Out of the black
Subtitle: the declassification of the NRO : declassified documents depict debates over whether to declassify the "fact of" U.S. satellite reconnaissance organization
Contributors: National Security Archive (U.S.)
Series: National Security Archive electronic briefing book -- no. 257; National Security Archive electronic briefing book -- no. 257.
Publisher: [National Security Archive]
Published: 2008
Place of publication: Washington, D.C.]
Language: eng
Subjects: Space surveillance; Sources; Military Astronautics; National security; Official secrets; United States. National Reconnaissance Office; United States
Other titles: Declassification of the NRO
Description: National Security Archive has published a collection of documents concerning the declassification decision and its implementation. The NRO and NRP were established in 1961 to coordinate the satellite reconnaissance activities of the CIA and Air Force. As the documents illustrate, the issue of NRO declassification was considered as early as 1973. The documents further show that DCI Stansfield Turner (1977-1981) concluded that the fact of NRO and NRP existence did not meet the test of classification. As a result, Turner included declassification as part of a plan to revise the system of handling Sensitive Compartmented Information but that plan was not implemented before the Carter administration was replaced by the Reagan administration, nor thereafter. The documents also portray the process of declassification that was set in motion in 1992 due to a variety of factors. The memos concern the recommendations from NRO Director Martin C. Faga and DCI Robert Gates, the issues that had to be considered, as well as the actions needed to prepare for and implement declassification.
Notes: Title from PDF document (viewed Feb. 10, 2009).

"Posted - September 18, 2008; For more information contact: Jeffrey T. Richelson."

Mode of access: World Wide Web.