◆ SpookStack

'· Approved For Release 2008/11/06: CIA-RDP04M01816R000502010009-4 • 12 affairs frequently required the practice of non-recordation of such presidential authorizations. Covert actions were, by National security Council definition, designed so that the United States Government could plausibly disclaim any responsibility for them. The concept of plausible or presidential deniability had been extended by interpretation, custom and usage to cover all sensitive intelligence activities. Moreover, the minutes of the President's Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board contain expressions of concern covering the relevant period from 1956 onward. For example, the minutes contain such.phrases as 0 the President's shield," and "need to protect the President against public identifi- cation with ••• covert activities or intelligence activities," and "for security reasons, every effort would be made to leave no papers with the President." In 1955 responsibility for the East Coast Project was given to the Counterintelligence (CI) Staff of the CIA. An outline of the funding, staffing and other logistical needs of the East Coast Project noted that foreign espionage agents relied upon the United States policy of respecting the sanctity of the mails and that these agents used the mails for espionage purposes to the detriment of the United States. It noted that, although the project did not contemplate censorship, discreet monitoring (opening) would be conducted and that under CI staff management "more letters will be opened."' A roved For Release 2008/11/06: CIA-RDP04M01816R000502010009-4