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-(0-NATIONAL RECONNAISSANCE OFFICE

WASHINGTON. D.C. Irgangaralif

THE NRO STAFF 2 August 1976

MENORAH= FOR THE CHIEF, SPECIAL SECURITY CENTER, CIA

SUBJECT: Security Classification Policy

The NRO Staff has reviewed your June 30, 1976 memorandum 5369-76)

on classification of the terms "NRO" and "NRP." It is reasonable that both

terms be protected at the same level. The requirement that "NRO" or "NRP",

whether spelled out or in initials, be protected within either aMor

TALENT-KEYHOLE channels has been effective in reducing knowledge about the

NRP to those directly associated with it. This policy is clearly understood and manageable and it serves the best interest of the NRP. We

recommend its continuation. Changes to this policy should be based only

upon evidence that its effect is deleterious to U.S. intelligence programs.

We have not seen such evidence.

The only apparent utility in the proposed policy change would be to

facilitate references to "NRO" or "NRP" in the context of personalities or

organisational identities. Allowing non-compartmented usage of the initials

would focus abnormal attention on them. It could lead to transgressions

(as readers made marginal or oral notes in order to flesh out what "NRO"

or "NRP" meant), thereby precipitating an erosion of the security protection.

This would provide an undesirable level of visibility into NIP management.

The NRO Staff, therefore, concludes that the initials "NRO" and "NRP"

and the titles "National Reconnaissaalagran" and "National Reconnaissance

Office" should be classified SECRET or TALENT-KEYHOLE:

In a broader context, our most vital concern is the protection provided

by thegaRINControl System to the NRO with respect to methods, techniques,

technology, production, funding, and system capabilities. This is an issue

separate and distinct from product classification. As the dialogue continues

over product decoapartmentation, we should exclude from the universe of

discussion the L system and the identities of the NRO and NRP.

Brigadier Genera

Director

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TOVitillEf

NATIONAL RECONNAISSANCE OFFICE

WASHINGTON. D.C.

THE NPO STAFF • 21 July 1976

MEMORANDUM FOR GEN SHIELDS

SUBJECT: Classification of NRO and NRP

The suggested memorandum to the Director of the CIA's

Special Security Center is in response to his letter to you

(Attachment 1). As we do not find the justifications in

paragraph two convincing, the memo concurs with his desire

to reclassify the initials NRO and NRP, but it does not

accept the planned decompartmentation. It also urges that

he continue to provide strong protection to thelandir

System. Recommend that you sign the suggested •randum.

1 Attachment

Mr. Leidenheimer's ltr

dtd 30 June 1976

CLASSIENDeMillalk Emmy Pim.

GENERAL DECLASSIFICATIONSENEOULII OF iop_vegg EXECUTIVE ORDER I Win EXEMPTION CATE

GORY SIP DECLASSIFY ON or DEE 0141!!!!M 1, R:

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