USCIB: 13.8/17 

2l May 1954 

MEMORANDUM FOR THE MEMBERS OF USCIBEC: 

Subject: Classification of '~var Secrets in the Ether, 

Vol. II (Part III)". 

Reference: USCIB 13.8/9 dated 3 December 1953. 

1. Volume II of subject document has been reviewed by the Security 

Committee. Their report and recommendations are enclosed herewith. 

2. Based on the practical principle that such information should 

remain classified unless there is no reasonable expectation of being 

able to maintain such status, the Executive Secretary reluctantly concurs 

in the SECCOM recommendation to treat subject document in the same 

fashion as was recommended in the reference for Volume I. 

3. The Executive Secretary does not believe that the pages selected 

for removal (77-80) are more damaging (or the information any more controllable) than many other pages. For example: 

a. The description of techniques beginning on page 109 and 

ending on page 111. 

b. The revelations regarding the Churchill-Roosevelt telephone 

conversations on pages 253 and 254. 

c. The discussion of German submarine difficulties on pages 

255 and 256 (erroneous but likely to provoke discussion that would reveal 

the true facts). 

d. The "Berne Case" on pages 317 and 318. 

There are other, and perhaps better, examples scattered throughout the 

book. It appears, then, that if it is to be designated as "Unclassified" 

at all, it might as well be so treated in its entirety. 

4. Copies of subject 4ocum.ent have been distributed to SECCCM 

members. No additional copies are immediately available. 

Enclosure :J. f~ 

SEC #02 dtd i!i-Ma.i 1954. 

USCIB: 13.8/17 

COl\1-FIDElt/TIAL 

eclassified and a roved for release b NSA on 04-21-2014 ursuantto E.O. 1352 
SEC #02 

28 April 1954 

CONFID!NT!itL - ij.~. E1':1!1S ONfrY 

MEMORANDUM FOR '!HE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, USCIB 

Subject: Classification and Handling of "War Secrets in the Ether, 

Vol. II (Part III)" 

References: (a) USCIB 13.S/2 dated 9 October 1953 

(b) USCIB 13.8/10 dated 16 December 1953 

1. Vol'l.Dile II (Part III) of Wilhelm Flicke's book 11War Secrets in 

the Ether11 , as published by NSA, was submitted to the Security Committee 

for their recommendations as to the proper classification and handling 

of the document. 

2. In considering this problem the SECCOM noted the following facts: 

a. NSA desires to use this publication for training purposes, 

and best use can be obtained if the doc'l.Dilent is unclassified (Vol'l.Dile I 

is unclassified). 

b. CIA bought publication rights for the book from Flicke and 

presumably have Flicke's word that he will honor the agreement. 

c. Some of the material appearing in Volmne I has also appeared 

in European countries in Sunday pictorials and in book form. Flicke could 

reproduce material contained in Volume II in the same manner if he so 

desired. 

d. It would be impossible to maintain the classification of 

the material contained in this document. However, distribution of the 

NSA version could be controlled to some extent. 

3. The SECCOM recommends that all references to and descriptions 

of the "ENIGMA" machine. appearing on pages 77-SO of ''War Secrets in the 

Ether, Vol. II (Part1 III)" be removed and that the docl.Dilent then be 

designated 11UNCLASSIFIED11 with the understanding that all feasible steps 

to limit distribution and access to the publication will be taken by the 

Director, National Security Agency. 

4. The above recommendation is in consonance with the handling of 

Volume I as approved by USCIB (reference (b)). 

Enclosure with USCIB lJ.8/17 dtd 21 May 1954. 

COJ\lFIDENTIAL 

(Signed) 

WILLIAM R. CUIMER 

Major, Arty., USA 

Chairman, SECCOM