DIRECTOR HELMS' CONCEPT OF LIMITED TECHNOLOGICAL ASSISTANCE TO CHINA FOR THEIR SPACE RECONNAISSANCE CAPABILITY

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: Library of Congress
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): LOC-HAK-450-5-11-4
• Release Decision: RIPLIM
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: January 11, 2017
• Document Release Date: January 19, 2010
• Sequence Number: 11
• Publication Date: October 27, 1971
• Content Type: MEMO

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No Objection to Declassification in Part 2010/01/19: LOC-HAK-450-5-11-4
THE WHITE.HgT;SE
TOP SHCRET/SENSIT OUTSIDE SYSTEM .;~10
Director Helms' Concept of Limited Technological
Assistance to China for Their Space Reconnaissance
Capability
It seems to me that. this idea is a bit "previous" for staffing and
putting into 40 Committee machinery.
It is a new idea which I would suggest be discussed privately between
HAK and Dick Helms when they see each other on other matters on Friday.
It has the possibility of being a useful proposal for higher authority
to take with him on his visit. HAK, with his present exclusive access
to "that country;' might be better able to evaluate the concept following
his two visits
It should, in my opinion, be held very closely because it is liable to
misinterpretation if it leaks out.
Therefore, it is my recommendation that you pass, it to HAK as is on a
"floating" basis and, if it floats, meticulous staff work can be
undertaken promptly.
Attachment
Memo 10/22/71 to HAK from DCI
(TS#202361-71, Cy 1)
P SECRET SENSITIVE
No Objection to Declassification in Part 2010/01/19 : LOC-HAK-450-5-11-4
 TOP SECRET SENSITIVE
No Objection to Declassification in Part 2010/01/19 m LC-HAK-450-5-11-4
J u
$'G- OVTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGEI'~I( "ate
OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR
22 October 1971
MEMORANDUM FOR: Dr. Henry Kissinger
As you know, we now have
evidence that the Chinese are.building facilities which.,
can support a rather extensive space program. In addition,
At one point the trade official
representing the Chinese said that he has been told by the
Chinese that "three-dimensional photographic technology is
an absolute necessity for China's space program. The
technology must be obtained." It therefore seems very
likely that one of the major thrusts of the Chinese program:
will be to acquire a satellite reconnaissance capability.
I would like to. raise: t1ie question whether it would be in
our "interest to assist them in this objective.
Much of our confidence that the Soviets will not
interfere with our reconnaissance satellites derives from
our assumption that the Soviets rely heavily on their own
satellites for intelligence about us and the Chinese.'7and
would not be likely to take actions which might jeopardize
their own capability. It seems worth asking, therefore,
whether we could enhance the'safety of our program from
future interference by the Chinese by encouraging them to
acquire and rely on a reconnaissance program of their own.
If you think this is worth pursuing further I can
study and report back to you some possibilities for making
it easy for the Chinese to get necessary information and
equipment for a useful, but not very high quality,
capability.
Richard Helms
Director
TOP SECRET SENSITIVE
TS#'202361-71
Cy #1
No Objection to Declassification in Part 2010/01/19 : LOC-HAK-450-5-11-4