An OLC memo to the CIA addressing whether the use of four enhanced techniques, "dietary manipulation, nudity, water dousing, and abdominal slaps," in the interrogation of [redacted] would violate the law. The letter concludes that use of the techniques would not violate any U.S. statutes, the U.S. Constitution, or any U.S. treaty obligation. [OLC Vaughn Index #85]
USDOJ Seal
U.S. Department of Justice
Office of Legal Counsel
Office of the Assistant Attorney General Washington, D.C. 20530
August 26, 2004
John A. Rizzo, Esq. Acting General Counsel Central Intelligence Agency Washington, D.C. 20505
Dear John:
You have asked our advice regarding whether the use of four particular interrogation techniques (dietary manipulation, nudity, water dousing, and abdominal slaps) in the ongoing interrogation of would violate any United States statute (including 18 U.S.C. ยง 2340A), the United States Constitution, or any treaty obligation of the United States. We understand that a high-value al Qaeda operative who is believed to possess information concerning an imminent terroris tthreat to the United States. This letter confirms our advice that the use of these techniques outside territory subject to United States jurisdiction would not violate any of these provisions. We will supply, at a later date, an opinion that explains the basis for this conclusion. Our advice is based on, and limited by, the following conditions:
The use of these techniques will conform to: (i) the representations made in letters to me of July 30, 2004 (and attachment) and August 25, 2004; and (ii) the representations made by CIA officials, including representatives of the Office of Medical Services, during our August 13, 2004 meeting. Based on that meeting, we understand that ambient air temperature is the most important determinate for hypothermia in water dousing. Additionally, we were informed that the Agency has based the safety margins set forth in its water dousing procedures on experience with actual extended submersion in water of comparable temperature. Thus, although water as cold as 41 degrees may be used for short periods of time, in view of these factors and the comparatively small amount of water used, especially compared to submersion, we were advised that the dousing technique as it will be employed poses virtually no risk of hypothermia or any other serious medical condition. We were further advised that the dousing technique is designed to get the detainee's attention and it is not intended to cause, and does not cause, any appreciable pain.
2. There is no material change in the medical and psychological facts and assessments for
Salim v. Mitchell - United States Bates #000489
08/31/2016
in the attachment to your August 2 letter, and in August 25, 2004, letter, including that there are no medical or psychological contraindications to the use of these techniques as you plan to employ them on
3. Medical officers will be present to observe whenever water dousing and/or abdominal slaps are used and will closely monitor him while he is subject to dietary manipulation (in addition to the normal monitoring of him throughout his detention) to ensure that he does not sustain any physical or mental harm. This includes making sure that can sustain a normal body temperature after dousing and that his intake of fluids and nutrition are adequate.
4. We understand the statements in August 25, 2004, letter that the measures are "designed ... to weaken physical ability and mental desire to resist interrogation over the long run" (Letter at 3), and that "water dousing sessions, in conjunction with sleep deprivation, facilitates in weakening a detainee's ability and motivation to resist interrogations" (Letter at 4), to be consistent with the prior representations we have received -i.e., these techniques are not physically painful and are not intended to, or expected to, cause any physical or psychological harm. Rather, they are intended to reduce desire to continue to engage in the counter-interrogation techniques he has been utilizing to date. Indeed, you consider these four techniques to be "more subtle" than some of the interrogation measures used to date (Letter at 3.)
We express no opinion on any other uses of these techniques, nor do we address any techniques other than these four or any conditions under which or other detainees are held. Furthermore, this letter does not constitute the Department of Justice's policy approval for use of the techniques in this or any other case.
Sincerely,
Daniel Levin
Acting Assistant Attorney General
Salim v. Mitchell - United States Bates #000490
08/31/2016