CABLE COPIES

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP57-00042A000100010021-5
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 6
• Document Creation Date: November 11, 2016
• Document Release Date: August 27, 1998
• Sequence Number: 21
• Publication Date: May 7, 1952
• Content Type: MEMO

Sanitized - Approved Fo L* a{s lA-RDP57-00042A000100010021-5
7 May 1952
TO: Chief, Organization and Methods Service
FROM: 25X1A9a
SUBJECT: Cable Copies.
1. PROBLEM.--Is the present number of copies of cables distributed by
Signal Center to OPC and 030 excessive to the extent where
security might be jeopardized, and, if so, what can be done to
reduce the number of copies?
a. Standard distribution of cable copies by Signal Center.
See Tab "A". Most cable copies are classified Secret.
b. Typical disposition of cable copies. See Tab "B".
3. DISCUSSION.?
a. Discussion with I&S indicates that security of cable copies
is not a more important factor than security of other
classified material.
b. Prior to the OSO-OPC merger,, the OPC Cable Section handled
distribution of cable copies. This was a detailed
distribution based upon cable content. The present
standardized distribution was created for the adminis-
trative convenience of Signal Center after discussions
with OSO and OPC and approval by DD/P. General
distribution of a fixed number of copies is made to
Divisions. Division cable desks distribute within
Divisions based upon cable content.
c. Few OSO Divisions require the present number of copies received.
Some OPC Divisions have requested increased numbers and one
has requested a decrease. Signal Center has not altered
the present distribution because Area Divisions generally
express satisfaction with the number received.
d. There is duplication in filing of cable copies. For example,
all Divisions and some Branches maintain chronological
files of copies, which duplicate the file maintained by
Signal Center. Such files are deemed necessary to avoid
time lost in obtaining data from Signal Center.
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e. Because of physical distances between Offices and for convenience
Divisions have not utilized routing of cable copies to reduce
number circulated. Copies are distributed to all persons who
need-to-know, after which copies not filed are destroyed.
In some 030 Divisions, unneeded copies are destroyed upon
receipt.
f. Signal Center receives frequent requests for additional copies.
When such extra copies are delayed in arrival from Signal
Center, some Divisions type their own copies.
g. A new snap-out cable form will shortly be utilized. While
typing the cable message, the Division typist also types
the ditto master as a carbon copy of the message. It is
estimated that this form will result in a 50 per cent
saving in the time spent by Signal Center editors in
distribution of cable copies.
4. CONCLUSIONS.--
a. While security of cable copies is not presently in jeopardy,
adjustments are necessary for more effective administration
and to prevent future difficulties. A uniform reduction
in the number of cable copies would impair operations in
some Divisions. Specific reductions can be made, however.,
by a re-survey of the needs of individual Divisions.
Further distribution analysis to individuals within
Divisions by Signal Center would be impracticable
under present workload,
b. Typing of cable copies by Division personnel is a security
violation.
5. ACTION REcoM ENDED.--It is recommended that:
a. The present distribution of cable copies be altered as follows:
(1) Reduce number of copies distributed to Divisions
(particularly in OSO) needing fewer copies.
(2) Reduce number of copies to provide for routing of
one copy among persons located in the same or
adjacent offices.
(3)
Eliminate copies which are used to create duplicate
chronological files.
b. The Signal Center periodically review distribution of copies
in order to make necessary adjustments.
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 Sanitized - ApprQwed For Re eEIse" 'c134=RDP57-OO 2A000100010021-5
c. The Division Chiefs be instructed to take action necessary to
prevent typing of cable copies by Division personnel.
Tab A, Distribution of Cable Copies by Signal Center; Tab B,
Typical Distribution of Cable Copies.
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TAB
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 25X9A2
Sanitized - Approved For Release : CIA-RDP57-00042AO00100010021-5
Sanitized - Approved For Release : CIA-RDP57-00042AO00100010021-5
 Sanitized- Approved'Fbr Release : CIA-RDP57-00042A000100010021-5
TAB B
TYPICAL DISTRIBUTION OF CABLE COPIES*
(Action)
6 to Division
1 Chronological File (Destroyed after 3 months to 1 year.)
1 Deputy Chief (Destroyed after reading.).
1 Chief (Destroyed after reading.)
1 Support Staff. (Destroyed after project completed.)
2 Branch .(1 copy circulated; 1 chronological file)
1 ADSO or ADPC
2 RI
], ADSO or ADPC Staff
3 Signal Center**
plus additional copies as requested.
* Copies are not delivered after 1600.
** Signal Center copies utilized as follows:
1 Permanent File (original message)
1 Master Ditto (for reproducing other copies)
1 Reading File (for logging; destroyed after 21- hours)
Sanitized - Approved For Release : CIA-RDP57-00042AO00100010021-5