In a formerly SECRET “Dos and Don’ts” regulation for historical officers, Agency suggested “unflattering statements” be avoided

An undated regulation uncovered in the Central Intelligence Agency archives, formerly classified SECRET, appears to outline the “Dos and Don’ts” for Agency historians. While most of the consideration goes into avoiding exposing the identities of undercover agents …

and acknowledging the inherent difficulties therein …

one surprising paragraph instructs historical officers to avoid “embarrassing incidents” or “unflattering statements” unless absolutely necessary.

If an “embarrassing incident” is too critical to omit, then it must be treated in “the most objective language possible.” Which help explains why the Agency historian went to such lengths to suss out what kind of champagne was used by █████ for bathing.

The full “Do’s and Don’ts” is embedded below.

Image via CIA Flickr