ISCAP Appeal for the Year 2016, File Number 6
A memorandum dated May 20, 1991, originally classified as Secret under Executive Order (E.O.) 13526, has had its classification reaffirmed in 2024. The document, housed at the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library, is classified under sections § 3.3(b)(1) and § 3.3(b)(6) of E.O. 13526, also known as 25X1 and 25X6 respectively.
The Secret classification of this memorandum signifies that the unauthorized disclosure could reasonably be expected to cause serious damage to national security. The nature of the classification is rooted in the protection of information that would reveal intelligence activities, sources, methods, or cryptology, as well as foreign relations or foreign activities of the United States, including confidential sources.
Section 3.3(b)(1) pertains to the protection of intelligence activities, sources, methods, or cryptology. The memorandum likely contains sensitive details related to intelligence operations, the identity or methods involving sources, or other cryptologic information which requires protection to avoid compromising ongoing or past intelligence work.
Section 3.3(b)(6) refers to the protection of information related to foreign relations or foreign activities of the United States, including confidential sources. The memorandum probably involves diplomatic or foreign policy-sensitive content—such as confidential communications or assessments—that if disclosed could damage U.S. relationships or jeopardize sources abroad.
The reaffirmation of the classification in 2024 underscores that, even decades later, the sensitive nature of the memorandum remains valid. The protected intelligence and foreign relations information continue to require safeguarding because disclosure could still cause serious damage to U.S. national security interests. The intelligence methods or sources referenced may still be relevant or connected to ongoing operations, and the foreign relations sensitivities remain pertinent, possibly due to enduring diplomatic concerns or the status of involved parties.
The document, consisting of two pages, is part of ISCAP Appeal No. 2016-016, Document No. 6. The ISCAP Declassification Decision affirmed the document's classification in its entirety, with the agency tracking number LP-GB 2005-0378-MR, Doc 529, and a decision date of Feb. 12, 2024. For inquiries, contact the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library at [email protected].
- The Secret classification of the memorandum dated May 20, 1991, highlights the potential impact of unauthorized disclosure on both finance and business, as it could seriously damage national security by compromising intelligence activities, foreign relations, or sources.
- The reaffirmation of the classification in 2024 emphasizes that protecting the intelligence and foreign relations information in the memorandum is crucial, as it relates to continuing or past intelligence work, U.S. relationships, and sensitive diplomatic or foreign policy matters—elements that can significantly influence the financial and commercial landscape.
