.. 

NATIONAL SECURITY AGENCY 

Washington 25, D. c. 

s/)ss-f 

NSA REGUIATION 

NUMBER 1:21-7 8 April 1955 

EFFECTIVE UlfrIL 1APRIL1956 UNIESS SOONER 

RESCINDED OR SUPERSEDED 

SECURITY OF CI.ASSIF IED Ilij!'ORMATION 

AND MATERIAL 

SECTION ~ 

SUPERSESSION • • • • • • • • • • 

PURPOSE AND SCOPE • • • • ., • • 

CIASSIFICATION CATEGORIES •••• 

CIASSIFICATION OF INFORMATION •• ~G OF CIASSIFIED MATERIAL • 

CONTROL OF TOP SECRET AND NONCRlPl'OGRAPHIC REGISTERED 

• • • • • 

• • • • • 

• • • • • . . . 

MATTER • • • • • • • • • • • • • • . . . DISSEMINATION OF CLASSIFIED MATTER • • 

HANDLING, PACKAGING AND TRANSMISSION 

I 

II 

IlI 

IV 

v 

VI 

VII 

OF CIASSIFIED MA.TmR • • • • • • • • • • VIII 

CUSTODY AND STORAGE OF CI.ASSIFIED 

1 

1 

2 

5 

7 

14 

20 

21 

MATTER • • • • • • • • • • • • • IX 26 

DESTRUCTION OF CI.ASSIFIED MATTER ••• • • X 28 

SUPERVISION. • • • • • • • • • • • '• XI 29 

SECTION I - SUPERSESSION 

This Regulation supersedes NSA Regulation Number 121-7, 

dated 22 April 1954, and the following portions of the NSA 

Security Manual dated 5 November 1952: 

Para.graphs 4o6 through ~06.3e.(9)(b)l.c., 4o6.3e.(lO)(a) 

through 4o6.3e.(ll)(b)4., 4o6.4 through 40674K; paragraph 

832, Appendix I; and Ailliex A to Appendix I. 

SECTION II - PURPOSE AND SCOPE 

1. Knowledge or possession of classified defense inforUBtion sha.11 be permitted only to those persons whose official 

duties require such access in the interest ot promoting national 

defense. Each Agency employee shall be responsible for insuring 

that such classified inf'ormtion as he may have knowledge or 

possession of does not pass into the hands of unauthorized per~ 

sons. 

SE€RET 

HA:N'Bhl!i VIA 89HIN'l 

eHtrNNmS eNf.1¥ 

Declassified and approved for release by NSA on 11-22-2013 pursuant to E .0. 1352a _ 
NSA REGULATIOH HO. 121-7 8 April 1955 

2. The purpose of this regulation il3 to establish within the 

National Security Af~ency Gtand.arcl policicG anc.1 ·procedures for the 

safee;uo.rdinr; of classified inf'ormation received uy or oriGino.~ed 

within all elementG of the Uationo.l Secur!i.ty A{Jency except wire 

cormnunications and documents relo.tinc; thereto, the sa.fecuo.rdine; of 

which is covered by Connnunica.tionG Security directives or reeulations. 

3. The basic policies and procedures concerning conmunications security are contained in ACP 122, Cormnunications Instructions, Security; AFSAG 1210, Crypt06raphic Operations, Joint; and 

AP'SAG 1248, Fundamentals of Transmission Security, Joint; and will 

not be covered by this regulation, except that the sta.nda.rds for 

safeguarding conumm::l.cations security information and nnterie.1 

shall not be lower 1,han those established herein. 

SECTION III - CIASSIFICATION CATEGORIES 

1. General - Information produced by this Agency shall be 

assigned a category of classification commensurate with the nature 

and extent of the danger to national security which would result 

from its unauthorized disclosure. Executive Order.Nol 10501, 

dated 5 November 1953, established three categories of classification: TOP SECRET, SECRET and CONFIDENTIAL. In addition to 

these three categories of classification, the Secretary of Defense 

has authorized the use of the term "CONFIDENTIAL-MODIFIED HANDLING 

AUTHORIZED" for certain defense information classified CONFIDENTIAL 

and the use of the term ''FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY" for information 

which requires protection in the public interest, but which is not 

within the purview of Executive Order No. 10501. 

2. Definitions -

a. TOP SECRET:_ ~xcept as rray be expressly provided by 

statute, the use of the classification TOP SECRET shall be 

authorized, by appropriate authority, only for defense in:forrna.-

tion or material which requires the highest degree of protection. 

The TOP SECRET classification shall be applied only to that information or material the defen3e aspect of which is paramount, 

and the unauthorized disclosure of which could result in exceptionally grave darna.3e to the nation such as leading to a definite 

break in diplomatic relations affectin~ the defense of the United 

States, an armed attack against the UniteQ Sta.tea or its Allies, 

a war, or the compromise of military or defense plans, or intelligence operations, or scientific or tcchnolo~ical developments 

vital to the national defense. 

Ill<NBns r.q1. GQMJN'r 

611ANN~S QNl.I 

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SE€RET 
~~9659 uL~.1.£~ _._ 

NSA REGUIATION NO. 121-7 8 April 1955 

b. SECRET: Except as ma.y be provided by statute, the 

use of the classification SECRm' sho.11 be authorized, by 

appropriate authority, only for defense inf'orma.tion or DBterial 

the unauLnorized. disclosure of which could result in serious 

damge to the nation, such a.s by jeopardizing the inturnationa.1 

relations of the United States, endan13ering the effec1;iveness 

of a program or policy of vital importance to the national 

defense, or compromisin13 important military or defense plans, 

scientific or technological developments important to national 

defense or inforroo.tion revealin13 important intelli~ence operations. 

c. CONFIDENTIAL: Except o.s may be expressly provided by statute, the use of the classification CONFIDENTIAL 

sho.11 be authorized, by approp~iate authority, only for defense information or ma.tcrial the unauthorized disclosure of 

which could be prejudicial to the defense interests of the 

nation 

d. CONFIDEN'l'IAL - Modified Handling Authorized: 

CONFIDENTIAL defense information as described below shall be 

identified by the term "Modified Handling Authorized". InforllBtion so deaie;na.ted is that which pertains to combat or 

combat r~lated operations, actuo.l. or sinul.ated, and incJ.udt•s 1 

but is not limited to the following: 

(1) Tra.ir.ing, Field and Technical Manuals and 

related materlal. 

(2) Photcgraphs, nego.tives, photostats, diagrams or ma.tcrial. 

(3) Defense procurement plans', including 

procurement contracts and related matters. 

(4) Conummicatio11s material and messages. 

(5) Certa Ln documents re68-rding engineering 

plans and design details, computation, 

rneth0cl of processing or assembling, which 

are e:isential to the functioning or use of 

an ar1~icle of mterial. 

(6) Military maps and aerial photographs and 

related material which require disseminatior. for military purposes. 

_. 3 -

SE€RET 

H1YlBY!i Y:EA 60!HN'l' 

SIIA:N-.S 0fffif 
1'fSA :hEGUIA'l'ION NO. 121-7 8 April 1955 

e. FOR OFFICIAL USE ONI.;?& For certain information, 

not within the purview of Executive Order No. 105011 which re• ~uires t>t"Oteotion either in accordance ,._ith statutory requ11-e• tiienta ~ public interest, the term "FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY" id 

autbori£ed to protect from unlawful diasemination the categt)ried of 1111terial described below: 

(l) Textbooks, syllabi, language dictionaries, 

telephone directories, etc., which of themselves do not warrant classification, however, the wide dissemination of which might 

,be detrimental to the security of the 

Agency's mission. 

(2) Records and inforim.tion which :pertain to 

individuals such as personnel records, 

medical records and investigative reports, 

documents, and proceedings. 

(3) Informa.tion as to the identity or confidential informants, and informa.tioh furnished by them in confidence. 

(4) Information received in confidence from 

private individuals, firms, or organizations in connection with bids, propose.ls, 

"trade secrets", and reports of a financial, technical, or scientific nature. 

(5) Information which is, or may reasonably be 

expected to be, connected with any pending 

or anticipated litigation before Federal 

and state courts or regulatory bodies. 

(6) Advance information on proposed pl.ans to 

procure, lease or otherwise acquire or 

dispose of materials, real estate facilities, 

or functions, which would provide undue or 

discriminating advantage to pr~~rate or 

personal interests. 

(7) Preliminary documents relating to proposed 

plans and policy development when premature 

disclosure would adversely affect morale, 

efficiency or discipline. 

HAN~ YIJ.. SOHHJ'F - l~ -

6HA:HH:Eir.S 0Nt.Y 

SE€RET 
NSA REGUIATION NO. 121-7 8 April 1955 

(8) Examination questions and answers to be used 

in training courses or in the determination 

of' qua.lif'ications or candid.a.tea for e~loyment, 

entrance to duty and advancement or promotion. 

3. Communications Intelligence (COMINTl - The safeguards 

provided for under the basic classifications established by 

Executive Order No. 10501 do not provide the degree of protection 

required'for Communications Intelligence. Therefore, in order to 

provide the degree of protection cons:f.dered necessary, specific 

categories of COMINT are identified by the assignment of a distinctive cod.~rord in addition to the classii'ication category. 

The assignment of the codeword to COMINT does not change the 

classification thereof, but only restricts its dissemination to 

those persons authorized access thereto. A detailed description 

of the categories of COMINT is contained in the Appendix ·to this 

regulation. 

SECTION IV - CIASSIFICATION OF INFORMATION 

1. Authority - The authority to classify, declassify and 

downgrade or upgrade the classification of defense information 

for which the National Security Agency has respons:f.bility pursuant to Executive Order No. 10501, dated 5 November 1953, and 

Department of Defense Directive 5200.1, dated 19 November 1953, 

and to designate in writing, as may be necessary, officers and 

em_ployees within the National Security ' Agency to perform these 

tunctions, was delegated to the Director, National Security 

Agency, by Secretary or Defense Memorandum for the Director, 

National Securi·cy Agency, dated 19 Ma.y 1954. 

2. Assignment of Cla.ssifice.tion -

a.. Authority and Responsibility: 

(1) Authority is delegated to the Vice Director/ 

Chief or Starr, Deputy Chiefs of Sta.i'f, 

Deputy Directors; Special Assistant, Inspector General, General Counsel, Comptroller, 

Chiefs of Staff Divisions and Offices and 

Chiefs of NSA Field Activities to classify, 

declassify, downgrade or upgrade the classification of defense inf'orma.tion originated 

wi·chin their jurisdic·tion. This authority 

may be :f'urther delegated within their 

organization provided such delegation is 

- 5 -

SE€RET 

llldiBLE Tw'"IA 00MIN'f 

Sll.~Nm.s Ota.¥ 
~ 

tfBA lUlOU!.A.TION HO. 121-7 8 April 1955 

OHAHHS:.S Sm.¥ 

in ~rdttng by nome of imlivhlunl o.nd the 

Atl,ju tant G1.meral !a furn la hell ii. copy. En.ch 

peroon htivine; riu l.hori ty t.o claosif'y shall be 

rcFJponalbJ.e for the prpper clnouJfica.tion of 

o.11 inform11t1.on clo.sslf led by h:lm. 

(2) The Arljutnnt Genera.! oha.11 exercJse gencra.1 

rmporvlolon over the cla.saificn.t,lon of 

correopondenco nnd documents origin~ted within 

NSA. 

Rules for clnoairicntion -

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

(4) 

Matter which requires ao.fr.guard:l.ng aho.ll be 

assigned the lowest clnaaifica.tion consistent 

with the na.ture and so.fcgm:i..rcla needed to pro ... tect it. Ovcr-cla.oetrication U.mda to undermine our security system as a whole, and unless effectively curbed, may Jeopnrdize the 

protect.ion required of our moAt important 

secrets. 

Unless otherwise directed by competent authority, NSA !nforml.l.tion a.nu 1'111.lteria.1, including 

extracts, shall be claaoified according to con• 

tent or merit o.nd not according to the relationship to other classified matter, except 

that the clo.asifico.tion or a.. file or physically 

connected group sho.l.l be that. of the highest 

ca.tegory lncludcd ln the file or group. 

Information or documcmts wh1.ch refer to cla.ssified matter neccl not bear the cla.ooifica.tion 

of the referenced mo.terio.l provided the reference io mo.de by mcons or flle numbers, dates, 

other identii'yine; aymbolo or subject (provided 

the subjects themselves are not clo.salfied or 

or a lower clo.sslfica.tion). Such infonnation 

or documenta, cxcept'thoae referrinP, to regis• 

tered documents liy titles other tho.n abort 

titles, may even be unclo.ooified. 

Ea.ch doc'W!lent prepared within the Agency will 

bear the classification or the higheot cla.aaified infonnation contained therein; and except 

- 6 -

SE€RET 
NSA REGUIATION NO. 121-7 8 April 1955 

for incloaurQs, annexeo, appendices, sup-

:plcmcu t.G, chn.rts, tables, etc • , all pages of 

a single documi?nt will bear ·that classif'ics.-

tion. ' 

(5) A lett~r or ·Lransmitta.J. shall be classified 

at lea.st as high as tbe hiahest cla.ss:lfied 

inclosure theret.o, ai1d . if the info:rina. tion 

in the lel;ter is o.f' a. 1.owe1· classi:fica.tion 

or unclaaeitleu, a down~adin« or decl.assitying notatiq.i1 shall be couta.ined therein. 

(6) A cover, whether a b;ia.nk sheet of paper or 

one with a title or brief nota:cion of' contents, used on either f'ront or back of 

classified papers shall bear the cl.a.ssification of the highest classif':ted paper contained !:.herein. 

(7) Equipment shall be classified :i.n the same 

manner us documents. 

c. Rule for changing classi:f'icntlon: The classi:fication of any item of NSA classified ma.tLcr she.ll. be changed when 

the degree and extent of oecu~ityprotection required ~or tbe 

item is no longer the same as whc11 its ca.tcgo1•y or c.J.as:.itication 

was originally assigned or when it is discovered that the item 

was incorrectly classified. 

d. Guide Linea fo1· Security Clo.ssifica.tion: The 

Appendix, Guide Lines for Security Classii"kation, is intended 

as a means of further assistance to NSA personnel in the classification of Agency m..'lt..erial, and all perso11s ·w·ithin the I 

Agency 'Who have responsibll ity for class:!f':!.cation of inf'ormat.ion 

should be familiar with its contents. (Extra copies of the 

Appendix may be obtained !'rom ·t.he Adjutant Genera.I.. ) 

!3.!£TION V - Ml\RKmG, OF CLASSIFDID MATER~ 

l. General - When comp~tent authority directs that NSA 

material be asSTe:ned a security classiflca.tion, such ma:l.;ter 

shall be conspicuously ma.rked with tll.e appropriate category 

of classifi~~~~o~ and such other additional nw.rkings as are 

required to denote the need for special handling. 

- 7 -

SECRET 

IfAff.BfiB VIA eelftN'f CH:.Wl~IS QllE.Y 
8 April 1955 

2. Claasii'ice.t:lot.?..l...'fa..'l"k:!.ncs ·· 

a. .Books aucJ. Pa.mphfo l:;s: C lassU led. bc)c.>ks eJ:id po.mphlets 

which are permo.nP.ntl,y and se:i:.u.reJ...v fa.a Lened toge·l;he.1;~ sba.l.l be 

pl.a.inly and consp:tcuousl.y rorke~- or r,{t.e.trrped near the t.op and 

bot.tom on a.11 -printed pages which co11·Luii1 cl..ass:t.ried ln:torme.tion, 

on the cuts.tda of the front cover, nn the t:l.t.le pA.ge, on lihe f114 st 

pa.ge, on the back :rn.r,c a.nd on the outoid.c of the back cover. · 

b. L.ettera, Memora1•cle., Bullet ins, 01"dcrs, Cont:t"acts, 

Messages a.nr1 Writ.ten Materii;Ll. in General: Class if led letters, 

mcmora.n.d.a., bl.1.lleti ns , orders) co1'.ltra.c l:.s, tnesaa.g~s and 't-n:'i t;ten 

material in ganera.J., whetJ1~1· t;y"J?ed or written in lonJ3ha.nd, 

shall be plainly s.nd cormpfouo11sl;r• r.a1·kelj, or st.araped with the 

appropriate classifice.tion on all pages of t.ht" origi119.l and a.l.l 

copies thereof. The 1ra.r!:.i.ngs shall be ccnti:orP.(l a~ ·l:;hP. i;op a.nd 

bottom o±" each page (if bot.h sides or pa.pei· e,re used, both 

sides shall be proper~' trP .... .rkt>cl.) 

c. Maps, Dre.wi.ne;a, T:i:o.c:lngs, and .. Photographs: Classified uaps, dra.1Ai11gs a.nd tl"a.ciugs shall carry o, leg~nd,of l;he 

proper cla.ssi:f'ication in such rics1t.ion thn.l.. lt. \l:fJ_l be rc=p1"0-

duced on all copies nade l.,her~f1•om. OrdJ nar:l .. J..y Guch markings 

shaJ..l. appear in ·l..he uppe,.. lei' I; n.od l014'er r lgh t ··ha.rid corner. 

Whenever pra.ctica.ble, photogra.phlc nega.M.vee sho.11 be:? mr~.rked 

in the same n:anner. Phntogra.phB and reprod.uctions roo.de from 

negatives wM.ch do not carry a legend shall be ·marked e.t top 

and bottom on front. and col.1SpicuousJ.y on the back. When rolled, 

cla.ssif:f.ed maps, draw:J r1gs and tcacings shall be plainly ne.rked 

with the e.pprox,rle:l:;e classif':fca.tion on each end of the back. 

d. Motion Pictu14e l!"ilrns and Microfilm: '.rhe classii"ica.tion of the highes·lj classified information or docunient contained within each reel of moi;lon picture film or microfilm 

shall be conspicuously marked at "the beginning and end of the 

reel. This nie.y be accomplished by using a flash card wi't;h the 

appropriate classification larg~ enough, to mke rm :f ma.ge wh:l.ch 

can be read "11.thout placing the filin 1n a projector or reader 

or by marking the cla.ss1i'1cation on the f'il.m with a permanent 

type ink. '.I'he container used tl"t store the reel of film will 

also display the sa.me ma.rld.ngs. In e.cldit1.on, it is reconnnended 

that appropriate classlfication be pla.ced on one side of each 

reel. 

e. Sound Record.inga: CJ..a.ssif:led sound recordings 

abe.11 be rre.rlted on rea.d1.J..y observa.bl.e porti.ona, pre.l"era.bly 

at the beginning a.nd end, 'With appropriate cla.aaifica.t:f.on 

- 8 .. 

SE€RET 
, 

BBSRB'f 

NSA REGUIATION NO. 121-7 8 Apt"il 1955 

and, if stored in a container, the container also will display 

the same markings. When practicable, the fact that the recording contains information of a particular classification 

will be announced at the beginning and end of the recording. 

f. Special Material and Equipment: The mnner ot 

marking special material and equipment shall depend upon the 

character thereof. However, such special ma.terial and equipment shall be conspicuously marked by stamping, etching, 

attaching a classification plate or other appropriate means. 

g. Reproduction Masters: Classified 1111ltilith, 

mimeograph, ditto and other reproduction uasters shall be 

either destroyed immediately afiter they have served their 

purpose or plainly marked with the appropriate classification. 

h. Preliminary drafts, carbons, etc.: Classified 

preliminary dra.f'ts, carbon sheets, stenographic notes 1 work 

sheets and other similar items shall either be destroyed by 

the person responsible for their production immediately after 

they have served their purpose or be marked and safeguarded 

in the sa~ manner as the matter produced therefrom. I 

1. Reproductions: All copies or reproductions of 

classified material shall be appropriate;ty marked or stamped 

in the same manner as the original there'or. 

J. Unclassified Material: Unclassified Material 

shall not be stamped UNCIASSIFIED unless it is essential to 

convey to a recipient of such llBterial that it has been 

exa.minea specifically with a view to imposing a defense 

classification and has been determined not to require such 

classification. 

3. Marking of Letters of Transmittal - Letters of transmittal classified solely or partially because of classification 

of inclosures shall have as the final~paragraph or be stanq>ed 

with one of the following or similar notations as appropriate: 

Downgraded to when inclosure(s) is (are) 

removed. 

Downgraded to when inclosure(e}tto. 

1B (a.re) removed. ----

- 9 • ltANffiffil VIA OO!f:EN! 

CU-A:NNEB":B 9N±i¥ 

SECRET 
NSA REGUIATION NO. 121-7 8 Ap't"il 1955 

Declassified when inclosure(s) is (a.re) removed. 

Declassified when inclosure(s) No. is (are) rel10Ved• 

4. Marking for Automatic Downgradirlg - Whenever possible, 

the originator of classified material shall indicate on the 

document or in the text thereof the date or event after which a docu~nt rno.y be downgraded. Such authorization shall appear 

over an authenticating signature if not embodied in the text. 

5. Marking ':f'or Change in Classification - Regraded documents shall have the old classification lined through and the 

new classification stamped or marked (not typed) at the top and 

bottom on the outside of the front and la.st pages of printed 

material; on all other material the old classification shall 

be lined through and the new classification placed conspicuously 

thereon. All Agency activities or individuals holaing copies 

of regraded or declassified documents and. material shall promptly 

mark them as outlined above and mark top of cover, first page if 

document has, no cover, or conspicuous place with a notation 

substantially as follows: Regraded Classification) ,by authority 

of (Official or document authorizing change by name,, grade and 

organization of person naking change and date thereof). 

6. TOP SECRET Control Markings -

a. Control Number: All TOP SEGRE'!' nateria.l, except 

registered, received or produced by a.n element of NSA shall 

be controlled by a. number which shall be placed on the bottom 

in the lower right-hand corner of the cover and title page ot 

each bound document and on a conspicuous part or all other 

material. To avoid duplication of numbers within the Agency, 

the number assigned by the TOP SECRET Control Office will be 

preceded by two digits indicating the year the material is 

received or originated by the Agency and numbers assigned by 

TOP SECRET Control Points normally will be preceded by two 

digits indicating the year and the short title or numerical 

designation or the Control Point or the activity which it 

serves. (See Sections VI for definition of Control Office 

and Control Points.) Messages and documents which are assigned 

other control numbers need not be assigned a TOP SECRET Control 

number. 

b. Copy number and pages: All TOP SECRE:.r 

nate. _al, except registered, produced within the Agency shall 

be m. i"ed as follows: 

(1) Books and Bound Documents. All pages will 

be numbered at the bottom and the cover and 

Hf.,HQm VJ;A QQUEN!P - 10-

GUMfN:Blil ONiiY 

SE€RET 
• 

NSA REGUIATION NO. 121~7 8 April 1955 

title page nerked witb the following note.• 

tion in the lower right-hand corner: 

NBA TS Contl No. 

Copy Number 

This Documen_t_C ... o_n_t_a."""i_n_s_ Pages 

--- (2) Ictters, Memoranda., Bulletins, Orders, 

Contracts and Written Material in 

General. All pages will be marked with 

the following notation in the lower 

right-hand corner of each pe.ge: 

NSA TS Contl No. 

Copy Number _.,..... __ _ 

Page of Pages --- EXCEPrION: On conmnmications which are 

printed on both sides of the pages (head 

to head) the above notation will be 

placed on the lower right-hand corner 

on odd numbered pages and on the lower 

left-hand corner on even numbered pages. 

(3) All Other Materials. All TOP SECRET 

material not covered by subpa.ragraphs 

(1) and (2) above 'Wd.11 be marked conspicuously with an item number in 

addition to the TOP SECRET Control 

Number. 

7. Markin of Re istered Matter N6n-C to ra; hie 

In addition to the other markings requtre by this section, 

each registered document will be marked with "Registered" and the register number at the top of the front cover, both 

long and short title, the number of pages, the office of 

record to which returns are to be ttBde, instructions covering 

the reporting of its custoccy and instructions for its 

ultimate disposal. In addition, if a new document supersedes another document, instructions will be incorporated 

covering disposal of the obsolete document or accom;pany the 

registered document on a separate sheet. If a registered 

document consists of more than one volume, each volume 

will bear a separate short title. Fa.ch registered document 

will contain a table of contents, showing effective pages, 

any ma.pa or inserts not numbered by page and appendices. 

.. ll - ItANfffiE Tv'"IA: eeMIIif! 

6ftMftmB 6Nfif 

SECRET 
IECI~ 

NSA REGUIATION NO. 121-7 8 April 1955 

8. Special Markings 

a. COMINT Codcwora.s: The applicable codeword shall 

appear inunediately following the appropriate classification on 

every page of material conte.:l.ning communications intelligence 

information that require~ identification by the assignment of 

e. distinctive codeword·. - Uhen a cover, or cover sheet is used, 

such cover shall also be marked e.t t.op Blld bottom with the 

highest classification attached thereto and shall be plainly 

narked with the notation "Appended DocWlients Contain CODEWORD 

Material" or "This Document Contains CODEWORD Material" as 

appropriate. 

b. I~LE VIA COMINT CHANNELS OMLY. Documents, 

DELterial and inclosures thereto containing inforqia.tion about 

cormminications intelligence activities which reveal directly 

or by ing;>lication, the existence of any activity directed 

toward the extraction of intelligence from the comm.lilications 

of a foreign government, but which do not reveal acttl.e.l "success, progress or processes in the production of COMINT shall 

be llJll'ked with the term "HANDLE VIA COMINT CHANNELS ONLY. 11 This 

notation will be pl.aced on the bottom of each page and will be 

placed so it will not interfere with the placing on the document of a Top Secret control stang;>, if required. If the document is permanently bound the legend need only appear on the 

cover and first page. (Details on classification and handling 

of documents containing information about COM!NT activities 

a.re contained in NSA Regulation No. lo-Ji.:-·)--·~--

c. COHFIDENTIAL - Modii'ed Handling Authorized: 

CONFIDE!tTIAL documents and mo.teria.l a.s defined in pa.ragraJ:lh 2.-1 of Section III shall be marked with the term 

''Hod.i.f'icd Handling Authorized" directly below the classification COHFIDENTIAL wherever it appears except that it 

need aypear only on the cover and title page of bound 

documents. 

d. 1.mterial not Releasable to Foreign Nationals: 

Documents o.nd material determined to contain naterial which 

should be withheld from forei~ nationals, the anticipated 

dir'xibution, transmi~Gion and handling or which is such 

tha.. the <loculllents or nnteria.l micht be liable to inad7Cr ..... nt cJ.isclosure to forcio1 nn.tiono.ls, shall be tn3.rked 

or sta.1i.11~U. con:Jpicuou::;Jy on the cover or fil'st pa.c;e with 

th<:: following notation: "SPWaAL m\I;DJ,IIm REQ.UIRED. NOT RI~Lt:ASABLE TO FOREIGIT HA'i'IOFAL'3. The informal.ion contained 

ITllllfJf . .f} THi oer'EHP±' 

Cllldf!RI . .S Olf.fa:f. - .12 -

SE€RE'f 
SiF ~D: A69659 

~tRET 

NSA REGUIATION NO. 121-7 8 April 1955 

in this document will not be disclosed to ~oreign nationals 

or their representatives." In the case of messages, in 

addition io the markings described above for other 1J8ter1al, 

the abbreviation NOFORN will appear in the internal instructions of the messages. 

e. FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY: Ma.teria1 and Documents 

containing information as defined in paragraph 2e of Section 

III shall be marked conspicuously with the term "FOR OFFICIAL 

USE ONLY". On all mtter, printed, typed or in longhand, the 

term will appear at the bottom of each-page. . ~ 

f. Security-Cautioning Notations: When classified 

material is furnished to indiiliduals not in the Executive 

Branch of the Government one of the following notations 

shall be stail\Ped or written on the material, on its container or in the written notification of its assigned classification: 

(1) For cryptologic material. - "This mterial 

contains infornBtion affecting the national 

defense of the United States within the 

meaning of the espionage laws, Title 18, 

u.s.c., Secs. 793 1 794 and 798, the transmission or revelation of which in any 

manner to an unauthoJ.Uzed person is prohibited by law." 

(2) For all other classified material. - "This 

material contains information affecting 

the national defense of'the United States 

within the meaning of ·the espionage laws, 

Title 18, u.s.c., Secs. 793 and 794, the 

transmission or revelation of which in 

s:ny manner to an unauthorized person is 

prohibited by law." 

9. Size, Color and Format of' Markings - The size and 

f'orma.t of rubber stamps used in marking all mtter coming 

under the provisions of this regulation shall be as i'ollowai-. 

a. CJ.assit'ica.tion Markings: Size HH 20 (3~ letters 

to the inch) and when practicable, red in color. 

b. TOP SEC.R&r Control Markings: Size CC 12 (13 

letters to the inch) ink color, when practicable, black, 

with format as follows: 

- 13 - HldmfB VB 00lB:!ff 

QHMffE8 6Mfif 

SE€RET 
SBQ:RR 

NSA REGULATION NO. l2l-7 8 April 1955 

~WBNu~~P·· No· 

PAGE OF---- PAGF.8 

c. COMINT Codewords: Same stanu> size and ink color aa 

Classification. 

d.. HMffJHI VIA: eeMDf! EJ'HMfffl!lfS eHD¥. Size cc l2 (13 

letters to the inch) and color of ink, vhen practicable, red, 

with format as follows: 

e. CONFIDENTIAL - Modified Handling Authorized: Size 

of classii'i~ation same as that tor CONFIDENTIAL and size for 

term "Modified Handling Required 11 • CC 18 (9 letters to the 

inch), ink color, when practicable, red, with forma.t'as follows: 

GGNFIDEl~TIA~ MODIFIED HANDLING AUTHORIZED 

t. SPECIAL HANDLING REQUIRED: Size for capital letters 

will be CC S (17 letters to the inch) and size tor balance of 

letters CC 6 lC (24 letters to inch) ink color, when practicable, 

red, with format as follows: 

SPJOOIAL HANDLING REQUIBED 

NOT REI&SABIE TO FOREIGN NATIONAIS 

The information contained in 

this document will not be disclosed 

to foreign nationals or their represente.ti ves. 

g. FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY: Size CC 18 (9 letters to the 

inch), ink color, when practicable, red, and :f'ormt as follows: 

FOR OFFICIAL USE O:tlLY 

SECTION VI - CONTROL OF TOP SECRET AND NON-CRYP.OOGRA.PHIC 

REGISTERED MATl'ER 

1. General ... In addition to specifying measures 'for the 

control of TOP SECRRr and non-cryptographic registered matter, 

HMTM V:tA COHl:Rr - 14 -

SH,.A..mnuS nm.y 

SECRE'F 
9l!l8flm' 

NSA REGUIATION NO. 121-7 8 April 1955 

the provision of this section constitutes the minittnlm standards 

for the control of CODEWORD in.formo.tion of any classification, 

and other ol.assified mtter which the Adju.ta.nt General ma.y place 

under these controls. 

2. TOP SECRET Control Program - Responsibilities -

a. The Adjutant General shall. be responsible for the 

administration of the Agency TOP SEC.RE.~£ Control Program and 

shall appoint a TOP SECRET Control Officer who is charged with 

the supervision of the handling of TOP SECREr ma.teria.1, except 

registered, within the Agency. The appointment of the TOP 

SECRET Control Officer will be by General Orders. 

b. The Chief of each Sta:fr Division and Office shall 

be responsible for the administration or the TOP SECRET control 

program within his activity and shall appoint a TOP SECRET Control Officer and at least one Alternate TOP SECRET Control Officer for his activity. Names of personnel designated TOP 

SECRET Control Officer and Alternate 'I'OP SECRET Control Officers 

will be reported to the Adjutant General who will publish a list 

of such Officers in General Orders. 

3. TOP SECRET Control Officers -

a. Selection: TOP SECRE'I.' Control Officers shall be 

selected on:cy from Officers of the Military ' Services or responsible civilian employees. Thay sha11 be of the highest 

integrity and proven discretion, and they also must be thoroughly' 

indoctrinated in the elements of security prior to appointment as 

Control Officers. 

b. Duties and Responsibilities: 

(1) The duties of the Agency TOP SECRET Control 

Officer include the receipt, custody, accounting for, and the distribution ot TOP 

SECRET matter received by the Adjutant 

General and for the transmission thereof 

outside the Agency. He shall be responsible 

for the operation of the Agency TOP SECRET 

Control Office. 

(2) The duties of the TOP SECRET Control Officers 

for Staff Divlsions and Offices include the 

receipt, custody, accounting for, and distribution of TOP SECRET matter received by 

- 15 -

SE€RET 
SECREil' 

NSA REOUIATION NiO. 121-7 8 April 1955 

or produced within their aati:tity and for the 

transmission thereof outside their activity. 

Each Control Officer phall be responsible for 

the operation of the TOP SECRET Control Point 

for his activity. 

c. Genera.J. Rules for TOP SECRET Control Officers: 

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

(4) 

(5) 

(6) 

(7) 

(8) 

Maintain a. record showing all TOP SEOREr 

ma.terial received, dispatched, or destroyed. 

This record should indicate the individual 

responsible for the custody of a:ny TOP SECRET 

:ma.te1"ial at any given time. 

Avoid unnecessary dissemination of TOP SECRET 

information. -

Transmit TOP SECRET inf'orma.tion by direct contact when practicable. 

Wherever possible, ma.intain a proc.edure whereby 

TOP SECRET ma.terial is covered by a continuous 

receipt system when not in your immediate custody. 

Where practicable, conduct inventories of TOP 

SECREr ma. terial. semi-annually. 

Insure that all sealed envelopes and package 

seals are examined care:f'ul.ly prior to opening. 

Have any discrepancy or evidence of tampering 

indicating possible compromise reported prong;>tl.y 

to the addressor, the Adjutant General, or the 

Chief, Security Division, as appropriate. 

Insure that receipts a.re signed, dated and returned immediately. 

Report immediately tb the Adjutant General or 

the Chief, Security Division the violation of' 

any of the procedures set forth herein for 

the control of TOP SECRET rraterial. 

4. TOP SECRET Control Office - The Adjutant General shall 

maintain ~control. office for TOP SECRET material, other than 

registered, received from or sent outside the Agency and will 

receive, check, receipt for, record and assign a TOP SECRET Control Number, maintain a record indicating the disposition of TOP 

~VB 09MEN'! 

CHii\mlWS Qm.l" 

- 16-

SECRET 
BECfef 

NSA REGUIATION NO. 121-7 8 April 1955 

SECRET nateria.l., transmit to authorized recipients, and me.ke 

proper disposition of TOP SECRET naterial. returned for file or 

destruction. 

5. TOP SECRET Control Points - The Chief of each Staff 

Division and Office shall maintain one control point and as 

me.ny alternate control points as may be necessary to control 

all TOP SECRET material passing within his activity. A 

minimum of one Alternate TOP SECRET Control Officer shall be 

appointed for each Alternate Control Point mo.intained. The 

following control procedures shall be f9llowed in the operation 

of each 'RJP SECRET Control Point: 

a. Receive, check, re~eipt for, record, safeguard 

and transmit to proper recipients all TOP SECRET material referred to the activity by TOP SECRN.r Control Office or another 

TOP SECRET Control Point. 

b. Assign TOP SECRET Control Numbers to TOP SECRET 

ma.terial originating within the Staff Division or Office and 

me.intain a record indicating its disposition. TOP SECRET 

material to be signed by the Director or for the Director will 

be given a TOP SECRET Control Number by the Adjutant General. I 

c. Scrutinize periodically files of TOP SECRET ne.terial 

to insure that all material not required,for operation purposes 

be promptly ref erred to the TOP SECRET Control Office or appropriate TOP SECRET Control Point for proper disposition. 

d. Maintain a roster of all personnel authorized to 

receive and receipt ror TOP SECRm' nnte1•ia.l•withi11 the activity. 

6. Control of TOP SECRET Material -

a. Receipts: Documents and me.terial classified TOP 

SECRET shall be covered by a. receipt system at all times. 

Receipt for TOP SECREr mterial shall be signed by a TOP SECRET 

or Alternate TOP SECREll' Control Officer·or by the person to whc:nn 

it is addressed. Personnel other than the above who in the performance of their duties handle TOP SECRET naterial a.re authorized 

to sign for a package containing TOP SECRET material, but not for 

the contents therein. 

b. Records: A record of all TOP SECRET material. recei"Ved, or originated within the Agency will be maintained at 

the ~p SECRJ!n' Control Office or a TOP SECRET Control Point. 

Such records will include the control number, number of copies, 

I 

- 17 -

SEeRET 

Jttllft)f.8 

~ 

VD: 00MUJ! 

em..r 
NOA HEGUIATION NO. 121-7 B Aprll 1955 

sufflcient infornnt:f.on t.o trlrntify l.li•? nuti•t·lo:l, t.ho lUaposltion 

of ea.ch copy, and dcat..ruct.lon C'r•rt.I fl•.:n.t..n r()r nntrrio.1 dcatroyed. 

'!'OP SF.:Cm~ nnterial rccciv<-11 In t.hc /\ir,,,no.,v wlt.h t.ho not.nt!on to 

be ciprned only by a srecific't\ll.Y ckoll!.nal.r• I :ln•llvldual shall not 

be opened but she.11 br MaJ t:n"r1 n 'I'OJ' m~m:·r c·ontrol number by the 

TOP SECimT Control Office a.nil 1ln livered to1·c•l.ll<'r with NGA Form No. 

1206 to the TOP SECRET Conlrol Of'flc,.r for t.lm o.t•tivity t..o which 

the :f.ndividual in o.sai~nerl for furl.IJ"r 1\cJ 1 \'rory. The indivi.duo.l 

to whom the ma.tel"inl ta ndclrc>onPl'l shnl l hP. rl'?nponsible to tho 

Agency TOP SECRE.'T Control Off l rr?r for l.hr p1·r>pr.r accountnb:lli ty 

or material so received o.nd wl 11 complct..e N:I/\ Form No. l.2B6 and 

return it to the 'lUP SECRE'l.' Control Office. rn the event such 

material is turnE!d over to a 'J'OP m~:m::T Cont 1·0.t I'n:f.nt for control the TOP SECHET Control Office wt 11 be> n11 not.tfled. 

c. Transmission wt t.h:I n l.lm Agency: All '1.'or SECRET 

naterial being plnced in th1? Ad,)utant. Genr-rn I mcssenp;er ayatem 

tor transmission to another Agency ar?t.1vit.y will be single 

wrapped, addressed, return nddrPsacd, aealc<l, 1m.rked vi.th the 

appropriate clasaif!cation on front and hack, nss:lgned a control number, marked with the phrnue "To be 0111•nPd OnJ.s By" for 

Codeword material, ancl pa.ckn.rse receiptr.d for by the ml~ssenger. 

d.. Use at Con.ference: TOP SECIU."T 1rn1.r•rie.l to be uaed 

by ah NSA representative o.t a conference wlll he logged out at 

the appropriate control point, paclm~ed in O.<.'COt'"tl.ance with procedures outlined in Section VIII of this rcgulnt.ion and transmitted in accordance with :po.ragraph J, Section lrI of NSA Regulation 102-1. Ir it becomes necessary to leave this nnter1al 

in the custody or another person, o. receipt will be obta:l.ned 

and forwarded to the approprinte Control Point if transfer, 

within or without the Agency, is pernnnent. 

7. Control of Registered Matter (Non-Cryptographic) -

a. Responsibility: 

(1) The Adjutant General shall nnintain the 

Office of Record for all Registered ?ohtter 

(non-cryptographic) received by or orir;ina.ted within the Agency. He shall o.ppoint 

a NSA Custodian who is charged with "the 

responsib:llity for dcsi~~tion of do.:u·-:.cr:.ts 

originated within tnc Ar;cncy as Regi '1't•'rC'd 

Matter, thi:o procurc:::cnt. of non-Il3A re~io t.crcJ. 

documents, a.nil the r..o.intcnance of a record 

of possession, transfer and destruction of 

HlNBYS VB e011:nf.e - 1'3 - 6ltA-NHSHl Git.EX 

SE€RET 
NSA REGUIATION NO. 121-T 8 April 1955 

all such documents. The api:iointrnent of the 

NSA Custodian will be by General Orders. 

'(2) The Chief or each Starr Division and Office 

shall appoint one custodian and as ma.ny 

alternate custodians as nay be necessary tar 

his activity and will report such appointments to the Adjutant Oenera.1 who will publish a list of such custodians in General 

Orders. Each custodian will be responsible 

tor procuring from the NSA Custodian all 

registered naterio.l l;'eq~ired by his activity 

and for maintaining a record of possession 

of all such documents. 

' 

b. Custody and Accounting: The NSA Custodian shall 

keep a complete inventory or all Registered !ohtter held by 

the Agency and shall ma.ke or cause to be llBde on or about 

30 June and 31 December of each year a semi-annual report of 

possession by each custodian of registered material. When a 

registered document is tro.nsferred from one custodian to 

another, a certificate or transfer shall be ma.de in triplicate, 

the original furnished the Office of Record a.nd a copy retained 

by each at the two persons concerned in the transfer. Whenever 

a registered document is issued for tenu><>rary use to another 

person in the same activity, the custodian shall require a 

written receipt. No report of such trartsaction need be ma.de 

to the NSA Custodian. 

, c. References to Registered Documents: All references 

to registered documents in possession or transfer reports, reports of destruction or unclassified corres~ondence shall be by 

registered number, date and short title. · Airy correspondence 

or paper which refers to a registered document by title other 

than short title rm.ist be assigned a minil!Dlm classification of 

CONFIDENTIAL. 

d. Reproduction: Reproducti9n of a registered document wholly or in part is forbidden, except by authority of tH~ 

office of origin, which in the case of NSA registered documents 

is the Office of the Adjutant General. The Adjutant General 

will be responsible for obtaining authority to reproduce registered documents for which he is not the office of origin and 

will maintain a record of all reproductions. 

e. Regrading: When the classification of a registered 

document is changed, the Adjutant General will notify all holders 

of the document. 

- !9 -

SE<:RE'F 

HM1Bm VB 06l«Hf 

0H:A:HfE8 BNfrY 
NSA REGULA.TION NO. 121-7 8 April 1955 

SECTION VII - DISSEMINATION OF CIASSlFD!D ·l-!ATTER 

1. General - The dissemination of classified information 

$lld material within the Agency, unless otherwise specified by 

the Director or his du~ authorized representative in each 

instance, shall be limited to persona whose clearance status 

is current, who have been certified by the Chief, Security 

Division, for access to classified material, who have the 

necessary "need-to-know" and who have been indoctrinated for 

access to the classification and tYJ?e of tna.terial concerned. 

2. Authority and Responsibility -

a. Subject to the above concepts, Chiefs of Sta.ff 

Divisions and Offices, hiB}ler authority within the Agency, 

and persons authorized by such officials l'llB\Y disdeminate 

classified information and material, as required, for proper 

performance of their assigned duties. 

b. Any person disseminating classified material 

or authorizing its dissemination shall be respons~ble for 

insuring that all applicable portions or this regulation and 

an;y other pertinent directives :rrom competent authority are strict~ observed and enforced. Such persons shall be responsible for obtaining the information necessary to enable 

them to discharge their dissemination responsibilities. 

3. General Principles - The following principles shall 

govern the dissemination of classified defense informa.tion: 

a. The existence, nature, content, or whereabouts 

of classified matter shall be divulged on~ to the extent 

required by the circumstances in each case. 

b. In determining the limits of dissemination, due 

consideration shall be given to the degree of classification, 

as well as the "need-to-know" and the indoctrination status 

of the individual recipient with regard to a specific item 

of such matter. 

c. No person is entitled to knowledge or possession 

of classified information of any kind sole~ by virtue of his 

rank, of£ice, or position. 

d. Ev·ery effort shall be made to keep responsible 

officials informed. 

e. The need for dissemination of certain types of 

classified information for trainine rurposes shall be recognized. 

HICHB!a VD: 90MEN! - 20-

SHldff&S Emfl!" 

SE€RET 
NGA IIBGlJIA'fIOli NO. 121~7 0 April 1955 

11, •rop GECH.lIT Hltcrio.l - 1'h'1 o.uthorj zc1l dissemination 01' 

TOP GECH.L'l' rro.t,.:rlo.l abo.J.l be 1..ul foUovo: 

o.. 'fa o.ui.horh.r.:?d u.nd sr~cificully deair.;mi.tcd re·· 

ci1)J.Htil.n of this A1;uncy, i.Jvi ArrnE~cJ Fort: cs or other Government 

a.ctivJ tir.3 off'lcio.11 .... v oc;eoclo.~1.-e<l with !,he Ac;ency, whose ofi'ic:lv.l 1JuLico rc•quir..., 1ui'1vr1t1Llr.:n on the apeclfJc oubjcct 

unrlcr C"CJnoJ clr:?ro. t ion. 

b. To tl.U'Lhorj ZC'd ancl specl.o.l l.;y cleol(?l.O.tcd reciph•ut o nrJt in Gcwcrnr11cn~. scrvlcc, hut only under exccpt:l.ono 1 clrcumrJi.o.11cos wl1cn i !. is de t.cr1nl.ncd the.I.. such 

rcronno unwt 110.vc informrd. lon on the 13pcclfic subject under 

corm I <lcrt\ l.iun. Comrc Loni .. o.u 1,1\ori'l:.y ahnll S}'ICCify those personn who trll'J.Y rc1-:eivo such 11r.il.crio.J.. 

5, :Jl!~Cm·~'l' or CO:t-rr•'Jl_1J:;Irrr.fll, ml.nrinl rria.y be di.Geemina.ted to 

aut.l1orizo<.l rccl1licnls o.nd ::i1:cdv.ll.y rlcslgna.ted reclp~.ents ln 

and out. of Government orrvicc whcrf'! r;uch dissemina.l;ion is con .. 

aicJci-crl by cornp('1..cnt o.utho:i:f. ty wi t.h:in the J\gency to be in ·the 

best intcrr.G t.D of t.hc f\1:,enc·y. Competent. authol'i t.y shall specify 

t.hoae per13on11 who rnti.y .t''?•·n l vu uu~h 1nrd.r~r lo.l. 

6. FOH OF'l''JCIAJ. U:JP. ONLY nnt.eria.l m::>.y be disseminated 

only upon 11 de Le r:ui nn I, I on b.Y n rc:.J y,onn iulc of'fic io.l that the 

rcqucot:. for uuch jnforr.nt1on is bo:icd. upon a J.cgit1.matc 

in1..cr1~st, a.nrl l.hui, ll.n rcl<•nsc wJ.U not' be prejudicial to the 

public intcrr-st. or contmry to JJ.l\./'. The o.rbitra.ry o.nd unrca.oona.hlc wi thhoJcU.nr-; e>f. u11ch lnforrrniilon will be a.voidet'I.. 

'I'he :f.dcnl.ifying t.crm ''Jo'or Of'flcJ.o.1 Uoc Orily" will bC' removed 

promptly when there' la no lcn1J('r n opt~cific Jus t:.ificat.ion for 

:r>rotcc·t.ing ouch i nroriln tJ.0n. 

'(. COMJNT - DJ.ascmim.i.ion of COM.IN'.r information or 

material aho.11 be mo.de only on a nt.r:J.ct "need-to-know" basis 

and then only to rcclpicnto wh<j lw.vc been clcnrcd a..nd indoctrino.tcd for such o.cccsG. 

SEC'lJ.U1~ VIII - TTJ\J'1£hfJm, I.!.TMU:mG AND TRAN.J!!!.GSION OF 

C Ll\:J~ .Q:'.l~,:d? :.J,'\'l"l'L·:H 

1. General - Clu.osificrl mo.tcrial passing within or being 

sent outside the Ac;cncy sb.a.11 be handled, pa.ck.aged a.nd transmitted in such a manner o.s t.o innure its rcmalning out; of' the 

hands of unauthorized persons. The standards and procedures 

outlined in this acction a.re nrl.nimum o.ncl more strinsent safeguards nny be esto.blishcd when it; is considered necessary to 

- '21 ~ '1X~.~jf.e. 7.f:l £19!'(; .. 'l 

ffi:!Hfii.ffiu' Ottf,!' 

SE€RET 
Sl!l0REH' 

NSA REGULA.TION no. 121-7 8 Apr:il 1955 

provide greater security. The provisions of' t)1is section do not 

apply to transmission by electricaJ. means which is covered by 

other regulations and directives. 

2. Handiing o:f CJ..a.ssif:Led Matter - The term "handling" as 

used herein shall be construed to mean all activities pertaining 

to the use, processing and preparation for dissemination of' 

classified matter. 

a. Cls.ssified matter shall be safeguarded against loss 

or unauthorized disclosure at a.11 times to the extent required by 

the classification of' the matter concerned. This shall apply 

whether or not the ma.t·ter has been marked with the appropriate 

classification category. 

b. The Chief' of each Starr Division an~ Office shall 

be responsible for the ha.ndl.ing of all classified matter within 

his activity or cond.ng under his control a.nd for the preparation 

and promulg~tion of any additional instructions required for the 

handling of classified matter under his cognizance. 

c. The Adjutant General shall be responsible for providing messenger and courier service for the transnd.ttal of 

classified material within the Washington area and for the 

preparation and promulgation o:f such additional. regulations and 

instructions as are necessary to effectively discharge this responsibil.ity. 

3. Packaging of Classified Material. - Classified material 

being sent outside the Agency or A6ency installation shall be 

packaged as outlined below: 

a. Ty:pe of covering: Each item of classii'ied material 

shall be wrapped in such a manner to insure that it is received 

by the addressee in such condition that no possibility of a 

security com;prond.se exists, The type of covering employed will 

be dependent upon the security requirement of the item, and its 

size, weight, nature and destination. Opaque or manila envelopes, 

kraft wrapping pa.per, corrugated card.board boxes (bursting point 

of 200 lbs • per square inch), wooden era tes and canvas or duck 

sacks, secured with tape, cord or wire shall be used as appropriate. 

b. Preparation for Transnd.ssion: 

(1) General. Classified material shall be inclosed 

in two opaque containers. 

ltMmm VB 0El!IN'! 

6Ht:NRH3 ON.Ei! - 22 -

SECRET 
S:BQRiW 

NSA RECJULA.TION NO. 121-7· 8 April 1955 

(2) 

(3) 

(4) 

(5) 

(6) 

Receipts. A receipt for all classified DBterial, 

except CONFIDEN'fIAL - Modified Hand.ling 

Authorized, mat~rial not lea.vinp; thP. continental 

United States, and such other material as the 

originator desires o. receipt ror,shall be inclosed in the inner package. The receipt form 

shall identify the add.ressor, addressee, and 

the material but shall contain no classified 

inforl'IE.tion. 

Inner Container. The inner container shall 

be addressed, returp-~ddressed, sea.led and. 

plainly marked with the classification on the 

front and back so that the marking will be 

easily seen wHen the outer cover is removed. 

In addition, a control number shall be assigned 

and placed on the front of the container. In 

the case or Codeword material or material that 

is stamped "HANDLE VIA COMINT CHANNEIS ONLY", 

the inner container will bear the notation, 

"To be Opened Only by (sso, Name of Person 

or Title) or Authorized Representative". 

{Codewords must not appear on either inner · or outer envelope.) It shall be sea.led in 

a. manner tending to reveal evidence of any 

tampering. 

Outer Container. The outer container shall be 

sufficiently opaque to prevent the classification markings on the inner containers from 

being visible, shall be addressed, returnaddressed and carefully sealed and shall bear 

no markings to indicate "the cl.e.ss:f.i'ication or 

its contents. In nddition, a control number 

shall be assigned and placed on the front of 

the container. 

NSA Form A-70. A NSA Form A-70 must be 

completed and f orwa.rded to the Adjutant 

General with material which has been wrapped 

or enveloped by the originator. 

Classified material, other than that :passing 

through AdJutant General channels, going between elements of the Agency located a·t one 

station (AIIS, NAVSECSTA, or Alternate Site, 

Fort Meade), need only be adequately covered 

so that the classified contents or the material . 

- 23 .. 

SE€RE'f 

ffANMB ftl SEIRU!' 

EJHANlBIB QNi.,¥ 
SES~ 

NSA REGULA.TION NO. 121-7 8 April 1955 

cannot be observed. The wrapping or outer 

cover, i.e., briefcase, burn bag, envelope, 

folder, etc., need not be addressed, stang;ied } 

or sealed. Personnel hand carrying classified 

naterial between buildings at a single location 

will be responsible for its security. 

4. Method.a of' Transmission. Classified material being sent 

outside the Agency or between Agency installations shall be transmitted by one of the methods authorized herein. 

a. Between points within the Washington area. 

(1) TOP SECRET and Codeword material YIBY be transmitted by one of the following methods: 

(e) 

(f) 

.Armed Forces Courier Service 

Courier Service furnished by the Adjutant 

General 

Couriers of the three Services 

Appropriately designated cleared a.nd accredited State Department, ·Atomic Energy 

Commission, Central Intelligence Agency 

and Federal Bureau of Investigation 

Couriers 

When encrypted, by all electrical means 

and United States mail,~ ~ncluding airmail 

Officers or civilians of NSA who have 

been desi5nated as official couriers for 

a specific trip by Chiefs of Staff 

Divisions and 0£fices. 

(2) SECRET and CONFIDENTIAL material ma.y be 

transmitted by one of the following methods: 

HMmfif!1 VIA 00MfN'f 

GI~ ON.bl' 

(a) Registered U.S. Ma.il and registered 

guard ne.il 

(b) Protected commercial express 

(c) Agency personnel specifical1y authorized 

and designated by Chiefs of Staff 

Divisions and Offices 

(d) Reliable citizens ~ the Unite~ S:ta.:tes., 

including officials of other Government 

Agencies 

( e) · Means authorized for TOP SECRET, except 

that material for the Arned Forces 

Courier Service and couriers of the 

three Services l'IDlSt meet their qualifications. 

- 21~ -

SECRET 
NSA REGUIA'l1ION HO. 121-r n /\pl· 11 1955 

(3) COlil',IDF:l·rrIJ\L - Mrx\j ficd IIo.ndlinG Authorized 

mn.1.,crio.l m::w be tro.nmnlttr.d by one of the 

followinG methods: 

(n) Orcli11ory U.S. M'1.il 

(b) J.lenns o.uthor1zcd for SECRET and CONFlDENTIAL. 

b. Between points Im:;ide the Continental United States: 

(1) TOP SECHET and Codeword nntcrie.l nv:cy be tre.nsm.1.. ttcd by one of the followinc; methods: 

(a.) 

(b) 

Means authorized in sub-paragraphs 

3.0.. (l)(o.) throuc;h 3.a. (l)(c) above 

Officerd or civllia.ns of NSA who have 

been desic;no.ted as official cour:l.ers 

by NGA Letter Orders. 

(2) SECm:'r o.ncl CONFIDEN'rIAr .. mo.tcrial nay be tre.nsmi ttcd by onu of the followine methods: 

(o.) 

(b) 

(c) 

(d) 

{c) 

(r) 

Meo.n.r. authorized in sub-paragraphs 

3 .a.. {2)(a) a.nd 3. b. (l) above 

Hcc;istered Air Mo.il 

Officer or rclio.ble crew member or 

United Sta.tea military aircraft 

ProtccteQ Commcrnial express under 

billinc; which o.ssures the hic;hest 

dcc;rec or protective handling 

Comrno.nders of vessels or civil aircraft of United States registry A~ency personnel specifical~ 

o.uthorized and desi~r\a.ted by NSA Letter 

Orders. 

(3) CONFIDENTIAL - Modified Ho.ndling Authorized 

l'l'Otcrial may be transmitted by methods 

authorized in sub-para~a.phs 3.a..(3) above. 

c. Between Po:l.nts Inside and Outside the United States: 

(1) TOP SECRE•r and Codeword material rrny be transmitted by one of the following methods: 

{a) 

(b) 

Means authorized in sub-paragraph 

3.b. {l) above 

Such other means as mo.y be specifically 

authorized by the Director. 

- 25 -

SECRET 

ftNMB ff* 8Elfflff 

SH&-HmHS 0Hf.Y 
SE9Rm? 

NSA REGUIATION NO. 121-7 8 April 19~5 

(2) s:room and CONFIDENTIAL naterial. tm¥ b• °bz'&l'Ulmitted by one of the following methcd.11 

(a) Meana authorised in\ 1ub-pansraphl 3.'b. (1) above, provided that, exaept in tho aa10 ot 

Canadian Resiate~ed Mail, 1hipmant 4011 no' 

at ~ time pa.as out or the control ot tha 

United States Government. Such naterial -.y 

also be transmitted to and i'rom U.S. 1nstallations in Canada and Alaska by Canadian 

registered mail provided registered mail 

return receipt is requested. 

(b) Means authorized in sub-pe.re.graph 3.c.(l) 

above 

(c) Unaccom;pe.nied State Department diploma.tic 

pounch. 

(3) CONFIDENTIAL - Modified Handling Authorized 

material ma.y be transmitted by one of the methods 

authorized for SECRET and CONFIDENTIAL material. 

d. Between Points Outside the ContinentaJ..Uttited States: 

Classified material me.y be transmitted by same means as authorized 

in pa.re.graph 3.b. above. 

e. Transmission of Registered Matter: Registered documents shall be transmitted in accordance with the requirements 

pertaining to the transmission of SECREn1 unless the document is 

TOP SECHET in which case the transmission requirement pertaining 

to !OOP SECRET will apply. The transmission and custody of 

registered documents will be covered at all times by a continuous 

system of receipts. 

SECTION IX - CUSTODY AND STORAGE OF CIASSJFIED MATTER - 1. Custodt and Safekeeping - The possession or use of classified defenseri:rorma.tion or material shall be limited to locations where facilities for secure storage or protection thereof 

are available, by means of which unauthorized persons are prevented 

from gaining access thereto. Whenever such ini'ornntion or mo.terial 

is not under the personal supervision of its custodian, whether 

durine; or outside of workin~ hours, the followin~ means shall 

be taken to protect it: 

a. TOP SJ!:CRET u.ncl Rcr;1stcrcd Matter oho.11 be stored 

in the most secure fo.ciUtics posolblc. Normally lt will be 

in a so.f'c or o. oaf'c-tYI1e stcC'l fllc conta.tncr having o. threepoaition, dio.1-typ<.i, combJno.tlnn locl-::, arnl boin~ of such 

!f:tlmm TIA f.lOMIN'f 

GHANNB:EB em;.y 

- ~,--; -

SE€RET 
BECRfJlf 

rmA REGULl\.TION NO. 121-7 8 April 1955 

weiGht, size, construction, or installation as to minimize the 

possibility of surreptitious entry, physical theft, damage by 

fire or tampering. 

b. SECRET and CONFIDENTIAL ?1Btter shall be stored in 

a manner authorized for TOP SECRET ma.terial, or in metal file 

cabinets equipped with steel lock-bar and o.n approved threecombina:tion dial-type pa.c1.lock from which ·the manufacturer 's 

identif:l.cation numbers have been obliterated, or in compe.rabJ.y 

secure facilities approved by the Chief, Security Division. 

c. CONFIDENTIAL - Modified Ha.ndlinti Authorized ma.tter { 

nay be stored in the manner authorized' for hisher categories 

of classified matter, but ordinarily shall be stored in a container equipped with a reasonably secUJ:"e lockine device or in 

any other storage facility as authorized by ·the Chief, Security 

Division. 

d. Each piece of equipment used for the storage of 

classified nBtter, and each locked room used for the storage 

of loose classified matter, shall be posted with DA Form 

727 giving the name, home address and telephone number of 

persons having knowledge or the combination and who a.re to 

be contacted in the event the equipment or room is found 

open or unattended. Chiefs of Staff Divisions and Offices 

shall require that each individual listed on DA Form 7Z7 

initial after his name acknowledging re~eipt of the combination. 

2. Storage of Classified Material in Desks - The f'ollowitlg instructions shall govern the storage of classified dei'ense 

natter in or on desks w:f.thin the Agency: 

a. NSA activities at Arlington Hall Station 

(1) 

(2) 

Exclusion Areas. Classified 1na.terial may 

be stored in a.nd/or on top of' desks, provided material on top of desks is covered 

with heavy paper, and provided the material"" 

pertains to the individual's current work 

project. 

Secure Areas. Material clAasified through 

TOP S~RE'l' nay be stored in locked desks a~er all other approved atorage facilities 

have been exhausted, provided the material 

pertains to the individual's current work 

project. 

- 21 -

SECRET 

ll:ANBB.~ ViA SOM:EN'f 

e!ttNNE.'F..B 61ffi!' 
-S-!«:HE .. !9'6s 9 

-S!lSm!m 

NSA REGUIATION NO. 121-7 D /\pril 1955 

b. NSA acl.ivities o.t. the lfo.val ::kcurfty Sta.Uon 

(1) Exclusion Areo.s. CJo.sslfl~d no..tcrial may be 

stored in cle:Jks, howevc>r, nnt.crlal classified 

no higher thnn COUFIDEN'I'IJ\L nny be left ou.t on 

shelves or tables when opccifica.lly authorized 

by the Chief, fJecurlty Division. 

(2) Secure Areas. Classified mntcrinl nny not 

be stored in desks, hOW"ever, material classified no higher than CONFIDENTIAL nuy be 

left out on shelves or tables when specifically authorized by the Chief, Security 

Division. 

c. Classified material will not be stored in desks at 

the Interim Site, Fort Meade, Temporary Building "R" or any 

other NSA activity except as noted in paragraphs 2.a. and 2.b. 

above. 

d. No classified material may be stored in desks in 

OPEN or RESTRICTED areas. 

e. NSA Form G-1701 (Revised), which consists of the 

statement "THIS DESK CONTAINS NO CIASSIFIED MA.TERIAL", Will be 

securely and conspiciously affixed to each desk in OPEN and 

RESTRICTED areas and will be signed by the occupant of the desk. 

f. A desk may be locked only when the key or its 

duplicate is ava.:l.lable in the area for use in gaining entry 

to the desk if required when occupant is not available. 

g. Security Division personnel will conduct periodic 

inspections of locked and unlocked desks in conjunction with 

the Chief of the Branch or Section concerned. 

3. Responsibility - Chiefs of Staff Divisions and Offices 

are responsible for the safe custody of classified material within 

their jurisdiction and they shall issue such additional directives 

as may be necessary to provide for safe custody within their 

activities. 

SECTION X - DESTRUCTION' OF CIASSIFIED MATTER 

l. Authority - Documentary record material ma.de or received 

by USA in connection with transaction of public business and preserved as evidence of the organization, functions, policies, 

Illd'fflf.8 -m: e6Mf:If! 

0il:li:NNSES 0HL¥ SECRET 
SEiS:RIS'l' 

NS/\. H.EGUJ.A'l'ION NO. 121-7 f3 Aprll 1955 

opcra.t:J.ons, decisions, procedures or other o.ctivlties of e.ny 

element of the Ac;cncy, or hecauac of the infornnt.ional value of 

the do.ta. ~onta.lned therein may be deRtroycd only in e.ccordance 

with NGA Rr:?gulation No. 12-2 or specific authorizo.tion from the 

Adjutant General. Non-record classified material nny be destroyed as authorizecl by responsible Ar!,ency personnel. 

2. Methodn of Destruction - Clo.asified defense mteris.l 

sho.11 be de3troyed by burnlnrJ :l.n presence of a commissioned 

officer or by other methods authorized by the Director. 

Specific detailed insLructi.ona concerning this method of destruction a.re covered by NSA Hec;ula.tion No. 121-1. 

a. Destruction of documents: Documents, worksheets, 

correspondence, and other readily combustible or pulpe.ble 

material shall be plo.ced in uurn bags or whenever too bulky 

to make use of burn bae;a, shall be packaged, prepo.ratoey to 

destruction, in a nnnner which will preclude loss. 

b. DcstrucLion of Material Other Than Paper: Photographic pa.per, film, composi~ion or treated waterproof tapes, 

acetate, celluloid, metal of any type, equipments, etc., shall 

be destroyed as directed by the Chief, Security Division. 

SECTION XI - SUPERVISION 

Supervision for the implementation of the policy established herein is the responsibility of the Chief, Security 

Division. 

BY COMMA.ND OF LIEUTT!."NANT GENERAL CANINE: 

G• • • C 

Colonel, AGC 

Adjutant General 

Incl: 

Appendix 

DISTRIIDTION IV 

JOHN B ACKERMAN 

Major General, US Air Force 

Chief of Staf':f 

- 29 - ~ VJ.A S91!EEVl 

EJHA!ffES OM!i!' I 

SE€RE'f 
APPEUDIX 

GUlllE LJ1'JE$ FOR SECURITY CIJ\.SSIFICATION 

SECTION PAGE 

G.l!.1I.1!.:fl./\.L • . . . • . . • I 1 

'IOP SECRET CODEWORD • . II 5 

SECRET CODEWORD . • . . III 6 

'IOP SECRET. . . . . IV 6 

SECRET. . . . • • . v 7 

CONFIDENTIAL. . VI 7 

UNCI.J\.SSIFIED. • . . . . VII 9 

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY • VIII 10 

SECTION I - GENERAL 

1. The classifying of infonnation and material within the 

cryptoloaic f leld is o.n involved and complex problem. Every document 

to be classified must be considered as being unique and one whose 

classification is dependent on factors existing within that document 

alone. The decision as to the proper classification of a document 

cannot arbitrarily be determined by referral to other documents or to 

specific rules and regulations. Each item of information or material 

must be adjudGed solely on its own merits and classified according to 

its content. There are, however, certain basic principles of classification ~hich will be of assistance, to individuals within the cryptologic field in the solution of their classification problems, a.nd 

it is proposed to set forth these basic ~rinciples in this document. 

2. As a basis for classification, it is necessary that all 

personnel be thorouehly conversant with the security classifications 

established by Executive Order 10501: 'roP SECRET, SECRET and CONFIDENTIAL. These security classi£ications can be stated as follows: 

a.. Top Secret: Except as may be expressly provided by 

statute, the use of the classification Top Secret shall be authorized, 

by appropriate authority, only for defense information or material 

which requires the highest degree of protection. The Top Secret 

classification shal.l. be applied only to that information or material 

the defense aspect of which is paramount, and the unauthorized~disclosure of which could result in exceptionally grave damage to the 

Nation such as leading to a definite break in diplomatic relations 

affecting the defense of the United States, an armed attack against 

the United States or its allies, a war, or the compromise of military 

or defense plans, or intelligence operations, or scientific or 

technological developments vital to the nationaJ. defense. 

aimm ftA 80MEW 

SlWJNSl:S ONE.¥ 

Appendix to NBA Regulation 

Number 121-7 dated 8 April 1955 

SE€RET 
b. Secret: Except as 1118Y be expressly provided by statute, 

the use ot the cliissification Secret shall be authorized, by appropriate 

authority, onl.y tor defense information or material the unauthorized 

disclosure of which could result in serious damage to the Nation, such 

as by jeopardizing the interna.tional relations ot the United States, 

endangering the effectiveness of a program or policy of 'V'ital importance 

to the national defense, or compranising important military or defense 

plans, scientific or technological developnents important to national 

de:f'ense, or inf'ormation revealing important intelligence operations. 

c. Confidential: Except as may be expressly provided by 

statute, the use of the classification Con:f'idential shall be authorized 

by appropriate authority, only for defense information or material the 

unauthorized disclosure of which could be prejudicial to the defense 

interests of the nation. 

d. Con:f'idential - Modified He.ndling Authgrized: This does 

not constitute a separate aiid distinct classification category. Information must meet the requirements set down above for Confidential 

material. The addition of the notation "modified handling authorized" 

only permits·mod.ification of the storage and transmission procedures. 

e. "For Official Use Only": This is not a security classification 

but is a designation to be used to assure the proper custody, preservation 

and use of of'ticia1 information which requires protection in public interest, 

but is not within the purview of Executive Order No. 10501. 

3. Within the cryptologic field we must provide even more safeguards 

for our activities than are provided for under the standard security classifications. Betor~ any of'ticial cryptologic information is to be 

disseminated, it must be determined that the recipient has a need-toknow. Information of an unclassified nature pertinent to the mission of 

a cryptologic activity should not be discussed with anyone except for 

official business purposes. 

4. Beyond the basic classifications established by Executive Order, 

it is recognized that there are special considerations which must be 

considered separately because of their inherently sensitive nature. 

These special considerations pertain to specific categories of communications 

intelligence (COIC:NT) and are identified by the assignment of a distinctive 

codeword. The classif'ication or CC\'.tm? involves two distinct considerations: 

the secu~ity of' the information and the sensitivity of' the source f'ran which 

the inf'ormation was derived. Either or both considerations may affect the 

classif'ic1 ~ion, dependent upon whether the int'ormation or the source is the 

more scns:i.tive. 

5. Init:fally, CCMrNT material comes to this Agency in the form of 

collatera1 COf.{[NT or as r~w traffic which has been intercepted by field 

Appendix to NSA Re~lation 

Number 121-7 dated 13 April 1?55 

- 2 -

SECRET 

IfANBfif!I VIA 00MEN! 

OHANNMS E>Mi'f 
station activities throughout ~he wo~ld. '!'his traffic is classified 

no lower than CONFIDEr~IAL until such time as an analytical processing 

is begun. Fram the a:nalysiS o:r \'h.i'B raw traf'fic, we derive three 

types of intelllgcnce. 

a. Cryptintellignt.C"e is that CCMINT which results frcn 

cryptanal.ysi's o'f the systems utilized by message originators to 

protect the traffic ·during i'ts transmission. This incluaes speech 

and facsimile security systems. 

b. Traf'f!tc lntelligence is that CGIINT which resu1ts trcm 

traffic ana."lysis of intercepted electrical communica't~ons. This includes 

COMim' prOduced by all means short of c~ysis of message texts. 

c. Intell.igence derived fran the analysis of plaintext tratf'ic. I 

6. Intormation derived tran these three analytical processes 

{cryptanalysis, '..traffic analysis and plaintext analysis) is divided 

into three security categories. 

a. Category III CCMCNT (Top Secret Codeword) ia "':the most 

sensitive category and contains information of the highestrclassification 

whose source must be protected at all costs. In general., this will 

include information derived f'ran cryptanalysis (except for designated 

types of CCfIINT) certain designated types of plaintext and special 

weather cryptanalysis andtraf'!'ic anal.ysis of certain high level 

systems as specified by existing authorities. For affilitional. items 

in this category, see Section II. 

b. Category II CamT is less sens:t'ftve than the preceding 

category and is one whose material can, by acceptance of a calculated 

risk, be disseminated Without over-ridiris··concern for the security of 

the source. In general, this will include traf'f'ic intelligence 

resulting from the solution of certs.in low: level cod.es and other 

security systems as specified by existing authorities. For additional. 

items in this Category, see Sedti'Qi III. 

c. Category I C<MmT ~n..Codeward) is subject to the least 

restrictive regulations of the thre"e categories and will include 

certain types of low level Co.MINT as specifiecl by existing aut~orities. 

Material in this ca-tegory will be cl:assified no lower than CORFIDENTIAL 

without the assignment ot any codeword. EXtreme care must be utilized 

in placing CCMINT in this category. {Se-a pa.re.graph g, Section Y.I - CONFIDENTIAL). 

7. In addition to these categories, ~here are certain '"Other 

basic statements that are acceptable as guide lines in determining cl.assif'ications. 

ftA:Nf>fJE ·m aetEEH 

extMmIHB ~iLY 

- 3 - Appendix to NSA Regulation 

Number 121-7 dated 

8 April 1955 

SE€RET 
a. Ca.tINT will normally be considered as te.J.l.ing w1 th:l.n 

category III except tor such specitic systems aa have been mutually 

agreed upon by u. K. and the u. s. to be in other categories. Thia 

·list ia available in PROD (0621). 

b. Standing operating procedures, personnel reports, organ• 

izational charts and instruction manuals governing respective CCl4IMT 

organizations will be classified according to the intormation contained 

therein; those indicating operational capacity or success will be classified 

at least SJOORET. Classification problems which cannot be resolved by the 

originator will be referred to the Adjutant General for detenn.ination. 

c. In reference to type of cryptosystems, the tenns "low grade", 

"medium grade" and "high grade" are often used. Definitions or these 

categories are as follovs: 

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

Low-grade, Pertains to a cryptosystem which otters 

slight resistance to c~tanaJ.yala; for e..xample; (l) Playtair ciphers, (2) Single transposition, 

(3) Unenciphered one-part codes. 

Medium-grade, Pertains to a cryptosyetem which otters 

consi!erable resistance to cryptanalysis; tor example: 

(l) Strip ciphers, (2) Polyphase transposition, (3) 

Unenciphered two-part codes. 

High-grade, Pertains to a cryptosystem which offers 

a mrucimum of resistance to cryptana.lysis; for example: 

(1) Complex cipher machine~, (2) One-time systems, 

(3) UnknCT"rl two-ps.rt codes enc1pher'-'d with nn additive 

book. 

8. It must be pointed out that, although the cryptanalytic techniques 

associatea with a specific operational cryptosystem fall into Categories 

III, II, or I, nevertheless a detailed description or the procedures an<l. 

general i:•rinciples underlying the solution of a type cryptosystem may be 

of lower classification or even unclassified, e.g., tho solution or the 

clacsic Playf'air system. This consideration applies also to principles 

and techniques involved in the attn.ck on U.S. o.nd NA.TO cryptosystems. 

a. Likewise, although it must be pointed out t.ha.t traf:f:lc 

analytic techn~ -q_t1es and data associated wi t.h spcc.5 fie tarp;("ts f'a.11 into 

Categories II:t I! or I, neverth~less a detailed dc:criptlon of the 

gencra.J princ5.plca ar.·l techniques involved in hypothct.ica.l traffic analysis ~ay be of low-c1 classification. 

b. The clni3sification of an item of cryptanalytic or cryptographic 

equipment ia determined solely on its cr.m 1neri ts, based on the extent to 

which protection of nev principles and techniques must be afforded. The 

Appcnclix to NSA I\f!c,ul.'l.tion _ 4 _ 

Ilwnber 121-7 dat~d 0 April l'.155 

SE€RE'f 

II:!NBJ:d!l Vil eeMilft' 

GHliNM!jJ:S ON£¥ 
degree of claGsirlco.tion does not n<?Cf?Gsartl:r concern only the, f"ield 

of Cl'YJ'tri1 ·····y {oi· cry?tolo;-:i'! ~::;;.:...::!Av:,;) but al.so takes into account 

engineerinG Gophistication. 

9. As .a means of further assistance to personnel, the following 

classification guide lines have been established. Rem.ember they are 

only general in nature and that the classification of any given item 

must be established solely on its own merits. In ad.di tion, an· 

abbreviated classification table has b~~n inclosed at the end of this 

document o.nd is intended. :ror reference purposes only. It maybe 

detached and used separa.tely. WARNING.! In no instance may this 

table be used to solve classification problems. Reference must always 

be made to the complete text of "Guide Lines for Security Classif'i-· 

cation". 

SECTION II - TOP SECRET CODEWORD (CATEGORY III 2 I 

The following types of intorma.tion are to be classified TOP 

SECRET Codeword: 

a. Cryptanalytic intelligence and techniques derived tram. 

any statements oi' success attributable to a. given Category III 

system. 

b. Tre.ffic intelligence based in whole or in pa.rt on the 

analysis or use of identifications and other data. derived from 

Category III COM.INT. Such traf'f'ic intelligence might involve a. 

higbgrade encryption system or message headings encrypted in codes or 

ciphers of high security grading. 

c. Intelligence which can be identif"ied as resulting from 

the study of plain text which is passed on international coamercial 

circuits and is of' such high intelligence value of sensitivity as to 

require assignment to this category. 

d. Special Weather Intelligence, which does not contain 

information concerning the processes or sources involved will be 

designated by a distinctive codeword. 

e. Intelligence which can b~ ~dentif'ied as resulting from 

the cryptanalysis of diplomatic cryptosystems used by foreign powers 

since 1 September 1939, except as covered in sub-paragraph c, Section 

rv - 'roP SECRET; sub-paragraph 1, Section VI - CONFIDENTIAL; and, 

sub-para.graph l, Section VII - UNCLASSIFIED. 

r. Traffic intelligence involving such combinations of 

cryptanalysis and traf:f'ic analysis whose value is so great that 

security of contents becomes the over-riding consideration. 

!M:lft)LE .,,.Ift eeMIIt'f 

OH:MRmrfl 0NFK 

- 5 -

Appendix to HSA Regulation 

Number 121-7 dated 8 April 1955 

SE€RET 
s~~659 ~. \. .l?.J _._ 

g. COMINT based on traffic obtained from sources 

classified TOP SECRET. 

h. UKUSA Crypto.nalytic short titles of Category III 

cryptosystems. 

SECTION III - SECRET CODEWORD'"' (CATEGORY II) 

The following types of information are to be classified SECRET 

Codeword: 

a. Cryptanalytic intelligence and techniques derived from 

and statements of success attributable to a given Category II 

cryptosystem. 

b. Traffic intellieence derived fr01n the analysis of 

foreign communications after 2 September 1945 except as covered in subparagraph b, Section II above. 

c. Texta information. 

d. Intelligence which can be identified as resulting 

from study of Government, commercial or private plain text passed 

on international commercial circuits, except as noted in sub-paragraph 

e, Section II - TOP SECHET Codeword. 

e. Traffic intelligence derived from radio fingerprinting (RFP) and Morse operator analysis (~JOA). 

f. UKUSA Cryptanalytic short titles of Category II and I 

cryptosystems. 

SECTIOH IV - 'IDP GECRET 

The following types of informa.tlon are to be classified WP 

SECRET: 

a. The deto.iled mission of a COMmT agency or a major 

operating component thereof. 

b. The existence of peace time ·collaboration in COMillT 

matters between U.S. ac;~nr:ies and other foreic;n ~overnments, except 

for collo.boration uith the U.K., Cano.do., or Australia, which will 

be classified not lower tho.n SECRET. 

c LTJ.tellic;ence deri vccl from the crypto.110.lysis of highgrade f'ore:.i.e;n cryptonyst.crno uct'1ecn 1 September 1939 and 2 September 1945, provided the reference co.nnot leo.d to inferences o.s to the 

specific systems involve11. Guch intelllgence derived after 

2 September 1?11'.) llelon0=i j n Cq.tc~ory III. (See except i ona, sub-paragraph e, Section II - TOP SECM'l' CODEWOHD anu po.ro.c;rapl 1 1. Section 

VII - tn!CIJl.GfHl<'IF:O.) 

Appendj_z to ITSA Hcr;nlntioh 

Number 121-r( c'l::1.teU. 8 .11.p.dl 1955 

- G -

SECRE'f 

RANBffi V1A 00MEN'f 

CHf,NNElEB eNfiY 
d. Codewords (current and obsolete) applicable to 

Category III COMIHT. 

SECTION V -'SECRET 

The :f'ollowing types of info:nr.a.tion are to be classi:f'ied 

SECRET: 

a. Intercept asaig11m.ents (N.B. This does not include 

call signs, :f'rcquencies or case notations which will be classified 

not lower than COJllFIDENTIAL). 

b. Intercept and DF plans and over-all. operational 

etf'ectiveness of intercept and DF organizations as a whole. 

c. Details of trarfic analysis as applied to enemy 

communications during World War II. 

d. Disclosures of both the identity and details of the 

cryptanalysis or low-grade enemy military cryptosystems during 

World War II. 

e. Existence or peace time collaboration betlieen the 

U. S. (NSA) with the U.K. (GCHQ)1 CANADA (CBNRC) or AUS'mALIA (DSB) 

in the COMJNT field. 

f. Code"Words (current and obsolete) applicable to Cat~­

gory II COMINT. 

SECTION VI - CONFIDENTIAL 

The following types of information are to be classified 

CO:NFIDENTIAL: 

a. Association of opera~iona.l COMmT functions with 

specific activities and orga.nizations by name (except as provided 

under sub-paragra.ph a, Section VII - Tll'1~TJ\SSIFIED). 

b. General. statements pertaining to the operationa1 

effectiveness of individual intercept and D/F stations. 

c. Intercepted raw traf'fic that shows no evidence of! • 

"processing" for COM.INT purposes beyond sorting by clear address 

elements, elimination of unwanted -JneOir··:.i.ge:ilmd the inclusion ot 

case number e:nd/or an arbitrary traffic designs.tor. 

d. Ini"o:rmation about traffic intelligence relating to 

D/F mission assignments, bearing reports and fix reports {i.e., 

target frequencies,,. call signs, "piped signals," other signal 

information, bearin6s and fixes), r>rovided tho.t no complex 

changing ca.1.1 sign systems a.re included. 

eH:AMlff.!IS 0NI:X 

-7- Appendix to NSA Regulation 

If•miber 121-7, dated 8 April 1955 

SECRET 
e. The terms "United States Comnrunications Intelligence 

Board" and "U. s. Communications Security Board", (abbreviations 

"USCIB" and "USCSB" and the abbreviations for their subconnnittees 

are unclassified). 

f. Plain text tactical or operational traffic provided 

that no interpretations of complex chaneing call sign systems, 

enciphered map references, or results o~ advanced traffic analysis 

are included. This mo.terial shall include local procedural and local 

grid and zone systems used for artillery direction, tactical control 

and movement of' front line units, early warning and exercise of 

tactical combat control of' aircra.f't. 

g. Intelligence derived from analysis of ra.d.a.r tracking 

reports and visual observation reports as found in tactical or 

operational traffic; provided that enciphered aircraft type designations or interpretations of complex changing call sign systems 

are not included. Inclusion of local grid or zone references, local 

procedural codes used for brevity and plain text ihterspersed with 

cover words is permissible. 

h. COMDTT concerning weather derived from the sources 

described in paragraphs f and g, above. 

i. COMlNT derived from Naval. tactical maneuvering codes 

and brevity codes. 

j. Special cryptologic features of and magnitude of 

effort with computers. 

k. Detailed references to, and description of, cryptanalytic success against specific military cryptosystems used by 

foreign powers between 1.1. November 1918 and l September 1939, and 

not used since. 

1. Intelligence derived from the crypta.na.lysis of the 

diplomatic cryptosystems used by foreign powers between 11 November 

1918 and 1 September 1939· 

m. The extent of collaboration. in CAN/UK/US COMSEC 

m..~ttcrs. 

n. The extent o~ production of cryptomaterial for NA~ 

use. 

i1. DI 1r:rcJ.lS a.ml clcacr i pt ions of COMlllT and COivlSEC cor:nnunica.t~on nct11orl:::; 01· rcla.t·:?d communication plans includins 

crypto[p'.'aphi.c a.ri·L'.nce111entr.i except where higher clo.ssification is 

justified by the ljot:.iw~ or scnslt.i.ve intercept Gtations. 

Append5.x to NSJ\. Heeulation - 8 - _ !!1clftU:Z 'i1U: COMtN'f 

Nmriber 121-7 dated 8 April l~ 9llldlllSIB ~ EC:RE'f EO 3.3(h)(2) 

PL 86-36/50 USC 3605 
q. Consolidated.listings and records of' cryptomaterials 

and cryptoholdincs by short title. 

r. The broad outlines of operational traffic o.na.lysis 

processes. 

s. Relationship with CIA and other U.S. consumers in the 

field of COMINT. 

SECTION VII - UNCIASSIFIED 

The f'ollowing types of information are UNCLASSIFIED: 

a._ Association of NSA with cryPtology, COMINT, COMSEC, or 

the service cryptologic aGencies -- provided such association in 

no wo.y adversely af'f'ects the missions of the agencies concerned. 

b. Association of' NSA with authors of' technical papers on 

matters already in the public domain. 

c. The tenns NSA Field Activity Far East (NSAFE), NSA 

Field Activity Europe (NSAEUR), NSAAL, NSAUK, NSA-Field Unit 1 

(FU/PAC) and NSA Field Unit 2 (FU/LANT). 

d. Civil Service Job Titles and NSA "Qualification 

Standards Manual." 

e. NSA's possension of or interest in computers or 

rapid analytical machinery, except as notpd in sub-paragraph j under 

Section VI - CONFIDENTIAJ~. 

f. Specific conponcnts of equipment under research, if. 

use' of component is not J•evealed. 

g. R.?port of' inspection trip to unoleared company that 

is a prospective contraci.or, if' no mention is made of' actual 

applications of componen1.s. 

h. Shor I:. ti tleE:, cover names, and code words • (See the 

f'ollowinB exceptions: '3ub-paragraph d, Section nr .. 'roP SECRJ<:'l'; 

Sub-paragraph f, Section V - SECRl~T and sub-paragraph q, Section VI - CONFIDENTIAL). 

i. Communications givina n person's security clearance. 

j • Projects nun11Jcr and titles used in justification for 

purchase of' materials whe•l no technical usage is specif'ied. 

k. Detailed re.f•?rencc to, and description of', crypto.nalytic success aGainst 'forld War I mi.lita.ry cryptosystems. 

&tMffllE 7IA 89M3:NJ1 

ffitfdftffiB:B Q~ 

- 9 -Appendix to NSA Hec;ulation 

l!1unht?r 121-7 cfatcU. 8 April 1955 

SECRE'f 
1. References to int.elliccnce derived fl"om cryptosystems 

in which succcosi'ul cryptana.lysts ha.s a.l'l"oody been revealed by 

oi'ficial U.S. action (e.a., tbe Conarossional investigation of the 

Pearl Jiarbor attack). 

m. Any rei'arcnce to intelllgence,or cl"yptanalytic success 

against operational. cryptosystems as disclosed by i'oreign publicat!ons 

appearing in the publlc doma.in. These rererences should be 

accompanied for the purpose or clarity by the source o.nd be without 

:further elaboration or o.mpllrication. 

n. The fact tha.t :NSA produces a.nd procures cryptomaterial 

including rotors, key lists, one-time tape3, one-time pads, codes, 

discs and other b:roa.d cateaorieG of keylna materi~s, and employs 

special equipment to produce some of this material. 

o. The f'act tha.t the U.S. calla.borates with other NATO 

powers on COMSEC matters. 

SECTION VIII - FOR OFFICIAL USE ONU 

The i'ollowina types of' lnf'ormo.tion, when uncla.ssi:f'ied, are to 

be designated "For Ofi'iciaJ. Use Only11 : 

a. Textbooks, syllabi, lo.nguo.gc dictionaries, telephone 

directories, etc., which of themselves clo not warrant cla.ssif'ication, 

however tho wide disocmina.tion of which might be detrimental. to the 

security oi' the ,Aacncy's mission. 

b •. Records and information uhich perta.in· to individuals 

such as personnel records, medical records, o.nd investigative 

reports, documents, and procecdiI16S· 

c. Ini'ormation as to the identity oi' confidential 

iDi'ormants and in:C'ormo.tion furnished by them in confidence. 

d. Ini'ormation received in con:f'idence from private 

1ndividua.ls, f irmo, or organizations in connection with bids, 

proposals, "trade secrets", and reports oi' a financial, technica.l, 

or scientii'ic no.tul"e. 

e. Info:niw.tion vh ich is, or mo.y reo.sona.bl.y be expected 

to be, connected 'trlth o.ny pendi.nc; or e.ni.icipa.tcd liti~tion before 

Federal o.nd stnte courts or re~a.tory bodies. 

f. 'h1vo.nc<.: inron.1nt.lo11 c·n in·opo3c1l pl.ano to procure, lea.se 

or othenri3c r~quire or diapo3c ot mat~rial.s, roa.l cot.nt.e, facilities, 

or fu.."lc"Lions, which woultl J1ro·1tu~ \muuo or utscr.il'lino.t.ory n.c.lvantu.go 

to priva.te or percona.l intcreats. 

Appendix to ?JSA Rc1~1J.o:l.lon 

Number 121-7 dated B /•nril 1 •;j 

- lCJ -

JWmfiE ff! 9fl!D! 

9HldaBHB 91&!' 

SE€RET 

• 
.. 

g. Preliminary '1ocuments relating to proposed plans and 

policy development when premature disclosure would adversely affect 

morale, efficiency or discipline. 

h. Examination questions and answers to be used in 

training courses or in the determination of qualifications of 

candidates for emplo;yment, entrance to duty and advancement or 

promotion. · · 

Incl: 

Table 

l!t<NmiE VD eeMEN'i' 

eHANNK~ Om.Y 

' - 11 - Appendix to NSA Regulation Number 121-7 dated 8 April 1955 

SE€RE'F 
Tm> SBCm COll1!llOllD 

l. IllTXLLIG!a:E 'l'ECllllIQUBS .&ID StJCCJSmlS l.."mm!UrliBIJt TO Cl'rl!OOll!' m S!S'rl!llS. 

~ 

... TK&P!'IC MELLIGlllCS BASl!D Ill DAU 

IBEIVm FD CAmKBr m CXKIHr. 

3, SE!llU"rIVB ICR PLllll'm l'ICLUDllG AU. 

m:ssm PL&Illl'En'. 

.r,. SPKClAL 'IMTllER Dl'J'B[lJGl!ll!I! (SPIC:I&L 

Clmlrlal!l). 

5. CP.?PTAti!..'"SIS a! D.IPUIU.TIC S!ST.Blll 

tr.ED SIJlCE l SEPmlB&it 19391 iiCiPfl. 

6. TF.A..-.rJ:C IliTELLIG!mCI: Wll!lll!: SBC1J1mr (I' 

ca.'TE!r. rs :rllE mm l!n!i!!mBR•ucm. 

7, IXl!mr BASED ml TOP Sl!ICllE'1' SOUllCIS. 

s. 1JKUSJ. CRIPl'AIULl'l'IC SBOBr 'fml!S Cir 

C4TEGO:n' m SISTEllS. 

TOP SECllB'l' 

l., Ii:rillJ!D KISSl<ll at .l C<lmlr AGBllCI 

OR MAJOR ca«P<m:!IT, 

2. US COOM1' l'EACE'l'Dm COLtlBClllTICll mB 

Pcru:J:Gll GOVElllDBJIT, BlCBPT 111:, CUI Cit 

A.tr.: C"'..tsSIFIED sr.c:m. 

J, INTE:.I.IGSNCE FRCll Cll!rtO S!STBKS; l 

&!'?.'PJeE!: l'Dl - 2 S!PTJ!Ml:ID 1945 llCJl' 

mm:AI.ING SPECIFIC SIS'IZlll llVOLVBD, 

EIC!."'.'l'"'" • 

1... Cl'l'mORI m COOEoi!llDS (CUB1111r1' .&ID 

OilS.:ll:?E). 

l. .P'OB EXCEP'l'.IOIS, 3QI Cl'rBD P.DAGIW'llS 

Cl!! PAGE DIDICAm, 

Inclosure to Appendix to !~SA Regulation No. 121-7 

W:.ted D April 1955 

1. 

2. 

'· 4. 

s. 

6. 

l. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6, 

SECURITY CLASS'IFICATION REFERENCE TABLE 

~ Jn~~ ta'ble be 1IHd to .... •\ica • mat alJlara be .. to 

tm 9mp1.ete t;m ~ lllJald9 Lim8 r. SeDlll'lt;J' ClallldficaUm.•) . 

ma:m C!!!¥l!D C!!l'D!l!!mL 'lllCLlSSm:ID 

l. CDIIl'1' llml'IOIS ~ W1Tll l. ~~OJI (I' ISl W1'1'I 

SPS:IPIC ~ m omAIIZlTIOl9" Cll.tP?Or.CGI. IXllDl1', came aa smm:cs B!'JWB, • Cl!!l'!OIADlC AGEllCDS. mnIC IJft!'URaCI ll!lllUIJ PD 

POBZIGI IXlllDIIC.lTI<llS AP'l'.11:1 2 SIP- 2. ClllllUL ST.lml&ftS at Cl'llllT.I<Jl&L 2. .lllSOCiil'ICll at llSl me .l'D!IDIS CP DllBlll 1945. IPllCflVDISSS at IllDIVIDllAL !ll'l'EliCIP! DCllllIClL P.ll'ZIB ALBIAD! u-m P11BL1C AID D/r ST.lTlllB. 

mu DCJalll. IllmlJIA!I(ll. 

ICa PIAill!Jm, :DlllPr1. 3 lllPIDi&SSD lWf mmc B1C1PT CASB: 3. IWll!8 (I' ISl nBrJI 'llll'!S. 

UATICllS, ~llBRCDS, oa C<. smas • 

"· D/t llISSIClr ASSIGllllElml. .r,. CIVIL mmz .rm '1'1TLIS .1111 ISl 'rl&!PIC xm:u.mDC! Jl!l!DID ,_ •QlllL1PIC.lTl(ll S!AllDIBDS IAJllllL.• .. AllD Jill. 

5. 1llClB OD 111CSB 1lllD wtim our. 5. JlSA POSSBSS~ CB Dl'mBS'1' D 'llmll Cll!PUJW.:ft1C Sll>Rr '1'1TLIS at 

6. CCllPU!m,. • CA!lllOlr Il AID I S!STJllS. ~ UCIPT JS ASSIGHED TO c.m-

.&ID m. 6. lDl-m:SClm'fl'l IDWWW '!O ~llIP-

?. UlaCIPllBllBD IWWl 'l'BACDm AID VIS1J&L I .., IJlllll:ll IllSEAllCll. 

Cl'BlllTICllAL llBPOll!S. 7. mom ar DISPll<-!Illl :rms m 1111CLUB1D 

a. 11Blmat Clllill'r 1IKll 6 AID 7 .l!IOVE. 

PJUIPl!XO"fM COJIDlc:rCB CCJIP.llfIIS. 

a. SBORl' ~ CCJml JUllBS, .um cxm- EO 3.3(h)(2) 9. CCllift Pllll DVAL IWlE1m!:RIJC ilD wmm, • llllr:Ym COIJBS, 

PL86-36/50 USC 360 9, CXl!lllJJIICATI!llS GIVDG .l PZllS<JIS SICllJlr1'? . nmmss .&ID mm at a at CCllPD'.l'EllS, ctBAIWICI • 

n. Cll!PT.OllLlBIS °' m.I'l'A.HI SlS'rEMS, 11 10. ICJl..llSSCllIPl 1111 fl Pao.m:r :mus 

D!llma 1918 - l SZPmlBBR 1939 ilD .um IRIMBEll, Sl!CB&'t JIOr DSID SDCZ. 

ll. ' Cll!P'l.UlALlTIC SUCCISS .&GADST 1il&.ll WU 

lln1ICIPf .ASSIGlllBl'lS, UCIP!l. 12. CllD"f.lllWSIS or~· I 111I.IT.AB? CK!PmllST.1111. ll llOVll!lla 1918 - 1 1939. 

DITBlEIP1' D/r PL&BS, ll'l'aitltW. t:a/BlaS CCll!IC CCfW!OftATICll. ~: C11IPr SIK:CBSSIS D m fELlC JXllADI .um QR'.Amm111. 13. 

m:rms <r '!lllPFIC AHAL1SD fl lllDII 11,. D.Dll? fl PlllDOCTial OP CllIP!O &TIBIAL J.4, BSl PIKIJOOTICll AID :l'JICCUJll!llllT CP CR!Pm 

CCJllUJIIC&rltllS DllRDD WOJIUI VO II. 10ID20. Jfl'lmW.. 

lmAI:r.S CP c:raP.WIAL?SIS CP Ull GIWB u.I 15. us m1111: C:OU.ADmm ma JIU'O. 

llll!:llI m.rrm CR!PfaJ!BTB!B DlllDD 

1iOllLD WAit II, 1.6. c:amrr AID CCllSBIC CCllMIJIIC4mlB m1011S CB PI.AJIS lmlP1' 10B SBHSITIU 

CCllift COUABlllUICll 1Br11!B1 m, 111'.6 DrEllCl!P1' STATl<llS. 

CUI, .AJID .ltJS. 

17. CC11S«.IJ1ADD LISTilllS at crmro JllC&!BlOKr II Gall!liOBllS (Cllllllll! .DI> TIBULS .AJID CB!l'fO IDDillGS BI SBORr 

OBSOLm). ;ri:m-. 

a. BllO&D omar.s at Cl'BlllTIClllL TllAmC 

MlUBD l'lllCISSIS. 

19. CCllDll' BILftIClllDIIP or 1111 me cu 

.DD oram us. CDStlllllS D m rm.D.