Project MKULTRA
CIA's covert program of human mind-control experimentation involving LSD, hypnosis, sensory deprivation, and torture (1953–1973).
Overview
Project MKULTRA was the code name for a CIA program of experiments on human subjects, designed to identify and develop drugs and procedures to be used in interrogations to weaken the individual and force confessions. Initiated in 1953 by Director Allen Dulles, it operated through 149 subprojects at universities, hospitals, and prisons across the United States and Canada. CIA Director Richard Helms ordered most files destroyed in 1973. The program came to public attention in 1975 via the Church Committee and Rockefeller Commission.
Timeline
- 1953-04-13MKULTRA authorized by CIA Director Allen Dulles.
- 1957Dr. Ewen Cameron begins 'psychic driving' experiments at McGill (Subproject 68).
- 1973CIA Director Richard Helms orders destruction of MKULTRA files.
- 1975-06Rockefeller Commission Report publicly reveals MKULTRA's existence.
- 1977-08-03Senator Edward Kennedy's Subcommittee holds public hearings after 20,000 documents are released via FOIA.
Evidence on Record
- 01Senate Select Committee on Intelligence transcripts (1977)
- 0220,000+ pages of financial records survived destruction; released via FOIA in 1977
- 03Sworn testimony of CIA Inspector General John Earman (1963)
- 04Memorandum from CIA Inspector General to Director (1963) describing 'manipulation of human behavior'
Theories & Disputes
Some surviving documents reference 'terminal experiments' on unwitting US and Canadian citizens.
Frank Olson's 1953 'suicide' is alleged by his family to have been MKULTRA-related; CIA paid the family $750,000 in 1976.
Researchers including H.P. Albarelli Jr. argue MKULTRA continued under other cryptonyms beyond 1973.