' 

... , ;.. S1!.i0mR - tJ .S. EYES eMLY FINAL 

SUBJECT NUMBER 

USCIB: 13. 7/46 

Subject: 

Item 6 of the Agenda for the 30th Meeting of USCIBEC, 

held on 26 M~ 1955. 

Implementation of Categorization (USCIB 13.7/42). 

The CHAIRMAN (Captain Taylor) explained that in recommending an 

examination of the problem of administering COMINT clearances on the 

basis of category of access he did not intend to imply that the policy 

of identical investigative standards for clearance and access to 

Category III and II be changed. He stated that the reports he had 

received indicate that a very large number of people are.cleared for 

Category III; however, he went on to point out that the fact that these 

people are cleared does not necessarily mean that they all have access 

to and actually see Category III material. He concluded by stating that 

the information really needed, in his opinion, is the ntunber of persons 

who, in fact, receive or engage in the production of each category and 

sub-category of COMINT. 

MR. POLIZOIDF.s suggested that obtaining such a breakdown should be 

the first step in solving the problem. 

MR. GODEL agreed and remarked that such an exercise should not be 

expected to yield precise figures in each case but should provide a good 

idea of the size of the problem. He continued, by expressing his 

opinion, that an additional and perhaps a more fundamental part of the 

problem. is to remove from Category III that material which really should 

be Category II. We must, he added, clearly recognize that there is a 

difference in Category III and Category II material and put more of the 

material into Category ;::t. OGA 

I !reported that, in connection with an internal study regarding category III plain text, CIA had concluded that it is not 

teasible to compartment such material due to the necessity for persons 

having access to this plain text also to have occasional access to other 

Catego17 III material. He had been informed, he continued that it 

might be feasible to limit most ot the intercept operators1 Ito 

Category II, provided NSA could downgrade a very small numher of instructional documents which are provided to the operators. He asked that this 

possibility be examined. 

MR. GODEL pointed out that such a limitation would be more difficult 

at a station having both intercept and analysis responsibilities since 

analysts need access to Category III technical back-up material. 

CAPTAIN HOLTWICK noted tha~ a review of pertinent USCIB Directives 

and Appendix 11B" in connection with this problem appeared to be in order. 

USCIB: 13. 7/46 - 12 -

eclassified and approved for release by 

SA on 09-11-2014 ursuantto E.O. 1352 SECRE'f 

(Corrected page) 

EO 3. 3 (h) ( 2) 

PL 86-36/50 USC 3605 
Sl!i0RBP • t:f. S. EHlS ONLY 

USCIB: 13.7/46 

~:A6572. 

MR. POLIZOIDES then suggested that the problem be given to the 

Intelligence and Security Committees, that they sit together in their 

discussions and be given considerable leeway in their examination of 

the problem. 

It was so agreed. 

DECISION: (26 May 1955) USCIBEC agreed that: 

a. The difficulties apparent in the implementation of categorization warrant a thorough study of the basic aspects of the problem 

including, but not necessarily limited to, the following: 

""'"":--:--_.I 

referred to in paragraph 4 of SCIB 13. 7 42, with a view to 

determining more specifically how many of these persons, as a practical 

matter, are regularly exposed to each of the categories of COMINT. 

(2) Intercept operators need for Category III COMINT material 

and exploration of the practicability of limiting their access to 

Category II and Category I COMINT material only. 

(3) Review of material assigned to all categories with particular emphasis upon a detailed study with resultant recommendations 

relative to downgrading certain material presently assigned to Category III. 

(4) Review of the provisions of Appendix "B" and pertinent USCIB 

Directives in connection with this problem with a view to recommending 

appropriate revisions, if deemed desirable. 

b. To ref er the problem to a Joint Committee for study and recanmendation, such Committee to be chaired by the Chairman of INTCOM, and 

comprised of the members of the USCIB Intelligence and Security Committees. 

The meeting adjourned at 1Sl2. 

USCIB: 13. 7/46 - 13 -

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