(UNTITLED)

• Document Type: FOIA
• Collection: FOIA Collection
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 02776095
• Release Decision: RIFPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: March 9, 2023
• Document Release Date: July 30, 2020
• Case Number: F-2015-02241
• Publication Date: September 25, 1960

Approved for Release: 2020/07/28 CO2776095
CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
WASHINGTON 25. D. C.
OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR
25 September 1960
MEMORANDUM FOR: General Andrew J. Goodpaster
Staff Secretary
The White House
1. Referring to our conversation on Friday afternoon, I note below
a paragraph from page VIII of General Medaris' book, "Countdown for
Decision".
"Positive, affirmative decision is the lifeblood of all organized
human activity, and the only process by which progress is made.
The absence of decision is in itself a decision -- a negative one --
and always spells trouble in the future. The U-2 disaster may
well be a case in point. Why were we forced to use the vulnerable
U-2? Much earlier it should have been replaced by something of
greater performance, far less exposed to attack -- hopefully, even
by a reconnaissance satellite. But there had been no affirmative
decision, in time, to provide anything better."
2. As I mentioned to you, I have reason to believe that this book will
be cited in the campaign in view of certain statements which were made
to me by Senator Kennedy when I briefed him last Monday.
3. In the course of earlier briefings of both Senator Kennedy and
Senator Johnson, they separately inquired about intelligence techniques
to replace the U-2. My reply was of a general character, namely that
both in the field of aircraft and earth satellites research and development
work was progressing with reasonably satisfactory prospects, but I did
not go into any measure of detail.
4. Unless I hear from you to the contrary, I shall not give any more
detailed briefings on this subject.
S. I do not know when, or if, I shall be called upon for further
briefings as I have left this to the initiative of the respective candidates
and have no definite appointment to brief either of them.
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.01.0
6. As you know, the important developments with regard to
one of these sensitive operations occurred subsequent to the major
briefings I gave to the two candidates, and my briefing of
Senator Kennedy last Monday was restricted to a discussion of
likely developments in connection with Khrushchev's visit to the
UN and crisis areas, particularly Berlin.
'thfully yours,
Dulles
Director
Approved for Release: 2020/07/28 CO2776095