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-(STNATIONAL RECONNAISSANCE OFFICE

WASHINGTON: D.C.

OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR

10 December 1976

MEMORANDUM FOR MR. ELLSWORTH, OSD

MR. LATIMER, PDASD(I)/DDI

SUBJECT: New Charter for the National Reconnaissance

Program

We have reviewed Mr. Bush's Memorandum for Members of didmmittee on Foreign Intelligence, 5 November 1976,

11672-76). Certain textual changes have been incord since the last draft which I believe should be

considered further (references are to paragraphs in the

draft Agreement format).

Para 2. c. adds reference to civil users. It

is suggested that this'paragraph be qualified by specifically

pointing out that civil users' requirements are not for intelligence or personnel surveillance purposes.

Para 2. e. adds the provision for NSA to

participate in the development of SIGINT reconnaissance

satellites. NSA people are presently involved in SIGINT

satellite and ground processing system development through

the NRO structure, where they act as fully integrated

members at both the Program Office and Staff level. NSA

also has the responsibility for the processing of SIGINT

satellite intelligence data. Since it is not intended that

the NSA develop spaceborne hardware for SIGINT satellites,

I believe it will be counterproductive to include the last

sentence of pars 2. e. in the Agreement. Wording that tends

to cloud the issue of responsibilities is not recommended.

c. Para 3. h. calls for the DCI to maintain policy

guidance within the NRP. I believe the intent is to provide

policy guidance for the NRP as it relates to all elements of

the Government. Changiag the word "within" to "for" would

accomplish this.

•
The previdus draft included the statement that the DNRO

would "Defend the National Reconnaissance Program budget as

approved by the President through presentations to the Congress

and elsewhere as required." I believe this is still a proper

responsibility and should be included.

I have previously suggested the addition of a sentence

to para 5. b., "Periodic reports to the Intelligence Oversight

Board as required by Executive Order 11905 and which cover

the total National Reconnaissance Program will be submitted

by the Inspector General for Defense Intelligence following

coordination as appropriate with the Inspector General of the

Central Intelligence Agency." In practice, we now do submit

our periodic reports to the IOB through the Inspector General

for Defense Intelligence, including the inputs from the NRO

CIA Program Office. I believe inclusion of the suggested words

is still desirable.

Prom recent discussions I conclude that there is firm

support for streamlined management for the NRP. In general

this agreement supports that observation to the extent that

it provides a framework for the NRP. Based on recent experience,

I would propose the inclusion of a new sentence between the

first and second sentences of pars 4. g. to read "The DNRO

shall be subject to direction only from the CFI principals or the

Secretary of Defense." Also, it is suggested that the word

"submit" in the second line of para 4. h. be changed to

'present and justify." I believe these statements would aid

in reestablishing the management concept originally conceived

for the program. 11111111111111

Charles W. Cook

Acting Director

Ct I trVall 66010

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