INDIRECT ASSESSMENT

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: STARGATE
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP96-00787R000400040016-9
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 1
• Document Creation Date: November 4, 2016
• Document Release Date: December 7, 1998
• Sequence Number: 16
• Publication Date: February 20, 1967
• Content Type: MFR

Approved For Release 20011F 9D- F ; R000 00040016-9
20 February 1967
1. The first attempt at determining how professional but casual assessors
assess was made on the evening of 16 February 1967. The "subject" was a
gypsy located in Baltimore. The plan for selection of the subject was
to be self-selected if possible. The experimenter chose an area where
a number of store-front palmists are located and simply walked slowly along
the street until solicited by one. Of appDoximately eight establishments
"E" was approached by one.
2. For $1.00 the "subject" gave a reading that sounded well-
practiced and consisted of platitudes. Through this the "subject" stared
intently at the palm and occasionally would glance to the face of "E."
When queried as to how the assessment was accomplished the "subject"
answered "from the lines" in the hand. Further questioning elicited the
answer of "I was born" with the gift." When asked why "E" was approached
and deemed approachable the answer was "from the face."
3. At this point the "subject" requested $10.00 for further informa-
tion and a "blessing." After some discussion "subject" agreed to "bless"
for no additional fee. This consisted of requested the "E" to empty
each pocket consecutively and pronouncing utterances over the contents.
This was done rapidly until the wallet pocket was reached. At this
point the "subject" showed greater interest and "E" became too busy
being protective to be objective. After a short but direct discussion
the "subject" seemed to understand that "E" was interested only in
obtaining certain information and not in a blessing or dancing girls
and was not about to part with the contents of the wallet. "Subject"
then stated that "E" would have to return at an earlier hour at another
time.
Impression: This first attempt was informative but in a limited way.
This in part was due to the locale and the fact that "E" could not
just be an objective observer. Nonetheless there were indications that
facial cues, as opposed to palms, are used initially. The examination
of the contents of one's pockets also reveals information which in turn
could be used to "accurately assess." This latter aspect is fairly
straightforward and not particularly interesting from a project viewpoint.
The use of facial cues could be worth persuing. If the opportunity
presents itself an attempt will be made to follow-up with the same sub-
ject at a more propitious time.
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