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Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT

TO : Chief, Security Branoh

DATE: 11 October 1949

FROM : Interrogation Research Section

sUBjECT:-Suggested Over-All Researoh Program.

The necessity for keeping well informed of present interrogation methods and special operational methods used by unfriendly countries cannot be over emphasized. Below are listed various suggested phases of research and proposed details for the carrying out of a progressive and extremely active research program.

It is recommended that every effort be made to acquire and review axisting literature oovering past and present interrogation techniques and the use of such operational procedures as hypnotic and drug control. The review would include all articlos in periodioals and books written by specialists on such subjects as general interrogation, psychological interrogation, the use of the Polygraph, truth serum and hypnosis. These specialists may not be actively engaged in interrogation but may be working in allied fields which might provide valuable contributions to our own interests. .This survey would also include tho careful scrutinization of all intelligence reports involving interrogation methods and pecial operational techniques. The flow of information from this source would be greatly accelerated by the issuance of an interrogation collection requirement. The "existing technique" survey should also include facilities for the investigation of the use or suspected use of specinl techniques. Modical and paychiatric practitioners would be valuable contributors and liaison with such individuals would be extremely beneficial. The research sections of police departments and crimizology laboratories might all prove to be very beneficial. Suggested methods for liaison with such organizations will be coverod in a separate memorandum. Good liaison with other govermmental agencias and the various branches of tho military service would be very helpful. Liaison with professional hypnotists could contribute many pointers which might be applied. to certain phasea of our problems. Liaison with certain universities which are outstanding in fields allied to our interests would be beneficial. In some cases, liaiaon with the above mentioned organizations and individuals would involve a cover to conceal CIA interest in such matters.

The survey of "existing techniques" previously mentioned would take care of methods used in the past and present and made a matter of record through books, periodicals and reports. It is felt that active research should be conducted in conjunction with "tachnique verification". This verification would involve research on reportedly existing techniques and actual experimontation carried out to prove and disprove their value and effectiveness. This research would involve the volunteering of subjects for actual laboratory experimente. Reports covering theae experiments would be furnished in the form of lectures, demonstrations and systematic written coverage.

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Memorandum to: Chief, Security Branch From: Interrpgation Reaearch Section Subject: Suggested Over-All Research Program 11 Ootober 1949 P. 2

Besides tho survoy of "existing teohniques", and the "technique verification", a third phase should be kept active covering "new methods". This program would also involve actual laboratory research and the issuing of verbal and written reports. This phase would also include the improvemont of techniques already in existence.

As of this date, it is felt that this Interrogation Research Section is more progresaive and far in advance of ell existing governmental, polico, and private research activities concerning' the use of operational hypnosis and highly specialized methods of interrogation. It is felt that this lead might be maintained and that the program might be further acoelerated by the exeoution of the above mentioned suggestions..