CIA memo about a "Detainee Working Group" organized to coordinate the CIA's response to external inquiry concerning its "actual and alleged detention, debriefing, interrogation, and rendition practices." The memo lays out the working group's primary responsibilities and organizational structure. The memo is signed by George Tenet.
005951990
THE DIRECTOR OF CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20505
25 May 2004
MEMORANDUM FOR: See Distribution Sheet
SUBJECT: Detainee Working Group
1, -(G} l have established an Detainee Working Group to coordinate the
Agency's.. response to external inquiries concerning its actual and:alleged ,
detention; debriefing, interrogation ;: and rendition practices, especially.those.,;
relatinc„ and to our worldwide counterterrorist activities.
2.16)- The DWG will serve as the CIA focal point for information relating
to Agency detention, debriefing, interrogation, and rendition matters. The work of
the DWG will be separate from, and is not intended to duplicate, investigations by
the Inspector General related to the Agency's detention and interrogation
activities.
• Tho DWG will assemble relevant documents and materials (e.g.,
testimonies, investigative reports, legal documents, authorilation
materials, and operational cables) relating to Agency, detention, debriefing,
interrogation, and rendition activities.
• The DWG is authorized to task CIA components to provide information,
documents, and materials, and will be provided access to Agency
programs regardless of compartmentation or organizational entity,. .
e- As appropriate, the DWG will consult with the Office oft nspector General
as it conducts its activities::
3. (UIFGLICI The DWG will prepare the DCI, DDC1, and other Agency
officials for Congressional hearings, NSC Principals and Deputies meetings, and
any other similar engagements.
• The DWG will provide status briefings for the DCI, DDCI, and other senior
Agency officials as needed.
• In conjunction with other appropriate components, the DWG will draft
statements for the record, oral testimony, and talking points as required.
• In conjunction with other appropriate components, the DWG will prepare
background materials, such as issue papers, summaries of relevant
reports, and suggested questions and answers.
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CO5951990
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4. (UFO) The DWG will interact directly with OIG and, through OIG,
with other relevant investigative bodies.
Requests from DoD elements will continue to be provided to 01G. Apart
from requests for OIG investigative materials, OIG will forward those
requests to the DWG for action and response back through 01G.
All other requests will be provided through existing liaison channels to
CIA. The Agency recipients will forward those requests to the DWG for
action and response.
5. (U/5.04LICY) Working with the Office of Congressional Affairs and the
Office of Public Affairs, the DWG will coordinate on any written or verbal
communications, such as briefings ; correspondence, presentation of data, or
other forms of communication to Congress, the press, and other entities.
6. (UL g:04301 The DWG shall_repan:totheChief of StafftailaeDCI SIB
Chair of the DWG is .
as members of the Group. •Additional Agency officers will
assist the Group as well.
Attachment: Distribution'Sheet
CONFIDENTIAL
CO5951990
CONFIDENTIAL
Distribution:
DDCI
ExDIR
DDO
DDI
DDS&T
CFO
CIO
C/GS
CHRO
D/OS
ADCl/MS
IC
GC
D/OCA
C/OPA
cc: ExDIR/ICA
CONFIDENTIAL V1-3