Doc 0000149617

The provided image is not a declassified CIA document but rather a promotional graphic for "The Black Vault," an online database of declassified government documents, specifically highlighting the MKULTRA/Mind Control Collection. Visually, the graphic features a digital illustration of a vault door on the left side, rendered with metallic textures and glowing blue accents, suggesting security and access to hidden information. To the right of the vault, white text overlays a dark background, explaining that the document originated from The Black Vault and detailing the contents of the MKULTRA collection. At the bottom, a URL in bright yellow indicates where the collection can be accessed online. There are no photographs, handwritten annotations, official stamps, forms, diagrams, tables, redactions, or visual evidence of experimental procedures present in this graphic. . ;q ( I . t:J.~ ~ ::>ot.f Office Me7Jzoratzd_zt_1 JZ • UNITED STATES G01ERN11ENT .. • • • 1'0 DATE: lu J;nmary 1952 ,. . , FROM SUBJECT: 1. Transnd. t.t.erl ·here;rH.h for your er.amiM.i.ion and .~Om!;11ent i~ a tentativ~ draft of a proposed "Artichoke" operation in-in the spring of this year. • • •2. You will kindly note that the draft in general follows our several conversations along these lines. ). By and large, the idea seems a very sound one from our point of ~iew and I can see no reason why it canno4., logicall:r be carried out. .. .. =-~ .... I .. I' • . PHOPOSED DRJ\ r ONLY . . Office Memorandtt17Z • UNITED STATES GOVERN11ENT .· •' • TO D.\TE: lu ,l anuary 19 52 ·~· FROM SUBJECT: Bluebird - Artichok'3, Proposed Research GEtJF.HAL PROPOSAL .. 1.. It is proposed that plans be laid on for advanced "Artichoke'' •• • res~arch to be conducted in April and/or Ha;r (1952) in a safe area in ngnon-U.S. personnel as subjects. COVER 2. Since this operation would probably involve a terun of six to ten tTlen from headquarters, four or five polygraph operators cur:rently i'~a.t le:J.st twenty subject3 and a CQnsid~rable nu!'lher of ob servers, careful coYer is essential. In this connection, it is pro- posed that one of the Agency•s more remote safe area~ be us~d and th~ operation be labelled as an "assessment" progra;n or "screening'' operation for the purpose of employment of non-1J .S. personnel by the Agency. PLACE . 3. In view of the fact that one of lihe most imp0rtant (if not . I : I the ·cenl;,er) areas for Agency work j is ~it is proposed ' I \ ···~that thi3 opcrition be set up i1~ (if aucce:3sful, operations I It is believed that can be repeated i ~. ...... ·-:,.. ~·.,·~· •.~ · ... J." .·.r·· • ... •• •. ~~·~ ....... ·r._~. •.foo•· ... ,.~· ~. • .... 0 • • • .. 4 ... - - . • ........... ,. ,. •• ' F G th-JIIIIfestablishment near~G m0re or l8ss ideally situ::~.ted and perfectly suited for this work and the presence of Doctors and ______ plus the unusual faciliti~s (laboratory, medical facilities, .. and ample space) th~re strongly recommend its use. SUBJECTS • •• 4. It is proposed that at least twentz non-U.S. subjects be selected for The document is a declassified CIA memorandum. The header includes "Office Memorandum" and "UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT" with typed and handwritten annotations. There is a date "14 January 1952" and fields labeled "TO" and "FROM" which are obscured by black redactions. The "SUBJECT" field is visible. Handwritten annotations are present, including a large "A" in the top right, and another "A" further down, along with a "F" on the left side of the text. Parts of the text are also redacted, particularly in the "TO" and "FROM" fields and within the body of the text. The document's visual elements, such as the redactions and handwriting, suggest an active but controlled dissemination of information. m0re or l8ss ideally situ::~.ted and perfectly suited for this work and the presence of Doctors and ______ plus the unusual faciliti~s (laboratory, medical facilities, .. and ample space) th~re strongly recommend its use. SUBJECTS • •• 4. It is proposed that at least twentz non-U.S. subjects be selected for this research and experimentation. These subjects should be of all types (male, female, young, middle age, old; high, metiium, loH· intelligence) and any available nationalities. If pos3ible, in- dividuals who speak English in addition to their nM.tiv--e tongues should .. be selected. It is not essential in this group to select individuals /3 age~- tJ "ho are !mo•m to be =cealing information, evasive, .... suspects, etc., etc.--these tj~e3 will be discussed later under a Special Section. i·~ore than twenty subjects -possibly as many as thirty could be handl~d but unless fifteen to twenty subjects can be made a•raila~lc, the ·expense imrolverl for the results obtained me~:r be pro- hibit1.ve. TEfiH (Headquarters) 5. It is proposed that the '1 Articholce11 V;a.m be cor.~posed of (to be a~si~n~d), nll 111\rt.ichokr;:" . .. ... ~ ~ '. . :~;: i~ ..~ ?.;i;t:.~~:· • • ~ r";,;-;.4.~ :,!~f"• ~ . . • • trainees, a polygt-aph assistant (for oh.3ervation and reo8arch purpo!jCJ-- ,;1- to be designated by_. and one or two special consultants and/or r.· .. ·= Gr observers to represent -o be designated b. ..... It ~~an be represented by such officers as P i~ they .care to designate among those stationed 6. In addition, it is also propo::;ed that the several polygraph ··- F opera:ors n~r ~be detailed at different times to the operation ~·a - • I for observation, research, and consultation. 7. The writer assumes that interpreters (who will be essential) are pernanent.ly attached to the-stablishltl8nt and will be a7ailable. (- - 8. Since the "Artichok811 experimentation is o.f a hichly s•=cret nature, the various tests rW1 on the subjects will h3.ve to be giv~n behind a logical or reasonable cover. Exact cover along these lin~s r.. ... r ,. has not been as yet determined but nmnerous methods are being con- sidered such a~~·. '· ·I - A) 1·1edication to counteract nervous reaction to polyt,;raph testing. B) Hedical innoculation as·a processing routine. C) Testing for drug susceptibility as a precautionary measure. D) "Vol11nteer" for drur; or vaccine tr;:sts, etc • . 9. In c"onn~ctlon with this testing, it is The document is a typewritten "Office Memorandum" from the "UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT" dated "14 January 1952". The subject of the memorandum is "Bluebird - Artichoke, Proposed Research". There are several large, black ink redactions obscuring recipient information in the "TO" field and parts of the text in sections 1 and 3, as well as other areas of the document. There are also prominent handwritten annotations, including an "A" near the top right and the letter "F" appearing multiple times in the margins. The document appears to be a proposal outlining research plans, indicating potential dates and personnel. being con- sidered such a~~·. '· ·I - A) 1·1edication to counteract nervous reaction to polyt,;raph testing. B) Hedical innoculation as·a processing routine. C) Testing for drug susceptibility as a precautionary measure. D) "Vol11nteer" for drur; or vaccine tr;:sts, etc • . 9. In c"onn~ctlon with this testing, it is pro!Josed that all subj~cts will be processed in the follolo~ing manner: -3- r j" . ' ... , . • . . . ' ~ ••~ .. -~'i" • ~ • -.. · - • - :.. · • ~ · r· ~ . ~. . _ ,- - \ ·~ '• . • . • .. I. i ; • • - • i a) Interview- (Person.:il history--b::1.Ck{;ro'!lnd, specialtien, etc. b) PolygraE_!! Routine B.l''ld check of so1:te person.ll statcJT;ents.· c) Chemicals Attempt to obtain information from subject:; to verify statements and produce new or concealed ,- infonnation (truth serum technique). All chel)'li cal agents and combinations with emphasis on I "new" chemicals will be tried in these tests. d) Chemicals and Hypnosis (Uarco-ilypnos_is) After the initial test with che:nic als (c) and • • the direct questioning methods to test drug ef . . ~ ,. .-: . fectiveness as a truth serU!11--attempts will be made on each subject to secure hypnotic control. Where hypnotic control or narco-hypnosis is attempts will be made to make each effectiv~, subject abreact, regress to given p~riods, t~lk, write, etc. and strong post-hypnotic sugges tior1s will .be made. e) Hypnosis (As a means of obtaining information) \vhP.re it has been determimd that a indi giv~n vidual has positively reacted to h:.·pno t.ic sug gestion and appears to be to a post su~j8ct hypnotic command (as deter1nincd in d above) ths.t individual will he subjected·to straight hypnotic experiments. If hypnotic control is reached, the individual will be questioned along the lines set out in .£ and above. In addition, .e\·er; ~ effort will be made to fasten on a tighter hyp notic control and more certain post-hypnotic co;;un:mds. Furthermore, side tion experim~nta using the polygraph ·..rill be applied at this .... point to test its efficacy in the d~tection of hypnotic subjects. f) nd~anced - Positive control by hypnosis (or hypno3is ~ith chemical assistance) \-/hen it h:ts been detennined by d and e aboYe th~t an individual is ~n excellent h~~notic subject, tests and experiment3 ~ill be conducted to det~r­ mine exactly what. that The page appears to be a typewritten document with several handwritten annotations and obscurations. It contains a section labeled "SUBJECTS" detailing requirements for research participants and a "TEAM (Headquarters)" section. There are no photographs, diagrams, or forms visible. Redactions are present, obscuring some text, particularly in the first paragraph and the text following "evasive," and also in the "Messrs." line of item 5. Handwritten additions include "F" in the top right, "H- B/3" to the right of "agent," and a numerical designation "-2-" near the bottom center. its efficacy in the d~tection of hypnotic subjects. f) nd~anced - Positive control by hypnosis (or hypno3is ~ith chemical assistance) \-/hen it h:ts been detennined by d and e aboYe th~t an individual is ~n excellent h~~notic subject, tests and experiment3 ~ill be conducted to det~r­ mine exactly what. that j_nciividual can h<:l forcerl to do ac tint; under hypnonis, n:1rco-hypno3 is, whil~ • .. or pos t-hypnot.ic command • .. ., -4- ....-.«' ~ &·. • • • g) Amn~sia Of basic imp•JrLnnce is th~ study of anmesia. Tests will l'e used throug-h•:mt lhe oper.1tion ... to measure a:nnesla in all suhj~?cts. In s;en eral, frorn th<:! "Artichoke" point of vie.,.,., the greater the amnesia prod.•1ced, the more effective and satisfactory the result. E~UIPHENT • ~0. With the exception of power sources, incidental office 3Upplies, w~ • and ·operating areas, the Headquarters Team will provide all nec~ssarJ equipment. This will include medical, chemical, mechanical (including polygraph and polygraph supplies), electronic and photographic equip- ment. This equipment will either be forwarded from Headquarters by saf.e carrier or will be transported by tea~ members themselve3. Details, - of course, can be ·,..orked out bet·..Jeen Headquarters .1nd the operation baoe in advance. .....,.. , SPECIAL 2SCTI)!J f •• 11. In addition to the twenty-thirty cases referred to in Sec- tion 4 above, the Headquarters Team will be a\·ailable for any actual cases then being wori<ed in the field. Furthermore, the H!?adquart~r:; Te.:tm would enjoy the opportunity or" applying "Artichoke" techniques to indi vlduals of dubio,ls loyalty, suspecte~gents of plants, sub jects having known reasons for deception, etc. Thes"3 ca3e~ would be • ·~·.f;i ven th~ full 'J 1\rt:.lchoke" trcat.men t and any succc:;3ful roe thods or -5- .. . .,_,"' ,·.-.~ . . • ·. techr.illUes developed on the routine cases could "be epplied to tbi::1 type of case. Results could then be crosschecked. ;a .. ·' REPOHTS 12. It is proposed that ench case be se:t forth in detail in a .. rep.ort or case· his Lory. These incii viduC~1 cases would give the total history of the "Artichoke" work in the operation. In addition., all pertinent matters in each case would be recorded on tapes. Further- more, a photographic record (movie and/or still) will be l:ept of the c<lses ami the operation. Reports will l:e m<lde avaihble on a pre-de- termined basis to tho~e agencies who are properly :mthorized to the operation. In addition., all pertinent matters in each case would be recorded on tapes. Further- more, a photographic record (movie and/or still) will be l:ept of the c<lses ami the operation. Reports will l:e m<lde avaihble on a pre-de- termined basis to tho~e agencies who are properly :mthorized to obtain - them. FH.ELHUl:AHY ':;orrK 13. Since it is obvious that an operation invol vir.g ;~s many indi- v"iduals as have "been set forth in the above memorandur.1 would te impossible - without ccr.siden.ble study and prep;;.ration, the Hri tet· feels that t.his preliminary work should be included as part of the opcn.tion. It is, therefore, proposed that after the proper officers of I &. SO have given <!pproval to the b;1.sic idea, the following conff!rences be set up: ·r:_ A) A rsenE>r<'l conference involving all of the "Artichoke" • l? pcrso~nel, inclucling-11edical Staff'· I &.SU, etc. This conference ;.;ould be for the purpose of a -6- ·. .. • .. ...... ~. . . .. . -' .:.• -.~ . --~· :· ·.·-~ { ... ·-,J .... - . . . . • general dlscussion of the problems invoh·ed and to align the necessary activities of each division into their proper activities preliminary to the actual operation, i.e. the HedicaJ. Staff would set about securing instruments, chemi cals, etcfWculd derive from all sources new chemic;ls, new techniques, and consultant services for discusc.ion • prior to the laying on of the actual operation; I & SO - would assemble and construct the necessary technical equipment, la.y on the proposed met.hods of attack;fJIIand ~ld set about preparing the safe area, lining up the necessary subjects and taking care of the necessary over- seas arrangements, etc., etc. D) A conference should be held between the designated team members and the Hedical staff and other persons specific.1lly . and operationnll7 interested to detentine as far as possible . '"- in advance what chemicals would be used, what. medic.;.l cover could best be utilized, and what technical m.1tters should be explored in connection with the use of chenicals involved from a purely medical point of view. C) I &. SO should arrange a ch.snnel of communication bet..-cen he 'lclquart€rs and the field to determine specificnlly ~o;hat subje.s t mn t.erial w-:1:; avnilable and •1h:1.t. pr~liminar:; ;.Jork should be done by overseas pers01mel prior to the arriv.1l -7- J. " ~: ~ I r>7"",·~:" \ This page is a typewritten document with several sections of text, including numbered points and bulleted lists. There are instances of redactions, indicated by blacked-out boxes, obscuring specific words or phrases within the text. Additionally, there are handwritten annotations in the margins, including letters like "A," "G," and "F," which appear to be organizational or indexing marks. A small image resembling a stamp or seal, with the text "-3-", is present near the bottom center of the page. The document's overall appearance suggests it has undergone a declassification review process. The document is a typed page containing a list of MKUltra subproject procedures, numbered a through f. There are no photographs, diagrams, or filled-in forms visible on the page. However, there are several black ink scribbled redactions, one large and dark in the bottom center of the page, and several smaller ones interspersed throughout the text, suggesting that some information has been deliberately obscured. Additionally, there are faint handwritten annotations in the bottom margin, one of which appears to be a page number ("-4-"). of view. C) I &. SO should arrange a ch.snnel of communication bet..-cen he 'lclquart€rs and the field to determine specificnlly ~o;hat subje.s t mn t.erial w-:1:; avnilable and •1h:1.t. pr~liminar:; ;.Jork should be done by overseas pers01mel prior to the arriv.1l -7- J. " ~: ~ I r>7"",·~:" \ '"'-·-···--; ·.-... .,_.,_,_, ...... --"'· ... c •• -.,c._. .•, ,.-··· ....... ·-·.···"-' " ··- t' •• .~-·---·.-!,._ ......... -. _. ........ · .-.·:.-.. ·--:···.·:,.__·.-:-\'""···· .. · .... ·.. .. ,... ... l,. :·~- . ' • of the team. In addi t.ion, the entire field of technic,,l equipment, which in itself will be quite heavy and cumber- some, should be the subject of conversation between h~ad- quarters and the overseas safe area since any sa\~ng in the transportation of material and/or technical equipment will . . be a trem·~ndous advantage to the tearn. ; • D) A proper cover situation should be laid on between I & SO and the overseas division with the nec~ssary preliminaries such as passports~ards, etc., etc. handled ccnsider ably in advance of departure. - · f}- <' . . -8- .~ . ... ~ ~..,.. ....· :· .......... ·.~· . .,. .... -,"'~'···--.·.- ·.•• . ~ ...... •. ... ,.l •· ·<.• .... ,.;. •.• ,1' •..• ' ••.•~ •• · The document is a typed page with some handwritten annotations. On the left side, there is handwritten "H:B/3" in blue ink. At the top center, there are some dark, obscured markings that appear to be part of a stamp or seal. The text itself describes procedures related to amnesia testing and equipment for a "Headquarters Team." There is a section labeled "SPECIAL SECTION" which discusses applying "Artichoke" techniques to individuals. The bottom of the page has a handwritten "-5-" indicating the page number. There are no images of people, locations, or equipment, nor any official stamps. The document page is typed and contains two sections, "REPORTS" and "PRELIMINARY WORK." There are no photographs, diagrams, tables, or forms visible. There are some handwritten annotations, including a loop-like symbol in the left margin and a scribbled mark near the bottom center of the page, which partially obscures the page number "-6-". Additionally, there are some red rectangles obscuring specific words within the text, particularly in the "PRELIMINARY WORK" section, indicating redactions of sensitive information. The document is a typed page with some handwritten annotations and obscured content. A large, handwritten "G" is present on the left side of the page. There are several dark, rectangular redactions scattered throughout the text, obscuring specific words or phrases. At the bottom of the page, there is a page number "-7-" and another black, irregular redaction. The text primarily consists of bulleted or numbered points discussing operational procedures and conferences related to chemical use and preparation. There are no photographs, forms, diagrams, or clear visual evidence of experimental procedures on this page. The document page contains typed text that appears to be a report or memo. There are handwritten annotations, including "H-B/3" in the bottom left and a large "A" towards the center. Several areas of the document are obscured by black redactions, particularly in the middle section and near the bottom edge where a stamp or label is present. There are also several small, scattered ink dots and smudges throughout the page, characteristic of older documents. The page number "-8-" is visible near the bottom.