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I 1111111111111111 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 14 000649760 

THE NRO STAFF September 24, 1969 

MEMORANDUM FOR CO' 

Col Buzard called from Boston, where he and ~-----~are 

accompanying Mr. Sorrels on his visit to Itek. Col Buzard's problem was as fallows: They were at Itek for the express purpose of 

discussing the HEXAGON SI camera and all of a sudden were told by 

Mr. Sorrels that what he really wanted to discuss at Itek was the 

CORONA program and how it was going. Neither Col Buzard nor 

~-----~ 

felt they had any authority to permit such discussions 

since it was not the expressed purpose of their visit and were asking 

our guidance. 

I explained our general feeling on this to Col Buzard, knowing 

full well that this would not help; and indicated that I would attempt 

to contact you for guidance. Sorrels then got on the phone and explained that he should have mentioned these particular discussions 

when he was arranging the visit but had "forgotten to mention it" 

and really saw no reason for his not being permitted to discuss the 

CORONA subject with Itek. I reminded him of the rules and the requirement that he indicate the topics he wishes to discuss at the 

various places prior to his visit. He responded, expressing dissatisfaction generally and saying that our objections in these instances 

made him very angry. As rationale to support his request, he added 

that while he was on the West Coast he was able to visit TRW twice 

and no such restrictions were imposed on his discussion of other 

subjects. I told him that this was all fine and dandy except that it 

didn't excuse his not apprising us initially of his desires, so that 

the decision could be made in the proper context. 

HEXAGON CORONA 

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I told Col Buzard, when he returned to the phone, that I would 

check it out, and call him back. I then called you at NPIC and 

followed through with the suggestion that I call John McMahon. 

John 1 s reaction was quite similar to yours, that is, he was quite 

displeased in that he felt that "Sorrels is simply headhunting and 

this is another instance in which the same old thing happens, i.e., 

he revises his interests on site and attempts to discuss subjects 

which were not previously advertised as a part of his itinerary. 11 

John's guidance was essentially a reluctant, "Well, he really is 

conducting the trip under your auspices, so if Lew doesn't have any 

real objections, I guess it is OK for him to discuss the CORONA 

program. 11 I called Col Buzard back. He had~-----~ on the 

phone with him. I explained to both our general feelings, then 

authorized them to proceed with the discussions. 

I agree with you that it is essential that we speak to Charlie 

Sorrels about this kind of thing. I am sure John McMahon also 

agrees. 

WILL 

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