I HAVE BEEN FOLLOWING WITH GREAT INTEREST THE PROGRESS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE EARTH SATELLITE VEHICLE PLANS.

• Document Type: FOIA
• Keywords: DNI
• Keywords: SPUTNIK
• Collection: Intelligence Warning of the 1957 Launch of Sputnik
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 0006513734
• Release Decision: RIFPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 1
• Document Creation Date: September 22, 2017
• Document Release Date: October 4, 2017
• Case Number: SC-2017-00012
• Publication Date: January 29, 1955

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' Approved for Release: 2017/96/67 C06513734
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CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
WASHINGTON 25, D. C.
OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR
29 January 1955
ER 675268
The Honorable
The Secretary of Defense
Department of Defense
Washington 25, D. C.
Dear Mr. Secretary:
I have been following with great interest the progress in the
development of the earth satellite vehicle plans. I'should like to
state the concern of this Agency with both the first launching of
the earth satellite and its possible use in advanced form to
collect intelligence data.
In addition to the cogent scientific arguments advanced in
support of the development of earth satellites, there is little
doubt but what the nation that first successfully launches the
earth satellite, and thereby introduces the age of space travels
will gain incalculable international prestige and recognition. In
many respects it will be comparable to the first release of nuclear
energy. Our scientific community as well as the nation would gain
invaluable respect and confidence should our country be the first c
to launch the satellite. Consequently, I feel the psychological
impact of thia development on friendly, neutral and Communist-controlled
countries, particularly when we are anticipating a prolonged state of
cold war, is one of the major arguments justifying its prompt develop-
ment.
I-should be happy to discuss the matter further at your conven-
ience and to give any support the Agency might be able to provide in
evaluating earth satellite plans. Because of the international and
diplomatic implications of this project, I am sending this informa-
tion to the Secretary of State.
Date i 7 _OLT IPA
Dec1assify4othei.A.DR
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Cont.
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Approved for Release: 2017/09/07 C06513734