The Office of Scientific Intelligence 1949-68 (Vol - The Black Vault

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to the intelligence process, be it collection or
analysis.
Obviously, the bounds of the latter
concept were almost limitless and well-nigh unman-
ageable in practice. To some extent, however,
both views were implemented, or at least attempts
were made at implementation, in OS1 operations.
The second question, that concerning the cut-
off point in the scope of scientific intelligence,
was of considerable concern to OS1 and to those
producing intelligence on production of military
goods and on military capabilities. Such terms as
"research and development" were too ambiguous to
afford clear-cut .lines of demarcation.
Many
weapons are modified or "developed" throughout
their life history and each modification may involve
a good deal of science and technology --
in other words "research and development".
The
British evolved the notion that scientific intel-
ligence would be concerned with technological develop-
ments through the stage at which a prototype item
is produced, stopping short of the serial production
phase.
For want of something better, OS1 tended
to adopt this concept as well but it was frequeptly
found necessary to bolster the understanding with
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