<p>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]</p>
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 (diet 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 thatilla high-value al Qaeda operative who is believed to possess information concerning an imminent terrorist threat to the United States. This letter confirms our advice that the use of these techniques outside territory subject to UnitedStates 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: h 11111ee use of these techniques will conform to: (i) the representations made 11111 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 ofMedical 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 virtuallyno 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 IR DOJ OLC 001102 in the attachment to your August 2 letter, and nill11.111Angust 25, 2004, letter, including that there are no medical orichological contraindications to the use of these techniques as you plan to employ them on 3, Medical officers will be present to observMwhenever 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 tha an sustain a normal body temperature after dousing and that his intake of fluids and nutrition are adequate. 4. We understand the statements ugust 25, 2004, letter that the measures are "designed ... to weake hysical 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 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 esire to continue to engage in the counter-interrogation techniques he has been utilizing to ate. Indeed, you consider these four techniques to be "more subtle" than some of the interrogation measures used to date (Letter at 3.) N.111111111111.R) We express no opinion on any other uses of these techni ues, nor do we address any techniques other than these four or any conditions under which other detainees are held. Furthermore, this letter does not constitute the Department of ustice's policy approval for use of the techniques in this or any other case. Sincerely, Daniel Levin Acting Assistant Attorney General TO DOJ OLC 001103