RU ID:A63895 uECRET -----------91assified until filled) e 

CLASSIFIED/NON-CLASSIFIED TRANSMITTAL and RECEIPT 

TO 

t.IATIONAL SECURITY AGENCY 

Washington 25, D.C. 

Mr. William F. Friedman 

310 Second Street, s. E. 

Washington, D. c. 

SERIAL OR CONTROL NUMBER 

R/D 31-56 

DATE 

1 October 1956 

1. IT IS REQUESTED THAT RECEIPT FOR THIS MATERIAL. BE ACKNOWLEDGED BY EXECUTING AND RETURNING THE 

BEL.OW RECEIPT. 

2. THIS LETTER MAY BE DOWNGRADED TO __ U_n_c_l_a_s_s_i_fi_._ed_______ WHEN ENCLOSURES ARE REMOVED. 

INCLOSURESI 

EXSAB Serial 41-56 w/incl: Minutes and agenda 

S. Cronise 

This material contains ;11f,.,.,.,_,;_ .",, f h . 

United St it"-· "th 1- ~· - · ~'l < ' .c mg f e n:1!1:m:il defense of the " ~~ WI I!'! , c r ~ ··-- . 1 " I T I $ 793 " ~ .. ~ " ·'" C:,::ltCil.:!g': .:i\'/S it e 13 LJ $ ( 

ecs. ' 794 and 1?3, the tt.-insr.1issi,jn or revelaHo~ of which i~ ~n ., 

.,!!lan'?.!LJo an unauthorized person is ~!~hl~ited by law. Y 

_)eclassified and approved for 

elease by NSA on 11-15-2013 

Jursuantto E .0. 13526 
REF ID:A63895 

e SECRET e 

NATIONAL SECURITY AGENCY 

WASHINGTON 25, D. C. 

Serial: EXBAB 41-56 

1 October 1956 

Mr. William F. Friedman 

310 Seccncl Street, S. E. 

Wash1ngton, D. o. 

Dear Mr. Friedman: 

In.closed is a copy or tJie asenda for the 1'orthccm:l.ng 

:meeting or the Scientific .Advisory Board. Also inc1osed 

for your 1nf'o:naat1on is a copy Of the minutes of the 

last Boa.rd meeting. 

Sincerely, 

~ s. KULt.B.ACK 

Executive Secretary 

EA Scientific M.visory Boa.rd 

2 Incl.a: 

a/a 

SECRET 

l)eCl&SSifY when inclOSUfeS at'e t'etnOVed 
' I • 

NATIONAL SECURITY AGENCY SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY BOARD 

AGENDA 

8 and 9 OCTOBER 1956 at 0900 

The meeting on 8 October will be held in Room 17-131 at the Naval 

Security Station and on 9 October in the Situation Room, B Building at 

Arlington Hall Station. 

Opening Remarks by- Lieutenant General Ral?l J. Canine. 

Review and Approval or Minutes or 15-17 February 1956 meetings. 

Report on Board and Panel Membership. 

Expanded E!!ort: 

Report on Preliminary Discussions with the Office of 

the Secretary of Defense, R/D. Dr. R. A. Leibler 

Review of NSA 1 s Recommendations to the Secretary of 

Defense regarding expanded effort. Report on action 

taken and progress to date on each project. Captain J. s. Holtw:l.ck, USN 

Report on .f'inal discussions and implementation of 

the MWDP assistance. Dr. R. A. Leibler 

Report on the September Conference. 

Independent effort. 

--------- ··-

High Speed System 

Report on Reorganization of PROD 

(Time permitting) 

Dr. A. Sinkov 

Dr. A. Sinkov 

Dr. H. T. Engstrom 

Brig. Gen. W. M. Burgess, USAF 
.-

REF ID:A63895 

e UECRET e TENTATIVE 

MINUTFS OF THE NSA SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY BOARD MEETING 

HELD ON 15 FEBRUARY l956 

l. The following were present at the meeting. 

a. Board Members: 

Hr. J. C. McPherson., Chairman 

br. w. R. G. Baker 

Dr. Stewart s. Cairns 

Dr. H. T. Engstrom Kr. J. w. Forrester 

Mr. w. F. Friedman 

Mr. A. w. Horton 

b. NSA Executive Group for Board Affairs: 

Dr. s. Kullback, Executive Secretary 

Brig. General w. M. Burgess., USAF 

Colonel K. I. Davis, USA 

Captain J. S. Holtwick, USN 

Captain A. Enderlin., USN 

Dr. A. Sinkov 

c. Department of Defense Observers 

General G. B. Erskine 

d. NSA Observers: 

Lt. General R. J. Canine., USA 

Colonel Duncan Sinclair., USA 

Colonel Gordon w. Wildes., USAF 

Dr. H. H. Campaigne 

Major N. R. Dicks, USAF 

Mr. E. N. Dingley1 Jr. 

Captain I. T. McDonald, USAF 

LCDR J. W. Pearson, USN 

Dr. L • .&. Shinn 

a. Recorder: 

Miss Catherine Johnson 

t. Hr. H. P. Corwith sent the following telegram to the Executive 

Secretary, NSASAB: "Regret unable to attend NSA meetings Februar;y lS1 

16 and 17 due to ill:Jleaa. 11 
2. The first session convened at 13001 15 February 1956. General 

Canine opened the session with a welcoming address and a review or some 

of the highlights of the preceding year. 

3. The Chairman, Mr. McPherson, proposed that the minutes of the 

previous meeting be approved as presented, which motion was seconded and 

carried. 

4. Mr. McPherson reviewed the changes in the Board membership since 

the last meeting. Mr. Quarles found it necessary to resign because of his 

change in position from Assistant Secretary of Defense, Research and Development, to Secretary of the Air Force. Dr. Furnas, Assistant Secretary of 

Defense, Ft.esearch and Developnent, has accepted membership on NSASAB. Mr. 

Friedman was welcomed as a new member of the Scientific Advisory Board as 

was also Professor Forrester. 

5. Colonel Davis, Deputy Director, COl-IBEC, outlined the mission of 

the NSA Office of Cormnunications Security and briefly reviewed the 

organization structure of the Office. He gave the major breakdown of the 

budget baaed on COMSEC's '57 budget estimate. In regard to the technical. 

progress made by COMSEC during the past year, Colonel Davis reported on 

the status of various equipnents including teletype security equipnent, 

ci!ax equiμnent, cii:hony equipnent and several rotors. 

6. General Burgess, Deputy Director, PROD, reported on the general 

activities of the Office of Production during the past year and the plans 

for the FY '57 program. He enumerated the requirements placed on NSA by 

USCIB and discussed each objective, explaining the requirement and the 

action being taken. General Burgess concluded his discussion by pointing 

out the speci!ic areas in which it is planned to expand or redistribute 

the emi;ilasis in order to increase the COMINT effort. 

7. Dr. Sinkov, Assistant Director, PROD, discussed the pros and cons 

o! a 11Manhattan11 type of project !or COMINT. 

a. Dr. Kullback, Assistant Director, R/D, presented a report covering the activities of interest in research and developnent. Using charts, 

Dr. Kullback brought the group up-to-date on the organization of ~he 

Of!'ice of Research and Developnent, the personnel situation and the budget, 

including allocation of 1956 and 1957 funds. He discussed the highlights 

of 1955 by listing the equipnents introduced or being tested and also 

listing the outstanding accomplishments during the past year. In conclusion plans for 1956 were reviewed by Dr. Kullback. 

9. Dr. Shinn, flans and Operations Divieion, reviewed foreign 

collaboration for the Board. He discussed briefly the arrangements and 

agreements which NSA has with the COMINT organizations of the British 

Commonweal.th. 

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10. Colonel Sinclair, Chief, Personnel Division, explained what 

had been done during the past year to increase the effectiveness of the 

College Recruitment Program. He reported that 422 college graduates had 

been hired during 1955. The new pe7chometeric testing program was 

described by Colonel Sinclair and also the plans of the Psychological 

Research Section. 

ll. Major Dicks, Office of the Comptroller, reviewed progress on 

the con•truction of the new building at Fort Meade. Schematic layouts 

were used to show the planned arrangement of space. He reported that 

the space formerly assigned to COMSEC was being reallocated since the 

Director had decided that CCMSEC would remain at NSS. Major Dicks 

discussed briefly the standardization of office funiiture and accessories 

to be used and the color styling of the new building. 

12. Mr. McFherson reviewed the activities of the panels and inclividual 

panel members of the NSASAB panel structure. 

This concluded the first session. 

3 
·. 

MINUTES OF THE NSA SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY BOARD MEETING 

HELD ON 16 FEBRUARY 1956 

l. The following were present at the meeting. 

a. Board Members: 

Mr. J. C. Mcfflerson, Chairman 

Dr. W. R. G. Baker 

Dr. Stewart. s. Caims 

Dr. H. T. Engstrom 

Mr. J. w. Forrester 

Kr. A. W. Horton 

Dr. H. P. Robertson 

b. NSA Executive Group for Board Affairs: 

Dr. s. Kullback, Executive Secretaey 

Brig. General w •. M. ~gesa, USAF 

Captain J. s. Holtwick, USN 

Colonel K. I. Davi1, USA 

Captain A. Enderlin, USN 

Dr. A. Sinkov 

c. NSA Observers: 

Dr. H. H. Campaigne 

Kr. E. N. Dingley, Jr. 

Mr. A. H. Hausman 

Mr. D. L. Hogan 

Mr. L. W. Lathroum 

Captain I. T. McDonald, USAF 

LCDR J. W. Pearson, USN 

CDR Simon Ramey, USN 

d. Recorders 

Miss Catherine Johnson 

2. The second session convened at 0900 16 February 1956. 

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e 

3. Mr. Hausman, Chief o! the Intercept Equipnent Division, 

discussed the intercept portion contained in PHASE I, II and III of the 

report. "Mechanization in Support. of COMINT" • He presented the problem 

as it ati'ects the Intercept. Equipnent Division and indicated specific 

caaee in which improvement is sought in our capability to intercept and 

forward target transmissions such as RFP, Morse and Scrambler. Mr. 

,Hausman al.so discussed the category ot proje~ts being undertaken in 

anticipation of future intercept requirements and projects under stud7 

to solve soma of the problems with \tbich the Intercept Equipn.ent Division 

is currently concerned. 

4. Mr. HoilUl'S discussion of "Mechanization 1n Support of COMINT" 

concerned the analytical machine portion of the report. He called the 

group's attention to certain papers contained in PHASE III which give 

suggeations for solution of problems concerned with forward echelon 

proc•••ing and forwarding. He also reviewd briefiy' certain other papers 

contained in FHASE III dealing with data processing equipnents, data 

handling equipnent and particularly the problem o:r the need !or increased 

speed in machines. 

5. Mr. Lathroum of the Analytic Equipnent Division reported that a 

group has been set up to work on the programming aspects of PHASE III. 

He discussed the wrk the group is doing on automatic programming and 

indicated that some progress is being made in the developnent of a compiler which will take a code and produce the computer program for the 

machine automatically. Mr. Lathroum presented several other problems 

with which his group is concerned: (1) Studies in forming a symbolic 

representation or symbolic language for use in cryptanalysis, (2) Possibility of using visual display on a machine, (3) Developnent of 

characteristics for universal or standard tape systems from the".functional 

point of view, (4) A system of automatic editing. 

6. Mr. McFherson opened the meeting to proposals for problems to be 

considered by the Scientific Advisory Board and its panels. Dr. Sinkov 

presented several proposals and discussed each briefly. He felt that one 

problem on which the Board could give advice would be consideration of the 

essential requirements for mechanization of intercept. He mentioned several 

other problems which would be o! interest: (1) Study of the end product 

1n recording procedures in intercept, (2) Mechanization o:r Wave Propagation 

predictions, (3) Applications of the theory of stochastic processes to key 

analysis. Dr. Kullback discussed two problems which he felt would be 

appropriate to present to the Mathematica Panel for study: (1) Review of 

the SCAMP Program, and (2) Consideration of the activities or the Mathematical. Research Division. 

7. The meeting was recessed at ll30 !or a meeting with General Canine 

in his o!'f'ice. 

5 

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8. The afternoon session was opened with a review by Captain Enderlin, 

Chief of the Office of Communications, or the present communication situation in NSA and pl.ans for the future. He pointed out that a program ot 

mechanization or communication facilities is being pursued and reported 

that it is planned to establish automatic switching centers in six or 

eight pl.aces around the wrld. Captain Enderlin discussed the pl.ans tor 

the communication installation at Fort Meade pointing out that many or 

the operations wuld be mechanical. Arter discussing some of the technical 

matters concerned with communications operations, Captain Enderlin explained 

that one real problem in the communications field was the great lack or 

persormel poasea11ing technical skills and experience to operate the communications equipnent. 

9. Captain Holtwick, Deputy Chief of Staff/Plans and Operations, 

gave a brief run-down on the draft or the Agency Long Range Estimate. 

Diiscussion included in particular mat it was hoped the Board would 

contribute to improvements in the long range estimate. 

10. CDR Ramey, Office of Collection, presented some background 

information on the use or MF/HF radio links and the expansion of non-u.s. 

VHF /UHF communications. From a cha.rt he showed current trends in the 

use of VHF and UHF and outlined the problems with which NSA is faced in 

obtaining this intercept. He reviewed the steps 'Which have been taken 

to overcome some of them and accomplishments which still have to be 

made in this field. 

11. Mr. Hausman, Chiet of the Intercept Equipnent Division,, 

supplemented CDR Ramey's remarks insofar as the research and developnent and technical search aspects or the VHF/UHF intercept problem are concerned. 

He described the l«>rk his Division did in the search operation tor links 

in one area and plans !or future work in the VHF field. 

12. Mr. McPherson brought Dr. Robertson,, who had arrived :tor the a~en10on aeaaion, up-to-date on the NSASAB discussions so far. 

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MINUTES OF THE BSA SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY BOARD MEETING 

HELD ON 17 FEBRUARY 1956 

1. The .following were present at the meeting. 

a. BQard Members: 

Mr. J. c. McPherson, Chairman 

Dr. w. R. G. Baker 

Dr. Stewart s. Cairns 

Dr. H. T. Engstrom 

Mr. J. W. Forrester 

Mr. W. F. Friedman 

Dr. Clifford C. Furnas 

Dr. H. P. Robertson 

b. NSA Executive Group !or Board Affairs: 

Dr. s. Kullback, Executive Secretar;y 

Brig. General w. M. Burgess, USAF 

Colonel K. I. Davis, USA 

Captain J. s. HoltwJ.ck, USN 

Captain A. Enderlin, USN 

Dr. A. Sinkov 

c, Depa.rtment o! Defense Observert 

Mr. Dean Poet 

d. NSA Observers: 

Colonel Gordon W. Wildes, USAF 

Dr. H. H. Campa.igne Mr. O. R. Kirby Captain I. T. McDonald, USAF 

LCDR J. W. Pearson, USN 

e. Recorder: 

Miss Catherine Johnson 

2. The third session convened at 0900 17 February- 1956. Captain 

Holtwick, Depity Chief of Sta!!/Plans and Operations, opened a discussion 

on the Robertson Report and the status of actions taken to implement the 

recommendations of the Robertson Report. There was a lively discussion, 

7 

SECRET 
. • . •• 

in which all participated, on the report itself and the implementing 

actions. A detailed record of these discussions is contained in the 

transcript of the minutes. 

3. In the afternoon session Dr. Robertson proposed the following 

statement which was approved by the Scientific Advisory Board: 

The Board expresses great satisfaction with the reception accorded 

the lteport of the Special Study Group on "The Potentialities of COMINT for 

Strategic Warning", and with the actions taken by the Agency in response to 

its recommendations. The Board concurs with the recommendation that the 

January 1956 report presented thereon be accept;ed as the final report dealing 

with the SSG effort as such. At the same time the Board re-affirm.a its 

interest in the continuing efforts of the Agency in the fields involved,, and 

invites the Agency to call upon it for advisory assistance in the solution 

of problems facing it. 

4. The Board discussed the proposals presented during the preceding 

day's session in order to clarify the requirements and evaluate them as 

to the nature of possible Board action. It was agreed that, if requested 

to do so by the Director, NSA, or Executive Secretary, NSASAB, members of 

the Mathematics Panel l«>uld make the follol-d.ng studies: 

a. Review of the SCAMP Program. 

l 

(1) With the concurrence of the Board the Chairman indicated 

that after Prof'essor Wilke returns in the Fall be would 

be asked to form a group to conduct this review. 

b. General review of the Mathematical Research Division Program. 

(1) Proteasor Wilks' group will be asked to undertake this 

matter as well as the SCAMP review. 

Among the items ot unfinished business the Board wanted to consider 

further were the Automation of Intercept and the Manhattan Engineer 

District concept. of an Independent COMINT l!;f!'ort. After further discussion 

it was agreed that the problems presented by Dr. Sinkov pertaining to 

mechanization of intercept be held in abeyance until more information and 

arguments are available at project level. 

5. Mr. Friedman and Dr. Robertson brought the Board up-to-date on 

various possibilities in the way of application of funds from the Mutual 

Aid Program to increase the availability for COMINT activities of former 

personnel both U.S. and British and to increase the machine capabilities 

at GCHQ. It was the opinion of the Board that such a program should be 

actively pursued. 

s 

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. • . •• 

REF ID:A63895 

E:~I - I 

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6. The Scientific Advisory Board approved the following statement: 

The Scientific Advisory Board has had time only !or a quick 

reading or the draft NSA Long Range Estimate. It appears to be a well 

conceived, logically organized effort of considerable importance. For 

the Board to provide a valid evaluation and constructive cormnent will 

require further study. The Board has indicated that individual members 

thereof will, as time permits, study further the Long Range Estimate and 

submit their views to the Deputy Chief of Starr, Plans and Operations, 

!or incorporation into the revised Long Range Estimate. 

7. The following letter from Dr. von Neumann to General Canine was 

read to the Board: 

"Dear General Canine: 

"This is just a brief note to express to you my sincere apologies 

for not being able to attend the meetings of the NSA Scientific Advisory 

Board. I wish to assure you that this is not due to any lack of interest 

on my part. I have always found the work of our Board most interesting and 

I am deeply convinced o! its ilnportance. 

"I have been hospitalized !or several weeks and I am still not 

quite up to par. As soon as I am able to do so, I will get in touch with 

you and your associates to see how I can be of assistance to you-as I 

would like to be, and as I hope I had occasion to be in the past. 

"Please express my best.wishes to Bill Friedman, to the members 

of your start, and to my- associates on the Board. I am sure that the 

present meetings of the Board will be successful a.nd. fruitful. 

11With best wishes. 

"Sincerely yours, 

/s/ John von Neumann" 

The Board expressed its appreciation for Dr. von Neumann's continued 

interest and extended its best wishes for a speedy recovery from his 

illness. 

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8. The Executive Secretary, NSASAB, received the following letter 

from Mr. H. P. Corwith: 

"February 21, 1956 

"Dear Mr. Kullback: 

"I was sorry to have missed the NSA Scientific Advisory Board 

sessions on February 15 to 17 inclusive. I tully expected to attend but 

one of those viruses which seem to be popular around here got hold of me. 

I have now recovered. 

"I will stop in to see and review the material which transpired 

at the meeting at the first opportunity to do so. 

"Sincerely 1 

/s/ H. P. Corwith" 

Note: A verbatim record of the Board proceedings and individual reports 

will be on tile in the Office of Research and Developnent tor 

individual study. 

10