~~. s | ‘ Approved For Release 2002/11/18 : CIA-RDP96-00787R000400100011-7 (00a 15 January 1974 MEMORANDUM FOR THE RECORD SUBJECT ; Special Management Guidelines for the SRI Paranormal Project 1. Both the nature of research in the paranormal field and the intense interest it excites within our organization and in the public at large, together with the highly competitive and complexly motivated character of other &- simplify the contractor's task by eliminating all unnecessary confusion and distractions; b. tighten the responsibility and control functions within the Sponsor's organization; €. serve both the contractor's and the sponsor's interests by increasing project security; and ad. permit us to arrive at Sound and well-documented, however modest, conclusions by focusing on Limited, consistent and explicit objectives, The guidelines listed below need not be considered definitive; to the extent that modificationsseem essential from a practical point of view or that additional guidelines would serve the above purposes, contractor and Sponsor personnel should agree on emendations, 2. Data Control. The complex nature of the funding and phasing of SRI's past paranormal investigations makes it virtually impossible to establish, now, which data were developed under whose auspices. Other than portions which clearly relate to sponsor tasking and direct or indirect sponsor validation, no attempt will be made to control use of that data~-most of which has already become public knowledge in one form or other. But it will be understood that, from the start of the new (January 1974) contract effort, all data developed will other than authorized sponsor personnel without prior sponsor approval. On its part, the sponsor undertakes to be ag expeditious and liberal as circumstances permit in approving the release of non-sensitive data for open publication, SG1I SG1I 3. Authorized Personnel, As far as the sponsor's organization ig SG1| concerned, ‘authorized personnel will be understood to mean: in the first instance, the primar roject officer, or his immediate superiors [ and Mr McMahon); and, inf absence or WL meee © purely 'basic' research matters, his alternate roject officer, or his immediate superiors » As’ far as the contractor's organization is concerned, ‘authorized! OOO yill Approved For Release 2002/11/18 : CIA-RDP96-00787R00040010 - perce SG1I SG1I SG1I
Approved For Release 20027 RRnOeneiindaiR 96- 00787R000400100011-7 Guidelines for SRI Project ~2. be understood to mean: only those (to be listed by name and function) immediately involved in the research effort, the essential chain-of-command superiors and such other SRI specialists as may be required in conducting the research. Individuals other than 'authorized' personnel, whether from the sponsor's or other govern- mental or non-governmental organizations, will not be given access to project data without prior sponsor approval. Such approval will be limited to individuals essential to the conduct of the research. It is likely that, because of prior associations and publicity, the contractor will receive queries about the status of research and we appreciate the awkwardness this might create; whenever possible, it is suggested that the contractor take the position that, largely on its own resources, the masses of data already collected are being studied and the results may, if appropriate, be published at a later time; the contractor should avoid more explicit comments unless there is prhor coordination with the sponsor. someendliieuesnsemenr sta sanadt mane aimee or enna and financial reports are specified in the contract and they will be released only to 'authorized' sponsor personnel. In the same sense, visits to the paranormal research laboratory should be limited to authorized sponsor personnel. The sponsor . will attempt to curtail inquebies and requests for site visits by its personnel and it is suggested that, should it become necessary, the contractor handle such requests by stating that its now operatin,, under restrictive groundrules and urging the individual to contact the project officer or his alternate. & OT rene | aire errmaet avoid confusion or disruption of the contractor's efforts, tasking and guidance will be accepted only from authorized personnel; unsolicited views may be referred to the project officer or his alternate. It may be that, later, the contractor 1 HFA and the sponsor will wish to brief sponsor personnel and solicit their views and ao suggestions; but, if so, it should be undertaken in a well-controlled, methodical manner and for quite specific purposes related to the research design and objectives. 6. Other Sponsorship. The sponsor assumes that the scope and terms of the contract are such that SRI's paranormal investigative resources will be fully absorbed by the effort but, since the sponsor's support cannot be alluded to by SRI, that will not preclude offers of sponsorship by others--including the government. It is suggested that, in response to official or unofficial offers, SRI initially state that it is consolidating and studying previously collected data and doesn't wish to undertake new investigations until this analysis is completed. If this response doesn't have the desired result, SRI should inform authorized sponsor personnel before making any commitments or disclosures. SRI and sponsor personnel will then agree on the most effective means of handling the situation. Approved For Release 2002/11/18.: CIA-RDP96-00787R000400100011-7