15)-NATIONAL RECONNAISSANCE OFFICE

WASHINGTON. D.C. IIIIMMIIIPM"

18 April 1975

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MEMDRADNUM FOR THE RECORD

SUBJECT: "Fact Of" Paper

I met this afternoon with Captain Jennings of State

Department, Bureau of Intelligence and Research to discuss

the outline of the "fact of" paper. Mr. Rats from the Arms

Control Agency was in attendance as well as a "consultant"

brought in by the State Department ostensibly to write a

paper. I presented the attached outline as a firm DOD position of the issue and made the point clear that DOD strongly

believes that there is no gain to be made by acknowledging

the "fact of." Any paper resulting from this tasking should

relate to the issues brought up in our outline. I further

expressed the feeling that it appeared unnecessary to have

a private consultant write such a paper. I also relayed

General Allen's specific comments made to me about the "fact

of" issue following his review of the outline. Captain Jennings

said that he would have to touch base with Mr. Hitchcock who

is ill today and Mr. Hyland, the Director of the Bureau.

Lt Colonel, USAF

Deputy Director for

Plans and Policy

cc: Dr. Wade, OSD(ISA)

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No diplomatic protests lodged.- '`a" 'It'""w. 4'4= 4" " r el". %A.

Has become a "non-secret" because of long term conduct and

general public awareness of activity--all but officially

knowledgeable are unaware of the policy.

IV. What are the information factors relating to the "fact of"

release / "facts about."

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A. Public reaction. 44414 4c.* °- • I"' "sem S L4 4-11:Aw peer.. Ired 1•044",

a. AkbA., •C aa I rn-'6Akei

B.Credibility changes.- 1G (04' "4 "4" -

C. Freedom of action for spokesmen.- Ottertla"'-' 48 Aorott to.

III. How has "Fact Of" served its purpose for 13 years?

No government official has acknowledged openly.

No "good" secrets are in the public domain--high awareness

of policy.64

&re" A.A.r•-• 44 "dirt

Exposure to press demands more release.- 4,—,;,..* €4

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Retention of "good secrets" impact.- %.0.4•414•%*

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Use of information for questionable levecagm.- (40 ‘1" rtd"44711 gv..0„ ar a. 'CAL sell 1...4 -4. 04'114 °IV- — APOImorv.

Civil and military programs bagged _together.

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I. What is the "Fact Of" policy?

Authorizes no open disidssion of satellite reconnaissance.

Authorizes full discussion in proper forum to government

policy makers.

II. Why has there been a "Fact Of" policy?

Fear of international challenge to a non-legalized activity.

Fear of exposing capabilities and limitations to adversaries

causing loss. - 4.ea 4.4„,

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Provides keystone for securie management because it is

clearly understood.- lom`" env, 4..4

Allows legitimacy Allows to be ps/ablisheduzm time.-"P"'"*"tn("S Vat eV 1...• C. OW. .. 44,4, "itc.4
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V. What are the international political factors affecting the

release of the "fact of?"

A. Soviet reactions

Military - -closed society; information denial.

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Political - -Res ponse mode/J example; v-2 "wm-eit'

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B. Chinese reactions - -Political.

C. Other international reactions

Sovereignty - -UN debates on open programs.- aria— "c04'-f.

Pressures for technology sharing.- 04-Le c.,J.Arrat tIk-

& 1."06.24% - 16.5

Military--allies/non-allies.

Economic potential.- "1 'a" C4 44.

D. Legitimacy of reconnaissance - -conf

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VI. What are the programmatic factors affecting the release of

the "fact of"?

A. Facts about.

Enforcement of new rules outs Enforcement ILA 4*. S.ssfre.m. - f.atir 1 204M-Vr 1° etor.; 4e∎

Life of "good secrets." 000 sa.v.„..41

3. Restraining of discussion.- "ClitAiX ecle-U-s•tbt

B. Program management.

Contractor relationships - -competition.- IL* s

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Procurement apparatus.- A414, ..irCrtp,.. '11444

C. Limitations of technology.

Intelligence can be denied.- vw 4"e' 411614 4* Ws

Technology restraints.

D. "Fact Of" aids management.-- *At ."-ii

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VII. Summary and assessment of gains and losses.

Gains a*4 slight short term. - & W. t,..n •••Li i4r49it

Losses '11- likely long term. soLCos - eseilA MEW

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