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Project MKULTRA, The CIA's Program
Of Research In Behavioral Modification
MKULTRA Materials and Methods
This 1955 CIA document reviews the Agency's research and development
of a shocking list of mind-altering substances and methods, including
"materials which will render the indication of hypnosis
easier or otherwise enhance its usefulness," and "physical
methods of producing shock and confusion over extended periods
of time and capable of surreptitious use."
[document begins]
DRAFT
[deleted]
5 May 1955
A portion of the Research and Development Program of TSS/Chemical
Division is devoted to the discovery of the following materials
and methods:
1. Substances which will promote illogical thinking and impulsiveness
to the point where the recipient would be discredited in public.
2. Substances which increase the efficiency of mentation and
perception.
3. Materials which will prevent or counteract the intoxicating
effect of alcohol.
4. Materials which will promote the intoxicating effect of alcohol.
5. Materials which will produce the signs and symptoms of recognized
diseases in a reversible way so that they may be used for malingering,
etc.
6. Materials which will render the indication of hypnosis easier
or otherwise enhance its usefulness.
7. Substances which will enhance the ability of individuals to
withstand privation, torture and coercion during interrogation
and so-called "brainwashing".
8. Materials and physical methods which will produce amnesia
for events preceding and during their use.
9. Physical methods of producing shock and confusion over extended
periods of time and capable of surreptitious use.
10. Substances which produce physical disablement such as paralysis
of the legs, acute anemia, etc.
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11. Substances which will produce "pure" euphoria with
no subsequent let-down.
12. Substances which alter personality structure in such a way
that the tendency of the recipient to become dependent upon another
person is enhanced.
13. A material which will cause mental confusion of such a type
that the individual under its influence will find it difficult
to maintain a fabrication under questioning.
14. Substances which will lower the ambition and general working
efficiency of men when administered in undetectable amounts.
15. Substances which will promote weakness or distortion of the
eyesight or hearing faculties, preferably without permanent effects.
16. A knockout pill which can surreptitiously be administered
in drinks, food, cigarettes, as an aerosol, etc., which will
be safe to use, provide a maximum of amnesia, and be suitable
for use by agent types on an ad hoc basis.
17. A material which can be surreptitiously administered by the
above routes and which in very small amounts will make it impossible
for a man to perform any physical activity whatever.
The development of materials of this type follows the standard
practice of such ethical drug houses as [deleted]. It is a relatively
routine procedure to develop a drug to the point of human testing.
Ordinarily, the drug houses depend upon the services of private
physicians for the final clinical testing. The physicians are
willing to assume the responsibility of such tests in order to
advance the science of medicine. It is difficult and sometimes
impossible for TSS/CD to offer such an inducement with respect
to its products. In practice, it has been possible to use the
outside cleared contractors for the preliminary phases of this
work. However, that part which involves human testing at effective
dose levels presents security problems which cannot be handled
by the ordinary contractor.
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The proposed facility [deleted] offers a unique opportunity for
the secure handling of such clinical testing in addition to the
many advantages outline in the project proposal. The security
problems mentioned above are eliminated by the fact that the
responsibility for the testing will rest completely with the
physician and the hospital. [deleted] will allow TSS/CD personnel
to supervise the work very closely to make sure that all tests
are conducted according to the recognized practices and embody
adequate safeguards.
[document ends]
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