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CIA Memo: Legal Principles Applicable to CIA Detention and Interrogation of Captured Al-Qa'ida Personnel

CIA-OGC | ACLU-RDI 4596

An undated CIA memo arguing that the CIA's interrogation program does not violate the Convention Against Torture, 18 U.S.C. §§ 2340-2340A, or 18 U.S.C. § 2441. Part of the memo relies upon the contention that so long as interrogators act with a good-faith belief that they will not cause "severe physical or mental pain or suffering," they do not violate these principles. According to the memo: "A good faith belief need not be a reasonable belief; it need only be an honest belief." [OLC Vaughn Index #151]