Activity #3: Other Factors Affecting Behavior, Mentation, Attitude, etc.

1. This activity is primarily concerned with the problems of how a man can be made to think, "feel" and behave according to the wishes of other men, and, conversely, how a man can avoid being influenced in this manner. The many known processes by which this may be effected can be divided arbitrarily into two categories: (A) the cultural and social processes (e.g., customs, education, military training, parental training in childhood) which operate on men in groups as well as singly, and (B) the "special procedures" (e.g., psychotherapy, "salesmanship," deprivations, coercion, torture and hypnosis) which are directed at individuals. Both types of process are pertinent to intelligence operations, but the "social and cultural" processes are more relevant to indoctrination and motivation, while the "special procedures" are more relevant to subversion, seduction and interrogation.

2. The primary mental processes which take place in response to all of these methods of changing human behavior are probably the same. We plan to assemble, collate and review all the pertinent information relevant to this subject. This will require a broad consideration of many fields of human activity on a long term and continuing basis. As an initial effort we intend to utilize [...] chief consultant in designing this project. As basic information is assimilated by our staff, we shall design methods and techniques of indoctrination applicable to special intelligence problems.

3. Special Procedures of immediate concern for intelligence operations will be reviewed and investigated. For this purpose we need access to all Agency information relating to methods of subversion, intimidation and interrogation employed by intelligence services, including threats, coercion, imprisonment, isolation, deprivation, humiliation, torture, "brain washing," "black psychiatry," hypnosis and combinations of these with or without chemical agents. We will assemble, collate, analyze and assimilate this information and will then undertake experimental investigations designed to develop new techniques of offensive/defensive intelligence use.

4. The Field Demonstration of hypnotic effects now being implemented is an example of an experimental investigation of a "special procedure." Its design and purpose has been set forth in a specific paper. We will actively participate in all phases of this demonstration. It is designed to provide specific answers to the following questions in the light of our present knowledge and techniques of hypnosis:

(1) Can the [...] be hypnotized?

(2) What percentage of [...] are susceptible to hypnosis?

(3) How complete is post-hypnotic amnesia and its degree of permanency?

(4) What is the effectiveness of post-hypnotic suggestion and its degree of permanency?

(5) Can an individual be made to perform acts contrary to his conscious will?

(6) Can hypnotic influence be detected?

(7) What is the effectiveness of chemical agents in hypnotic procedures?

We will critically examine all data, findings and results of this Field Demonstration in order to assess the present effectiveness and deficiency of hypnotic procedures as an offensive and/or defensive intelligence weapon.