C06234822 as Approved for Release: 2015/07/14 CO8zS4832 THE DIRECTOR CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY ‘WASHINGTON, D.C. 20505 8 April 2009 The Honorable Dianne Feinstein Chairman Select Committee on Intelligence United States Senate Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Madam Chairman: (rs/[_ || since assuming the job of Director of the ‘Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), I have received Several inquiries from the Intelligence Committees regarding CIA's current policies on detention, interrogation, and rendition. In particular, I have been asked about a particular contract for services related to remaining CIA detention facilities, This letter sets forth my views on these matters. (rs/f | cta is strictly adhering to the president's Executive Order of 22 January 2009 concerning detention and interrogation. At the same time, we remain vigilant in our efforts to disrupt terrorist networks and to debrief detainees who may possess actionable intelligence on terrorist plots: what this means in practice is as follows: 1; CIA officers participate in debriefing detainees who are in the custody of our liaison partners or the U.S. military overseas. Our debriefers are subject-matter experts who question detainees to elicit intelligence. These officers utilize a dialogue style of questioning that is fully. compatible with interrogation approaches authorized and listed in the Army Field Manual. As before, strict internal Agency-policies govern these debriefings. ft POP-SEERETH TAIOPORN— Approved for Release: 2015/07/14 C06234822 (b)1) (b\(3) (b)(1) (b)(1) (b)(3) (b)(1) (b)(3)C06234822 4 canes Approved for Release: 2015/07/14 G06234822 a The Honorable Dianne Feinstein (by(1) CIA’s officers are required to report promptly any inappropriate conduct or allegations of abuse they observe or hear during these debriefings and must cease their participation if they become aware of such abuses. 2. Under the Executive Order, the CIA does not employ the Enhanced Interrogation Techniques that were : authorized by the Department of Justice (DOJ) from 2002 to 2009. All questioning is conducted consistent with the Army Field Manual. 3. No CIA contractors are authorized to conduct interrogations. 4. CIA no longer operates detention facilities or blacksites (p)(1) ——_rt‘i‘(‘é‘C(C(‘CO’Y.OTVWVO 5. CIA retains the authority to engage in None have occurred since I became Director. A decision to conduct a rendition will be made on a case-by-case basis. As I indicated in my confirmation testimony, renditions are an important tool for bringing terror suspects to countries of jurisdiction for questioning. renditions. 2 | 1 (ox) map eRceRTs //NOFORN Approved for Release: 2015/07/14 C06234822 ere)C06234822 r 1 Approved for Release: 2015/07/14 C06234822 (b)(1) . (b)(3) The Honorable Dianne Feinstein 6. Under the Executive Order, CIA has authority to , detain individuals on a short-term, transitory basis. CIA has not yet had to employ this authority. If such a case were to arise, we would promptly seek policy guidance from the NSC and the Department of Justice. We anticipate that we would’ quickly turn over any person in our custody to another U.S. Governinent agency (most likely the military) or foreign entity, depending on the situation. (ts/{_ ] _In addition, I have reviewed the CIA contract with|___ aM (b)(1) mn, an provide services related to rendition, detenti interrogation. For the reasons set forth below, I am (b)(1) (b)(3) ordering that [ Jeontract be terminated. As a result (by(1) of this action, all contracts for interrogation will be (p)(1) eliminated. (b)(3) (oy(1) «rs/) as formed in F¥2005 by (b\(1) independent contractors for CIA since 2002 provided interrogation services, security teams for renditions, facilities, training, and other ervices. Since 2002, CIA has paid | ] (b)(1) C la total of approximately $81 million for services and security costs related to rendition, detention, and (b)(1) interrogation. (ox) oy") crs7f "| On 30 January 392009, before I became Director, Agency Officials informed) [that the Agency (b\(1) would exercise its fourth and final option year under the contract related to rendition, detention, and interrogation, running from March 2009-March 2010. However, given that the Agency would not be engaging in interrogation or operating blacksites,| _|was advised that (b)(1) the contract would be reduced in scope to include only payment for up to security officers | (oy) 3 —— (oy) AR SECRETS. /NOFORN (b)(3) Approved for Release: 2015/07/14 06234822C06234822 CSoremgnd ARBBREN : Approved for Release: 2015/07/14 606234822 py The Honorable Dianne Feinstein (b)(1) L L a | Recordingly, T ordered that [contract be terminated. (ts/) | There are some risks to this decision. Terminating Ehis Contract will mean that additional individuals will learn the site locations. I am also aware that CIA will still be required to pay termination settlement costs, which we are still estimating. T weighed these risks and determined that saving more than $4 million is in the best interests of the Agency and the taxpayers. (rs/| I recognize that there is continuing (by(1) media and Congressional interest in reviewing past (y(3) rendition, detention, and interrogation activities that took place dating back to 2002. Although our present policies in these areas have changed with the new Administration, we are cooperating with those reviews. As we do so, I want to make clear that, under my direction, CIA is staying focused on the mission at hand: to disrupt, destroy, and dismantle al-Qa’ida, which continues to plot attacks against us. We will operate pursuant to the President’s Executive Order, and we are’ fully confident = (o)(1) nop srcret/| |/NOBORN b\(3) Approved for Release: 2015/07/14 C06234822 xe)C06234822 — ‘Approved for Release: 2016/07/14 06234822 erg} The Honorable Dianne Feinstein that we can protect the nation and abide by the law at the same time. The men and women of CIA respect the rule of law. I strongly believe that officers who act today--or acted in the past--upon Justice Department guidance should not be investigated, let alone punished. I view our mission as too important and our people too vital to distract them from serving as the nation’s first line of defense (U) An origindl of this letter is being sent to the Chairman and Vice Chairman of SSCI, the Chairman and Ranking Member of HPSCI, SAC-D, and HAC-D to be shared with the Members of their committees. Sincerely, E. Panetta 5 (01) map cncnens) bmoroan (b)(3) Approved for Release: 2015/07/14 C06234822C06234822 Approved for Release! 2015/07/14 CO6234822 ‘THE DIRECTOR CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY WASHINGTON, D.C. 20505 8 April 2009 The Honorable Christopher S. Bond Vice Chairman Select Committee on Intelligence United States Senate Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Mr. Vice Chairman: (rs/] Since assuming.the job of Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), I have received several inquiries from the Intelligence Committees regarding CIA's current policies on detention, interrogation, and rendition. In particular, I have been asked about a particular contract for services related to the two remaining CIA detention facilities. This letter sets forth my views on these matters. (rs/. __ | c¥a is strictly adhering to the President's Executive Order of 22 January 2009 concerning detention and interrogation. At the same time, we remain vigilant in our efforts to disrupt terrorist networks and to debrief detainees who may possess actionable intelligence on terrorist plots. What this means in practice is as follows: 1. CIA officers participate in debriefing detainees who.are in the custody of our liaison partners or the U.S. military overseas. Our debriefers are subject-matter experts who question detainees to elicit intelligence. These officers utilize a dialogue style of questioning that is fully compatible with interrogation approaches authorized and listed in the Army Field Manual. As before, strict internal Agency policies govern these debriefings. J top secrer/| }/nozoRN Approved for Release: 2015/07/14 C06234822 (b)(1) (b)(3) (b)(1) (b)(3) (b)(1) (b)(3)606234822 Approved for Release: 2016/07/14 606234822 eu (b) The Honorable Christopher S. Bond | CIa’s officers are required (b)(1) to report. promptly any inappropriate conduct or allegations of abuse they observe or hear during these debriefings and must cease their participation if they become aware of such abuses. 2. Under the Executive Order, the CIA does not employ the Enhanced Interrogation Techniques that were authorized by the Department of Justice (DOJ) from 2002 to 2009. All questioning is conducted consistent with the Army Field Manual. 3. No CIA contractors are authorized to conduct interrogations. 4.. CIA.no longer operates detention facilities or blacksites. [= —=—SSO*=C“=~<“<‘; (1) mop sEcRET/| /wororn (b\(3) Approved for Release: 2015/07/14 C06234822C06234822 b , Approved for Release: 2015/07/14 C06234822 (p)(1) (b)(3) The Honorable John Murtha (b)(1) debriefings. CIA’s officers are required to report promptly any inappropriate conduct oF allegations of abuse they observe or hear during these debriefings and must cease their participation if they become aware of such abuses. 2. Under the Executive Order, the CIA does not employ the Enhanced Interrogation Techniques that were authorized by the Department of Justice (DOJ) from 2002 to 2009. All questioning is conducted consistent with the Army Field Manual. 3. No CIA contractors are authorized to conduct interrogations. 4. CIA ng longer operates detention facilities or blacksites. (b)(1) 5. CIA retains the authority to engage in renditions. None have occurred since I became Director. A decision to conduct a rendition will be made on a case-by-case basis. As I indicated in my confirmation testimony, renditions are an important tool for bringing terror suspects to countries of jurisdiction for questioning. 2 — (b)(1) rap. cerern/| — Lworory (b)(3) Approved for Release: 2015/07/14 C06234822C06234822 f | Approved for Release: 2015/07/14 C06234822 Be The Honorable John Murtha 6. Under the Executive Order, CIA has authority to detain individuals on a short-term, transitory. basis. CIA has not yet had to employ this authority. If such a case were to arise, we would promptly seek policy quidance from the NSC and the Department of Justice. We anticipate that we would quickly turn over any person in our custody to another U.S. Government (01) agency (most likely the military) or foreign entity, (53) depending on the situation. (ts] |_1n addition, I have reviewed the CIA contract with| to (oy(1) provide services related to rendition, detention, and interrogation. For the reasons set forth below, I am ordering that contract be terminated. As a result (by(1) of this action, all contracts for interrogation will be (bX1) eliminated. (b\(3) cs/| | Gor formed in FY2005 by (by(1) — independent contractors for CIA (o)(t) since 2002. | |provided interrogation services, security teams for renditions, facilities, training, and other services. Since 2002, CIA has paid - | (byt) Ja total of approximately $81 million for services and Security costs related to rendition, detention, and * —(b)(1) interrogation. (b)(3) (rs/{ On 30.January 30 2009, before I became Director, Agency officials informed| that the Agency (by(1) would exercise its fourth and final option year under the contract related to rendition, detention, and interrogation, running from March 2009-March 2010 However, given that the Agency would not be engaging in interrogation or operating blacksites, lwas advised that (by(14) the contract would be reduced in scope to include only payment for up to| |security officers (b)(1) e (b)(1) map secrets] (b)(3) Approved for Release: 2018/07/14 R822606234622 Approved for Release: 2015/07/14 C06234822 ie The Honorable John Murtha (b)\1) Accordingly, I ordered that contract be terminate: (ts/ There are some risks to this decision. (1) Terminating this contract will mean that additional (3) individuals will learn the site locations. I am also aware that CIA will still be required to pay termination settlement costs, which we are still estimating. I weighed these risks and determined that saving more than $4 million is in the best interests of the Agency and the taxpayers. (rs/| I recognize that there is continuing (b)(1) media and Congressional interest in reviewing past (b)(3) rendition, detention, and interrogation activities that took place dating back to 2002. Although our present policies in these areas have changed with the new Administration, we are cooperating with those reviews. we do so, I want to make clear that, under my direction, CIA is staying focused on the mission at hand: to disrupt, destroy, and dismantle al-Qa’ida,.which continues to plot We will operate pursuant to the As attacks against us. (b)(1) (b\(3) 4 ane crane | orory, Approved for Release: 2015/07/14 C08234822C06234822 ‘Approved for Release: 2015/07/14 006234822 a The Honorable John Murtha President’s Executive Order, and we are fully confident that we can protect the nation and abide by the law at the same time. The men and women 6f CIA respect the rule of law. I strongly believe that officers who act today--or acted in the past--upon Justice Department guidance should not be investigated, let alone punished, I view our mission as too important and our people too vital to distract them from serving as the nation’s first line of defense. (U} An original of this letter is being sent to the Chairman and Vice Chairman of SSCI, the Chairman and Ranking Member of HPSCI, SAC-D, and HAC-D to be shared with the Members of their committees. Sincerely, E. Panetta (byt) TOP SECRET/| |;vororn (b)(3) Approved for Release: 2015/07/14 C0623482206234822 S 306234632 Approved for Release: 2015/07/14 C06234822 (by(3) THE DIRECTOR CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY WASHINGTON, D.C. 20505 8 April 2009 The Honorable C. W. Young Ranking Member Subcommittee on Defense Committee on Appropriations U.S. House of Representatives Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Mr. Young: (TS/, Since assuming the job of Director of (b)(1) the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), I have received (b)X3) several inquiries from the Intelligence Committees regarding CIA’s current policies on detention, interrogation, and rendition. In particular, I have been asked about a particular contract for services related to the two remaining CIA detention facilities. This letter sets forth my views on these matters. (s/| | cra is strictiy adhering to the (b)(1) President’S Executive Order of 22 January’ 2009 concerning (b)(3) detention and interrogation. At the same time, we remain vigilant in our efforts to disrupt terrorist networks and to debrief detainees who may possess actionable intelligence on terrorist. plots. What this means in practice is as follows: 1. CTIA officers participate in debriefing detainees who are in the custody of our liaison partners or the U.S. military overseas. Our debriefers are subject-matter experts who question detainees to elicit intelligence. These officers utilize a dialogue style of questioning that is fully compatible with interrogation approaches authorized and listed in the Army Field Manual. As before, strict internal Agency policies govern these (by(3) - (b)(1) . TOP SECRET / buoroay (b\(3) Approved for Release: 2015/07/14 C06234822€06234822 Approved for Rélease: 2015/07/14 06234822 The Honorable C. W. Young debrietings. __] Cia’s officers are required — “go report promptly any inappropriate conduct or allegations of abuse they observe or hear during these debriefings and must cease their participation if they become aware of such abuses. 2. Under the Executive Order, the CIA does not employ the Enhanced Interrogation Techniques that were authorized by the Department of Justice (DOJ) from 2002 to 2009. All questioning is conducted consistent with the Army Field Manual. 3, No CIA contractors are authorized to conduct interrogations. 4. CIA no longer operates detention facilities or blacksites. [AT §. CIA retains the authority to engage in renditions. None have occurred since I became Director. A decision to conduct a rendition will be made on a case-by-case basis.’ As I indicated in my confirmation testimony, renditions are an important tool for bringing terror suspects to countries of jurisdiction for questioning. rop_sEcReT/ Jnororn Approved for Release: 2015/07/14 C06234822 (b)(1) (b)(3) (b)(1) (b)(1) (b)(1) (b)(3)C06234822 payment for up to| |security officers Approved Tor Relsase’ 2015107/14 COBSS48ES The Honorable C. W. Young 6. Under the Executive Order, CIA has authority to detain individuals on a short-term, transitory basis. CIA has not yet had to employ this authority. If such a case were to arise, we would promptly seek policy guidance from the NSC and the Department of Justice. We anticipate that we would quickly turn over any person in our custody to another U.S. Government agency (most likely the military) or foreign entity, depending on the situation. (b)(8) crs/[ _ |_1n addition, T have reviewed the CIA contract with 4 | to provide services’ related to rendition, detention, and interrogation. For the reasons set forth below, I am ordering that contract be terminated. As a result of this action, all contracts for interrogation will be (b)(1) eliminated. (b)(3) (rs/ | {"|was formed in FY2005 by independent contractors for CIA since 2002. Fovided interrogation services, security teams for renditions, facilities, training, and other services. Since 2002, CIA has paid ] total of approximately $81 million for services and (1) Security costs related to rendition, detention, and (oy) interrogation. «rs/| On 30 January 30 2009, before I became Director, Agency officials informed| _|that the Agency would exercise its fourth and final option year under the contract related to rendition, detention, and interrogation, running from March 2009-March 2010. However, given that the Agency would not be engaging in interrogation or operating blacksites, ] was advised that the contract would be reduced in scope to include only TOP SECRET. /NOFORN Approved for Release: 2015/07/14 C06234822 (b)(1) (b)(3) (b)(1) (b)(1) (b)(4) (b)(1) (b)(1) (b)(1) (p)(1) (b)(1) (b)(1) (b)(3)06234822 Tescrmess 06 3 Approved for Release: 2015/07/14 C06234822 a The Honorable C. W. Young - 1}. (ot) ___| Accordingly, I ordered that lcontract be terminated. (Ts/) There are some risks to this decision. (b)(1) ‘Terminating this Contract will mean that additional (b)(3), individuals will learn the site locations. I am also aware that CIA will still be required to pay termination settlement costs, which we are still estimating. I weighed these risks and determined that saving more than $4 million is in the best interests of the Agency and the taxpayers. (Ts/ I recognize that there is continuing (b\1) media and CongresSional interest in reviewing past ()(3) rendition, detention, and interrogation activities that took place dating back to 2002. Although our present policies in these areas have changed with the new Administration, we are cooperating with those reviews. As we do so, I want to make clear that, under my direction, CIA is staying focused on the mission at hand: to disrupt, destroy, and dismantle 21-Qa’ida,. which continues to plot attacks against us. We will operate pursuant to the (b)(1) TOP .SECRET/ bwororn (b)(3) Approved for Release: 2015/07/14 C06234822C06234822 a9 te qnnn oh Approved for Release: 2015/07/14 CO6234822 a (03) ‘The Honorable C: W. Young Bresident’s Executive Order, and we are fully confident that we can protect the nation and abide by the law at the same time. The men and women of CIA respect the rule of law. I strongly believe that officers who act today--or acted in the past--upon Justice Department guidance should not be investigated, let alone punished. I view our mission as too important and our people too vital to distract them from serving as the nation’s first line of defense. (U) An original of this letter is being ‘sent to the Chairman and Vice Chairman of SSCI, the Chairman and Ranking Member of HPSCI, SAC-D, and HAC-D to be shared with the Members of their committees. Sincerely, ME. Panetta (b)(1) TOP SFORET/ hororn (08) Approved for Release: 2018/07/14 C062348223 -ize{aea Approved for Release, 2015/07/14 cos2s4822 a THE DIRECTOR CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY WASHINGTON, DC. 20505 8 April 2009 The Honorable Daniel Inouye Chairman Subcommittee on Defense Committee on Appropriations United States Senate Washington, D. C. 20515 Dear Mr. Chairman: (r8/ ] sincé assuming thé)job of Director of (by(1) the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), I have received (b)(3) several inquiries from the Intelligence Committees regarding CIA’s current policies on detention, interrogation, and rendition. In particular, I have been asked about a particular contract for services related to the two remaining. CIA detention facilities. This letter sets forth my, views on these matters. (78/) CIA is strictly adhering to the (byt) president's Exécltive Order of 22 January 2009 concerning (b)(3) detention and interrogation. At the same time, we remain vigilant in our efforts to disrupt terrorist networks and to debrief detainees who may possess actionable intelligence on terforist plots. What this means in practice is as follows: 1. CIA officers participate in debriefing detainees who are in the custody of our liaison partners or the U.S. military overseas. Our debriefers are subject-matter experts who question detainees to elicit intelligence. These officers utilize a dialogue style of questioning that is fully compatible with interrogation approaches authorized and listed in the Army Field. Manual. As before, strict internal Agency policies govern these (b)(3) - (b)(1) mop srcren horoRw (oy3) Approved for Release: 2015/07/14 C06234822 mR06234822 inne oncinom sf Lanenois (by(1) . Approved for Release: 2015/07/14 C06234822 (b\(3) The Honorable Daniel Inouye ee (oy) debriefings. - _ __] CIA’s Officers are required to report promptly any inappropriate conduct or allegations of abuse they observe or hear during these debriefings and must cease their participation if they become aware of such abuses. 2. Under the Executive Order, the CIA does not employ the Enhanced Interrogation Techniques that were authorized by the Department of Justice (DOJ) from 2002 to 2009. All questioning is conducted consistent with the Army Field Manual. 3. No CIA contractors are authorized to conduct interrogations. 4. ‘CIA no longer operates detention facilities or blacksites. a J 5. CIA retains the authority to engage in renditions. None have occurred since I became Director.. A decision to conduct a rendition will be made on a case-by-case basis. As I indicated in my confirmation testimony, renditions are an important tool for bringing terror suspects to countries of jurisdiction for questioning. (b)(1) TOP SECRET/) |NoroRN (b)(3) Approved for Release: 2015/07/14 C06234822(b)(1) €06234822 —— _[ Teexameres . Approved for Release: 2015/07/14 C06234822 ' (b)(3) The Honorable Daniel Inouye 6. Under the Executive Order, CIA has authority to detain individuals on a short-term, transitory basis. CIA has not yet had to employ this authority. If such a case were to. arise, we would promptly seek policy guidance from the NSC and the Department of Justice. We anticipate that we would quickly turn over any person ‘in our custody to another U.S. Government agency (most likely the military) or foreign entity(b)(1) depending. on the situation. (by(3) (rs/[__ In addition, I have reviewed the CIA contract with = «dito (b)(1) provide services related to rendition, detention, and interrogation. For the reasons set forth below, I am ordering that |contract be terminated. As a result (x1) Of this action, all contracts for interrogation will be (b)(1) eliminated. (by(3) crs/I [was formed in FY2005 by (oy) - independent contractors for CIA since 2002. | __|provided interrogation services, security (ext) teams for renditions, facilities, training, and othér _ _services. Since 2002, CIA has paid | _] "Ja total of approximately $81 million for services and security costs related to rendition, detention, and (bX1) interrogation. (by) (by(1) +; (ts// on 30 January 30 2009, before I became Director, Agency officials informed| _|that the Agency (ey) would exercise its fourth and final option year under the contract related to rendition, detention, and interrogation, running from March 2009-March 2010. However, given that the Agency would not be engaging in interrogation or ‘operating blacksites, | _|was advised that (b)(1) the contract wo! reduced in scope to include only ent for up to| | security officers (by) (1) mop secret/| VwozoRn (63) Approved for Release: 2015/07/14 C06234822©06234822 J Derasecens Approved for Release: 2015/07/14 CU@234822 oO) The Honorable Daniel Inouye (by) I ————} necoranngiy; 1 orgeres tee lcontract be terminated. (1s/, There are some risks to this decision. (o\1) Terminating this contract will mean that additional (b)(3) individuals will learn the site locations. I am also aware that CIA will still be required to pay termination settlement costs, which we are still estimating. I weighed these risks and determined that saving more than $4 million is in the best interests of the Agency and the taxpayers. (rs/[_ 1 recognize that there is continuing (0x1) media and Congressional interest in reviewing past (by) rendition, detention, and interrogation activities that took piace dating back to 2002. Although our present policies in these areas have changed with the new Administration, we are cooperating with those reviews. we do so, T want to make clear that, under my direction, CIA is staying focused on the mission at hand: to disrupt, destroy, and dismantle al-Qa’ ida, .which continues to plot attacks against us. We will operate pursuant to the As I 1 (b)(1) TAP SECRET / \/NOFORN (b)(3) Approved for Release: 2015/07/14 C06234822C06234822 a ee Approved for Release: 2015/07/14 CO6254822 . a ‘the Honorable Daniel Inouye President's Executive Order, and we are fully confident that we can protect the nation and abide by the law at the same time. The men and women of CIA respect the rule of law. I strongly believe that officers who act today--or acted in the past--upon Justice Department guidance should not be investigated, let alone punished. I view our mission as too important and our people too vital to distract them from serving as the nation’s first line of defense. (u) An original of this letter is being sent to the chairman and Vice Chairman of SSCI, the Chairman and Ranking Member of HPSCI, SAC-D, ahd HAC-D to be shared with the Members of their committees. Sincerely, ®. Panetta 5 - (ox) TOP SECRET/ \wozorn (b)(3) Approved for Release: 2015/07/14 C06234822C06234822 mae, seaace “Laranonn Approved for Release: 2015/07/14 CO6254822 THE DIRECTOR CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY WASHINGTON, D.C. 20505 8 April 20 The Honorable Thad Cochran Ranking Member Subcommittee on Defense Committee on Appropriations United States Senate Washington, D. C. 20515 Dear Senator Cochran: (Ts/, | since assuming the job of Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), I have received several inquiries from the Intelligence Committees regarding CIA’s current policies on detention, interrogation, and rendition. In particular, I have been asked about a particular contract for services related to the two remaining CIA detention facilities. This letter sets forth my views on these matters. cs/|____| CIA is strictly adhering to the President’s Executive Order of 22 January 2009 concerning detention and interrogation. At the same time, we remain vigilant in our efforts to disrupt terrorist networks and to debrief detainees who may possess actionable intelligence on terrorist plots. What this means in practice is as follows: 1. CIA officers participate in debriefing detainees who are in the custody of our liaison partners or the U.S, military overseas. Our debriefers are subject-matter experts who question detainees to elicit intelligence. These officers utilize a dialogue style of questioning that is fully compatible with interrogation approaches authorized and listed in the Army Field Manual. As before, strict internal Agency policies govern these TOP SECRET/ Jororn Approved for Release: 2015/07/14 C06234822 (b)(1) (b\(3) (b)(1) (b)(3) (b)(1) (b)(3) (b)(3) (b)(1) (b)(3)— €06234822 Le) = Approved for Release: 2015/07/14 606234822 The Honorable Thad Cochran debriefings. (by(1) CIA’s officers are required to report promptly any inappropriate conduct or allegations of abuse they observe or hear during these debriefings and must cease their participation if they become aware.of such abuses. 2. Under the Executive Order, the CIA does not employ the Enhanced Interrogation Techniques that were authorized by the Department of Justice (DOJ) froin 2002 to 2009. All questioning is conducted consistent with the Army Field Manual. 3. No CIA contractors are authorized to conduct interrogations. 4. CIA.no longer operates detention facilities or _ blacksites. (b)(1) 5. CIA retains the authority to engage in renditions. None have occurred since I became ‘ Director. A decision to conduct a rendition will be made on a case-by-case basis.’ As I indicated in my confirmation testimony, renditions’ are an important tool for bringing terror suspects to countries of jurisdiction for questioning. 2 (b)(1) (b)(3) cop sreaen/ VNOFORN Approved for Release: 2015/07/14 C06234822C06234822 l i Approved for Release: 2015/07/14 C06: The Honorable Thad Cochran 6. Under the Executive Order, CIA has authority to detain individuals on @ short-term, transitory basis. CIA has not yet had to employ this authority. If such a case were to arise, we would promptly seek policy guidance from the NSC and the, Department of Justice. We anticipate that we would quickly turn over any person in our custody to another U.S. Government agency (most likely the military) or foreign entity, (l(t) depending on the situation. (bs) (Ts/ In addition, 1 have reviewed the CIA contract with[ to provide services related to rendition, detention, and interrogation ordering that of this action, For the reasons set forth below, I am contract be terminated. As a result all contracts for interrogation will be (b)(1) eliminated. (b)(3) (ts, ["Jwas formed in F¥2005 by ~ | independent contractors for CIA since 2002. |provided interrogation services, security teams for renditions, facilities, training, and other ices. Since 2002, CIA has paid ja total of approximately $81 million for services and 4), Séurity costs related to rendition, detention, and Pt interrogation. (b)(3) (ts/] on 30 January 302009, before I became Director, Agency officials informed| |that the Agency would exercise its fourth and final option year under the contract related to rendition, detention, and interrogation, running from March 2009-March 2010. However, given that the Agency would not be engaging in interrogation or operating blacksites, was advised that the contract would be reduced in scope to include yment for up to| _ }ecurity officers only mae crceen/| ywororn Approved for Release: 2015/07/14 C06234822 (b)(1) (b)(3) (b)(1) (b)(1) (b)(1) (b)(1) (b)(1) (b)(1) (b)(1) (b)(1) (b)(1) (b)(3)06234822 Approved for Release:'2015/07/14 606234822 oe The Honorable Thad Cochran — ~~} Recordingly, T ordered that jeontract be terminated. (ts/|_ There are some risks to this decision. Terminating this Contract will mean that additional individuals will learn the site locations. I am also aware that CIA will still be required to pay termination settlement costs, which we are still estimating. I weighed these risks and determined that saving more than $4 million is in the best interests of the Agency and the taxpayers. (ts/ I recognize that there is continuing media and Congressional interest. in reviewing past rendition, detention, and interrogation activities that took place dating back to 2002. Although our present policies in these areas have changed with the new Administration, we are cooperating with those reviews. we do so, I want to make clear that, under my direction, CIA is staying focused on the mission at hand: to disrupt, destroy, and dismantle al-Qa’ ida, which continues to plot attacks against us. We will operate pursuant to the As 4 Approved for Reloase: 2016/07/14 CU6234622 (b)1) (by(3) (b)(1) (b)(1) (b)(3) (b)(1) (b\(3) (b)(1) (b)(3)C06234822 Approved for Release: porsiorina 06234822 (by ! The Honorable Thad Cochran President’s Executive Order, and we are fully confident that we can protect the nation and abide by the law at the same time. The men and women of CIA respect the.rule of law. I strongly believe that officers who act today--or acted in the past--upon Justice Department guidance should not be investigated, let alone punished. I view our mission as too important and our people too vital to distract them from serving as the nation’s first line of defense. (U) An original of this letter is being sent to the Chairman and Vice Chairman of SSCI, the Chairman and Ranking Member of HPSCI, SAC-D, and HAC~D to be shared with the Members of their committees. Sincerely, E. Panetta 5 (01) 5 (b)(3) Approved for Reiease: 2015/07/14 C06234622