Page 1
. - -
• •.rop srnr'ID:AS.,42
/\t-'PE1JD~o uoCtJiviLh Ls to ii 1A1rt USCIB: 9 .3/44 GODFHX;WR~ tr\T[fltNNT CllUINi:il3 Q}li:.¥
5 August 1955
~elm LTOP SECRET M»iORANDUM FOR THE MEMBERS OF USCIBEC:
Subject:
References:
USCIB CCMINT Requirements List.
(a) USCIB 9.3/41 dated 8 April 1955. (b) USCIB 9.3/39 dated 1 April 1955.
1. Pursuant to USCIB decision contained' in reference (a), USCIBEC continued its efforts along the lines set forth in paragraph 4 of reference ( b) •
2. It was agreed to proceed forthwith by having each member who so desired submit a CCMINT Requirements List with a view to effecting a marriage that would produce a single List that could be fitted within the framework of the National Intelligence objectives presented in DCID 4/4 of 14 December 1954.
3. The COMINT Requirements Lists referred to in paragraph 2 above were forwarded to an Ad Hoc Committee chaired by the Department of Defense member, consisting of representatives from the Departments of Army, Navy, Air Force, the Central Intelligence Agency and the National Security Agency.
4. The enclosure constitutes the agreed upon consolidation of the various Lists and is forwarded for USCIBEC consideration at a special meeting to be held at 1000, Thursday, 11 August 1955, in Room 2E-687, Pentagon.
USCIB: 9 .3/44
eclassified and a
USCIB
Ai'l'Ll'lULU [JUbUW1dtlo bUIHfitl'l
CODE WORD MATERIAL
mumu: VJ:A eOMIM'f' ettA-MMELS ONLY
ursuant to E. 0. 1352
24
Page 2
e T()P ~8 July 1955
:MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE
SUBJECT: Guidance for COMl.NT Activities
REFERF.NCE: NSCJ.D-9, Revised, dated 29 December !952
In accordance with the reference, USCIB has reconsidered the needs
of its member departments and agencies for infonnation which may be de-
rived from CO}oUNT activities and has prepared a revised consolidated state
ment o.r the objectives to which these activities should be directed. The
statement is contained in TAB A entitled "USCIB cmoJINT Objectives List. n
TAB A contains the
the mission or NSA and
to each Objective.
TAB B attached is
sources considered re!evant
listed.
to produce the int'ormation
TAB A in which the COMINT
Objectives and Requirements are
"""'.L..,;;F whose communications, by their content
their study, are considered most J.ike~
ed to fuli'ill a particular requirement.
The COMINT Objectives and Requirements are presented in order of their
importance based upon (1) the priority natii.ona.L objectives set forth in DCID
li/4, (2) the unique character of COMINT as a source of info:mation and (.3) the
value of this :lntomation in relation to intelligence from other sources. USCIS
has not attempted, however, to cover basic requir~ents for technical develop
ment and continuity. It recognizes that NSA must provide for continuing .lmow-
. ledge of communications am comnunicationa security practices of nations and
national services not incl.uded in the COMJ.NT Objectives List. In addition,
USClB considers it imperati-a:e that the Director, NsA, in the a.1.location of
CCMlNT resources,, continue to provide for the close support of field and
theater mil.1.tary commanders to be effeptive instantly in time 01· need.
-Copy_ of _2Q_Copies
... . . . . . . ..... . . .. . .. ... .. • • .. . ... . . .... • ••• .
Page 1. of 2 Pages -- A:Pl'ENDJ!'!f) DOCUMENTS CONT:A:lN CODE WOltD MATD:JAL
'f()P SECRE'F
Page 3
TABB has been prepared with the intention that the Djrect.or, NSA
usa it as a guide in prepa.r:ing, and presenting to USCIB at a.n ea.rJ.y da.te,
a proposed j.mpleJnenting plan which will fake into accoun·t the technical
factors involved, his requiremen~s for technical .development and continuity, '
and his obligation to provide close CO~ITNT 'support to field commanders. It
is anticipated by USCJ.B that appr6val of an implementing plan mW ha'Ve the
effect of superseding TAB B.
ln recognition or the need for .f!e:d.bili ty in the guii;:tance roo chanismf
USClB considers that individual member departments and agencies should be
authorized to provide supplemental guidance to NSA in accordance w:i th the
principles and procedures out!ined in TAB c.
The Director, NSA. is USCIB at least annually
osed, the basic allocatio
of available arxl pro gra.nuned COMJNT res c- timated extent to which
they can be applied to accomplish t. and the additional
resources, if any,
mission.
USCIB recommends
as basic guidance for
Copy ____ o~~Copies
Page 2 or 2 Pages -- ..... ---
carry out his
this mmoor.andum and its attachments
the Uc So COMINr effort and forward
Securl ty Agency, for his impleme11ta.tion.
/i.1.LEN W. DULLES Chairman, USCJ.B
TOP SE€RE'f
... . . . . . . ····· . . . . . .. ... .. . . .. . ... . . .... . ... .
Page 4
TAB A
CCMINT OBJEC'.t'l\TES LIST -PREFACE
The Objectives and Requireme.nts in the COMlNT Objectives List are in
pribri ty order so that. each entry in each column is considered more impor-
tant than those which follow it.
Insofar aa possible and reasonable, COMlNT production resources should
be directed to the accomplishment of the tasks in the order listed. It
should be noted that ail of the Objectives and Requirements are important
to U-S. planning, decision and action the allocation of some
resources.
The COl1J.NT Objectives have valid over a long
period of time, and to require li ttla, if
ories of information known
to It is
anticipated that occasional e Requirements may be necessary.
ctive or re'quirement does not determine
the of COVJNT i.nfonnation require innnedia. ta
reporting because nee to National Security or their value to
current diplomatic, governmental, and military operations, depends upon their
timely receipt. In those predictable instances where rapid handling of infor-
ma ti on is requ:l red, the COMJ. NT producer mil be advised through the supple-
mental. guidance mechanism. The members or USCIB appreciate, howeverJ that
they will be dependent in many instances on the judgment of the CG1INT pro-
ducer. for the selection of information that requires expeditious handling.
The absolute highest delivery precedence is to be given to information
concerning Soviet Bloc actions indicative 01" imm.1.nence of war, once it is
found as a result. 01· application of the pr:i.orl ties specii"ied by this J.ist.
Such ini'onnation is to be delivered i1mnediately and directly to all USCIB
consumers and to all other recipients to whom NSA is authorized to make
delivery.
Copy~of 50 Copies
page 1 of i' Pages --'FOP SEERE'F
. .. . . . . . . ..... . . . . • .. ... ..
. . .. . ... . . .... . ... .
Page 5
• Perishable information vital to current u.s. diplomatic; governmental
or military operations should also be reported with maxJl!lum feasible speed
~o the consumers primarily concerned, once such information is recognized
in any of the CCMlNT material being processed.
Note: The term Soviet Bloc as used in the listing is intended to
rooan USSR, the Eastern European Satellites, Col'tlmunist China, North Korea
and North Vietnam. , I
Copy~of 50 Copies
Page _s_oi' ? Pages
TOP SE€RET
. '
. .. . . . . . . ..... . . . . . .. ... .. . . .. . . . . . . .... . ... .
Page 6
USC In COMINT or.JhCTJV 1·:3 1.IST
COMINT OBJECTIVE
L To provide cum NT inform11.tion on SOV:tt"t m oc politico-·nilit;iry •t:i'.'a.teRiC
plans anrl. jnt('nt:i.om1, p:-irticul•1rly to initi:;itl'l hoEJtiliti"'·
COMINT Tieyuirements
a. USSR decision to l::i.nnch an attack on th(! cmtin<'ntal U.S.
b. USSR or Chinese Conmunist decision to launch an atbick on U.S
forces or U.S • .:i lli~s
c. count rie 11 to initiah
COl{[NT QB,J£CTIVE
2. To provide CCHINT 0oviet Ploc striki:nr; forces
capabJc or l~unchfog &in sttack on
p.,'lrticuhrly with regard to the
EO 3.3(h)(2) PL 86-36/50 USC 3605
COIUNT
Copy~of _5p_Copi~s
... . . . . . . ..... . . . . . .. ... .. . . .. . . . . .... . ... .
Page 7
comNT 0 RJECTIVE
3. To providtJ COMINT infonnation on Soviet Bioc I
EO 3.3(h)(2) COMINr OBJECTIVm PL 86-36/50 USC 3605
4. To provide CCMINr information on those Soviet Bloo £orces
Copy___.of ..s.o_Copies
... . . . . . . ..... . . . . . ..
. . .. . ... . . .... . ... .
Page 8
GOMINT OBJECTIVE
5. To provide CCt·lU11' inf orm.n tion on Soviet Blocl
COMINI' OBJECT IVE ····• •.•.
6. To provide Soviet Blool
Copy~of _jQ_Coni~s
Pace __ ;_: ·- 7·-·'T0P SE€RE'f
•
h)(2 ) 615 0 USC 3605
... . . . . . . ..... . . . . . .. ... .. . . .. . . . . . . .... . ... .
Page 9
COMINI' OBJECTIVE
7 • To provide 001.-Ul'lr inf om tion on the I ___ __. strengths and weaknesses of the Soviet Bloo.
COHIIIT Reguiremonts
COMINT OBJECT IVE
8. To provide COMINr infol'ID9.tion on those forces capable
of reinforcing Soviet Bloc/
E 3.3(h) PL 86-361
(2) 50 USC 3605
... . . . . . . ..... . . . . . .. ... .. . . .. . ... . . .... . ... .
Page 10
OOMINI' OBJECT IVE:
9. To provide COMINI' inf orma ti on oc economy
Copy __ of -5.Q_Cop~ s
)(2) 150 USC 3605
... . . . . . . ..... . . .. . ... .. . . .. . . . . . . .... . ... .
Page 11
. CCMINT OBJECT IVE
'10. To provide COMJNl' information on Soviet Blool
Cory.__..of ..2Q_Cori~s
Paec_Lc:>i_J_P11.r,es
TOP SECRET
2) ~a USC 3605
... . . . . . . ..... . . .. . .. ... .. . . .. . ... . . .... . ... .
Page 12
• Tl\~ #Q?l97@4f6 EO 3.3(h)(2) TUr----fJ DU-'-'-~~ PL 86-36/50 use 3605
OCMINI' OBJECT lVE
Copy_ of .29 _Cop i" s
-~· . . . . . . ..... . . . . ~ .. ... ..
. . .. . . . . . . .... . ... .
Page 13
REF ID:A57242 TABB
tSCIB COMINr somcm r.m.r
The Preface to the COMmr Objectives List applies to this Sotlrce List. The following additional info..""lllation should also.
be considered.
The COMINr Sources are categorized as Primary or Ancillary. Primary Sources are those now believed to be the principil
sources from which int:orma. tion might be obta.iilBd to sat Ancillary Sources are those which may produce
information to supplement that obtained from the Pr"""l" _.,,
The folloving points should be noted in app
a. In general, the priority at the collection Source is set by its
first appearance s.s a Primary" Source. However, where the Obj c rements associated with that initial Primary
Source list~ng do not re·.:iuire collection or av ble from the Source, the priority of effort
as Primary Sources take priority in the order of their listing, but after Pr ces.
b. The priority for publ:i.cation of' any item of infomation from any S is determined by the Object~ve or Require-
:-.snt to which it relat::1s, am irrespective or the position of the Source on the List. It is intended that only that information
which relates to liated Objectives and Bequirements will normally be published.
Note: The term Soviet Bloc as used in the listing is intel'.lded to :mean USSR, the Ea.stern European Satellites, Communist China,
North Korea and North Vietnam. ----
~ _-::..P.....Jill Copies
Page...J.._a!...J...l"~s . . ... •••• • . . . . . . . .. . ....
• • • . ... . . .. . . . . .. . ... ..
Page 14
REF ID:A57242 USCIB CCXD;'T C~JLC!IV~ LIST
COMINT OFJECTIVE
1. To prorl.de CGi-fi:wf inrol"liia:tion oµ Sorlet. :sloe politieo-u.ilit.ary at:ra.tegic
pl.ans and intentions, particularly to i:rltiilte hosti.litjes.
. . ... .... . . . . . . . . .. . .... . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . ... ..
CO:·:::Jl!' .:OURC.ES
EO 3.3(h)(2) · PL 86-36/50 USC 3605 D • - n:iarv
Page 15
CO}'.INT OBJ;CTIVE REF ID:A57242
2. To provide CO.MINT infonnation on Soviet Bloc striking forces
(i.e., those forces disposed for and capable of launching an attack on
the U.S., its forces or its allies) particularly with regard to the
initia. tion of hostilities.
CCIUNT Requirements
Copy ____ of ...sD....Copies
:t?a~ -2...._of .Zl...]JJ.g,es
. . ... .... . . . . . . . . .. . .... . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . ... ..
Same as for Objective 1 plus the following:
EO 3.3(h)(2) PL86-36/50 USC 3605
Pri.rr.arz
-.
Page 16
REF ID:A57242 d. Capabilities, plans and intentions of the U3SR to attack U.S.
forces or allies in the Westem Hem:isphere.
e. Capabilities, plam B1'ld intentioM of the Sov:iet Bloc ili.rm.!d
forces to attack U.S. forces or a.l~ies ... I __________ ___.
Ca;J. !lilitie s, plam and intentions of the Soviet Bloc.to attack
U • .:l • .:.'orces er 1Jlies ... I _____________ _.
Copy-___ of _jQ__Copies
Page__J_of ~P.aj§"s • • • • • • ... • • ••• • • • • ••• • • • • • • • • • ••• ••
·Eo 3.3(h)(2) PL 86-36/50 USC 3605
Sa·"l! as for Ret:uireilent s 2a, \b and c.
- .
-..
Page 17
Copy_of ...5Q_Cop:ie 8
?a.ge---4-or..zz..t.:SO!' • • • • • • . .. • • ••• • • • • ••• • • • • • • • • • ••• • •
REF ID:A57242
3. 3 !hi I 2 I PL 86-36/50 USC 3605
•
Page 18
REF ID:A57242 CQ)JTh'T O BTECTIVE
,:3. To provide COMINT information on Soviet Bloc develop:nent,
• • ••• •••• • • • • • • • • •• • •••• • • • • ••• • • • • • • • • • ••• ••
Eo 3 . 3 I h I I 2 I PL 86-36/50 USC 3605
Same as fer Objective l plus the following:
...
. ,.
Page 19
Page_Lo!.ll-r:~es •••• • • • • • • • • ••
• • ••• • • • • ••• • • • • • • • • • ••• ••
REF ID:A57242
3. 3 !hi I 2 I PL 86-36/50 USC 3605 . .,
Page 20
Cop;r_or~_Copie s
?aee....l_of 27 Pages
• • ••• •••• • • • • • • • • •• • • ••• • • • • ••• • • • • • • • • • ••• ••
REF ID:A57242
// .. 3. 3 !hi I 2 I
PL 86-36/50 USC 3605
...
Page 21
Copy-_of'-5.Q_Oopies
Page_,a..of 27·~s . .. . . ... • • • . ... . . . . . . . . . ... ..
REF ID:A57242 USC 3605
..
Page 22
Copy_or~Copies
Fage_5Lof-2.'J._Pa.ges
ol •••• •••• • • • • • • • • •• • •••• • • • • ••• • • • • > • • . . ... .,.
REF ID:A57242
3. 3 !hi I 2 I PL 86-36/50 USC 3605
..
Page 23
COMINI' OBJECT IVE
Cop7_of'...sa...Copies
Page..JA-ot-Zl-Pages
. . ... .... . . . . . . . . .. . .... . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . ... ..
REF ID:A57242 3. 3 !hi I 2 I 86-36/50 USC 3605
. ~
Page 24
• .... . . . •
. ... . . . . .. . . . .. . .
. . ... • • . ..
. .. . • . . ..
REF ID:A57242
3. 3 !hi I 2 I PL 86-36/50 USC 3605
Page 25
REF ID:A57242
OOM!NT OBJECTIVE
5. To provide CCMII'lr information on Soviet Bloc inter-
national policy
Copy_of'.£l_.0opies
Page..J.2..0f..2.i--Pages
. . ... .... . . . . . . . . .. . .... . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . ... ..
3. 3 !hi I 2 I PL 86-36/50 USC 3605
Page 26
Copy_ot...2£._Copies
Page .JJ_of'..z;z._Pages
. . ... .... . . . . . . . . .. . .... . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . ... ..
3. 3 !hi I 2 I PL 86-36/50 USC 3605
Page 27
OOMmr OBJECTIVE"
6. To provide Soviet Bloo
. . ... .... . . . . . . . . .. . .... . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . ... ..
REF ID:A57242
3. 3 !hi I 2 I PL 86-36/50 USC 3605
Page 28
OOMINr OBJECTIVE
• .... . . • . . ...
• • . . .. • • • • • ••• . . . . . . . .. ... .
• . . ..
REF ID:A57242
//
// 3. 3 !hi I 2 I
PL 86-36/50 USC 3605
Page 29
. . ... .... . . . . • • • . .. . ....
• • • . ... . . . . . . . . . ... ..
REF ID:A57242
. 3. 3 !hi I 2 I
PL 86-36/50 USC 3605
Page 30
Copy ____ or...2Q._Copies
Page..J.2_0f ...22..Pa.ges
. . ... .... . • • • . . . . .. • •••• • • • . ... . . . . . . . . . ... ..
REF ID:A57242
3. 3 !hi I 2 I PL 86-36/50 USC 3605
Page 31
. . ... •••• • . . . • • • . .. . .... . . .
• ••• • . . . . . . . . ... ..
,
3. 3 !hi I 2 I PL 86-36/50 USC 3605 ,.
Page 32
Oopy _____ or__so_Copies
Pa.ge~of'~Pages
.. . ... •••• • • • • • • • • •• • • ••• • • • " ... . • • • • • • . . ... ..
REF ID:A57242 Ancillary
3. 3 !hi I 2 I PL 86-36/50 USC 3605
,..
Page 33
COMI!lr OBJEOTlVE REF ID:A57242
9. To provide COMINr inrortlB. tion on Soviet Bloc econOiey"
Copy_or..2Q_Copies
P&ge-20..0!.2!1.--Pages . . ... .... . . . . . ~ . . .. . . ... . . . • ••• c . . . . . . . . ... ..
3. 3 !hi I 2 I PL 86-36/50 USC 3605
Page 34
• .... . . • •
.... • . . . .. • • . . . ... . . . . . . . ..
... . • . . ..
REF ID:A57242
EO 3. 3 I h I I 2 I PL 86-36/50 USC 3605
Page 35
. . ... .... . . . . . . . . .. . ... . .
• ••• • . . . . . . . . ... ..
REF ID:A57242
3. 3 !hi I 2 I PL 86-36/50 USC 3605
Page 36
CCMINT OBJECT 1VE
aow_or...sa,_aopies
Page~o:t-21-Pages
. . ... .... . . . . • • • . .. . . ... . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . ... ..
REF ID:A57242
3. 3 !hi I 2 I PL 86-36/50 USC 3605
Page 37
Oopy ____ of ...2Q_Copies
Pa.ge.2J._Of .zJ_Pages
• .... . . • •
. ... . • . . ••
. . • .. . .
.... . . ••• • . . . . ... ..
3. 3 !hi I 2 I PL 86-36/50 USC 3605
Page 38
. . ... .... . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . ..
... • • . . ..
3. 3 !hi I 2 I PL 86-36/50 USC 3605
Page 39
Copy ____ of.2.Q.....~opies
Pa.ge~of.az._Pages
• • ••• .... . • • • • • • . .. . .... • • • . ... . . . . . . . . . ... ..
REF ID:A57242
EO 3. 3 I h I I 2 I PL 86-36/50 USC 3605
Page 40
COMINr OBJECTIVE
Copy_or~Copies
Page.....2.i-o.t'..z;_Pages
• • ••• •••• • . . . • • • • ••
. . ... . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . ... ..
REF ID:A57242
3. 3 !hi I 2 I PL 86-36/50 USC 3605
Page 41
• TAB 0
PRINCIPLES AND PROCEDURES FOR SUPPLEMENTAL GUIDANCE
PRINCIPLES
1. SUpplemental guidance must be cohs,istent with the C<JUNT Objectives
Listt and be Within the limits established by the approved Implementing Plan.
2. The primary purpose of Supplemental Gui.dance is to facilitate iden•
tii'ication and production by the National Security Agency of that CCMINT
information which best satieties each listed CQUNT objective or require-
ment.
r "
3. Supplemental guidance will be, ~n main, in the .form ot supple
mentary or amplifying details about the th long term and short tam,
of USCIB agencies £or information to ~u~e n fUl.t'illment 01· the COMINT
Objectives Li.st. Such details will ~ated and furnished by the
interested members o! USCIB, bo ~ !ly and collectively; and either
re.Lated to priori
Agency tor advice
vide supplemental guidance must be
he USClB agencies for specific in.formation
.nts; and to the needs of the Nationa.L Security
terpretation and clarification o!t basic guidance.
S. Coordination or supplemental guidance among the USCIB agencies is
essential in those cases where two or rnore agencies have a common interest
in the in1'ormation which might be produced in 1"0sponse to a listed COMl.NT
Requirement. Provision must be made to facilitate such coordination.
6. USClB empowers USCIBEC to act authoritative!y on mat~ers or supple-
mental guidance.
PROCEDURES
7. Supplemental guidance may be prepared :individually or collectively
by the interested members of USCIB. Supplemental guidance shall be prepared
in writing to the extent feasible an:i shal.l be related directJ.y to tbe COMINT
Objectives List. Written statements of long-term supplemental guidance shall
be approved by USCI.BEC prior to subrni ssion to NSA.
Copy ot: 50 Copies --1 3 Fage of Pages -- SE€RE'f
. .. • • . . • • ••••• . . .. • .. ... •• . . •• • • • • . . •••• • ... •
Page 42
• 8. Each member of USClB should designate an individual empowered to
act in his name in matters of consumer-producer relations concerning supple-
mental guidance •.
9. The NSA repreaentative for supplemental guidance matters, in conduct...
ing his business, should deal with s:illl:ilar .Ly accredited representatives ei that'
individually or collectively, at his discretion; keep a full record of aJ.1
such transactions available to all representatives designated in accordance
with paracraph 8, above, and if' unab!e to resolve a matter of supplemental
guidance to his own and to their aatis1·actio refer it directly to USCIBEC
£or immediate consideration.
10. Accredited representatives, ad with tm action 01' the
Director, should have the
able to arrj,ve at a unanimous
guidance in the space o.1' one meeting,,
dled in accordance with the procedure set forth
in paragraph 7 0£ USCIB l.I'ective #2.
12. Any supplemental guidance which would necessitate a significant
reallocation o.r resources from that approved in the Implementing Plan must
be treated as a change in basic guidance, must be approved by USCIB,, and
forwarded as a change to the basic guidance.
13. In those cases where USCIBEC approves unanimously or an item of I
supplemental guidance wh:i.ch would reqm.re a signii'icant real.location of
COMINT resources, and specifically designates it as being of emergency nature,
it is empowered to deliver it to NSA in advance or USClB consideration, and
NSA to act upon it in advance of its inclusion in the basic guidance.
14. Any NSA reallocat.ion of COMlNT facilities reflect.ing a significant
change to the approved J.mplementing Plan is to be reported to USClB by NSA,
whether the change results from a modification in the basic guidance or •
Copy o! 50 Copies --Page 2 of 3 Pages --
SEC:RE'F
.. .
••• . . • • . . ..... . . •• . .. ••• ..
• • •• • . . . • • .... • ••• .
Page 43
• rosults from technical COONT considerations. NSA is not required to
report changes in, allocation not reflecting a sigt'l~"icant change in the
Implementing Plan to USCIB, except in summary in its annual report. Any
individual member agency, of course, is authorized to raise such changes
for conGideration in USClB as it sees fit.
15. The Director, NSA may carry out chanees in the NSA Implementing
Plan in advance of their consideration by USClB when time does not permit
prior consideration by USCIB.
50 . Copy~of _____ Copies
3 3 Page or Pages --
SE€RE1'
.. ... . ...
. .. • • • • • • ••••• • • • • . .. ••• ••
• • .. . • • • • • •••• . • •• •