CIA MKUltra Subproject 100: Soil Microorganism Research
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PROJECT MKULTRA, Subproject 100. Date Initiated: 1 December 1959. Date Expires: 30 November 1961. Funds — current year: $30,000. PURPOSE: To provide for investigations into soil microorganisms and methods by which maximum information can be obtained from soil samples. To provide for analysis of soil and other material related to the CW/BW (chemical warfare / biological warfare) activities detection program and evaluation and interpretation of the resultant data. STATUS: This is a continuing project. The preliminary phases have been completed. Data providing baseline microbiological information for certain specific CW/BW activity situations has been obtained and is currently being evaluated. Baselines are being extended and enlarged to obtain greater depth to improve interpretation accuracy. MEMORANDUM FOR THE RECORD (DRAFT), 2 January 1964 — Subject: MKULTRA, Subproject 100. Under the authority granted in the memorandum dated 13 April 1953 from the DCI to the DD/A, and extensions of that authority, Subproject 100 has been approved, and $49,201.40 of the overall Project MKULTRA funds have been obligated to cover the subproject's expenses. The [university] will function as cutout and cover for this grant. The principal investigator and his associates are cleared through SECRET and are aware of the true purpose of the program. Monitored by TSD/Biological Branch. Cost for the coming year: $47,309.00 plus a 4 percent service charge of $1,892.40, total $49,201.40.
Frequently Asked Questions
It was a CIA MKUltra subproject, initiated 1 December 1959 and running through 1961, that funded research into soil microorganisms and methods for extracting maximum information from soil samples — described as an important link in detecting chemical- and biological-warfare (CW/BW) activity.
CIA accounting records show $49,201.40 of overall MKUltra funds were obligated for the subproject.
An unnamed university acted as 'cutout' and cover for the grant. The principal investigator and associates were cleared at the SECRET level and 'aware of the true purpose' of the work, which was monitored by the Technical Services Division's Biological Branch.
It shows how MKUltra funneled money to academic researchers through cover arrangements, and that the program reached beyond drugs and behavior into chemical- and biological-warfare detection science.