Allen Dulles's 73 Rules of Spycraft James Srodes ne of the truths about writing a biography oO the inevitability that you will learn some tantalizing bits oFinformation well after you have published your study of the subject. When Allen W. Dulles died on January 29, 1969 at Georgetown University Hospital after a prolonged bout of influenza, his Que Street home was methodi- cally searched the next day by a hastily organized team of Agency colleagues: Richard Helms, James ‘Angleton, and L.K. “Red” White, along with neighbor Charles Murphy and sister Eleanor Dulles. Papers that ‘were judged to have any sensitivity were boxed up and remained largely unexamined in the classified archives ‘ofthe Agency. When I was doing my research into Dulles’s life and career, those boxes were aniong the many documents I petitioned the Agency to see under the Freedom of information Act. In those days, the Agency was under a congressional directive to examine, redact, and publish all the inter-agency files on the investigation into the assassination of PresidentJohn, E. Kennedy, but after some gentle prompting by then. DCI James Woolsey, I got pretty much what { wanted, Except the Que Street documents that Dullés had at hand when he died. Acouple of years ago, a large file of Dulles docu- ‘ments attived from CIA's Office of information and Privacy Coordinator that, according to the covering letter, had finally been declassified. Recently, I was packing up some files to deposit with my colleetion of Dulles files and books at the Gearge C, Marshall Library in Lexington, Virginia, which is open to both cadets at the Virginia Military Institute there and to scholars generally, { took a closer look. Despite being plagued with chronic gout, dia- Faut 2009 betes and the early onset of Alzheimer’s, Dultes had remained busy with a multitnde of projects in his final years of ie. Followinghis departure fromthe Agency in 196s, he had produced (with the help of ghost writ- ers) a stream of books about his profession ranging from the best-selling The Craft of intelligence, to several collections of espionage fiction and legends. He also had been an indefatigable magazine writer to refute various tevisionist articles about the Agency's mis- steps and short-comings. ‘Much of what was in the Dulles private files I received were expected drafts of his various publications including the outline for an unpublished work, TheIreisitleWar,albookon ‘Communist subversion. There also were lengthy files Dulles had used in his OSS operations against Nazi Germany, includ inga100-pagelistof "German Personalities” which he had extracted out ofthe documents provided him by his legendary agent inside the Wilhelmstrasse, Kolbe, aka George Wood. Dulles also bad retained ‘two sets of papers that ser out the Agency’s Working Group assessments of what was titled “The Cuban Operation” (which we now know as The Bay of Pigs invasion), both dared March 37, 1963, one for President Dwight Eisenhower, the other for PresidentJohn Ken nedy. Another historian could do well to compare the actitudes reflected in those two documents. ‘But buried in the pile wete eight single-spaced pages bearing the typeface of Dulles’s personal ‘machine titled, Some Elements ofInteligence Work. What followed were seventy-three precepts that Dulles felt summed up the essence of his craft. The writing is unpolished and almost conversational in style, as if Dulles had simply noted them down as the basis for one of the informal lectures he continued to give to young training officers. Dulles's Elements range from the tiny tasks of tradecraft to the broader philosophy of security, recruiting agents, and personal discipline. His precepts hardly seem dated even now. SOME ELEMENTS OF INTELLIGENCE WORK ‘The greatest weapon a man or woman can bring to this type of work in which we are engaged is his or her hard commonsense. The following notes aim at IwTELLceNceR: JOURNAL oF US. InreLucENce STUOIES Pace 49beinga little common sense and applied form. Simple common sense crystallized by a cettain amount of expetience into a number of rules and suggestions. 1 ‘Thereare many virtues to bestrivenafterin m= thejob. The greatestofthemallis security. All else must be subotdinated to that 2D) Sez consis noni aviing big risks. Ieeonsists in carrying out daily tasks with painstaking remembrance of the tiny things that security demands. The ittlethings are in many ways more important than the big ones. Itis they which oftenest give the game away. Itis consistent eatein them, which form the habitand characteristic of security mindedness, 3 Inany case, the man or woman who does not indulge in the daily seeutity routine, boting and useless though it may sometimes appear, will found lackingin che properinstine- tive reaction when dealing with the bigger stuf ‘No matter how brilliancly given an indi- vidual, no matter how great his goodwill, itheis lacking insecurity, hewill eventually prove more ofa liability than asset. BB), rnthoughvoutee he curious ousder has probably a good idea thatyou are not what you purport to he, never admit it. Keep on playing the other part. Its amazing how often people will be led to think they were mistaken, Oratleastthatyouare out‘in the other stuf? only in a very mild way. And anyhow, a person is quite free to think what he likes. The important thing, Security, of course, does not mean stag- nation orheing afraid to go after things. Iemeans going after things, but reducing all the risks toa minimum by haré work. Do not overwork your cover to the detri- ment of your johs; we must never get so engrossed in the latter as to forget the former. ‘Never leave bings ying aboutunattended or lay them down where you are lishle to forget them. Learn to write lightly; the “blank” ‘page underneath has often been tead. Be wary of your piece of blotting paper. fyou haverodestroy 2 doeument, do so thoroughly. Carry as little written matter as possible, and for the shortest possible time. Nevercanry names or addresses en. clair. Ifyou eannotcatry them forthe tinie being in yout head, put thema in a species of personal code, which only you understand. Small papers and envelopes or cards and photographs, ought to be clipped on to the latter, otherwise they are liable to get ost. But when you have conducted an Interview or made arrangements for 2 meeting, ‘write ital down and put it safely away for refer- ‘nee. Your memory ean play tricks. 9 ‘The greatest vice in the game is that of = carelessness, Mistakes made generally cannot be rectified. 1 ‘The next greatest vice is that of vanity. /= is offshoots are multiple and malig nant, 1 1 Besides, the man with a swelled head = neverlearns. And thereisalwaysagreat deal to belearned. 1 2 Booze is naturally dangerous. So also is an undisciplined attraction for the othersex. Thefitstloosens thetongue. Thesecond does likewise. Itlso distorts vision and promotes indolence. They both provide grand weapons to anenemy, 1 3 Ichas been proved time and again, in = particular, that sex and business do not mix, 1 4 In this job, thete are no hours. Thatis ‘= to say, one never leaves it down, It is lived. One never drops one’s guard. Alt locations are good for laying a false tail cial occasions, for instance, a casual hint here, a phrase there). Allocations are good for picking something up, or collecting...for making a useful acquaintance. 15 Inamorenormal sense oftheterm “no 1a hours,” itis certainly not a business ‘where people put their own private arrangements before their work, 1G, Deseresramomoesmeite = receation and holidays. Withour them isnot possible todoa decentjob. Ifthere is areal goodwill and enthusiasm for the work, the two (except in abnormal eireusnstances) will always ‘be eombined without the work having to suffer. 1 ‘The greatest material cutse to the profession, despite all its advantages, is undoubtedly rhe telephone. Iris a constant source oftemptation to slackness. And even ifyou do not use it carelessly youtsef, the other fellow, very often will, 0 inany case, warn him. Always acton the principle that every conversation is is- tened to, that a call may always give the enemy a line, Natarally, always unplug during confidential conversations. Even betters it to have no phone inyour room, or else have icin hox oreupbeard. Pact so INTELLIGENCER: JOURNAL OF US, INTELLIGENCE STUDIES Faut 20091 Sometimes, for quite exceptional rea- ‘a sons, itmaybe permissibleto use open post 25 2 channel of eommunications. Without these quite exceptional reasons, allowing of no alternative itis to be completely avoided. 1 ‘When the postis used, itwill be advise Ja able to act through postboxes; thats to 52, people who will receive mail for you and ss It on, This ought to be their only function. ‘They should not be partofthe show. They will have to be chosen for the personal friendship which they have with you or with one of your agents. ‘The explanation you give them will depend on circumstances; the letters, of course, must be apparently innocent ineontinenee, A phrase, Sig- nature or embodied code will give the message. ‘the etter ought to be concocted in such fashion Sto fitimwith che recipients social background. “The writer ought therefore to be given details of. the post boxes assigned to them. An insipid fetter is ia itself suspicious. IF however, a signature or haseis sufficient to convey the message, thena card with greetings will do DO. Mik sere isuoey sate than 1a take a risk, either by phone or ost If you do not have a prearranged message to give by phone, never dial your aumber before having ‘thought about your conversation. Do not impro- vise even the dummy par oft. Butdo not be too elaborate. The great rule here, asin al else con- nected with the ob, isto be natural 21 Ifyou have phonedalineora prospee- = dveline ofyours from publie boxand hhaveto look up the umber, do notieave the book lying open on that page. 22 ‘When youchooses safehouse, to use = for mestings or as a depot, let it be safe, Ifyou can, avoid ane that Is overlooked by other houses. [fits the main entrance should be that used forother housesas well. Make sure there are no suspieious servants. Especially, ofcourse, be surc of the occupants. Again, these should be chosen for reasons of personal friendship with some member of the organization and should be discreet. The story told to them will once again depend on circumstances. They should have no other place in the show, of if this is wiavoidable, then calls at the house should be made as far as possible after dark. DZ, siropbeyouselt aos bens! 1a inside the setting you have cast for yoursclE This isespecially importantwhen meet- ing people forthe first time or when traveling on ‘ajob ot when in restaurants or public places in Fau 2003 INTELUGENCER: JOURNAL OF U.S. INTELLIGENCE SrUDiEs the course ofone. In rains or restaurants people have ample time to study those nearest them, ‘The calm quict person attraets little attention, Never strain after an effect. You wou'd not do 50 in ordinary life. Look upon yout job as perfectly normal and natural. 2 4 When involved in business, took at 11 other people astittleas possible, and don't dawdle. You will then havea good chance of passing unnoticed. Looks draw looks. 2 Do not dress in a fashion ealculated 1m so strike the eye o& co single you out easily 2 Do not stand around. And as well ‘= as being punctual yourself, sce that those with whom you ace dealing are punctual. Especially ifthe meeting is in 2 public place; 2 ‘man waiting rourtd will draw attention, Buteven ifitis notin a public place, ry to arriveand make ‘thers arriveon the doc. An arrival before the time causes as much inconvenience as one after time. DT, Mrmanave rendetons, fit ne sure you are not followed. Tell tis other person todo likewise. But do not actin any exaggerated fashion, Danottakea taxitoa house address connected with your work. Ifitcannotbe avoided, makesure you are notunder observation when you getinta it, Orgiveanother address, such as that ofa café or estaurantnearby. 2 8 Try toavold journeys to places where ‘a you will be noticeable. Ifyou have to rake guch journeys, repeat them a little as pos- sible, and take all means to make yourself it in ‘quietly with the background. DQ, Maks many of your aitficul IX appointments as you can after dark, ‘Turn the blackoutto good use. Ifyou cannotmake it after dark, make it very early morning when people are only halfswakeand noton theloakout for strange goings-on. 30 ‘Avoid restaurants, cafés and bars for '& meetings and conversations, Abuse all, never make an intial contact in ane of them. Let it be outside. Use abundance of detail end deseription of persons to be mer, and haveone oF ‘twogood distinguishing marks, Havea password that ean be given to the wrong person without unduly exciting infestation, 31 Af interviews cannot be conducted ina safe house, then take 9 walk together in the country. Cemeteries, muse: and churches are useful places beatin nnd.32 Use yourownjudgmentasto whether of not you ought to talk to chance rravel or table companions. It may be useful. It ‘may be the opposite. Itmay beof no consequence whatsoever. Think, however, before you enter upon areal conversation, whether this particular enlargementof the numberof those whowillree- ognize and spotyou inthe fatureis Hableornotto bea disadvantage. Always carty reading matter. Not only will it save you from being bored, itis protective armor ifyou want to avoid a conversar tion orto break offan embarrassing one. 3 3 ‘Always be polite to people, but not 1 exaggeratedly so, With the following class of persons who come to know you - hotel and restaurant staff, taxi drivers, train personnel ett» be pleasant. Someday, they may prove usefil toyou, Begenerousin your tips other, butagain, not exaggeratedly so. Give just alittle more than the other fellow does ~ unless the cover under which you are working does not permitthis. Give only normal tips, however, to waiters and raxi ‘rivers, etc, when you are on the joh, Don't give them any stimulus, even of gratification, to make youstickin their minds, Beas briefand casual as possible A, ssinerandeontienedonarcome readily to all of us. They must be assiduously cultivated. Notonly beeause they help uspersonally,buccheyalsohelp to produee similar reaetions in those weare iandling. 3 Never deal out the intense, the dra- }= matie stuff, to a person before you have quietly obtained his confidence in your levelheadedness, 36. Ifyou're angling for a man, lead him 1x around to where you want bimns put the obvious idea in his head, and make the sug- gestion of possibilities eome to him. Express, if necessary butwith greattact--a wistful disbelief inthe possibilities atwhich youare aiming. “How fine it woul be if only someone eould... but of ‘eourse, etc. ets.” And always leave aline ofretreat ‘open ro yourseli 37, Sateen eraranet ver = seldom judge a persom to be abore suspicion. Remember that we live by deceiving, ‘others. Others live by deediving us. Unless others take persons for granted or believe in them, we ‘would never getour results. Theothers have people as cleveras we; if they can be taken in, so can we. ‘Therefore, be suspicious. 3 8 Aboral dont deeveyourel Dost = decide thatthe other persons fit: all ight, beeauce you yousel would like tobe that way. You are dealing in people's lives. 3 When you have made 2 contact, till '# you are absofutely sure of your man = and perhaps even then ~ be a small but eager intermediary. Havea “They” inthe background for ‘whom you act and to whom you are responsible. If “They” are harsh, if “They” decide to break it off, itis never any faule of yours, and indeed you can pretend to have a personal grievance aboue it, “They” are always great gluttons for results and very stingy with cash until “They” get them. ‘When theresults comealong, “They” alwayssend messages of congratulation and eneouragerment. 40 ‘Try to find agents who do not work 'z for money alone, but for conviction Remember, however, that not by conviction alone, does themman live. they need financial help, give ittothem. And void the woolly” type of idealist, the flow who lives in ee clouds. QA, toms at Si oboe sate ax Remember that he has @ human side so bind him co you by taking an intecest in his is and in his family. But never ct the friendship bestrongerthan your sense ofduty to the work, That must always be impervious to ‘ity sentimental considerations. Otherwise, your vision will be distorted, your judgment affected, and you may he reluetant, even, to plaee yout men in a position of danger. You may also, by indulgence toward him, lethim endanger others. 42 Gain the eonfidenee of your agents, but be wary of giving them more of yoursthan is necessary. Hemay fall by thewayside; he may quatcel with yous it may be advisable for a number of reasons to drop him. In that ease, obviously, the less information he possesses, the better. Equally obviously, ifan agentruns the isk of falling into the hands ofthe enemy, itis unfuiz both tohimand theshowto puthimin possession of more knowledge than he needs. 43 If your agent can be laid off work sm periodically, thisisavery good thing. ‘And during his estperiods, lechim show himself in another field and in other eapacities. 4 ‘Teach them at least the elements of ‘= techinique. Donotmerelyleaveitto his own good judgment, and then hope forthe best Insist, fora longtimeatleast, on his notshowing toomuch initiative, btmake him carryoutstrctly the instructions whichyou give him. Hisinitiative Pace 52 InsreLucencer: JounwaL or U.S. Inretucence Srupies FALL 2009will be tested when unexpected citcumstances arise. Tell him off soundly when he errs; praise thim when he does well. 45 Do not be aftaid to be harsh, or even 1a batsh with others, if itis your duty to be 50. You are expected to be likewise with yourself. When necessiy arises neither your own. feelings nor those of others matter. Only the job the livesand eafery of those entrusted a you is, what counts. 4 ‘Remember that you have no right to ‘= expectofothersivhatyou arenotpre- pared todo yourself. Buton theotherhand, donot rashly exposeyourselfinany unnecessary displays ‘ofppersonal courage that may endangerthe whole shooting match. Itoeen takes more moraleosmge ‘o2sk another fellow 10 doa dangerous taskthan todoie yourself. Buvifthis isthe propercourseto follow, then you must follow it 47. Ifyou have an agent who is really very 1 importantto you, who is almostessen- ‘ial toyour organization, try not toetthem know this. tnfe, without belittling him, that there are other fines and other groups ofa bigger nature inside the shadow, and that — while he and his particular group are doing Sine work — they are but partofa mosaic. AG, Nee teggee seer ee ste ‘= berween his teeth and can away with you. Ifyou cannot manage it easily yourself there are always the cerritle “They.” QQ, Bite geri end '# on which he is working better than you, always be ready to listen to his advice and to consult him. The man on the spotis che man who can judge. BO, reererey eeateces 14 from HQ, whick to you seem ill- advised, do not he ataid to oppose these dec tives, Youare there for pointing things out. This is particulary soif theres grave danger to security witnouta real eore=ponding advantage for which theriskmay heraken.Forthat, ight anybody with everything you've got 51 yous have several groups, keep them 1 separate ualess the moment comes for concerted action. Keep your lines separate; and within the bounds of reason and security, ty to multiply them, Each separation and each multiplication minimizes the danget of total loss. Multiplication of lines also gives the pos- sibility of testing cach line, which is often avery desizable thing. Neversetathinsvealy going, whether tbe big or smal, before yOu sec iti ils, Do not eounton ck. Or only on bad 53 ‘when using couriers, who are '=themaselves trustworthy (here again, the important clement of personal Friendship ‘ought to be made to play its part) - but whom it is better to keep in the dark as tothe real nature ofwhattheyare carrying, commercial smuggling, will often provide an excellent cover. Apart fram being a valid reason for secrecy, it gives people a kickandalso provides one with areason for offet- ing payment. Furthermore, it involves a eourier in something in which itis in his own personal advantage to conceal. 5 ‘To build this cover, should there be 1 no bulk of riaterial co pass, but only a document ot a letter, itwill be well always to enclose this properly staled in a field dummy parcel with aa unscales outer wrapping. 5 ‘he ingredients for any new setup w= are:serious consideration ofthe field and ofthe elements at your disposal; the finding of one key man or more; safe surroundings for encounter; safe houses to meet in; post boxes; couriers; the finding ofnatural covers and pretext for journeys, ete: the division oabor; separation into ces; the principal danger in constructing perconal friendships between the elements (this isenormously important;avoidance oftepettion, 5 The thing to aim at, unless it is a 1% question af a special job is not quick sesults, which may Blow up the show, but the initiation of a series of results, which will keep ‘on growing and which, because the show has the proper protective mechanism to keep it under cover, will lead to discovery. 57. Serious groundwork is much more = important than 12pig action. The organization docs not merely consistofthe people actively working bur the patential agents whom you have placed whete they may be needed, and ‘upon witom you make al, ifneed arses. 5 ‘As with an organization, so with a ‘© particular individual. Bis fist job in 4 now field is to forget about evetything except- ing his groundwork; that is, the effecting of his cover, Once people label him, theobis half done. People take things 40 much foc granted and only with difficulty change their sizing-up of a man ‘once they have made it. They have tobe jolted out ‘fit. Itisup to you to see that they are not. Ifthey Fatt 2009 InTeLLscenctr: [OURNAL OF U.S. INTELLIGENCE STUDIES Pace 53do suspect, do noctakeitehatallislostand accept the position. Go back to your cover and build it vupagein, You will acfirst puzzle them and finally persuade them. 5 ‘Thecover youchoosewilldepend upon =the type of work that you lave to do. So also will the social life in which you indulge. Temay be necessary to lead a full social existence; itmay be advisable o stayin the background. You ‘must school yourself noto do any wishful think- ing inthe sense of persuading yourself that whe you wanr to do is what you aught ro do. 60 ‘Your cover and social behavior, natu- ‘x rally, oughtto be chosen to fin with yourbackgroundand character. Nether shouldbe toomuch ofa strain. Use them well. imprint them, gradually butsteadtastly on people's minds, When your name crops upin conversation they must have something to say about you, something concrete outside of your real work. 6 The place you live in is often a thorny 1 problem. Hotels are seldom satisfac tory. A at of yourown whereyou have everyt under conerol is desirable; ifyon can share iewith a discreet friend who is notin the business, 50 ‘much the better. You can relax into a normal life when you get home, and he will aso give you an opportunity of cover. Obviously the greatestcare is to be taken iu the choice of servants. Bu itis preferable to have a reliable servant than to bave ‘none at all. People cannot get into search or ix telephones, ete. inyour absence, And ifyou want tonotbe at home forawkward callers (ether per- sonal ortelcphonieh, servants make that possible. GD, Mamremc hepeeneothie = wifemayheanadvantage ordisadvan- «age. Thatwill depend on thenature ofthejob—as well as on the nature of the busband and wife. 6 ‘Should a hushand tell his wife what he wis doing? It is taken for granted that peoplein this ineare posseasedof discretion and judgment. IFfaman thinks his wifeistobetrusted, then he may certainly tell her what he is doing — without necessarily telling her the confidential details of particularjobs. ewould he fairto neither Ihusband nor wife to keep her in the dark unless therewere serious reasons demanding this. Awife would naturally baveto be coached in behavior the same way as an ageat. 6 4. ‘Away from thejob, among your other ‘= contacts, never know too much. Often you will have to bite down on your vanity, which would like to show what you know. This is espe- «ally hard when you heara wrong ssvertion being ‘made ora misstatement of events. 6 5 Nozknowingtoo much does notmean Ja not krowing anything. Unless there isa special reason for it, itis not good either to appear 2 nitwit ora person lacking indiscretion. ‘This does not invite the placing of confidence in you. 66. ‘Show your intelligence, butbeguieton 'x anyching along the line you are work- ing. Make others do the speaking, A good thing sometimes is to be personally interested as “a _g0od patriot and anxious to pass along anything useful to official channels in the hope that itrmay eventually get to the right quarter.” 67. When you think a man is possessed ‘= of useful knowledge or may in other ways be of value to you, remember that praise is acceptable to the vast majority of men. When honest praise is difficult, spot of fattery will do equally well, 6 ‘Within che limits of your principles, be ‘= allehings toall men, Bucdon'e betray your principles. The strongest force in your show Isyou. Your sense fright, yoursenseofrespectfor yourselfand others. And itis yourjob to bend cit- cumstances to your will, not letcireumstances bend or twist you. 69 In your work, always be in harmony '=_ with your own conscience. Put your- selfperiodieallyinthe dock forcrossexamination. You can never do more than your hest; only your hestis good enough. And remember that only the job counts — not you personally exeepting in the satisfaction of ajoh well done, 70 It is one of the finest jobs going, no ‘m) matter how small the part you play ‘may appear to he. Countless peopte would give anything to bein it, Remember that and apprec- ate the privilege. No matter what others may do, play your part well. 71 Never get into a rut. Or rest on your = oars. There are always new lines around the corner, always changes and variations to beintroduced. Unchanging habits of worklead tocatelessness and detection. 72 Ifanything, overestimate the opposi= tion. Certainly never underestimateit ‘But do not let chat lead to nervousness or lack of confidence. Don’t get rattled, and know that with hard work, calmness, and by never irrevocably Pace 54 Iwretucencer: Jounal oF US. INTEWICENCE StuDIES Fait 2903‘compromising yourself, you can always, always best them, 73 Lastly, and above all — REMEMBER ja SECURITY. PS. The above points are not intended for any ‘ctsory, even interested, glance. They will bear—each ofthem- seriousattention, and atleast occasional te- perusal. tis probable, furthermore, that dotted here and there among them will be found claims thathave particular present application for each person who reads them, These, naturally, are meant to be acted upon straightaway. =f James Srodes's biography, ln Dulles, Master of pts, ‘was named AMO's Best intelligence Book in 3000, He is currenty researching abook about the secret research staff President Roosevelt organized in 1939 hich produced the outline forthe United Nations is emallis stodesew@msncam.