., 

REF ID:A57376-

MEMORANDUM FOR MR. FRIEilrfAN 

On 18 March 1954 a meeting of the NSA Classification Advisory 

Panel was held at the request of Dr. Sinkov. 

The following were present at the meeting: 

Mr. W. F. Friedm:m {S/ASST) 

Col. G. E. Campbell {A/G) 

Dr. A. Sinkov {PROD) 

Mr. L. Callima.hos {TNG) 

Mr. F . E . Densmore {PROD) 

Mr. D. D. Croskery {C/SEC) 

Maj. w. R. Carson {P/P) 

Maj. w. T. Connor {SEC) 

l/Lt. I. T. McDonald {S/ ASST) 

The first item in question for the meeting was a message from 

NBA to CBNRC and GCHQ with Headquarters USAFSS as an information 

addressee. The message was classified CONFIDENTIAL; but by the 

strictest interpretation of existing directives, it should have been 

TOP SECRET because of the relationships shown in the heading. The 

classification of the subject message had been gueried by USAFSS. 

It was agreed that this message should be upgraded to TOP SECRET in 

accordance with existing USCIB policy, but that the problem itsel.f' 

went considerably further. 

In the subsequent open discussion, the following ideas were 

expressed: 

1. If it is insisted that the mere fact of collaboration be 

classified, then there are many inconsistencies in other areas such 

as the communications links themselves, the blC1ck car used by certain 

couriers, existing liaison arrangements, and visits to the respective 

headquarters by personnel from others. · 

2. To have the proper security for problems that must be classified, 

a realistic view must be taken. 

It was recommended and agreed that steps should be taken promptly 

to prepare a paper for submission to USCIB with the intention of 

modifying the existing classification of the fact of collaboration 

between NSA, and the Canadians, British, and Australians. The following ideas should be considered in drafting such a paper: 

1. Since it is impossible to hide the existence of communications 

circuits between NSA and its collaborators, it is i:mpossible to hide 

the fact of collaboration. Hence the classification should realistically 

be reevaluated. 

Declassified and approved for release by NSA on 05-05-2014 pursuantto E.O. 1352a 
p 

•' 

REF ID:A57376 

2. NSA should strive to have the :fact of collaboration declassified. 

If too much objection by I.SIB-is encountered, it would be more consistent 

for NSA to agree to a classification of CONFIDENTIAL than to perpetuate 

the e~isting inconsistencies. 

3. Only the fact of collaboration should be declassified. 

4. This does not imply that even a single piece of paper must 

be declassified, nor does it mean that any existing cover procedures 

will be affected. 

5. Every electrical communication going overseas will continue to 

be classified f'or transmission purposes. 

6. The countries concerned are Canada, Britain, and Australia, 

and they should be named specifically in a:ny such proposal. 

7. It is the intention of NSA to make it possib1e to communicate 

with Ca.nada., Britain, and Australia with realistic classifications, :I.e., 

to be realistic and not to degrade existing classifications. 

Mr. Friedman informed the group that SLO, Washington, had 

received a message from GCHQ questioning (l) the classification of' 

a portion (!P6.54) of 11Current Cryptanalytic Techniques 11 {NSA-72-1678), 

and (2) the classification of' parts V and VI of' NSA 11Military Ceyptanalysis. 11 

GCHQ feels that the portions in question should be TOP SECRET CODEWORD. 

It was suggested that this may represent an unrealistic view on 

the part of' GCHQ and that a draft of co.mments shouJ.d be prepared for 

discussion with SLO, Washington. Mr. Callima.hos and Lt. McDonald 

were nominated to prepare the draft comments. 

It was recognized that the proposed paper to USCIB wouJ.d require 

certain changes in the proposed guide lines established by the Classification Advisory Panel. Colonel Campbell (A/G) agreed to make these changes. 

It was suggested that Capt. Dyer, as NSA Historian, would have an 

interest in the proceedings of the Classification Advisory Panel and 

that he be invited to attend subsequent meetings. 

g. r. 9Vlt 0~» I. T. McDONAID