Francesco/who-killed-jfk huggingface dataset:
[104-10164-10112.pdf — page 185]
#COUNTRY HaitiSUBJECT Plans of Clemard Joseph Charles, President of the Commercial Bankof Haiti, to Overthrow the Duvalier GovernmentDATE OF INFO. Early May 1967PLACE & DATE ACQ. (9 May 1967)SOURCE: A foreign businessman with wide contact in Port-au-Prince. Sourcereports infrequently, but his information is believed to be reliable.He received the information from a person close to Charles.1. In discussing the possibility of overthrowing the Duvalier Government in the near future, Clemard Joseph Charles, president of the Commercial Bank of Haiti, said he now is ready to initiate his long-planned scheme to seize power with his military and civilian friends in Port-au-Prince, with or without the help of the U.S. Government. If he fails in his efforts to obtain U.S. support for his plan, Charles still intends to go ahead with the plot, but he said the execution of his scheme will take more time. However, Charles believes that it is in the best interest of the U.S. to give him all necessary help in his effort to get rid of President Duvalier who has brought Haiti to the brink of total economic collapse.2. Charles said that he has rifles and hand grenades hidden "somewhere in Haiti" and that through his good friend Lionel Octave Cayard, commander of the Haitian Coast Guard, three Haitian boats, which carry cannons, will be under his control. Cayard cannot furnish enough ammunition for the cannons, but Charles hopes to obtain the necessary amount from the U.S. Government. He would like to get the ammunition from the U.S. aircraft carrier, BOXER, which has been on duty in the Caribbean area for some time.3. Besides Cayard, Charles has the support of an unnamed high-ranking Haitian Army officer. Charles and his military and civilian friends plan to set up a provisional junta and get rid of the "enemies of Haiti," that is, Duvalier and his supporters. After the consolidation of power in the hands of the junta, Charles plans to run for President and is convinced that he can win since he has many supporters in Port-au-Prince as well as the rural areas of Haiti. Charles claims that he "controls" the Catholic and Episcopal clergy, teachers and students, several businessmen, and army militiamen in the rural areas who are waiting for his signal to overthrow the present regime.
[104-10164-10112.pdf — page 186]
S-E-C-R-E-TNO FOREIGN DISSEM/CONTROLLED DISSEM-2-CSDB-312/01423-574. Charles has stated that should he become President of Haiti, he would pursue a pro-U.S. policy, eliminating the Duvalierists and the Communists and establishing a "liberal democratic" regime.5. Charles still is pretending to be a loyal supporter of Duvalier; however, his position has become shaky and he believes that his life is in danger. Ho feels that ho may fall victim to Duvalier unless he (Charles) strikes first. For the time being, Charles will continue to support Duvalier in an effort to allay the President's suspicions. As president of the Haitian Chamber of Commerce, Charles soon will deliver a speech praising the achievements of Duvelier. He is anxious for the U.S. to know that his overtures toward Duvalier are pretense and that he is determined to go into action against the present regime.Headquarters CommentsC8-311/05457-67, from another reliable source, reported that Charles and Herve Boyer, former Minister of Finance under Duvalier, were contending for power in the Haitian. Government.1. In the past several months, Charles has made numerous attempts to elicit support fran several U.S. Government agencies for his plot against the Duvalier Government.2. No reason was given for Charles' belief that it would be in the best interest of the U.S. to support his scheme to overthrow Duvalier. However, he may be referring to his claim that should he become President of Haiti following the overthrow of Duvalier, he intends to pursue a pro-U.S. policy and establish a "liberal democratic" regime.3. Source Comment: Cayard, who enjoys the confidence of Duvalier, is a secret ally of Charles.S-E-C-R-E-TNO FOREION DISSEM/CONTROLLED DISSEN
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# 14-00000# SUJECT: Rev Messages from Clemard J. Charles/Current Haitian Exile Activities in New York City1. On 20 May 1977, Louis A. Ponas, President, B & B International Corporation, New York City, furnished the following information:2. Clemard Joseph Charles, President, Banque Commercial d'Haiti, Port-au-Prince, claims that his military and civilian anti-Duvalier forces are organized in "strong units ready to strike when the time arrives." He also claims to have supporters among Haitian exiles in the US and "on the islands surrounding Haiti."3. Charles reiterated his previous assertion that he will depose Duvalier with or without the help of the US, but he would prefer to make contact with a "US liaison man in Port-au-Prince to speed up things."4. The financial crisis deepens each day. Revenues are falling, and foreign capital continues to stay away. Attempts to sell treasury bonds abroad and attract tourists have utterly failed. In an effort to attract foreign investment, Mr. Auguste, Haiti's former ambassador to the UN and recently appointed ambassador to West Germany, persuaded a businessman from Kuwait (name not given) to have an audience with President Duvalier on 25 May 1967 in order to discuss a business deal. Charles expects to be present on this occasion.5. Duvalier is not well. In addition to diabetes, he has what Charles describes "arteriosclerosis psychosis." He is very much upset by the failure of his son-in-law, the Minister of Tourism, to call Haiti to foreign tourists. He is also disturbed about the recent behavior of his other son-in-law, Lt. Col. Maximilien Dominique. According to Charles, Dominique incurred the presidential wrath by moving out of the palace with his wife and Mrs. Duvalier without Papa Doc's permission. After Duvalier personally brought the party back to the palace, Dominique resigned his palace assignment via his wife. Duvalier angrily refused to accept the letter of resignation from his daughter saying that, "as long as I am the president, people cannot resign -- they are fired."201-857029
[104-10164-10112.pdf — page 188]
MY-461-7Page 26. Charles states that Oracia Jacques, chief of the Presidential Guard, "will be needed in the execution of the plan." He feels that Jacques is no longer blindly loyal to Duvalier and that he can be bought. Once the power is in the hands of a military junta and Charles, Jacques "will be eliminated."7. The banker further states that honest and competent citizens, who are also pro-US, will be brought into the government. Some of the exiles now in the US will be in the government.8. Charles insists that he and his friends are strong enough on the domestic scene to do away with the Duvalier government "sooner or later." His greatest fear is that either Castro or Balaguer might interfere in Haiti's affairs following a coup against Duvalier. He earnestly hopes that the US will neutralise Castro and Balaguer. Charles is convinced that Duvalier and Balaguer are "close friends." He feels that the time has definitely come for the US Government to get in touch with him now in Port-au-Prince. If his wish is granted, he will divulge his plan (names, etc.) to the "liaison man."9. On 19 May 1967, a group of prominent Haitian exiles had a meeting in New York City to celebrate Haitian Flag Day. One of the organizers was Dr. Jeanjille, an M.D., whose brother, a former Minister of Finance, was killed by Duvalier. Another exile in attendance was (fnu) Vixamar, who claims to be a legal adviser to the Republic of Chad. Vixamar, who is described by Brun as a mystic, stated, "I am going to be the next president of Haiti." Brun believes that the group calls itself? National Organization of Haitian Exiles. According to him, some of the members are now backing Charles' presidential aspirations.10. Louis Lévêque, a member of the Economic Planning Board of Haiti, a confidant of Charles', will come to New York City after a few days' stay in Miami, Florida, and Memphis, Tennessee. On 19 May 1967, Lévêque will meet with representatives of the J. G. White Engineering Corporation, 80 Broad Street, NYC, to discuss the port modernization project of Port-au-Prince. According to Brun, Lévêque has "some very important information relative to the Charles' plan."
[104-10164-10112.pdf — page 189]
# 14-00000NY-419-6712 May 1967Case 47,500 (Beupenel)SUBJECT: Additional Information Concerning Plans of Haitian Banker, Clemard Joseph Charles, to Overthrow the Duvalier Government1. Louis A. Brem, 3 and B International Corporation, 1138 Broadway, New York, NY, furnished the following additional information concerning new developments in Haiti and plans of Haitian banker, Clemard Joseph Charles, and his military and civilian associates to overthrow the Duvalier government.2. Colonel Gaillard, Chief of the Haitian Coast Guard, is definitely one of the key military figures on whom Charles pins his hopes. Gaillard is thoroughly disillusioned with Duvalier and is willing to cooperate with Charles. Gaillard fears that if Duvalier remains in power, the economy of the country will be completely ruined and that Haitian exiles now being trained in guerrilla warfare in Cuba may attempt to seize power. As a prosperous dairy farmer, whose wealth is estimated to be approximately US$1 million, Gaillard has a large stake in the future of Haiti. He feels that "patriots such as Charles and himself" must eliminate Duvalier and his henchmen.3. Although Charles did not name Colonel Pierre Louis, officer in charge of the Casernes Dessalines, Port-au-Prince, as a fellow-conspirator, there is reason to believe that Louis knows and approves the plans to overthrow Duvalier. Charles and Louis are good friends; the banker was best man at the wedding of the Colonel's daughter. When the government was unable to pay Louis and his soldiers on time, on several occasions, Charles advanced money so that Louis and some of his trusted associates "could eat."4. Engineer Louis Lereve, a member of the Economic Planning Board of Haiti, is also aware of Charles' plans. Lereve is a respected public figure who has made several trips to the US in an effort to obtain capital for the Haitian economy. He has given up all hope and is convinced that the Duvalier government must be eliminated.
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NY-415-67Page 25.  Charles claims the support of a substantial segment of the clergy, intelligentsia, teachers, and students as well as peasants in the rural areas. As a devout Roman Catholic, he maintains a close relationship with the church authorities and also befriended Msgr. Reane P. Gilles, Msgr. Vamalle's successor at the Nian-Xelles Church's. St. Trinite Cathedral in Port-au-Prince. In addition, he claims to have several important newspapermen on his payroll.6.  Charles is fully aware of the danger confronting him and his fellow-conspirators, but they are determined to "eliminate" Duvalier and his supporters. Bute Charles "controls" Casernes Dessalines through Colonel Louis, and the Coast Guard through Colonel Caillard, he is confident that in the event of a successful coup by a military junta he and his associates will be able to round up the principal supporters of Duvalier. Although 'he tes his man, Captain Preval, of the Presidential Guard, he realizes that higher-ranking officers loyal to Duvalier would cause bloodshed. Charles and his associates expect violence during the initial stages of their coup. No definite date has yet been set for nation, but Charles is convinced that the coup must be carried out "within the next few months" to save the country from economic and political chaos. In any case, Charles and especially his military friends feel that 1967 is the year of decision.7. At present, Charles has no contact with Haitian exile groups. However, initial steps to establish a good relationship with exiles in the US have been taken. In early May 1967, Bria met Lasile Manwarring is president and anti-Duvalier exiles, whose entire family was killed to Duvalier's handalaima. Manwarring agreed to support Charles in case of a final abecum vin ProLiant Duvalier. Moreover, bhe promised to line up some of his fan meties for Charles and his friends. Negotiations between dassa oni America are in progress.8. Dr. Fourvand, an M.D. in Haiti, is no longer trusted by Duvalier. Nor Duvalier and his family have the services of four doctors: Dr. Matark, an orthopedist; Dr. Doversary, another orthopedist; Dr. Suntape, a general practitioner; and Dr. Mart-frutes Dplesi. Arvalier's diosities to irs. Ada Scott Mabu. A male nurse, Tunga Jouds, is entrusted with taking periculis Flood mper toute ur Duvalier. Jouds is well liked by the President, who made him a member of the Bugtalatiiva Camber.
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AK-1(Rest)page 39. Charles is of the opinion that Duvaller is determined to remain in Haiti and face any opposition from inside and outside the country. Although Duvaller is confident that he can rout any inside crisis, he has made a secret agreement with President Joaquin Balaguer of the Dominican Republic. Duvaller asked for and was granted asylum in the Dominican Republic in the event his government is overthrown. The two presidents maintain close liaison through Andre Bliana, a member of the Legislative Chamber in Haiti. Simo, who, according to Charles, is responsible for the murder of several anti-Duvalier persons in the Jacmel area, frequently travels in a jeep with diplomatic license plate between Santo Domingo and Port-au-Prince. Blazon received a diplomatic passport from Duvaller. While on business in Santo Domingo, he stays in the presidential palace.10. It seems that the "battle of the nons-in-loi" has been won by Fouchard, Minister of Tourism. In early May 1967, Duvaller's other son-in-law, Dominique, who is an Army officer, moved out of the presidential palace together with his wife. They took up residence in Port-au-Prince but their independence did not last long. After a few days in their new home, President Duvalier and his bodyguards made a "friendly visit" to the Dominique home and took his daughter and son-in-law back to the presidential palace. Charles believes that Dominique is now virtually a prisoner. He also learned from those close to the palace that Duvaller either will appoint or has already appointed Dominique to a foreign diplomatic post, which amounts to a "golden exile." At the same time Fouchard continues to enjoy Duvaller's full confidence. He is allowed to visit New York City with his wife "to promote Haitian tourism." After an unsuccessful stay in the US, Fouchard flew to Mexico City, where he was also unsuccessful in his bid to attract Mexican tourists; but as a consolation prize, he received a decoration from the Mexican government.11. Charles made the following comments to Blum concerning certain individuals in Haiti:a. Gracia Jacques, in charge of the Presidential Guard. He compromises with him in case of coup; he must be eliminated.b. Lao Savoir, head of Ton Ton Macoute. Must be eliminated.c. Clovis Desinor, Minister of Finance. He is an "anarchist" with presidential aspirations who has some "underground movement in Haiti," to be eliminated.
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Af-linei.Page 44. Gerard Philippemix, Minister of Health. In early May 1907, he was in New York City to seek treatment of a serious brain tumor condition. A very sick man, he no longer has political aspirations.e. General Derari Constant, chief of staff. To be eliminated.f. Thiard, a former ambassador to the US. He is strongly pro-US. Charles hopes to give him a diplomatic post when he is in a position to do so.g. Colonel Jacques Laroche, deputy chief of staff, "a convinced Communist." To be eliminated.12. Charles stated that Dr. Laughlin, a US citizen, an M.D., who lives with his son in Port-au-Prince, is "an undercover agent for Duvalier." As one-time Laughlin was running a tannery for Duvalier; his son is now in charge of an extensive rice plantation.13. If Charles receives no US help against Duvalier, he will act on his own. However, he knows that without US help (ammunition, weapons) it may take several months before he and his friends are ready to strike. During the interim period, he will endeavor to undermine the Duvalier government on the economic front. To be specific, he plans to tell his foreign friends connected with the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank that they must abandon the present regime to complete economic chaos. In addition to furnishing a copy of his memorandum addressed to Duvalier to the US ambassador in Haiti on the wrongdoings of Henri Bislatt, president of the Haitian Tobacco and Match Monopoly, he gave copies to "foreign economists." Charles feels that soon the "economic situation of Haiti is absolutely hopeless" he and his friends will be able to carry out the coup.
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# Case 47,540 (Reopened) New Developments in Plans of Haitian Banker,Chamard Joseph Charles to Cverthrow the Davalier Covermout## NY-419-67Chief, Bew York Field Office(Jibalog/tr)15 May, 1967Director, DCSATT: ORS (Mamalia)Contacts:Louis A. BrunB&B International Corp.New York, F. Y.andEdmond VilaireCommission AgentShipping ServiceBox 916Port-m-Frince, mitiA copy of this memorandum will be furnished to DO/MY.Info contained hersin, is responsive to requirements of ME/H which *Major* Balog received from Ken Ripley. On 12 May 67, in telcon with Ken and his boss, Balog passed on portions of this memo. Thay requested this awee indicating that new info is "vital."Info on stealing of UN funds cames frun Brun's wife, an employee of the UDP in NYC.Brun, who has been a content of the FBI in HTC, on Haitian exile matters, decided not to tell Ms FBI contact about Charles' plans.
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# 14-00000## NY-419-6715 May 1967Case 47,340 (reopened)SUBJECT: New Developments in Plans of Haitian Banker, Cleuard Joseph Charles, to Overthrow the Duvalier Government1. On 11 May 67, Edmond Vilaire, a Haitian national, who operates a 352 ton converted LC as a cargo ship in Port-au-Prince, arrived in New York City. On 12 May 67 in the company of Louis A. Brun, B & B International Corp., New York City, he stated the following. (Letterhead of the Port-au-Prince firm is attached.)2. President Duvalier has just transferred Captain Harry Tassy of the Presidential Guard to a rural post and replaced him with Major Coicou, who happens to be a good friend of Cleuard Joseph Charles. Charles claims that through Coicou, he now has access to arms and ammunition in the basement of the palace and is in a position to carry out a coup "in the near future."3. After an explosion near the palace in mid-April 1967, Duvalier quietly embarked upon a major shake-up in the military and the civil service. He dismissed or transferred a number of Army, Militia, and Ton Ton Macoute officers and civil servants, including those who had previously served in the presidential palace. To date no official announcements have been made concerning these important changes.4. In addition to Captain Tassy, the following officers lost their positions in Port-au-Prince:a. Captain Laroche of the Presidential Guard; transferred to an unknown post outside the capital.b. Major Sony Borges of the Army; Borges, a confident of Duvalier, was in charge of radio propaganda. He used to see the president at least twice a day. Borges was transferred to a town in the northwest region of Haiti.c. Paul Varga of the FMI.
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FY-419-67Page 85.  Veriquis, who was in charge of the TTM in the Pétionville section of Port-au-Prince, was dismissed by Duvalier because the President suspected him of siding with the Dominique clique. Dominique, an Army officer and son-in-law of Duvalier, was offered a military attaché position either in Spain or Italy, which he refused to accept as his wife is reluctant to leave Haiti at this time. This situation is complicated by the decision of Duvalier's wife to side with her daughter. The rift in his own family as well as the attempt of his enemies to disrupt the celebration of his 60th birthday and the 10th anniversary of his taking office prompted Duvalier to remark that the only man he trusts is Gracia Jacques, commander of the Presidential Guard. This statement antagonized even those who have hitherto been loyal to Duvalier. Moreover, even the most faithful Duvalier supporters now fear for their lives. Colonel Caillard, who is in charge of the Coast Guard, bitterly complained to Charles about Duvalier's remark and reassured the banker that he and his friends were ready to set up a military junta.6.  In addition to the Coast Guard ships, Charles would have the use of Vilaire's converted LC, which normally plies "the waters between Jamaica and Port-au-Prince carrying flour, fuel oil, etc. Vilaire is convinced that Charles has no choice but to carry on the coup with or without foreign help and that his chances of success are good since several of the new Duvalier appointees to key military and civilian positions are Charles' friends. Vilaire feels that Charles must act now since the removal of many of the military and civilian supporters of Duvalier has rendered an already low and the Haitian Treasury is almost empty. Since Duvalier has been unable to obtain foreign capital, he has again resorted, through his Secretary of State for Commerce and Industry Lobert Jean-Pierre, to a shake-down of commercial and industrial enterprises. In a circular letter, dated 2 May 67, the Secretary appealed for "voluntary contributions as a fitting homage to the Venerable President for life, Chief of the Duvalierist Revolution." (A copy of the letter is attached.)7.  Jean-Pierre and Henri Blaise, confidants of Duvalier in charge of the Anglio de Tovar and des Alouettes, are among the staunchest supporters of the president. Both men have stolen considerable amounts of public funds and succeeded in smuggling some of their money out of Haiti.