DCIA_FEB_14_1980.pdf
Judgments of the DCI's Nuclear intelligence Panel on the Sep 22, 1979 Vela Satellite event
The memo states it conveys the judgments and recommendations of the Nuclear Intelligence Panel on the 1979-9-22 event. The information, if ever
present, has been whited out.
Document date: 1980-02-14
Department: Joint Atomic Energy Intelligence Committee
Author: chairman
Document type: memo
pages: 4
Archivist's Notes: Good quality document but appears censored. Appears to reference the Vela satellite detection of a nuclear test event in the
Indian Ocean on 22-Sep-1979. The three pages which appear to have the conveyed information contain white boxes which would appear to cover (blackout)
the information from the panel. 'Secret' heading crossed out on multiple pages. Marked 'Approved for release Date: Feb 2005'. There is a 2000-2-14
date with associated information blocked. Refer to the Jan 21, 1980 memo.
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Wow!
Document quality is terrific. Yet, there is virtually ZERO information available in the document.
I would be very interested to know what findings were disclosed in this document.
I can't help but wonder why the document has been labeled as acceptable for distribution, yet, every bit of information has been "white boxed"
out.
Almost seems pointless to even bother releasing this.
Jasn
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This incident is linked to FOIA: DCIA memo on the Sep 22, 1979
Vela Satellite event recording a suspected nuclear test
The conclusion was:
Vela Satellite picked up a probable nuclear test/accident in Southern Hemisphere off South Africa in the Indian Ocean. Conclusion that it was a
test or military exercise was drawn because of the 3 kiloton limit on its strength. After discussing the likely countries to have the capabilities,
materials and motives, the conclusion was drawn that South Africa was the main culprit though no hard evidence was recovered. It was also noted that
it was quite possible that South Africa and Israel had a joint test, again no hard evidence.
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