Central Bureau created
April 15, 1942
USAICoE History Office
The Central Bureau was a joint American and Australian organization serving as the cryptologic element for the Southwest Pacific. The Australian unit was the Special Wireless Group, and the American unit was the Signals Intelligence Service.
The CB was set up and commanded by Col. Abraham Sinkov, who had trained and served under William Friedman in the SIS from 1930 to 1936. As described by Sinkov, “the cryptanalytic effort of CB worked closely with the Army Security Agency and produced useful communications intelligence, solved messages, gave information about enemy movements, plans and intentions, capabilities at various island locations, [and] precise sailing schedules of ships carrying troops and supplies.
“This Week in History†is a feature on the Command History Office website.
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