Approved Fo9lease 2 1 P 9 00030008-1 27 June 1973 MEMORANDUM FOR THE REC D SUBJECT: Turning Off Stanford,@epearch Institute Program A741A4z.za 1. On 13 June 1973, 1 personally discussed the reasons for terminating interest in the parapsychology investigations being completed by Dr. H. Puthoff and Mr. R. Targ. Dr. Puthoff and Mr. Targ were not present. The Stanford Research Institute personnel present were E. Jones group leader, B. Cox division chief, D. ShUich VP for research and C. Anderson president. Since the research of Puthoff and Targ is controversial even with SRI, I felt that to insure the reputations of the investi- gators was not unjustifiably harmed a more detailed explanation of our termination of the project was desirable and in the best interest of the Agency. 2. 1 ex.1 ined that our interest in this area was at least ram y being terminated not because of incompetency, lack of relevancy etc. Interest was being terminated because of a decision at the Director's level of management that the past publicity associated with various aspects of the investi- gations presented an unacceptability high potential for public exposure of the Agency's interest and consequent controversy for the Agency. The duration of this policy was unknown but it was effective immediately without exception. 3. All present seemed to understand our situation and attitude. Mr. Anderson, president of SRI, commented that perhaps SRI should terminate all work in this research area for analogous reasons. He expressed the feeling there was an inordinate drain of resources and management time con- cerning this research without correspondingly highly signi- ficant results. If Mr. Anderson's attitude remains unchanged, I expect all investigations in these areas will be terminated. It therefore appears that our decision will result in a complete cessation of active research in this area at SRI. 4. It would be unfortunate if this research area is buried because of its sensitivity. The results of the studies completed at SRI certainly indicate the existence of a type SG1 B L Approved For Release 20 79-00999A000300030008-1 - wtl 444 ;" t@j @, i 2 , Approved Fo ease P79-0 90P0300030008-1 of phenomena which is not well understood. This phenomena, if controllable does and will have profound implications for intelligence collection and security. I predict there will be renewed interest in paranormal abilities within the Agency at some future date and that the current decision for complete cessation of work will be regretted. OTS'/CB alexe SG1 I e Ae Ila ., Ice Approved For Release 2003[=2iP,-,,,Cli9.R.;VP7140999AO00300030008-1