DEAR JOHN:

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP80T00704A000100020005-1
• Release Decision: RIFPUB
• Original Classification: C
• Document Page Count: 1
• Document Creation Date: November 17, 2016
• Document Release Date: July 27, 2000
• Sequence Number: 5
• Publication Date: January 30, 1964
• Content Type: LETTER

Approved For Release 2000/08/16 : CIA-RDP80T00704A000100020005-1
CONFIDENTIAL
P
Y
Washington
OSD DECLASSIFICATION INSTRUCTIONS ON FILE
Honorable John A. McCone
Director, Central Intelligence
Washington 25, D. C.
30 January 1964
We have made substantial progress in the past year in refining our
estimates of Soviet general purpose forces. I have been particularly
pleased with the joint effort in this field by CIA and DIA which was
reflected most recently in the new estimate, NIE 11-14-63,
"Capabilities of the Soviet General Purpose Forces, 1963-1969. " I
would appreciate your passing on my thanks to those persons
responsible for this work.
I believe that this new estimate gives us a much sounder basis for our
planning and for planning within NATO. But along with a better picture
of the true general purpose force strengths of the USSR, the estimate
does reveal limits to our knowledge. I am optimistic that further .
progress can be made toward definitive calculation of the strengths
and weaknesses of the Soviets. I will be interested in seeing the results
of your follow-on studies of costing, equipment production and
inventory, and tables of organization and equipment.
I have sent a similar communication to the Chairman, Joint Chiefs
of Staff.
Sincerely,
/S/
BOB,
CONFIDENTIAL
Approved For Release 2000/08/16 : CIA-RDP80T00704A000100020005-1