Ministry of Truth

WASHINGTON, Nov. 16 - Porter J. Goss, the new intelligence chief, has told Central Intelligence Agency employees that their job is to "support the administration and its policies in our work,'' a copy of an internal memorandum shows.

"As agency employees we do not identify with, support or champion opposition to the administration or its policies," Mr. Goss said in the memorandum, which was circulated late on Monday. He said in the document that he was seeking "to clarify beyond doubt the rules of the road."

While his words could be construed as urging analysts to conform with administration policies, Mr. Goss also wrote, "We provide the intelligence as we see it - and let the facts alone speak to the policymaker.'

"Um, Mr. Goss, sir, could you tell me what to do? I have this report here that says 2+2=4, and I've checked it a few times. But I know the administration's policy, which of course I completely support, don't worry, yessir, is that 2+2="5, or whatever we want it to be". What should I do, sir? I didn't want to make a mistake, sir, (especially since I know those senior guys who tried to give facts as they saw them about Iraq are now unemployed.)"

I'm guessing the leak of this memo may be one of the last gasps of an independent CIA. I don't think there is any way to read this other than "give the White House what they want to see, and shut up about anything else."