The Interagency Security Classification Appeals Panel (ISCAP) reviewed an appeal regarding the declassification of the 1953 cablegram to the National Security Council (NSC). On July 8, 2024, the ISCAP made the decision to declassify some portions and affirm the classification of other portions, declassify some documents in full and declassify some documents in its entirety. These documents were originally classified CIA memos in the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum in 1953 and filed in the White House Office as National Security Council Staff papers.
The cablegram refers to a classified message often discussing critical information related to foreign policy, military strategy, or potential threats, particularly concerning the ongoing Cold War with the Soviet Union. Document 1 is a memo to Mr. Lay, from Richard Hall and some portions were declassified and the classification of other portions were affirmed. Document 2 is a memo to Robert Amory, Jr. from Everett Gleason and it has been declassified in its entirety. Document 3 is a memo to Mr. Lay from George Weber outlining intelligence material that was received and has been declassified in its entirety. Document 4 is a memo for Executive Secretary of the National Security Council (NSC) from Robert Amory explaining the designation of board assistants and has been declassified in full. Document 5 is a memo to James Lay from James Andrew with a compilation of intelligence directives and has been declassified in full. Document 6 is a memo to James Lay from Huntington P. Sheldon of CIA Publications and has been declassified in full. The released documents can be found on the ISCAP appeals log: https://www.archives.gov/declassification/iscap/pdf/2015-114