might turn out to
be of a much lower priority. Consideration of this question, of course,
must take into account the prospects for photographic intelligence from
new sources which would evolve.
Approved For Release 2002/10/29 : CIA-RDP61S00750A000200060087-7
Approved For Release 2002/10/29 C1A-RDP61S00750A000200060087-7
25X1
6. Let me say in conclusion that my main purpose in this note is
to commend to you the work that HTAVTOMAT has been doing and to call
your attention to certain consideration* which flow from personnel limi-
tations under which HTAUTOMAT must work while recognising that I am
in no position to evaluate the importance of the work of HTAUTOMAT as
compared with the other functions under your supervision.
I-DD/I
Z-AD/RR
3-AD/CR
4-Chief/HTAUTOMAT
5-TSO CIA
6-TCD CIA
7-Project Director
8-TCS chrono
JT:cw
SELL, JR0
Project Director
Approved For Release 2002/10/29 : CIA-RDP61S00750A000200060087-7