ABSTRACT
The intelligence function adapts itself to changing conceptions of policy and to innovations in the procedures by which facts are gathered, analysed, and presented. A canvass of the existing literature reveals that very little systematic and unified treatment has been given to the intelligence function except in limited spheres, notably in relation to military policy. Each public policy calls for two types of intelligence: ideological and technical. By ideological intelligence is meant facts about the thoughts, feelings, and conduct of human beings. Other facts are technical. It makes no difference whether the policy goal is phrased in ideological or technical terms; both kinds of information are involved in any complete consideration of goals or alternatives. What the intelligence function can contribute to policy may be exemplified in certain simple instances on different policy fronts. The contributions can be summed up in three points: intelligence can clarify goals, clarify alternatives, and provide needed knowledge.
