UNITED STATES GEOGRAPHIC BOARD EXECUTIVE ORDERS

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78-04901A000100010220-3
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 36
• Document Creation Date: December 12, 2016
• Document Release Date: July 26, 2000
• Sequence Number: 220
• Publication Date: April 2, 1947
• Content Type: REGULATION

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*DOI Waiver Letter In ERU File*
TAB
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UNITED STAT?;S GEOGRAPHIC BOARD
:,XECUTIVB ORDERS
*DOI Waiver Letter In ERU File*
As it is desirable that uniform usage in regard to geographic
nomenclature and orthography obtain throughout the executive Depart-
ments of the Government, and particularly upon the maps and charts
issued by the various i party, nts and bureaus, I hereby constitute
a board on Geographic Names and designate the following persons, who
have heretofore cooperated for a similar purpose under the authority
of the several Departments, bureaus, and. institutions with which they
are connected, as members of said. Board:
Prof. Thomas C. Mendenhall, United States Coast and Geodetic
Survey, Chairman.
Andrew H. Allen, Department of State.
Capt. Henry L. Howison, Light-House Board, Treasury Department.
Capt. Thomas Turtle, Engineer Corps, War Department.
Lieut. Richardson Clover, Iydrographic Office, Navy Department.
Otis T. Mason, Smithsonian Institution.
Herbert G. Ogden, United States Coast and Geodetic Survey.
Henry Gannett, United States Geological Survey.
Marcus Baker, United States Geological Survey.
To this Board shall be referred all unsettled questions concerning
geographic names which arise in the Departments, and the decisions
of the Board are to be accepted by these Departments as the standard
authority in such matters.
Department officers are instructed to afford such assistance as
may be proper to carry on the work of this Board.
The members of this Board shall serve v?ithout additional compen-
sation, and its organization shall entail no expense on the Government.
Benj. Harrison
Executive Mansion
September 4, 1890
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EXi CUTiVE ORDER
The official title of the United States Board on Geographic Names
is changed to United States Geographic Board.
In addition to its present duties, advisory powers are hereby
granted to this Board concerning the preparation of maps compiled, or
to be compiled, in the various bureaus and offices of the Government,
with a special view to the avoidance of unnecessary duplications of
work; and for the unification and improvement of the scales of maps,
of the symbols and conventions used upon them, and of the methods of
representing relief. Hereafter all such projects as are of importance
shall be submitted to this Board for advice before being undertaken.
August l0, 1906
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I hr;CUT. VB ORDER
ABOLISH=NT OF THE UNITED STATES GEOGRAPHIC BOARD AND THANSFE:R
OF ITS FUNCTIONS TO THE DEPARTLENT OF THE INTERIOR
iH;REAS section 16 of the act of march 3, 1933 (ch. 212, 47 Stat.
1517), provides for reorganizations within the Executive Branch of the
Government, requires the President to investigate and determine what
reorganizations are necessary to accomplish the purposes therein stated,
and authorizes the President to make such reorganizations by Executive
order; and
THERLAS after investigation I find and declare that the abolishment
of the United States Geographic Hoard and the transfer of its functions
to the Department of the Interior would be in the public interest and
would effectuate the purposes of said section 16;
NOW, THEREFORE, by virtue of and pursuant to the authority eited
in me by the aforesaid section 16 of the act of March 3, 1933, it
ordered that the United States Geographic Board be, and it is hereby
abolished; and it is further ordered that all of the functions of said
Board, together with its chairman, secretary, and clerk-stenographer,
records, supplies, equipment, and property of every kind, and unexpended
balances of be., administered under the supervision of
Department of the Interior to
the Secretary of the Interior.
This order will become effective in accordance witht e3prov signs
of section 1 of title III of the act of March 20, 1933 c
16); Provided., that in case it shall appear to the President that the
interests of economy require that the transfer be delayed beyond the
date this order becomes effective, he may, in his discretion, fix a
later date therefor, and he may for like cause further defer such date
from time to time.
]YHANKI,IN D. ROOSEVELT
Done in triplicate.
The ' Vhhite House,
April 17, 1931k.
NO. 6680)
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UNIT,LD STATES
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Washington
October 26, 1944.
Subject: Declaration of functions and responsibilities of the constituent
parts of the United States Board on Geographical Names.
Pursuant to the provisions of section 161, Devised Statutes (5 U.S.C.
sec. 22); section 16 of the Act of Mharch 3, 1933 (ch. 212, 47 Stat. 1517);
section 1, Title III, of the Act of March 20, 1933 (ch. 3, 48 Stat. 16);
~;xecutive Orders No. 27-A, dated September 4, 1890; No. 399, dated
January 23, 1906; No. 493, dated Auz;ust 10, 1906; No. 3206, dated December
30, 1919; and No. 6680, dated April 17, 1934; this order prescribes the
functions of the Division of Geography and the Advisory Committee which
together shall be down as the United States Board on Geographical Names:
I. The primary function and responsibility of the United States
Board on Geographical Names is to obtain uniform usage in geographic
nomenclature and orthography throughout the Federal agencies, and par-
ticularly on the maps and charts prepared by them.
II. The Director of the Division of Geography is appointed by and is
responsible to the Secretary of the Interior.
III. The Division of Geography, under the supervision of the Secretary
of the Interior, is responsible for the following geographic name functions:
(a) Formulates major rules, principles, and policies for the
treatment of domestic and foreign geographic names;
(b) Prepares detailed rul::s, instructions, and procedures to
standardize the treatment of geographic names, including
tables of transliteration and transcription for non-homan
and nonalphabetic languages, by countries, groups of
countries, or languages, and including lists of authori-
ties with their relia.oility and order of precedence
indicated.
(c) Investigates and reconmends action on:
(1) Geographic names which are to be determined,
changed, and fixed in the United States, its
territories and possessions, international
waters, and in lands or waters to which the
United States has not formally recognized
the sovereignty of a foreign nation.
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(2) Proposed new names for previously unnamed
features in the United States, its terri-
tories and possessions, international waters,
and in lands or waters to which the United
States has not formally recognized the
sovereignty of a foreign nation.
(3) Foreign geographic names in dispute, conflict,
varied usage, or other uncertainty.
(d) Works cooperatively with local boards, associations, and
individuals in determining geographic name usage within
the United States and its possessions.
(e) Works cooperatively with corresponding agencies in other
countries to attain consistency in the international
treatment of geographic names.
(f) Prepares gazetteers of geographic names.
(g) Issues a series of publications as part of its program.
(h) Maintains master files of geographic names and of research
materials needed for the performance of its functions.
(i) Transcribes or transliterates geographic names from non-
Roman and nonalphabetic languages, at the specific request
of a Federal agency lacking facilities.
(j) Acts as a clearing house for information concerning geo-
graphic name work being done by Federal agencies, in-
cluding transcription and the preparation of gazetteers.
(k) Provides information requested by Federal agencies con-
cerning the locations of places and the spelling or pro-
nunciation of geographic names, when practicable without
excessive research.
(1) Reviews for compliance with official policy and the rules
of the Board. or checks, in detail, geographic names on maps
and charts to be published, upon request by Federal
agencies, insofar as practicable.
IV. The functions and composition of the Advisory Committee are as
follows:
(a) Because of the interdepartmental scope of the Board's
activities the Advisory Committee, unless the Secretary
of the Interior in any particular matter determines
otherwise, reviews and approves, before final approval by
the Secretary of the Interior, all principles, policies,
technical procedures and name recommendations with respect
to geographic names to be followed by Federal agencies.
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(b
It advises the Secretary of the Interior as to general
policy, procedures and technical matters. Except as
otherwise directed by the Secretary of the Interior
the Division of Geography is guided by the recommen-
dations of the Advisory Committee in matters relating
to the use of decisions and rulings of the Board by
Federal agencies.
The Committee membership shall consist of represent-
atives of Federal agencies most concerned with geo-
graphic names and of professional associations. It may
also include individuals and representatives of private
groups. ;embers of the Committee shall be appointed by
the Secretary with approval of the agency concerned, and
the number of members shall be fixed from time to time by
the Secretary. Members shall serve for a period of two
years but they shall be eligible for reappointment. All
members not representing Federal agencies shall be non-
voting members. The ?.;ommittee shall be headed by a
chairman nominated by the Committee and appointed by the
Secretary of the Interior, vihen additions to, and changes
in agencies or groups to be represented are desirable, the
Advisory Committee shall make recommendations to the
Secretary of the Interior. The Director of the Division
of Geography shall serve as Lxecutive Secretary to the
Advisory Committee, and shall be a member of the Committee,
but not vote.
V. To the extent of any inconsistency with the provisions hereof,
Order No. 1010 of December 10, 1935, and Order No. 1944 of April 17, 1914,
are hereby modified.
/s/ HAROLD L. ICKES
Secretary of the interior.
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X1.1 iSi1 v ~1Ji 1'J` vV :i1' [oi
7e'". ,.r', ant ;ate
De--,art,, ent of avy
ecart_;ent of interior
,:3enart,ent of ricUi tLre
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ost !aster General
:overnm.ent ; rintin C f i ce
Library Con ;r s
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th r :..
rC' Cl :Jiviti =i :'Jai
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(Draft substitute for H.R. 1555, unanimously approved by the Advisory
Committee (Board on Geographical Names) at a special meeting March 14,
1947; the bill also has the approval of the Bureau of the Budget,
which was represented by three officers at the meeting.)
A B ILL
To promote uniformity of geographic nomenclature in the Federal
Government, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the Secre-
tary of the Interior, hereinafter called the Secretary, conjointly
with the Board on Geographic Names, as hereinafter provided, shall
provide for uniformity in geographic nomenclature and orthography
throughout the Federal Government. The Secretary may exercise his
functions through such officials as he may designate, except that
such authority as relates to the final approval or review of actions
of the Board on Geographic Names shall be exercised by him, or his
Under or Assistant Secretaries.
Sec. 2. There is hereby established a Board. on Geographic
Names, hereinafter called the Board. The membership of the Board
shall include one representative from each of the Departments of
State, Vlar, Navy, Post Office, Interior, Agriculture and Commerce,
and from the Government Printing Office, and the Library of Congress.
The Board may also include representatives from such Federal agencies
as the Secretary, upon recommendation of the Board, shall from time
to time find desirable, even though these agencies are in the de-
partments otherwise represented on the Board. The members of the
Board shall be appointed by the respective heads of the departments
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or independent agencies that they represent. Each member shall
be appointed for a two-year term but may be reappointed to succes-
sive terms. The members of the 3oard shall serve without additional
compensation. The Board shall nominate a Chairman to be appointed
by the Secretary, and shall establish such working committees as are
found desirable.
Sec. 3. The board, subject to the approval of the Secretary,
shall formulate principles, policies and procedures to be followed
with reference to both domestic and foreign geographic names; and
shall decide the standard names and their orthography for official
use. The principles, policies Land procedures formulated hereunder
shall be designed to serve the interests of the Federal Government
and the general public, to enlist the effective cooperation of the
Federal departments and agencies most concerned, and to give full
consideration to the specific interests of particular Federal and
state agencies. Action may be taken by the Secretary in any matter
wherein the Board does not act within a reasonable time. The Board
may make such recommendations to the Secretary as it finds appropriate
in connection with this Act. Negotiations with foreign governments
with respect to foreign geograpin_ic names shall be conducted through
the Department of State to such extent and in such manner as may be
jointly determined by the Secretary of State and the Secretary of the
Interior.
Sec. 4, The Secretary shall cause such studies and investigations
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to be made and such records to be kept as may be necessary or desir-
able in carrjing out the purposes of this Act, and he shall provide
a place of meeting and staff assistance to the Board. The staff
shall be responsible to the Secretary, who shall prescribe its relations
to the Board and to the committees of the Board. The Secretary may
establish, from time to time, upon recommendation of the Board,
advisory committees of United States citizens who are recognized
experts in their respective fields to assist in the solution of
special problems arising under this Act.
Sec. 5. For the guidance of the Federal Government, the Secretary
shall promulgate in the name of the Board, from time to time and in
such form as will carry out the purposes of this Act, decisions with res-
pect to geographic names and principles of geographic nomenclature
and orthography. The Secretary shall also furnish such additional
information with respect to geographic names as will assist in carr,;-
ing out the purposes of this Act.
Sec. 6. With respect to geographic names the pertinent decisions
and principles issued by the Secretary shall be standard for all material
published by the Federal Governmdnt.
Sec. 7. Nothing in this Act shall be construed as applying to
the naming of the offices or establishments of any Federal agency.
Sec. 8. There are hereby aa.thorized to be appropriated such sums
as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
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TAB
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THE PLACE - NAME PROBLEM
WHAI
Is
TOWN CITY VILLAGE
RIVER MOUNTAIN WELL
MINE RAILROAD STATION
AIRFIELD CANAL REEF
S
NORTH SOUTH EAST WEST
25 MILES FROM X
368 KILOS NORTH OF Y
LAT. 140? N. LONG. 37 ? E .
Kanggyong Targo Gangri
ropbKw i Gor'?kiy (Gorki)
`L' ti Inch'On (Chemulpo)
i Shen-yang (Mukden )
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The Place Name Problem
Simply stated the problem is one of identi-
fication of a "correct" name with its proper
object. "Correctness" of a name may be
reflective of an adequate or proper trans-
cription or transliteration; a recent over
a former name; an application to a specific
name among choices; and other elements.
In other words what is it? Where is it?
How is it spelled? And of course the
magnitude and importance of the job are
essential parts of the problem. The
technical and scientific importance of the
job should not be overlooked.
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DEPARTMENT OF TIIE INTERIOR
UNITED STATES BOARD ON GEOGHAP1114'.%I. NAMES
DIVISION OF GIEO4:R.1P111'
K VA M'11'1111111111 lil 11511-11,111 '11,111 1`1
HEY TO EFFICIENCY AND CNIFOIIM11TY
DIVISIONAL FILES
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"Centralized Performance"
Since geographical names are the exclusive
interest of no one agency and are common
denominators to all intelligence agencies
there appears to be significant benefits
that would accrue from centralized performs
ance. The technical nature of the problem
requires specialized personnel and the use
of procedures and tools such as a central
name and information file to give consistently
high quality answers.
A strong argument can be made on the grounds
that information abstracted and provided
by this central agency is impartially given
to all agencies upon request.
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TRANSCRIPTION AND STANDARDIZATION
OTHER FORMS
Amphoe Ban Kluai
Chai Nod
Cheinat
Jainat
Muang Chainat
Muang Jai Nadh
Muang Xai Nat
Ordzhonikidze
Ordzhonikidse
Valdikavkaz
Wladikawkas
Hai-dschu
Hai-ju
Haitcheou
Hai-tjyou
Kaisyu
Kaishu
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"Transcription and Standardization"
No individual or organization working
separately can provide standard forms for
names originally appearing in non-Latin
or non-alphabet languages. The effort
must be centralized and specialized and
there must be acceptance by all agencies
of the findings. Such is possible only
through support of an organization such
as the Board on Geographical Names,
which by virtue of its interdepartmental
character is designed to achieve such
standardization.
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RATIO OF NAMES AND MAP SCALE
525 NAMES
prove
t).tit).\IIMAC;HI
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The magnitude of the job can be realized only
if one is aware of the geometric Progression
of increase in name requirrn with the
increase in scale of interest, which interest
may be large scale mapping or interest in
the spelling and location of places for other
intelligence purposes. Before World War II
maps at scales of 1:1,000,000 or smaller
seemed sufficient for all purposes except
extremely localized requirements. It seems
patent now that the intelligence interests
of the government at present warrant moving
towards a program of information on geograph-
ical names of the world at large scale.
It is roughly estimated that requirements at
scales of only 1:1,000,000 will require
information on approximated 30,000;000 place
names plus a minimum of 150,000,000 variant
or other forms. We estimate that not more
than 3% of this work has been accomplished.
However, the present Board in one year is
processing more names than the total
processed in the more than 50 years of the
Board's existence. And the number is
increasing rapidly with improvements in
methods being developed.
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 "Agencies Served"
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Since July 1, 1946 (note: a considerable
period after V-J Day) 125 different Federal
offices have called on this office for
assistance in the solution of place-name
problems. The savings to the Federal Govern-
ment in time and money alone would seem
apparent; but perhaps of equal significance
is the fact that all agencies received a
standard answer. This is possible only
because of the central files of information
which for a significant proportion of the
requests involved only the cost of a telephone
call and an examination of the file.
Probably over )400 different Federal offices,
over half of which are State, War and Navy
agencies, receive publications of the Board
through its regular mailing list,
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
UNITED ST_1TE% 111/_\Ii11 O GEOGll_tP1111'.%1. \.\JIE%
1111'15111% OF /iE/IIiR.tI'111-
LIST OF
ItE4'//JIMENDE)y
IIIgllirie` Gaz~~tt4?ery
Edited Matieriah
I'1'Itl.UC.%TION
and
1111TfIB1'TIO\
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 Procedure for Rendering Decisions
This-chart,serves to illustrate the
procedure by which name determi; , tions
are reached. Essential in the argument
is the fact that determinations are
not reached in a vacumn but, through
the assistance of all agencies inter-
ested and with a stake in the problem.
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MEMORANDUM FOR THE EXECUTIVE FOR PERSONNEL AND ADMINISTRATION
SUBJECT: Transfer of CIG Funds to the Secretary of Interior
for Allocation to the Board on Geographical Names.
1. Pursuant to the establishment of a CIG requirement for services
from the Board on Geographical Names, a transfer of CIG funds to the
Department of Interior to the extent of approximately $4,500 is required
to meet the salaries of personnel to be so engaged for the duration of
the current fiscal year.
2. Immediate action by your office is necessary in order to accom-
plish the transfer of funds prior to 6 April 1947, the effective date on
which subject personnel will be terminated due to lack of funds.
3. It is therefore requested that:
a. Your office take such action as is necessary in order to
accomplish the objectives of the foregoing.
b. Contact Planning Staff, ORE, extensions 2803-04, for de-
tailed information required.
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TAB
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.I'B'S DMATIM
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NOW
CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE GROUP
NEW WAR DEPARTMENT BUILDING
21st and VIRGINIA AVENUI", N. W.
WASHINGTON, D. C.
The Honorable
J. A. Krug
Secretary of the Interior
+tiashington, D.C.
Ivor dear Air. Secretary:
The Central Intelligence Group has a continuing interest
in, and a firm requirement for, the services rendered to the
several agencies of the Federal Government by the Board on Geo-
graphical Names.
These services are particularly pertinent to foreign name
problems arising within the intelligence agencies of the State,
,War and Navy Departments and this office, with respect to facili-
tating greatest interchangeability of intelligence informations,
and standardization of intelligence indexing procedures.
Accordingly, the member agencies of the Intelligence
Advisory Board and the offices of CIG have been requested to
alert all. personnel concerned in this field to the Executive
Orders governing the mission and authorities of the Board.
It has come to my attention that the services of the
- Group, Personnel Division, Board on Geographical Names
are being terminated due to lack of funds for salaries for the
balance of the current fiscal year.
This office regards the name problem in the = area as
being particularly pressing in view of known requirements for
names in the central and northern areas.
It is therefore desired that the _ Group be retained
by the Board to be employed on name problems in the central and
northern areas of in accordance with specific requirements
to be conveyed by this office to the Director of the Board at a
later date. Funds for this purpose will be transferred to the
Department of Interior by GIG in amounts sufficient to cover the
salaries of the four personnel engaged in this activity for the
balance of the current fiscal year.
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,%W %W
It is requested that CIG be accorded membership on the
Advisory Committee of the Board in order to represent its
intelligence interests in foreign name problems.
Sincerely,
HOYT S. VAND&NBZRG
Lieutenant General, U3A
Director of Central Intelligence
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 197 01
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UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR 193!
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY
BOARD ON GEOGRAPHICAL NAMES
WASHINGTON 25, D. C.
` ~5 1. ., a 1
Director of Central Intelligence,
21st Street and Virginia Avenue, N. Woo
Washington 25, D. C.
Attention: ion: 11r*
My dear Sir:
Al you suggested is our recent conversation, I am out-
lining here several problems regarding the continued contribution
of this office to the solution of geographical name problems; of
the several Federal intelligence agencies.
1. per oonsel: This office for the past several
years has employed a group o! four native Ou Problem Of 25X1A6a
- place names for the Army Map Service, Corps of Sugineers,
under a Working Fund agreement. We have recently been advised
that this service will no longer be required by the Map Service,
because of completion of major programs of mop compilation in this
area, and we have therefore given notice of reduction in force to
these employees, with separation to be effective April 6, 1947.
It seems regrettable, in view of the known problems of
geographical names of ~ of the several intelligence agencies, 25X1A6a
particularly in the areas of western and northern ~ and as
jacent areas, that the services of these persons may be lost.
Their experiences in the technical solution of geographical now
problems cannot be readily replaced, and the it loss will be keenly
felt. It is suggested therefore, that if funds may be available
from the Central Intelligence Group to continue the employment of
all, or part, of the groups at least for the remainder of the current
fiscal year, or until such tine as other funds may become availa??
ble, this personnel may be applied to problems of concern to the
Central Intelligence Group. The yearly cost of this personnel in
salary approximates $15,000.
We feel that the security question regarding this alien
personnel need not be a problem, since the research involved is
exclusively one of the transcriptions standardization and location
of geographical names.- This personnel has never had access to
classified information.
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 3
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rrw
E Geographical Name information: As we indicated to
you at the time of our meet " , we have noted a significant increase
in the numaber of requests for geographical name information from
Central Intelligence Group offices, since the issuance of your
memorandum of August 30, 1906, regarding the use of B(M procedures.
These requests have taken the form of requests for publications of
this office, and for assistance in the solution of specific name
problem through our telephone and mail information service* We
have edited several long lists .of names and have provided inforw
oration on large numbers of individual telephoned requests, No
effort has been made by this office to solicit requests for infer'-
oration, but we are informed that many of your various subdivisions
do not use the service., because of lack of specific information or
instruction.
Since 1943.-this service has been financed with Working
ids allocated by the Corps of Engineers. Beginning with next
fiscal year, that agency has indicated that it considers the per<
formance of this service for only the War Department a proper charge
against Engineer funds, but that they should not finance this service
to others.
This office has requested an appropriation item to finance
non?War Department inquiries for fiscal year 1948, but the chances
of approval of the item do not appear promising. Since this service
represents a material savism in convenience to the Central In-
telligence Group and the groups under its jurisdiction, you may wish
to inquire into the possibility of providing part of the funds for
its continuance.
While we have been glad to supply such information in the
past from available funds, subsequent additional increases in requests
may necessarily have to be rejected. This would be unfortunate, since
we believe that our facilities and techniques are the most efficient
available for solution of *at may be extremely expensive problemms.
3. Janis editing.. The Army Map Service also questions the
propriety of its supporting, during the fiscal year 1948, the aemms
editing work by BC2 on publications of the Joint Army-Navy Intelligence
Study Publishing Board. We have been informally advised by the Army
Map Service that it does not consider this work to be a justifiable
expense, since it benefits all participating agencies
This office has participated in the preparation of these
studies since their inception, and you are aware of the significance
of our contribution. The work involved is the editing of the materials
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to secure the neeessarY agreement of geographical names in
manuscripts prepared by the contributing agencies working with
heterogeneous sources of information. In addition, a complete
gazetteer (Chapter XIII) is prepared to facilitate the use of
each of the studies.
The cost involved in this wozk during the last calendar
year approximates $60,000 but this amount in being reduced gradually
with the introduction of increasingly efficient
Mr? Louis Quam, Director of the Joint Board, will gladly
verify the above facts. He may be reached at the office of the
Joint Intelligence Board, telephone War 'Department, extension 76958?
We appreciate your interest in the problems raised, and
shall be glad to provide additional information regarding any of
the above matters*
very truly yours,
Meredith F. Burrill?
Director.
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