MK ULTRA
ASSESSING GOVERNMENT
CREDIBILITY
GROUP MEMBERS
1. Prasiddh Bangera
2. Thejas Bhat
3. Manmitha Shetty
4. Ramesh Pai
5. Shirish Mohandas Chadaga
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CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that Master/Miss Prasiddh Bangera,
Thejas Bhat, Manmitha Shetty, Shirish Mohandas Chadaga,
Ramesh Pai has satisfactorily completed his/her minor project in
subject English on the topic MK Ultra – Assessing Government
Credibility during the Academic Year 2023-24.
Date: Signature of Teacher
Signature of External Signature of Principal
Examiner
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Our sincere gratitude goes to our principal, Jessy
Andrews, our English teacher, Sherlyn Sandra Onslow for
entrusting us with the opportunity to delve into the MK-
Ultra project and examine its implications on government
credibility. Their support and encouragement have been
the cornerstone of this research endeavour.
A special thanks to each member of our group for their
collaboration, insights, and contributions, which have
enriched the depth and scope of our exploration.
This project is a result of collective effort, and we
appreciate the guidance that has fuelled our curiosity.
Thank you for empowering us to navigate this thought-
provoking journey.
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INDEX
Serial Number Topic Page Number
1. Why MK-Ultra? 5
2. Action Plan 6-7
3. Intro 8
4. Research 9-19
5. Survey Analysis 20-28
6. Student Reflection 29-31
7. Bibliography 32
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WHY THE TOPIC?
Our decision to focus on MK-Ultra arises from a collective
fascination with its historical enigma and its profound
implications for government credibility. The secretive
nature of the project, coupled with its enduring influence,
captivated our interest.
Beyond the historical intrigue, we are diving into the
ethics of it all—questioning what is right and wrong when
it comes to government actions.
We aim to unravel the ethical intricacies surrounding
MK-Ultra, examining how such covert initiatives shape
public perceptions of government institutions.
Moreover, this topic holds relevance in current discussions
on transparency and accountability, making it a
compelling avenue for our exploration.
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ACTION PLAN
1. Initial Research and Background Understanding:
Conduct in-depth research on MK-Ultra, exploring
historical documents, academic articles, and reputable
sources.
2. Survey Development:
Develop questions that assess awareness of MK-Ultra,
perceptions of government credibility, and opinions on
related ethical issues.
3. Survey Distribution:
Determine your target audience and distribute the survey
utilizing social media to maximize responses.
4. Data Collection and Analysis:
Collect survey responses, organize the data, and identify
trends, patterns, and correlations within the data.
5. Research Paper Drafting:
Assign specific sections to group members based on their
expertise or interest.
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6. Peer Review and Editing:
Implement a peer review process where each team member
reviews and provides constructive feedback on assigned
sections. Collaboratively edit the paper for coherence,
clarity, and adherence to academic standards.
7. Feedback and Reflection:
Collect feedback from peers, teachers, or external reviewers
after completion. Reflect on the entire project, noting
successes, challenges, and areas for improvement.
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Introduction
MK Ultra, a covert venture by the Central Intelligence
Agency (CIA) in mid-20th-century, invites us into a
shadowy realm of classified experiments and ethical
quandaries. This exploration stems not only from
historical intrigue but also from a shared recognition of its
profound impact on government credibility. Known for its
use of mind-altering substances like LSD, MK Ultra
exposes a disconcerting chapter in governmental
experimentation that has captivated our curiosity. Our
inquiry delves into the ethical dimensions, exemplified
tragically by the case of Frank Olson, a civilian scientist
ensnared in MK Ultra's web. As we unravel MK Ultra's
ethical intricacies, we aim to understand how such covert
initiatives shape public perceptions of government
institutions. The use of unethical methods, the exploitation
of unwitting subjects, and the tragic consequences
underscore the need for a critical analysis of MK Ultra's
impact on both history and contemporary discussions on
government ethics. This project, navigating through the
shadows of MK Ultra, endeavours to expose the darkness
of its methods, contributing to a broader understanding of
the ethical dimensions surrounding government secrecy
and experimentation.
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Research Data
Our examination unfolds through a series of
systematically organized subheadings. Each subheading
offers a focused exploration into specific dimensions of this
covert project, presenting a thorough and methodical
analysis.
5.1 Historical Context of MK-Ultra
5.2 Experimental Methods
5.3 Frank Olson Case Study
5.4 Unethical Practices
5.5 The Aftermath
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5.1 Historical Context of MK-Ultra
5.1.1 Overview of MK-Ultra's initiation and historical
timeline:
MK-Ultra's historical context extends to the early 1940s, where
Nazi scientists in Auschwitz and Dachau conducted interrogation
experiments using substances like barbiturates, morphine
derivatives, and hallucinogens. These experiments, seeking a
truth serum to "eliminate the will" of subjects, laid the
foundation for the CIA project. Operation Paperclip, priorly
Operation Overcast, run by the Joint Intelligence Objective
Agency, integrated about 1600 German scientists from the
Osenberg List into U.S. projects, creating continuity.
American interest in drug-related interrogation began in 1943
with the Office of Strategic Services developing a "truth drug."
Project CHATTER, initiated by the U.S. Navy in 1947, involved
the first human testing of LSD-25. In 1950, under General Walter
Bedell Smith, the CIA launched Project Bluebird, later renamed
Project Artichoke in 1951. Directed by Brigadier General Paul F.
Gaynor, Artichoke aimed to make individuals involuntarily
attempt assassination. Morphine, mescaline, and LSD were
administered to CIA agents unknowingly, exploring the potential
for amnesia. Project Artichoke also investigated the use of viruses
like dengue fever as incapacitating agents.
The trajectory from Nazi experiments to U.S. projects
underscores the continuity in research objectives, with MK-Ultra
emerging as an extension of these earlier endeavours.
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5.1.2 Prominent figures instrumental in MK-Ultra's
experiments:
Harold Alexander Abramson: Expertise in mind-altering
substances.
Donald Ewen Cameron: Led experiments on psychic driving and
electroconvulsive therapy.
Sidney Gottlieb: Headed MK-Ultra, overseeing LSD
administration.
Harris Isbell: Focused on hallucinogens, addiction, and
behavioural modification.
Martin Theodore Orne: Specialized in hypnosis and interrogation
techniques.
Louis Jolyon West: Studied psychological effects of hallucinogenic
drugs.
George Hunter White: Operative in real-world LSD experiments
during Operation Midnight Climax.
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5.2 Experimental Methods
5.2.1 Two-Step Approach
Led by Dr. Sidney Gottlieb, MK-Ultra implemented a two-step
method: deleting memory using drugs and inducing new
memories. This approach sought complete control over an
individual's psyche, with experiments extending to high-ranking
officials and ordinary individuals alike.
5.2.2 Drug Administration
The project's early focus was on LSD-25, driven by the CIA's
interest in making Soviet spies defect against their will and vice
versa. The experiments extended to administering LSD to mental
patients, prisoners, drug addicts, and prostitutes — individuals
considered unable to resist. This included a particularly egregious
case of administering LSD to a mental patient in Kentucky for an
astonishing 174 days. Military personnel and even CIA employees
were subjects, often without their knowledge or consent.
Documents obtained under Freedom of Information in 1976
revealed that the CIA even considered purchasing significant
quantities of LSD from Sandoz Laboratories in Switzerland. The
purchase was intended to prevent other countries from
controlling the supply. This procurement confirmed the
clandestine nature of MK-Ultra's drug experimentation.
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5.2.3 Truth Serum Experiments
Beyond LSD, experiments explored various substances to create
involuntary confessions. Military personnel faced the threat of
court-martials if they disclosed the experiments. Some
experiments, such as those with Operation Midnight Climax,
delved into the use of sex workers in a covert setting to obtain
compromising information from unwitting subjects.
5.2.4 Diverse Drug Experiments
MK-Ultra's repertoire expanded to include a variety of drugs
beyond LSD. Intriguingly, the project explored the intravenous
administration of a barbiturate into one arm and an
amphetamine into the other, creating a potent and unpredictable
mix. Other substances included heroin, morphine, temazepam,
mescaline, psilocybin, scopolamine, alcohol, and sodium
pentothal.
5.2.5 Hypnosis
Declassified documents indicate that MK-Ultra studied hypnosis
in the early 1950s, exploring various aspects such as inducing
anxieties, enhancing learning and recall, and understanding the
relationship of personality to susceptibility to hypnosis. The
experimentation extended to drug-induced hypnosis and amnesia,
often with little regard for the subjects' well-being.
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5.3 Frank Olson Case Study
5.3.1 Background
Frank Olson's role in MK-Ultra involved developing methods for
administering drugs via air or chemicals. However, he began to
question the morality of the project, expressing concerns about its
ethical implications. Four days before his death in 1953, Olson
submitted his resignation, signalling his intent to distance himself
from the controversial program.
5.3.2 Suspicious Circumstances
On November 28, 1953, Olson fell to his death from a New York
hotel window. Initially deemed a suicide attributed to work-
related stress, subsequent investigations raised suspicions about
the circumstances surrounding his demise. The official narrative
faced scrutiny, especially after it was revealed that Olson had
applied for resignation.
5.3.3 Discovery of Foul Play
In 1975, as public awareness and concern about MK-Ultra grew,
congressional Church Committee reports and the presidential
Rockefeller Commission revealed that the CIA and the
Department of Defence had conducted experiments on unwitting
and cognizant human subjects, including Olson. The reports
disclosed the use of psychoactive drugs like LSD and implicated
Olson's death as a result of experimentation. Sidney Gottlieb,
head of MK Ultra, claimed limited recollection during interviews
with the committee.
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5.3.4 Apology, Compensation, and Disputes
The CIA acknowledged that the experiments, including those
leading to Olson's death, had little scientific rationale. Olson's
family disputes the official version, contending that Frank Olson
was murdered due to becoming a security risk after his LSD
experience. In 1975, the family received a $750,000 settlement
from the U.S. government, along with apologies from President
Gerald Ford and CIA Director William Colby, limited to
informed consent issues. A 2012 lawsuit against the U.S. federal
government for wrongful death was dismissed in 2013, partly due
to the 1976 settlement
5.3.5 Legacy and Legal Consequences
The Frank Olson case stands as a poignant symbol of the ethical
dilemmas associated with MK-Ultra. His death triggered legal
action, with subjects or survivors filing lawsuits against the
government. While the government sought to avoid legal liability,
compensation was granted through court orders, out-of-court
settlements, or acts of Congress. President Ford and CIA Director
Colby publicly apologized to Olson's family, marking a chapter in
the history of government accountability for unethical
experiments.
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5.4 Unethical Practices
5.4.1 Lack of Informed Consent
One of the most egregious ethical violations was the
administration of mind-altering substances without the
knowledge or informed consent of the subjects. From mental
patients and prisoners to drug addicts and prostitutes, individuals
were targeted precisely because they were deemed unable to resist
or fight back against the experiments.
5.4.2 Prolonged and Covert LSD Administration
Experiments included prolonged administration of LSD to
subjects, such as a mental patient in Kentucky who received LSD
for a staggering 174 days. Covertly, LSD was administered to
CIA employees, military personnel, doctors, government agents,
and members of the public, studying their reactions. Military
personnel were even threatened with court-martials if they
disclosed the experiments.
5.4.3 Threats and Coercion
Subjects, including CIA employees, were coerced into taking
LSD, often under the threat of adverse consequences. In
Operation Midnight Climax, individuals were lured into CIA
safehouses with prostitutes, dosed with LSD, and then observed
without their knowledge. The use of threats and coercion violated
fundamental principles of ethical experimentation.
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5.4.4 Lack of Scientific Rationale
MK-Ultra experiments, particularly those involving LSD, were
conducted with little scientific rationale. The project's head,
Sidney Gottlieb, considered LSD as a potential tool for covert
operations, leading to experiments conducted in "normal"
settings without warning. Surprise LSD trips became an
occupational hazard among CIA operatives.
5.4.5 Experimentation on Vulnerable Populations
The program targeted vulnerable populations, including drug-
addicted African American volunteers subjected to LSD for 77
consecutive days. Unethical experimentation extended to patients
seeking treatment for common issues like anxiety disorders and
postpartum depression, causing permanent harm.
5.4.6 Export of Experiments
MK-Ultra expanded its unethical practices to secret detention
centres in areas under American control, where individuals
deemed "expendable" were subjected to various forms of torture
and experimentation. This allowed the U.S. to avoid criminal
prosecution by conducting experiments in locations outside its
authority.
5.4.7 Violation of Nuremberg Code
The administration of drugs without informed consent directly
violated the Nuremberg Code, a set of ethical principles
established after World War II. The Code emphasized the
importance of voluntary consent and the well-being of subjects,
principles disregarded by MK-Ultra.
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5.5 The Aftermath
Following Sidney Gottlieb's retirement in 1972, where he
dismissed the entire MK Ultra program as useless, revelations
from files discovered in 1977 unveiled that the experiments
continued until July 10, 1972, when Gottlieb ordered the
program's termination. Notably, the destruction of numerous
records added to the challenge of comprehensively understanding
the extent of MK Ultra's experiments.
5.5.1 Government Accountability
Public outrage ensued after the 1975 exposés by the Church
Committee and the Rockefeller Commission, revealing MK
Ultra's unethical experiments on unwitting human subjects. The
destruction of records and the absence of scientific rationale
prompted ethical and legal concerns. While the government
sought to evade legal responsibility, some victims or their
survivors received compensation through court orders,
settlements, or congressional acts.
5.5.2 Contemporary Reflection
MK Ultra's legacy stands as a stark reminder of the ethical
pitfalls in unchecked government experimentation. The
program's revelations sparked discussions on research ethics,
leading to stricter guidelines and oversight to prevent similar
abuses in scientific and government research.
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5.5.3 Influence on Popular Culture
MK Ultra's shadow looms large in popular culture:
Muse's album "The Resistance" features a track titled "MK
Ultra."
The CBC miniseries "The Sleep Room" dramatizes brainwashing
experiments linked to MK Ultra.
"Stranger Things" introduces characters influenced by the MK
Ultra project.
Video games like "Call of Duty: Black Ops" and movies like
"American Ultra" explore MK Ultra themes.
The Netflix docudrama "Wormwood" delves into Frank Olson's
involvement in Project MK Ultra.
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Survey Analysis
Here are the results of the survey we conducted.
The high percentage (75%) of respondents who have not heard of
MK-Ultra suggests a notable gap in public awareness regarding
historical covert government programs. This lack of awareness
could stem from limited public exposure, education, or discussion
about such projects.
Among those who have heard of MK-Ultra, a huge portion
(68.8%) rated their knowledge at level 1, indicating a lack of info.
This reinforces the idea that even among those aware, detailed
knowledge about MK-Ultra is limited.
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A majority of 56.3% expressed uncertainty which may stem from
a lack of awareness or understanding of the specific details of
MK-Ultra and its potential implications.
The 31.3% of affirmative responses may be attributed to concerns
about unethical government practices and the potential misuse of
power.
The higher percentages in the mid-range (options 2, 3, and 4)
imply that a considerable number of respondents are cautious
and do not fully trust the government but also do not completely
dismiss its ethical conduct in secretive projects.
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A substantial portion (50%) of respondents is firmly against the
idea, emphasizing the importance of informed consent and ethical
considerations even in the context of national security while 40%
acknowledge that there might be specific conditions or scenarios
where such experiments could be deemed acceptable, but the
respondents do not universally endorse or reject the idea.
Overall, the responses indicate a spectrum of conditions under
which respondents might find government experiments
acceptable, ranging from ensuring citizens' well-being to extreme
emergency scenarios, public health research, understanding
societal attitudes, and a strong patriotic stance.
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Half of the respondents believe that governments globally engage
in secretive projects like MK-Ultra more frequently than the
public is aware of. This suggests a significant level of scepticism
about the transparency of government activities.
The responses indicate a range of emotions, including strong
negative reactions, measured concerns, indifference, conditional
support, and a prevalent sense of uncertainty.
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While a minority believes that admitting past mistakes enhances
trust, another minority sees the damage as irreversible. The
majority, however, adopts a conditional stance, emphasizing the
importance of the government's current actions and policies in
rebuilding trust.
While a substantial portion views the Indian government's
transparency and ethics similarly to most countries, there are
varying degrees of trust. Some respondents express higher trust,
some lower, and a substantial number are unsure, highlighting
the complexity of perceptions regarding the Indian government's
conduct in comparison to other nations.
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The responses demonstrate a general acknowledgment of the
importance of whistleblowers, with a significant majority
considering them either very or slightly important for ensuring
governmental accountability.
The 62.5% responses suggest that a considerable portion of
respondents are not entirely dismissive of the possibility of events
like MK-Ultra happening in India.
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Overall, most respondents claim no awareness of secretive
operations affecting their trust in governments, while some
provide tangential or unrelated information.
These responses collectively suggest that a huge portion of the
participants would experience a decrease in trust if a close friend
or family member were involved in a government experiment
without their knowledge.
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Common trend includes transparency, accountability, and
communication, while some responses express uncertainty or
scepticism about the possibility of rebuilding trust.
The majority believes in the necessity of an external body to
ensure ethical practices, reflecting a desire for increased
transparency and accountability in such projects.
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Social media comes out to be the most preferred source of
information about government actions and operations in India.
Traditional sources like newspapers and television have lower
reliance, indicating a changing media landscape.
In summary, the survey suggests a prevalent scepticism,
especially among the younger demographic, regarding
government secrecy, experiments, and the potential
impact of controversial events like MK-Ultra on public
trust. The responses emphasize a desire for transparency,
accountability, and a cautious approach to secretive
government initiatives.
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Student Reflection
Prasiddh A Bangera:
Project MK Ultra was a series of experiments related to mind
control. Experiments were conducted on humans without their
knowledge to achieve this goal. Countless lives were destroyed for
no real outcome.
I had an inclination towards this topic because I wanted to see the
impact of politics on people’s lives and if this project had a
positive outcome.
It did not have a positive outcome, but the visions and goals of the
government were clear. Although it was for the country, yet as a
democracy, America failed its people. These actions go on to show
how unjust the government was to the people during the phase,
revealing a darker side never seen before.
Overall, the project was quite interesting. The mystery of the
experiments and the political aspect of the project were
fascinating. Every step was thrilling while uncovering this
mysterious project.
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Thejas Bhat:
“This was a fine experience. Exploring its initiation, methods, and
end, left me speechless. No one deserves to be treated that way.
It felt surreal to uncover the lengths to which institutions would
go in the name of research. The human stories, especially the
Frank Olson case, hit different.
This deep dive into MK Ultra highlighted the dark side of the
government. It is a lesson on why keeping things transparent and
ethical is important in the research game. It most certainly made
me question the line between scientific curiosity and ethical
responsibility.
The cooperation of the team was an essential factor in the
completion of this report, and I appreciate the work that they
have put into this.”
Shirish Mohandas Chadaga:
“This topic is quite a unique one as I was personally horrified as
in how this project is already declassified yet hardly anyone
knows about it. This shows the Government need not implement
censorship directly.
This also made me realise how we should be careful of who we
elect (direct reference to Tale of Melon City).
It also made me realise how we should be always critical of the
elected government.
Power should not be concentrated in certain governmental bodies,
and it should lie within the people of a country.
In the end one should always take note of the minute changes and
if any mishappenings occur, we should not just ignore it and take
it lightly.”
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Manmitha Shetty:
“Working in a group with my classmates improved my
communication skills and helped me build up more confidence in
public speaking. This project has created a sense of awareness in
me about the dark side of government. I have only heard about
human experiments but never knew much about it. However,
after I started to work on this topic. Researching and knowing
more about it made me realize that we cannot trust the
government completely. Some of the articles, we found, examined
subjects that led to varied opinions.
Overall, I absolutely can say that it was great to work as a team
and see my teammates' various opinions.
I am glad that we chose this subject. Indeed, I discovered new
things, and it gave me a clear view about the transparency of the
government.”
Ramesh Pai
“The project MK Ultra has given me a lesson which is, the
government must keep their policies transparent with their
people so that they will not lose their trust in them, and we people
have the right to know the projects which may affect our lives.
In short, the government can run very efficiently when people
cooperate with them, is what I understood from MK Ultra. The
government should solely be for the people’s wellbeing and not
otherwise.”
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Bibliography
wikipedia.org/wiki/MKUltra
cia.gov/readingroom/document/06760269
youtube.com/watch?v=990k-5Jm5aA
cia.gov/readingroom/docs/CIA-RDP83-01042R000800010003-1.pdf
youtube.com/watch?v=DQ9M1J9-77Y
youtube.com/watch?v=AAKYzRQYl7I
history.com/topics/us-government-and-politics/history-of-mk-ultra
granicus.uk/dictionary/government-transparency/#:~:text=Government
%20transparency%20is%20a%20government's,conducting%20business
%20and%20spending%20taxes
intelligence.senate.gov/sites/default/files/hearings/95mkultra.pdf
instagram.com/p/C0nc9pnAXaD/
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