MKUltra Subproject 119 — full transcription
In September 1959, a researcher at an American university submitted a proposal to conduct a survey of scientific literature related to bioelectric signals in the human organism. The CIA funded it. The researcher never knew who was paying.
The project ran from October 1959 through approximately July 1961, with financial activity continuing through March 1963 as accounts were reconciled. Total CIA funding was $6,370. The allotment number charged was 1525-1009-1902. Sidney Gottlieb, then a branch chief in the Technical Services Division, is identified in the records as one of the CIA monitoring officers.
The five research areas the project covered were: (1) bioelectric sensors and sources of significant electrical potential; (2) recording, amplification, and multi-channel electronic tape recording; (3) analysis using autocorrelators, spectrum analyzers, and coordination with automatic data processing equipment; (4) standardization of data for correlation with biochemical, physiological, and behavioral indices; and (5) techniques of activation of the human organism by remote electronic means.
The fifth area is what connects this project to US Patent 3,951,134, filed fourteen years later. Subproject 119 is the earliest confirmed CIA funding for research into the principle the Malech patent would later describe as an operational device. The work was not classified once separated from CIA sponsorship. Whether it was published is listed in the records as unknown.
The internal CIA assessment of potential controversy: probably none, because the researcher and the university were unwitting.
119-1
REDACTED
INVOICE CHECK LIST
MKULTRA Subproject
At
Date of Original Authorization: 17 Aug 1960
Period Covered:
Time Extended To:
Allotment Number: 1525-1009-1902
Amount of Obligation: 6370.00
Additional Authorizations — Period Covered — Time Extended To — Allotment Number — Amount of Obligation
[blank rows]
Invoice Number — Date — Amount — Balance
1 — 12 Sept 1960 — 6,370.02 — -0-
119-2
REDACTED
TO: TSS/OC
1. Date of Obligation: N/A
2. Purpose of Project: To make a critical review of the literature and scientific development related to the interpretation of bioelectric signals from the human organism, and activation of human behavior by remote means.
3. Progress to Date: Satisfactory
4. Expiration Date: N/A
5. Project Monitor: REDACTED
FROM: TSS/CD
REDACTED G-
REDACTED
119-3
SUB-PROJECT NO. 119
Objective and details of work if available:
Researcher to make "a critical review of the literature and scientific developments related to the recording, analysis and interpretation of bioelectric signals from the human organism, and activation of human behavior by remote means."
Where done: REDACTED
Cover funding: REDACTED
Principal researchers/contractors: REDACTED — C
Approximate time span: Sept 60-July 61
Approximate total funds: $6,370
When divorced from sponsorship was work classified? no
published? unk
What sponsors other than CIA are mentioned? None.
Names of CIA monitoring officers: REDACTED, Gottlieb,
What aspects if any might be considered controversial?
Probably none. Researcher and university were unwitting.
Was project considered responsive to the REDACTED
No.
119-4
C
REDACTED
O 61/62 — 3,500.00 — sent
61/62 — 850.00 — sent
62/63 — 3,000.00
REDACTED (figures: 6370, 3560, 9570)
8 MAY 1965
Pls give to REDACTED
O We sent him the 3000 in Reserve & that is it! REDACTED
119-5
REDACTED
Grant Funds, Income and Expense
October 2, 1959-March 31, 1963
Grant Funds, Oct 2 '59-Jul 25 '61 — $9,870.00
Preparation and Sale of 1961 Directory and Abstracts
Income from Sale of Books, Nov 2 '60-Aug 31 '61 — $499.40
Expense, Oct 6 '59-Aug 31 '61
Salaries
REDACTED — $1,000.00
Research Assistants — 5,195.85
Typists, Clerks — 1,359.13 — $7,554.98
Printing
Bioelectronics Directory '61 — $1,100.00
Abstracts '61 — 1,408.00 — 2,508.00
I certify that services or materials have been satisfactorily received and the expenditures were incurred on official business.
Other Expense
Books and Reprints — $292.04
Photocopy Supplies — 38.50
Photocopy Machine — 250.00
Expendable Supplies — 287.15
Postage — 2.00
Travel — 487.45 — 1,357.14 — 11,420
Date: 7/9/61
Expense Exceeds Income from Sale of Books, Oct 2 '59-Aug 31 '61 — 10,920.72
Excess, Net Expense over Grant Funds, Aug 31 '61 — $1,050.72
Preparation of 1963 Directory and Sale of 1961 and 1963 Books
Income from Sale of Books, Sep 1 '61-Mar 31 '63 — $4,160.91
Expense, Sep 1 '61-Mar 31 '63
Salaries
Research Assistants — $1,487.25
Typists, Clerks — 729.03 — $2,216.28
Advertising Expense — 506.30
Mailing Expense — 307.71
Other Expense
Books and Reprints — $73.60
Expendable Supplies — 92.51 — 166.31 — 3,196.60
Income from Sale of Books Exceeds Expense, Sep 1 '61-Mar 31 '63 — 964.31
Net Excess of Expense over Funds and Income, Oct 2 '59-Mar 31 '63 — $86.41
This is a true statement of expenses as reported to the Fund. REDACTED
A REDACTED
REDACTED B+C
Analysis of Income and Expense
October 2, 1959, Through March 16, 1965
Expense — Personnel
Oct 2 '59 Aug 31 '61 — Apr 1 '63 Mar 31 '64 — Apr 1 '64 Feb 28 '65 — Mar 1 '65 Mar 16 '65 — Total
Professional Salaries: $1,000.00 / 591.75 / REDACTED / 75.25 / $1,000.00
Research Assistants: 5,195.85 / 1,260.66 / REDACTED / 75.25 / 9,200.70
Typists, Clerk: 1,359.13 / 1,856.44 / REDACTED / REDACTED / 3,921.57
Total Personnel: $7,554.98 / $1,856.44 / REDACTED / $75.25 / $14,125.27
Printing
Bioelectronics Directory: $1,100.00 / REDACTED / REDACTED / REDACTED / $7,845.00
Abstracts '61: 1,408.00 / REDACTED / REDACTED / REDACTED / 1,408.00
Total Printing: 2,508.00 / REDACTED / REDACTED / REDACTED / 1,253.00
Other Expense
Books & Reprints: 292.04 / 23.23 / 30.94 / REDACTED / 396.07
Photo Copy Supplies: 38.50 / REDACTED / 15.00 / REDACTED / 38.50
Photo Copy Machine: 250.00 / REDACTED / REDACTED / REDACTED / 250.00
Expendable Supplies: 287.15 / REDACTED / REDACTED / REDACTED / 563.91
Printing: 2.00 / REDACTED / REDACTED / REDACTED / 448.38
Advertising: REDACTED / 140.73 / REDACTED / REDACTED / 187.15
Mailing: REDACTED / 269.50 / REDACTED / 39.22 / 505.20
Punch Cards & Accessories: REDACTED / REDACTED / REDACTED / 40.22 / 2,861.16
Total Other Expense: 1,357.14 / 2,062.31 / REDACTED / 115.47 / 20,239.43
Total Expense: $11,420.12 / $2,062.31 / REDACTED / $115.47 / $20,239.43
Funds
Income from Sale of Books: $499.40 / $850.00 / $251.00 / $6.50 / $5,908.32
Books: REDACTED / $1,140.51 / $254.00 / $6.50 / $16,626.32
Total Funds: $9,870.00 / REDACTED / REDACTED / REDACTED / $10,720.00
Funds Exceed Expense — Income Exceeds Expense
Net Excess of Expense over Funds: $1,050.72 / $1,811.32 / REDACTED / 108.97 / 3,611.11
MKULTRA-119 — S-611
119-6
119
ULTRA grant rec'd by HEF 9-29-60 — 6,370.00
REDACTED acctg begins 2 Oct 59 — 25 Jul 61
Oct 60 — 2,470.00
Jun 61 — 2,000.00
Jul 61 — 3,500.00 / 3,370 [notation]
119-6
73.50
134 — acctd for 22,000 grant (9-1-61 to 8-31-62)
111 ?
119-7
REDACTED
Purpose: To make a critical review of the literature and scientific developments related to the recording, analysis and interpretation of bioelectric signals from the human organism (MKULTRA 119)
Initiated: September 1960
Contractor: REDACTED — B+C
Cost: $6,370.00
Status: Research completed and now being printed.
REDACTED
119-8
REDACTED
2 November 1965
MEMORANDUM FOR: Chief, REDACTED G-
SUBJECT: MKULTRA Sub-project 119
1. The present balance in the MKULTRA Sub-project 119 Memorandum Account (760.0) appears to be in error. Lack of documentation has prevented this office from making a complete analysis of this account. The outstanding balances of the new MKULTRA accounts were established on the Finance records based on an analysis preferred by your office. The work papers and other pertinent documentation is now on file in your office.
2. From the 760.0 account subsidiary ledger and the records here in TSD we are unable to determine exactly where a duplication of effort has been made. The records of the program manager indicate that the Sub-project 119 research program has been completed and that the final accounting has been rendered. It is requested that this account be reviewed and that action be taken, if appropriate, to close this account.
Chief, TSD/RF
Distribution:
Original & 1 — addressee
119-9
(When Filled In)
No.: 502
Cost Account: 1125-1009-1902
Object Class: [blank]
Date — Remarks and References — Obligations Incurred — Obligations Liquidated — Unliquidated Balance
12 SEP 1960 — Mkultra Sub 119 — 6,370.00 — [blank] — 6,370.00
14 SEP 1960 — Invoice #1 — [blank] — 6,370.00 — -
119-10
REDACTED
17 August 1960
MEMORANDUM FOR: COMPTROLLER
ATTENTION: Finance Division
SUBJECT: MKULTRA, Subproject 119
Under the authority granted in the memorandum dated 13 April 1953 from the DCI to the DD/A, and the extension of this authority in subsequent memoranda, Subproject 119 has been approved and $6,370.00 of the over-all MKULTRA project funds has been obligated to cover the subproject expenses. This obligation of funds should be charged to Allotment Number 1525-1009-1302.
Chief
TSD/Research Branch
APPROVED FOR OBLIGATION OF FUNDS: A REDACTED
Research Director
I CERTIFY THAT FUNDS ARE AVAILABLE:
OBLIGATION REFERENCE No.: 502
CHARGE TO ALLOTMENT No.:
AUTHORIZING OFFICER
Distribution:
Orig & 2 — Addressees
1 — TSD/OC
1 — TSD/FASS
REDACTED
119-11
CONFIDENTIAL FUNDS POSTING VOUCHER
DATE: 2-6
VOUCHER NO. 7-12
DESCRIPTION: Advance Accounts 13-27
REDACTED MKULTRA REDACTED
Allotment or Cost Account No.: REDACTED
General Ledger Account No.: REDACTED
YR: REDACTED
Expend Date: REDACTED
Statement Code: REDACTED
Pay Period Code: REDACTED
Other Accounts 7-12: REDACTED
Voucher Description: Advance
P.O. No.: REDACTED
Debit: 6,370.00
Credit: REDACTED
Totals: 6,370.00
Certified for Payment or Credit
Signature of Certifying Officer: REDACTED
Date: REDACTED
Prepared by: REDACTED
Reviewed by: REDACTED
Date: 19/9/60
INSTRUCTIONS
1. If funds, in the form of other than U.S. Dollars were on hand, received, or disbursed during the accounting period, all pertinent data, i.e., rate, method of acquisition, etc., must be shown. If advances have been made to third parties, enter the total of such advances outstanding at the beginning of the accounting period on line 1a.
2. If more space is required to explain receipts, prepare receipt form, number and attach hereto. In every case, completely identify the source of receipts.
3. Attach a voucher for each expenditure and assign a number thereto in numerical sequence. When a receipt is not obtained from the payee. The voucher may be a certificate and attach as a separate sheet listing on a separate sheet and enter the total under item 3. If advances to third parties are outstanding, list all vouchers sufficient to list all outstanding at the close of the accounting period, attach an itemized list and enter the total on line 3a.
4. Final credit will not be given for disbursements which are advances to be accounted for. When accounting is obtained, list as expenditures or refund of cash, as appropriate.
5. Total receipts entered on the line following "Total to Account For" must agree with the total disbursements entered on the line following "Total Accounted For."
119-12 / 119-13
REDACTED
Subproject authority (fiscal) on an elastic course claim
Use allotment 1525-1009-1902 on my contract — REDACTED
FINAL ACCOUNTING
7 September 1960
REDACTED
Subproject 119, allotment number 1525-1009-1502.
REDACTED has been paid $6,370 as listed in your last report. REDACTED as a statement confirming this. The subproject accounts classified that the subproject reaches a "final" balance. The REDACTED given authorization as stated; all funds of that overall project program REDACTED.
REDACTED charges to allotment 1525-1009-1502 for current year. REDACTED checks should be forwarded to REDACTED, as part of the general distributions established for the overall project. Prior to payment, allocation of funds should be charged to accounts, that is as per terms of general.
[signed] Deputy Chief
Research Branch
Distribution:
Orig & 2 — addressees
1 — TSD/OC
1 — TSD/FASS
2 — TSD/RB
TSD/RB REDACTED (17 Aug 60)
A REDACTED
119-14
May 6, 1963
REDACTED A
Subject: Finances — 119 e
1. Enclosed is accounting for REDACTED grant of the special $6,370 as well as the $3,500 from last year's fiscal grant money. They show a deficit and still haven't included the April 1963 printing and advertising costs or income from sales.
2. Enclosed is the accounting from REDACTED that shows a balance of $2,537.79 as an interim statement. He plans to have a full time technician this summer to work on the project and will report in September.
3. Only REDACTED left of the requested accountings. 136
d-
REDACTED e
119-15
RECEIPT
Receipt is hereby acknowledged of the following check:
REDACTED dated September 21, 1960, in the amount of $6,370.00, drawn on the REDACTED
REDACTED C — REDACTED (signature block)
Date: Sept 21, 1960
119-16
REDACTED
INVOICE
For Services — $6,370.00
REDACTED B
CERTIFICATIONS
(1) It is hereby certified that this is Invoice No. 1 applying to Subproject 119 of MKULTRA, that performance is satisfactory, that services are being accomplished in accordance with mutual agreements, that a detailed agenda of the payments and receipts is on file in TSD/B, that this bill is just and correct and that payment thereof has not yet been made.
Deputy Chief, TSD/Research Branch
Date:
(2) It is hereby certified that this invoice applies to Subproject No. 119 of MKULTRA which was duly approved, and that the project is being carried out in accordance with the memorandum of 13 April 1953 from the DCI to the DD/A, and the extension of this authority in subsequent memoranda.
Research Director
Date:
REDACTED
119-17
REDACTED
17 August 1960
MEMORANDUM FOR: COMPTROLLER
ATTENTION: Finance Division
SUBJECT: MKULTRA, Subproject 119
Under the authority granted in the memorandum dated 13 April 1953 from the DCI to the DD/A, and the extension of this authority in subsequent memoranda, Subproject 119 has been approved and $6,370.00 of the over-all MKULTRA project funds has been obligated to cover the subproject expenses. This obligation of funds should be charged to Allotment Number 1525-1000-1902.
Chief
TSD/Research Branch
APPROVED FOR OBLIGATION OF FUNDS: A
Research Director
Date:
Distribution:
Orig & 2 — Addressees
1 — TSD/OC
1 — TSD/FASS
2 — TSD/RB
TSD/RB REDACTED (17 Aug 60)
A REDACTED
119-18
REDACTED
DRAFT
17 August 1960
MEMORANDUM FOR: THE RECORD
SUBJECT: MKULTRA, Subproject 119
1. The purpose of this subproject is to provide funds for C B a study conducted by REDACTED to make a critical review of the literature and scientific developments related to the recording, analysis and interpretation of bioelectric signals from the human organism, and activation of human behavior by remote means. When initiated this study was being done on a consultant basis by REDACTED. The reason for converting this into a Subproject is to provide more flexibility in the disbursal of funds for various kinds of assistance and equipment needed.
2. As indicated in the attached proposal this study is to provide an annotated bibliography and an interpretive survey of work being done in psychophysiological research and instrumentation. The survey encompasses five main areas:
a. Bioelectric sensors: sources of significant electrical potential and methods of pick-up.
b. Recording: amplification, electronic tape and other multi-channel recording.
c. Analysis: autocorrelators, spectrum analyzers, etc. and coordination with automatic data processing equipment.
d. Standardization of data for correlation with biochemical, physiological and behavioral indices.
e. Techniques of activation of the human organism by remote electronic means.
REDACTED
3. In lieu of higher overhead rates, title to any permanent equipment purchased by funds granted the REDACTED shall remain with the REDACTED.
4. The cost of the project will be $6,370, including $2,500 already allotted REDACTED as a consulting fee, for one year beginning 1 July 1960. This project will be handled as a grant-in-aid from the REDACTED and the handling of funds disbursed will follow the standard practice set up for that organization. Charges should be made against Allotment 1525-1009-1902.
5. REDACTED and others at REDACTED who may become associated with the project will be completely unwitting of Sponsor.
TSD/Research Branch
APPROVED FOR OBLIGATION OF FUNDS: A
Research Director
Date: 9/9/60
Attached: Proposal & Budget
Distribution: Original Only
REDACTED
REDACTED Project
B C
To make a critical review of literature and scientific developments related to the recording, analysis and interpretation of bioelectric signals from the human organism and activation of human behavior by remote means.
As it is visualized, the task should begin with a general survey of research and instrumentation in a number of fields, including neurophysiology, biophysics, anatomy, physiological psychology and neuropsychiatry, as well as electronics, telemetry and communications engineering. At the same time that bibliographic and related activity is initiated, correspondence should be undertaken with all laboratories, companies and agencies working in or carrying out activities related to designated areas of the broad survey problem. Visits to laboratories may be undertaken if needed.
The divisions of the problem fall naturally into five main areas: (1) bioelectric sensors: sources of significant electrical potential and methods of pick-up; (2) recording: amplification, electronic tape and other multi-channel recording; (3) analysis: autocorrelators, spectrum analyzers, etc. and coordination with automatic data processing equipment; (4) standardization of data for correlation with biochemical, physiological and behavioral indices; (5) technics of activation of the human organism by remote electronic means.
Progress has been made and the list of laboratories, investigators and resources in the Bioelectronic study is in preparation.
119-18
REDACTED
B e
Proposed Budget
Money forwarded from September 1959 through February 1960 — $1900.00
This will be accounted for later.
Budget estimated for May 1 through Dec. 31, 1960
Payroll, Honorarium and salaries — 3,350.00
Equipment and supplies — 820.00
Travel — 300.00 — 4,470.00
Total Budget — $6370.00
119-19
REDACTED
3 August 1960
MEMORANDUM FOR: THE RECORD
SUBJECT: Approval of Project by REDACTED — C+B
ATTENDANCE: Drs. Gottlieb, REDACTED — A
SUMMARY: The proposal to formalize into a project work being done by REDACTED on a consultant basis was approved. A sum of $6,370, including $2,500 already allotted for consulting, will be funded through the REDACTED mechanism. REDACTED is not witting of Sponsor.
General agreement was expressed that this survey would be very useful when complete. It was felt, however, that three points should be stressed with the last two being conveyed by him to REDACTED — 3C
(1) This is a project with an end point. Any further proposals by REDACTED stemming from this project, would be reviewed separately on their own merits.
(2) A deadline should be agreed upon for production of the survey — probably March 1961.
(3) These funds include money for writing and publication and no further funds would be made available for this purpose.
Dr. Gottlieb and REDACTED who are meeting with REDACTED on 4 August, agreed to convey these points.
TSD/Research Branch
REDACTED — A
REDACTED
119-20
May 24, 1960
Memorandum to REDACTED A
Subject: Formalizing a proposal of REDACTED — C B
Dear REDACTED — A
Our work toward an annotated bibliography and an interpretive survey of work being done in psycho-physiology has progressed fairly well. We can now see the major portion of the problem and run a fair estimate of its costs. It is somewhat more expensive than we first contemplated. My first estimate was about $2,500.00 but more work is being done that must be evaluated than I realized. It now appears that the final cost will be about $6,370.00.
I do not believe it is appropriate to handle this kind of effort on a consultant's basis as we had originally intended. Instead, I think it should be established as a research task to be funded separately with perhaps some arrangement for initiating some research which appears to be of value after the survey has been reported next December. As I mentioned in my telephone conversation, sometime in late June REDACTED will provide a listing of all of the laboratories and tasks which have come under review by his joint group of physicians, psychologists and engineers. Evaluation of the research will come later.
Attached is the budget. It is requested that the task be initiated prior to July 1.
[signed] REDACTED — C
Notation: 27 July 1960 — TSD/22 — REDACTED
Meeting 1400 Wednesday
Date REDACTED
Date 27/Jul/60
Tentative: 3 August, 7-3
119-21
REDACTED B
22 December 1959
REDACTED C B
Dear REDACTED — C
I have intended for some time to send you a progress report on the study of bioelectronic phenomena. There have been many pressures in relation to writing it, but the work has proceeded very well. For your information the pressures have related to the initiation of our new Ph.D. program and the completion of the two books on which I have been slaving. REDACTED is now in the publishers hands and will be released by REDACTED next summer. REDACTED is nearing completion and I hope to make my latest REDACTED to enable its release in Spring 1961.
We have divided the bioelectronic study into 4 phases: organ systems generating electric potentials, recording, analysis, and behavioral correlates. Each of these is further subdivided, of course.
Up to this time we have had a group of 4 professional persons: REDACTED and me, D meeting regularly to discuss our current accumulations and digests; we have employed two students to do abstracting and bibliographic searching; and we have conducted an extensive correspondence including the gathering of a stock of relevant reprints and catalogs. We have also purchased a small amount of literature.
My total expenditures to date are under $300. We have now reached a point where we are in a position to move more intensively on a number of issues and I have asked REDACTED to devote a major part of his time to the project, in consideration for which he is to receive $3,000. This will be a very efficient arrangement and will enable us to have a highly qualified psychologist working continuously and intensively with our student assistants and consulting with us and the working group.
We are planning on REDACTED on the problem and also a mid-year conference, all on our original budget, but the plans for the latter are not yet firm. Our target date for the final report is the end of 1960.
If you wish, I will send you the bills for our further expenses, to be disbursed by your office. However, it is somewhat more convenient to deposit the funds with the REDACTED and send the bills and invoices to them. Unless I hear from you on this, I will assure that you prefer the former arrangement.
Very Sincerely, REDACTED — C
119-22
REDACTED C B
December 24, 1959
REDACTED — C B
Dear REDACTED — C
Thank you for your very informative letter. It sounds to me as though you are making progress and, further, that you are enjoying it. This is always rewarding to me.
REDACTED have had no time at all to draw up a report on our visit to REDACTED but I should at least have commented on our lack of findings to you. The only work we saw in a relevant area was at the REDACTED where they are experimenting with continuous blood pressure sensing and recording equipment. I am writing them to obtain more information about their equipment for including in your survey and will forward it when it comes. REDACTED are doing some work on flicker fusion but at a comparatively mundane level. However, I feel that you should open correspondence with REDACTED when your work is a little further along. We found that his laboratory has a very advanced and highly portable recording device manufactured in REDACTED (see the enclosed specimen of tape which uses a jet ink spray instead of pins, much more trouble free) but we didn't have the name of the manufacturer. That will have to be obtained from further correspondence. From the standpoint of psycho-physiology our visit was not too productive. It was generally rewarding and instructive, however, and enabled us to meet a lot of people that we had heard much about.
Enclosed is our check for another $500.00. I should think that the arrangement of letting the REDACTED hold the receipts for expenses will be perfectly satisfactory for my accounting purposes. However, I will require a statement at the end of the project.
Thanks again for your very fine progress report. It sounds to me as though you are busy and I think you are wise to get your work well organized as you grow rather than to become over committed.
May the holiday season and the New Year be happy and productive for you and REDACTED.
Sincerely yours, REDACTED — C
Enclosure
119-23
REDACTED B
Did you find out anything of value for us in REDACTED? I had been looking forward to some news from you on REDACTED and this is probably one of the reasons why I have not written sooner.
I would also like to explain why I have not submitted a proposal for my "situational variables" study. The principal reasons are two: First, I decided that you might have more confidence in our performance if we waited until we finished the present small study; Second, I have been anxious to avoid getting over-committed. Most of my earlier applications for research grants have been coming through and we may face the problem of staffing them adequately unless we proceed carefully. We are treating your present grant as a major area of responsibility, which fits in with a number of collateral interests here of which you know. I have gone ahead with the planning of the situational variables project and hope to get it actually under way within the next year.
Our new staff members REDACTED are working out splendidly D and we hope to add two more men of their caliber this year. In short, things are working out very well at REDACTED and we are slowly, but surely moving toward our goal. REDACTED B
Please extend our warm greetings to REDACTED and to the members of your staff. Should you return to these parts, we would remind you of a standing invitation to visit.
With cordial greetings to you and your family from REDACTED and me, — C
Very Sincerely, REDACTED — C
119-24
Consultant REDACTED B
October 2, 1959
REDACTED C B
Dear REDACTED — C
Thank you for your letter of 29 September and the enclosed check which we have deposited with the REDACTED. We have all ready started the work on the project and I hope that we may have some tangible progress to report within a few months.
With best wishes for your trip.
Cordially, REDACTED — C
REDACTED e
119-25
REDACTED C B
September 25, 1959 — REDACTED (Consultant note)
REDACTED C B
Dear REDACTED — C
As I promised last week, I have obtained permission to utilize administrative funds for the proposed survey of the literature up to $3,500.00. I suggest that we hold the funds here until you require them for specific purposes, and that we respond to vouchers and receipts sent by you for repayment, or that you make specific requests when funds are needed for purchase of equipment, repayment for labor or for consulting fees. In this way we can avoid the formality of corporate involvement and the time delays that this always entails.
If there are disadvantages to you in the above arrangement I am sufficiently flexible to arrange this expenditure in any way you see fit. Please let me know your wishes in the matter.
I am very much impressed by your account of your conversation with REDACTED. It sounds to me as though his analyzer is the most advanced being considered for employment in behavioral science at the moment. I feel you should pursue this aggressively and let me know how we can assist. If you have the opportunity I would like also to have some information about REDACTED to use in my conversations with instrument people here.
We are busily making plans for our trip to REDACTED. It appears that we shall depart October 4, return October 31, most of our time will be spent in REDACTED with a stop at the REDACTED on October 18. B
Let me know if you think of any way that I can do something for you in REDACTED.
Sincerely yours, REDACTED — C
119-26: September 21, 1959 letter. REDACTED C B to REDACTED C. Describes financial administration arrangement. Funds to be held in business office; respond to vouchers; avoid corporate formality. Writer impressed by conversation with REDACTED regarding seismic analyzer as most advanced being considered for employment in behavioral science. Planning trip to REDACTED departing October 4, returning October 31. Sincerely yours, REDACTED — C
119-27: September 15, 1959 letter. REDACTED B to REDACTED C. Writer sorry to have missed addressee on Monday night. Reports addressee had gone into restaurant and writer thought had left hotel. Letter has arrived and writer confident it will suit purposes. Will have word before end of week. Best regards to charming wife. Tell her writer has chuckled again about the REDACTED. Sincerely yours, REDACTED — C
119-28 (also labeled 119-27): September 14, 1959 letter. REDACTED C B to REDACTED C. I am sorry that I missed you on Monday night. Apparently, you had gone into the restaurant and I thought you had left the hotel. You would have been a big help to me on my tour of REDACTED C. The letter arrived and I am sure it will suit my purposes. I should have word for you before the end of the week. Best regards to your charming wife. Tell her I have chuckled again about the REDACTED. Sincerely yours, REDACTED — C
119-29: Memorandum. Enclosed is a copy of a proposal which is pending with REDACTED. I have just received an invitation to meet with REDACTED on September 17th. REDACTED — C
119-30 (two pages): September 10, 1959 letter (2 pages). REDACTED B to REDACTED C. Writer delighted with recent visit and opportunity to discuss research plans and areas of mutual interest. One of the projects on which they are prepared to begin immediately is a critical review of literature and scientific developments related to the recording, analysis and interpretation of bioelectric signals from the human organism and activation of human behavior by remote means. Writer has discussed project with long-time collaborator REDACTED and with two colleagues at REDACTED whose interests and experience are closely related to this area. REDACTED is also REDACTED. The other is REDACTED. Field of interest is REDACTED. The participation of all four of us would be without compensation, although a small budget is required for some limited travel, consultation, correspondence, library assistance and typing.
As writer visualizes the task, it should begin with a general survey of research and instrumentation in a number of fields, including neurophysiology, biophysics, anatomy, physiological psychology and neuropsychiatry, as well as electronics, telemetry and communications engineering. At the same time that bibliographic and related activity is initiated, correspondence should be undertaken with all laboratories, companies and agencies working in or carrying out activities related to designated areas of the broad survey problem. Visits to laboratories may be undertaken if needed.
It appears that about midway through the study, a conference may be valuable to discuss the material accumulated and the problems formulated, as a guide to future research and development. This conference is not budgeted at present, but might be kept in mind for planning purposes. At this time we are not prepared to suggest names of conferees, since we believe that the present list should undergo modification in the survey.
The divisions of the problem fall naturally into five main areas: (1) bioelectric sensors: sources of significant electrical potential and methods of pick-up; (2) recording: amplification, electronic tape and other multi-channel recording; (3) analysis: autocorrelators, spectrum analyzers, etc. and coordination with automatic data processing equipment; (4) standardization of data for correlation with biochemical, physiological and behavioral indices; (5) technics of activation of the human organism by remote electronic means.
Initially we believe that a comprehensive report could be completed within 12 months, with a total budget of $3,500. One thousand dollars would represent the cost of a part time stenographer-typist. About $600. is contemplated for consultation, $500. for travel, and the balance for reference materials, bibliographic assistance and library services.
In the event that you desire more detailed information on any part of this proposal, please let me know.
Cordially, REDACTED — C
119-31 (three pages): July 1, 1959 research proposal (3 pages). REDACTED B to REDACTED. For the past nine years, writer has maintained a continuing interest in certain problems in electroencephalography, which have both psycho-physiological and medical application. This research started while writer was REDACTED and has been conducted jointly with REDACTED. We have investigated electrical potentials recorded from the brains of psychiatric patients and normal subjects in relation to psychological, neurological, and induced stress factors and have been interested in the use of electronic analyzers for diagnostic and scientific interpretation of the recorded brain waves. In the course of this work, several electronic analyzers were built with REDACTED and provided impressive results despite their crudeness and obvious limitations.
Those instruments are basically frequency analyzers which provide information concerning the total amount of electrical activity recorded for a single channel, during a ten second epoch, by frequency bands. While writer was at the REDACTED the pressure of directed research requirements prevented further work on the development of an improved electronic analyzer.
Yet, it was apparent that the equipment mentioned above was useful only in certain limited research problems and was inadequate to handle multi-channel recordings under longer time periods, needed both for more complex research and diagnostic applications. The diagnostic problems are of particular importance in medicine and psychiatry inasmuch as the only method available at present is visual reading of clinical records, which is both unreliable and inaccurate, and resembles the clinical interpretation of projective techniques in psychology.
In my opinion the development of an adequate multi-channel electronic analyzer for electrical signals from the brain and other systems of the human organism is one of the most important needs in these fields today.
Two developments within the past few years have spurred my interest in this problem. One was the demonstration that EEG records could be recorded on magnetic tape with high fidelity by means of frequency modulation techniques. The second was the fact that electronic scientists have developed excellent quantitative techniques for analyzing and interpreting electrical signals obtained by telemetry from rockets and satellites used in ballistic missiles and space programs.
In 1957 and 1958 I worked intensively with REDACTED C. Together we worked out plans for the recording of eight or more channels simultaneously and scanning them so that a number of analyses of these records, not possible with previous analyzers, could be made. I am enclosing a copy of a proposal prepared by REDACTED C for development of equipment along the lines that he suggested, but which we were unable to carry forth at the REDACTED.
Subsequently, I corresponded and had several conferences with REDACTED who indicated that certain equipment built by their company would also be profitable in this research. Such equipment included the REDACTED REDACTED REDACTED.
I have also communicated with the REDACTED B REDACTED and from whom a number of related suggestions were obtained with regard to analog computers, autocorrelators, and suggestions concerning meaningful types of information to consider.
At this time I have available a colleague who is trained in electro-physiological recording, and the construction of REDACTED as a consultant. In addition, arrangements could be made with several research hospitals for direct tape-recording of REDACTED on patients. The project that I am interested in encompasses a long-term research program which would involve the following phases:
1) Development of a research analyzer to extract relatively complete and meaningful information from the entire EEG record for substantial time periods up to about an hour;
2) Standardization of quantitative variables in terms of analyzer units of measurement;
3) Investigation of clinical diagnostic entities using the analyzer techniques developed in phases 1 and 2, to determine criteria and patterns for a neurological analysis combining the said application of the electroencephalographic techniques;
4) A research program in psycho-physiology to investigate psycho-logical and physiological correlates of electrical signals from the human brain.
Although it is not within my own sphere of interest or competence, it may be noted that such equipment would also have extremely important application to such fields as electrocardiography and other techniques involving electrical signals.
With this background, I am very much interested in finding out whether REDACTED B through any of its scientific divisions and research REDACTED, would be able to assist in the organization, development, and equipping of a laboratory in which the research outlined above could be conducted. It is my opinion that if a satisfactory "atlas," for automatic interpretation of the EEG in relation to psychiatric and neurologic diagnoses, could be devised and keyed to an appropriate analyzer, the demand for this equipment from hospitals and clinics throughout the United States, and in fact the entire world, would be almost unlimited. My specific needs at this time include:
1) Technical assistance in designing the principal components of an analyzer for an eight channel EEG record; and
2) A grant of equipment for such components or the analyzer as REDACTED may be able to contribute. My estimate is that the analyzer may cost around $10,000. I have had some encouragement from REDACTED that assistance from his company might be provided once the project got seriously underway, and there is a good possibility of REDACTED support on the same basis. B
At this time, REDACTED is moving ahead rapidly in setting up a doctoral program in psychology and in the construction of several new buildings, in one of which the new psychology laboratories will be located. It is my plan to locate the EEG laboratory and equipment in one of the new buildings, and I need not emphasize that any assistance we might obtain in this connection would contribute materially to the development and strengthening of our new doctoral program.
119-32: August 17, 1959 letter. REDACTED C B to REDACTED C. Writer will be receiving REDACTED. In view of the fact that writer is running a day behind, would like to have REDACTED Thursday night for a visit to see the place at REDACTED and to visit as long as possible with addressee and REDACTED. Writer is sorry that writer won't be able to spend the night and take advantage of addressee's hospitality. Would appreciate reservation from REDACTED on Thursday night, from REDACTED the time doesn't matter. I am looking forward to seeing you. Sincerely, REDACTED — C
119-33: August 10, 1959 letter. REDACTED C B to REDACTED C. Right after return from two weeks at the REDACTED, writer decided to expose a virus had picked up to as much salt water, air and sunshine as REDACTED could produce, hence the procrastination. Writer should be happy indeed to process a research proposal from addressee and feels that the work addressee has in mind does certainly fall within the interests of their Board of Directors. While they have had very few grants that exceed $15,000, writer thinks that it is certainly possible to consider and would not let budgetary considerations control the research plan, at least in the beginning. Writer shall be on way to the REDACTED next week and plans to stop by to see sister who is critically ill and felt that it might be possible to stop by REDACTED on the 19th or 20th of August for a conversation and a nice long discussion of plans. Do you plan to be in REDACTED at that time? — C
Enclosure
119-34: July 22, 1959 letter. REDACTED C B to REDACTED C. REDACTED has been out of town but expects to return before the end of July. Your letter is being held for his attention, and writer is sure addressee will be hearing from him shortly. Sincerely yours, REDACTED — C
119-35: July 14, 1959 letter (2 pages). REDACTED B to REDACTED C B. Thank you for sending writer your June 1959 report which is most interesting and informative. By coincidence, it arrived just as writer was drafting a letter to addressee to inquire concerning the possibility of applying for a REDACTED grant, for a project which writer mentioned to addressee briefly at the REDACTED last year, and on which writer has done considerable background work during the past year with some modest support from the REDACTED. The problem is a basic one in the field of REDACTED and is concerned with the dimensions of the stimulus situations in human behavior.
2. It has long been my opinion that there is a need for a taxonomy of stimulus variables, comparable to those with which we are familiar for personality, to account for factors external to the individual, which affect his performance. People are constrained, pressed, required, etc. to do things because of factors in their environment, perhaps even more than because of the kinds of personalities they are. Furthermore, a stimulus situation is complex, and reflects many subtle variables that are not always uniformly or clearly identified, and where effects may often be overlooked. If we are to be able to study human behavior effectively, we must measure the situations to which people respond as well as the people who respond.
3. During the past year I have made an extensive review of relevant literature on this problem, with the help of a graduate assistant supported by the REDACTED and worked out a tentative research design. The conceptual formulation is in terms of environmental effects on human behavior as a set of variables describable as REDACTED "environmental traits." At present I am thinking in terms of two main divisions: (1) the life space of the individual, and (2) the immediate task situation. I have progressed to the point of developing a preliminary classification of research variables and data collection plans. The principal methodology for reduction of data will be cluster analysis and later, factor analysis.
4. I have in mind working with four kinds of group situations — school, hospital, business and industrial, and could include a local military organization as well.
5. I am planning to make this project my main research interest for the next several years and have an excellent situation here from the standpoint of interested colleagues in related fields, student assistants, and institutional material to carry out such research. In the event that you might be interested, it would be helpful to me to know whether a budget of about fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000) would be feasible to consider.
This has been an eventful year, moving and getting organized; but it is now behind us, and I am looking forward to a productive future in this setting. With best wishes and appreciation,
Cordially, REDACTED — C
MKUltra Subproject 119. CIA FOIA Reading Room document 00017376. Declassified and released November 16, 1998. 48 pages. Central Intelligence Agency, Technical Services Division, 1959-1963.
Direct CIA link: cia.gov/readingroom/document/00017376 →
Archived backup: archive.is/kN8OV →
NOTE: This is a public domain document produced by the U.S. government and released through the CIA FOIA Reading Room. All redactions in this transcription reflect redactions present in the source document. The archive.is link provides a permanent archived copy in the event the CIA link changes.
In 1960 the CIA funded a research program with one stated objective that differed in kind from the others: techniques of activation of the human organism by remote electronic means. The contractor was unwitting. The total budget was $6,370. Sidney Gottlieb signed off on it. Fourteen years later Robert Malech filed a patent for a device that does exactly what Subproject 119 described as a research objective. The Interference asks what that device becomes after another sixty years. The answer required reading this document first.
The Interference begins with a patent. US3951134, filed in 1974, describes a device for remotely monitoring and altering human brain waves without physical contact. The patent is real. The USPTO granted it.
What precedes that patent is a documented institutional record. In 1960, the CIA funded MKUltra Subproject 119 at Texas Christian University. The stated objective included techniques of activation of the human organism by remote electronic means. The contractor was unwitting. The budget was $6,370. Sidney Gottlieb signed off. In 1952, an ARTICHOKE field team produced total amnesia in two overseas subjects held in a guarded safehouse with eyes taped shut in transit. Their dispositions after the operation were outside the team's responsibility. In 1963, the CIA Inspector General recommended termination of unwitting testing on American citizens. The program ran for another decade. In 1983, a U.S. Army Intelligence report filed in the CIA's STARGATE collection treated the brain as an electromagnetic organ that could be entrained to external frequencies. Not as theory. As established fact.
The Colonial Authority in The Interference is what that timeline produces if you follow it forward rather than stop at the declassified record. The mesh program James Harlan carries inside his skull is built on the physics in these documents. The fiction begins exactly where the public record stops answering questions.