14-00000
104-10177-10206
2025 RELEASE UNDER THE PRESIDENT JOHN F. KENNEDY ASSASSINATION RECORDS ACT OF 1992
HOUSE SELECT (THLEHE ON ASSASSINATIONS START MEADERS
201-257804
FILE TITLE/SUPIREZ/VOLAFIE: MEROLA, JOSEPH R.
-1959-1977
CUSTODIAL UNIT/LOCATION: LEN/15R
BOON:
DELETIONS, IF ANY: THIRD AGENCY DOCUMENTS.
INCLUSIVE DATES:
DATE
DATE
RECEIVED RETURNED
REVIEWED BY
(PRINT NAME)
hame
Horaleck
201-257804
MEROLA. Joseph R.
SIGNATURE OF
REVIEWING OFFICIAL
Jos Fer
QUEL FOR BIR VASE
WE
CIA HISTORICAL REVIEW MOUSEP
NO DUCUMENTS MAY BE COPIED OR REMOVED FROM THIS FILE.
LE
IS IN CHRONOLOGICAL 3254
MATERIAL FILED IN FOLD
201
257804
14-00000
1
FBI DOCUMENTS:
DATE:
1 OCTOBER 1959
SUBJECT: CARIBBEAN POLITICAL ACTIVITIES
CLASSIFICATION:
NONE
FILE #: NONE GIVEN
DATE: 1 JUNE 1959
SUBJECT: RUBEN OSCAR MIRO GUARDIA
CLASSIFICATION: SECRET
FILE #: MIAMI 97-261 BUREAU 105-75663
:
CUBA
14-00000
AGENCY DOCUMENT CONTAINING FBI INFORMATION
DATE: 16 JUNE 1959
CLASSIFICATION:
FBI REPORTS:
SECRET
DATE: 11 MARCH 1959
SUBJECT: PANAMANIAN REVOLUTIONARY ACTIVITIES
FOREIGN POLITICAL MATTERS
-PANAMA
FBI FILE 3:
109-12-223 (BUREAU)
DATE: 30 SEPTEMBER 1958
SUBJECT:
JOSEPH MEROLA; B. LEONARD BIRD;
ROBERT DILLARD: UNKNOWN PILOT
97-230 (MIAMI)
FBI FILE #:
:
14-00000
FBI DOCUMENT
DATE: 1 JUNE 1959
SUBJECT: RUBEN OSCAR MIRO CUARDIA
CLASSIFICATION: NONE
FILE: MM 97-261
སྙ
14-00000
:
DEPT OF ARMY DOCUMENT
DATE: 13 MAY 1959
SUBJECT: JOSEPH R. MEROLA (SD 7093-A) (c)
CLASSIFICATION: SECRET
FILE: ACSI-CO
14-00000
FBI DOCUMENTS (SOME NOT COMPLETE)
DATE: 22 APRIL 1959
SUBJECT: PANAMANIAN REVOLUTIONARY ACTIVITIES
FOREIGN POLITICAL MATIERS
-
PANAMA
CLASSIFICATION: NONE
FILE: 109-12-223
DATE: 21 APREL 1959
SUBJECT: PANAMANIAN REVOLUTIONARY ACTIVITIES
FOREIGN POLITICAL MATTERS
-
PANAMA
CLASSIFICATION: NONE
FILE: 109-12-223
DATE: 20 APRIL 1959
SUBJECT: PANAMANIAN REVOLUTIONARY ACTIVITIES
FOREIGN POLITICAL MATTERS.
CLASSIFICATION: NONE
FILE: 109-12-223
DATE:
17 APRIL 1959
-
PANAMA
SUBJECT: PANAMANIAN REVOLUTIONARY ACTIVITIES
FILE:
-
FOREIGN POLITICAL MATTERS PANAMA
1.09-12-223
CLASSIFICATION: NONE
DATE: 10 APRIL 1959
SUBJECT: PANAMANIN REVOLUTIONARY ACTIVITIES
FOREIGN POLITICAL MATTERS - CUBA
CLASSIFICATION: NONE
FILE #: 109-12-223
SUBJECT: PANAMANIAN REVOLUTIONARY ACTIVITIES
DATE: 2 April 1959
FOREIGN POLITICAL MATTER
-
PANAMA
CLASSIFICATION: NONE
FIBLE: SAC, MIAMI (109-43)
DATE: 5 MARCH 1959
SUBJECT: PANAMANIAN REVOLUTIONARY ACTIVITIES
INTERNAL SECURITY - PANAMA
CLASSIFICATION: NONE
FILE: 109-12-223
4
:
14-00000
CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
WASHINGTON, D.C. 23305
OGC 77-2335
11 April 1977
David M. Curry, Esq.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney
Western District of Pennsylvania
633 U.S. Post Office and Courthouse
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219-
Dear Mr. Curry:
Re: Joseph Raymond Merola
In response to your letter of March 10, 1977 I wish to advise you
that the Central Intelligence Agency had one meeting with Joseph Raymond
Merola prior to August 1961. In late 1960 Joseph Raymond Merola made
several telephone calls to a CIA office offering his assistance in a general
way in connection with Cuban matters, which was refused. However, on
6 February 1961 Merola claimed to have information on a Latin American
senator who was a "close friend and confidant" of "Che" Guevera. Since
Guevera was listed as being the subject of foreign intelligence requirements,
the CIA employee agreed to meet with Mr. Merola. The meeting took place on
6 February 1961 and is the only meeting with Merola prior to his incarceration
which you stated in your letter began in August 1961.
Mr. Merola was not employed by the Central Intelligence Agency. His
contact with the CIA could not be described as an undercover Government
informant as alleged in the Writs of Error Coram Nobis by Victor Carlucci .
and Daniel Hanna. This one contact on 6 February 1961 by Merola with the
CIA was voluntary on his part.
Mathew McVane, an employee of the CIA, did testify in San Diegɔ in
November 1975 concerning CLA contacts with Joseph Raymond Merola. The
citation we have for that case is U.S. v. Dalton C. Smith, et al. in the
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California, No. 74-2277-GT.
CICENTENNIAL
i
14-00000
1
The testimony given in that trial is not inconsistent with the response given
above. It is true that after Merola was released from prison he again
volunteered information to the CIA. Merota was a voluntary source of foreign
intelligence.
I hope this provides sufficient information for you to file your response.
If not, please call me at (AC 703) 351-7531.
cc: John Martin, Esq., Dept. of Justice
OCCITURIAL
A
Sincerely,
hr Ko
John K. Greaney
ciate General Counsel
14-00000
☐ UNCLASSIFIED`
INTERNAL
SE ONLY
CO DENTIAL
☐ SECRET
ROUTING AND RECORD SHEET
SUBJECT: Ophonal)
Joseph Raymond Merola
EXTENSION NO.
FROM.
Maurice A. Sovern
0/SA/DO/O
200109
DATE
1542
DATE
OFFICERS
INITIALS
RECEIVED
FORWARDED
TO (Officer designation, room number, and
building)
1. Mr. Raymond Warren
C/LA
2.
3:
3C2019 Hqs.
DC/CA
CA/CA
- 201
11 APR
1 APR 1377
it
5.
7.
8.
P.
10.
11:
12.
13.
14.
15.
8 April 1977
COMMENTS (Number each comment to show from whome
to whom Draw a line across column offer each comment.)
FORM
3-82
USE PREVICIS
610
SECRET
CONFIDENTIAL
!
INTERNAL
USE ONLY
UNCLASSIFIED
14-00000
LITIGATION
FOR CIA OFFICIALS ONLY
Ex
8 April 1977
FA
MEMORANDUM FOR:
Mr. John K. Greaney
Special Assistant to the
General Counsel
FROM
:
Maurice A. Sovern
0/SA/DO/O
SUBJECT
:
Joseph R. Merola
REFERENCE
Assistant United States Attorney.
Pennsylvania Letter, 10 March 1977,
Subject as Above
1.
The question in reference is the nature of
any involvement of Merola with CIA prior to
August 1961.
2.
-
The Directorate's first recorded contact
with Joseph Raymond Merola prior to August 1961
occurred on 6 February 1961. It followed a series
of telephone calls over a period of several months
(late 1960 early 1961) in which Merola had
expressed interest in offering his assistance in
connection with Cuban matters. Our officer had
declined contact until 6 February when Merola
claimed to have information on a Latin American
senator who was a "close friend and confidante"
of "Che" Guevera.. Because Guevera was the proper
subject of foreign positive intelligence collection
requirement our officer agreed to a meeting.
3. The last recorded contact, except for the
litigation outlined below, with Merola was a tele-
phone contact with Merola in late July 1975 when
he volunteered additional foreign positive intel-
ligence.
4. At the end of August 1975, Merola
contacted a staff officer to ask for testimony in
the criminal fraud trial in San Diego, California
(U.S. v. Joseph R. Merola, et al, Southern District
of California, CR 74-2277-GT) which we subsequently..
E2 IMPDET
CL BY 012860
FOR CIA OFFICIALS ONLY

14-00000
FOR CIA OFFICIALS ONLY
provided on 13 November 1975.
་
5. Subject is characterized as a voluntary
occasional source of foreign positive intelligence
who was in sporadic contact with us.
6. We greatly appreciate the Assistant United
States Attorney's concern for the confidentiality
of our information. The information above may be
made available, to the AUSA and the court as
appropriate without further restriction.
15/
Maurice A. Sovern
0/SA/DO/O:MASovern: kaw
(1542)
Distribution
Orig & 1 OGC
1
C/DCD
1
C/LA
2
SA/DO/O
2
-
FOR CIA OFFICIALS ONLY
14-00000
SPEED LETTER
TO
INSUFICA
ATTN:
Frederic McCann
CATE
PEPLY REQUESTED
LETTER
10.
YES
100
FROM:
Crocky o
SA/LA
SUBJECT: Joseph R. Merola-Litigation
REFERENCE: ISS/PICG Mono Ctd 17 March 1977
A review of the files confirms that the DDC was not in
any way involved operationally with Joseph R. Merola prior: 1961.
However, it sould be noted that subsequent to his relance from
prison in November 1962, Verola was in contact with members of
the Frente Revolutionario Democratico, an anti- Castro organisation.
of interest to this Agency.
SICOATLET
DATE
REPLY
1831
RESPONDER'S FILE
14-00000
8.
9.
11.
i2.
13.
14.
BRUM.
dric McCana
155/ PICC
One
SA/LA/SICO
M-5
2.
igation.
DEVEN
CATE
Joseph in storesn
DATE
1304
Cor.is
INITIALE
17 March 1977
COMMENTS (Number
comment to show from
An whan Do the cross column after
mas
3.
4.
5.
Catones
31/31
Beee: The mirala
file as changed to
MAS. When you're
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in RI (F) and
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2:
pois de Pendi
شجریان بایستی منی نبود در شیر
Plan
Ambi
610
INTERNAL
UNIY
14-00000
MEMORANDUM FOR:
FROM
SUBJECT
CONFIDENTIAL
SA/LA/EICO
DCD
17 March 1977
: Frederic McCann
ISS/PICG
: Litigation: Joseph R. Merola
1. Attached herewith is an unclassified memorandum
received from OGC which requests information on the "extent
and nature of any involvement of (Joseph R.) Merola with
federal agencies prior to August 1961".
2. A review of 201-257804 reveals that Mr. Merola may
have been in contact with WH/Miami in 1961 and was in contact
with DCD prior to 1961.
No
3. Please review your files and provide whatever
information is pertinent to paragraph 1., above.
information will be released outside of CIA without your
concurrence.
4. 201-257804 is attached to the SA/LA/EICO copy of
this memorandum. Please return it with your reply by
1 April 1977.
Attachments: als
JudeMelam
Frederic McCann
CONFIDENTIAL
IMPORT CL DR
14-00000
DEPT OF JUSTICE DOCUMENT
SUBJECT: JOSEPH PAYMOND MEROLA
DATE: 10 MARCH 1977
CLASSIFICATION: FOXE
FILE: NONE
14-00000
trist, "actively engaged in the service
of the government
Trung Green, attorney for Cartucc
and Hanna, said the prosecutors, H
bert 1. Texte.baum and Daniel J. San
dor, knew Mercia was a government
agent and therefore "perpetrated a
frand upon the-trai curt."
Teitelbau and Snyder are now fed-
eral judges in Pittsburgh and have not
commented about the action filed by
Green, which is still pending. But 1
official familiar with their position
sud the two judges will, if necessary,
swear they did not snow Merola was a
government agent.
Cuban Connection
"The answer to this whole thing re-
volves around Cuba," said this offi-
cial.
Green, who represents Mannarino's
son-in-law, said he didn't think Ma
rola's testimony in Chicago had been
particularly helpful" to the prese
cution. "more logical assumption"
is that Meroia was freed from prison
because of what he could do for the
government in Cuba, be said. =
"This guy works anywhere he wants
to," said Green. "The government has
i
protected him in California, Chicago-
and everywhere else. He still has to be
of value to the government."
One thing is certain: Merola is well
known in the Miami Cuban commi
nity and among those who have been
linked to alleged Castro assassination
attempts..
"Joe was an undercover agent, he
was closely associated with the gov-
ernment, Frank Sturgis, of Miami,
told The Bulletin. "He did have an as-
sociation with the CIA."
✓
nations Committee said Merola was
"a good friend" of Fugerio (Rolando)
Mertinez, another of those convicted
of the Watergate burglary. Martinez
is asciated with the CIA in the
Bay of Pigs effort and in other sats-
Castro moves.
"Joe's place in Miami Beach was on
the water and it was used by anti-Cis-
tro groups to smuggle arms to Cuba,"
this source said. "Martinez was one of
them."
"I can't recall" Martinez said,
when asked by The Bulletin about
using Merula's dock. "Really, I can't
tell you anything about it.
"He was connected with helping
people here in Miam against the dic-
tatorship of Bausta. He might have
been in some other branch that I don't
know about."
Alfredo Borges, a Miami business
consultant and a Bay of Pigs veteran,
told a Bulletin reporter inquiring
about Merola to "please write me a
letter."
"I don't know who you are." Borges
said. "I cannot talk over the tels:
phone."
this
One investigator interested in Me.
rola said the matter is "very sensi-
tive, records are hard to come by."
"He seems to fit everything.
investigator said. "He's a pilot, be
speaks Spanish, he knows Cuba and
he's connected. But nobody wants to
cooperate."
A Scared Man
Records indeed are hard to come.
by. Official and unofficial attempts to
obtain complete records of Merola's
arrests proved fruitless. So did efforts.
to determine what encounters Ne.
might have had with officials respoo-
sible for watching the nation's bor-
Sturgis, who gained notoriety as one
of those convicted in the Watergate
burglary, was a ton Castro lieutenant-ders.
during the revolution who served as a
double agent for the CIA. He later
worked against Castro in the Bay of
Pigs operation and has admitted plott-
ing to kill Castra.
"I know Joe was involved with the
revolutionaries," said Sturgis. "I
know he had an association with the
CIA, but because of compart.
mentalization, you don't know what
they're doing."
Tied to Burglar
A source close to the House Astassi-
But despite the belief of some that
Merola enjoys the protection of the
government while at the same time
being welcomed by organized crime,
those who know him say that is not the
case.
"Joe has got a little money," said
one Florida acquaintance. "I don't
Anow where he gets it. But he's an un-
former and they hate informers. The
mais concerned,
He goes around Dace (County).
but he is very, very careful where be
ges, Joe is scared."
2
14-00000
SUBJECT: Court Appearance on 13 November 1975, San Diego, California
2010-113
2. On 13 Sovember 1975, Matt MacVane appeared as a witness for the
defense at the Caited States District Court for the Southern District of
California, 325 West F Street, San Diego, California. The case was the
United States of America V. Dalton C. Saith, et al. MacVane was called
to testify by E. Mac Amos Jr., attorney for defendant Joe Kerola. In
honor of the subpcena MacVane appeared at the court. On 13 November 1975
at approximately 15:30 hours San Diego time cane was called to the
witness stand.
2. Kac Amps, attorney for defendant Joe Merola began questioning
after MacVane was sworn in as a witness. Amos asked how long MacVane
had been employed by the CIA? He asked if MacVane knew defendant Merola?
He asked if MacTane were told by Merola about a shipment of surplus
belicopter parts going to the country of El Salvador? He asked MacVane
if Merola had volumteered other information to the Agency? He then asked
if Merola were ever paid for such information? Amos also tried to establish
the value of surples parts in Latin America compared to the US. This was
objected to by attorney Robert Thaller, prosecutor in the case.
The judge
sustained the objection and Mackage did not have to answer the question.
Amos finished his questioning and Thaller began a short cross examination.
Thaller asked if Macvane ever beard Merola mention stocks? He also asked
if MacVane knew the name of the corporation that Merola represented? He
thenspointed out that even if some stock fraud were occurring, MacVane
would not be witting because Macane was not an investigator, but rather
a collector of foreign information. The cross examination then ended.
All questions were answered to the best of MacVane's ability and knowledge.
3. There appeared to be little purpose in the appearance of MacVane
because it was obvious that Macvane knew nothing of any value concerning
the case. Macane's total tise on the witness stand was about 10 minutes.
After completion of his testimony MacVane was released.
MCMacVane:13h
BRUCE
EZ IMPOET CL BY CL1653
1:
Bay U.S. Savings Bands Regularly on the Payroll Savings Plan
30
CONDO THOMSON
DISTRICT JUDGE
14-00000
SENDER WILL CHECK CLASSI CATION TOP AND BOTTOM
UNCLASSIFIED
|_ CONFIDENTIAL
OFFICIAL ROUTING SLIP
SECRET
TO
NAME AND ADURESS
1
ކ
DATE
INITIAL
3
6
Mr. Jung
PD
CTICE
APPROVAL
COMMENT
CONCURRENCE
Remarks:
DIRECT REPLY
DISPATCH
} FILE
INFORMATION
+
any woults of the
meety?
子
PREPARE REPLY
RECOMMENDATION
RETURN
SIGNATURE
FOLD HERE TO RETURN TO SENDER
FROM: NAME ADDRESS AND PHONE NO
4.910075
DATE
UNCLASSIFIED
1-87
FORM BO 237
We pr
CONFIDENTIAL
SECRET
(40)
"
14-00000
SECRET
6 November 1975
MEMO FOR RECORD:
RE:
FYI:
MEROLA, Joseph R.
201-257804
U.S. Citizen Registered to DEA/MIAMI Dec 74
Today, Randy Daugherty, DCD case officer,
asked to borrow subject 201 because he
wanted to take it to Office of Genl. Counsel
for Mr. John Greany.
There is to be a meeting today between
Mr. Greany, Bob Starling, DCD COPS, and
Matt McVane, DCD man in Miami who is
visiting Hqs. McVane has an interest
in MEROLA.
Told Randy that MEROLA was DEA source and that
matter should be coordinated with NARCOG.
This transpired during lunch hour Randy was
in a hurry and I gave him file. He said he would
tell Mr. Gréany that Subj. was DEA source.
L.
SECRET
14-00000
MEMORANDUM FOR THE RECORD
SUBJECT: Joseph Raymond Merola
OGC 75-1073
5 November 1975
1. On. 3 November I talked to Mr. Matt McVane, DCD officer
stationed in Miami, and he said that he had received the subpoena
from E-Mac Amos, Jr. to appear as a defense witness in the trial in
San Diego on November. Mr. McVane agreed to come to Headquarters
on 6 November to discuss the information in the files and Mr. Robert
Starling of DCD agreed to join in the meeting. Mr. McVane told me
that Lt. Colonel Douglas W. Haldane, who had previously been on
detail to the DCD Miami Office, had returned to the Army and was
currently assigned somewhere in Europe and that his address was
Headquarters,. USARSUR, APO New York, New York 09403:
2. Since this Office had received a letter from Mr. Amos with a
[request for the current address of Colonel Haldane, I called Mr. Amos
on. 4 November and explained to him that Colonel Haldane was no longer
with the Central Intelligence Agency and it was our understanding that
Colonel Haldane was stationed in Europe. Mr. Amos did not want the
current address of Colonel Haidane. He did state, however, that Mr.
McVane would not be needed in San Diego until Wednesday morning.
12 November. As things stood now, Mr. Merola was the tifth defendant
and it would be that length of time before Mr. McVane's teramony would
be needed.
3. Mr. McVane told ine that he had been called by Mr. Robert
Thaler of the U.S. Attorney's Office in California. I told Mr. McVane
that I would contact Mr. Thaler. I called Mr. Thaler who is a a member
of the Organized Crime Sutke Force, Department of Justice. Room 2307.
300 North Los Angeles Street, Los Angeles, California 90012. telephone
No. (AG 213) 688-5808. Mr. Thaler was pleased to hear that Mr. McVane

14-00000
was being made available to testify and explained that he thought Mr.
Amos had aiready prepared a motion to dismiss if Mr. McVane was to be
denied as a witness for the defense. I explained to Mr. Thaler that Mr.
McVane was coming to Headquarters on Thursday. 6 November, and said
that we would call him to discuss the role Mr. McVane played in receiving
information from Mr. Merola.
4. If this case runs parallel to many criminal prosecutions, the
defense may never put Mr. McVane on the stand when he actually shows
up as this may prove detrimental to their defense. However, we should
be prepared for his testimony if, in fact, it does take place.
- John K.. Greaney.
Associate General Counsel
cc: Chief, DCD
Matt McVane:
Ea
OGC/JKG/eh Mari
Distribution an
: Original - OGC SUBJ: - LITIGATION CRIMINAL.
JKG Signer-
1- Chrono
Palmar standbyvelthe
14-00000
John Molt
John Skystead Rhoedas
Marnson R. Hollywood
Dougies R. Reynolds
David W. Ault
Michael & New
Dan H. Douprey
The mas H. Ault.
E Mac Amos Jr.
Thomas M.: Oymott
HOLT, RHOADES AND HOLLYWOOD
A PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
1010 SECOND AVENUE, SUITE 17.2
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA 92101
Area 714
Telephone 238-1712
October 28, 1975
Office of the General Counsel
Central Intelligence Agency
Washington,.D.C.
Dear Sir
Sir
20505
37
Our firm represents Mr. Joseph Merola who is
presently on trial as a defendant in the Southern
District of California in an action entitled United
States of America v. Dalton C. Smith, et al. (No. 74-2277-
GT).
In order to properly defend Mr. Merola, we need to
utilize the testimony of Mr. Matt McVane and possibly the
testimony of Col. Douglas Haldane. We understand that
Mr. McVane is employed by the Central Intelligence Agency
and works out of the Miami office. We also understand
that Coll Douglas Hildane is employed by the Central
Intelligence Agency but we do not have an address for
service upon Col. Haldane.
*Enclosed you will find copies of Subpoenas
issued for Mr. McVane: and Col. Haldane. These Subpoenas
require the attendance of the individuals in the Southern
District of California at San Diego, California on
November 11, 1975 at 9:00 a.m. Enclosed you will also
find a copy of the Order signed by Judge Gordon Thompson
authorizing the issuance of the Subpoena for Mr. McVane.
Since we do not have an address for Col. Haldane at
this time, the court has not approved the issuance of
a Subpoena, for him in which the government would be
responsible for all of the expenses and costs.
We have been informed by Mr. McVane that it
is necessary for him to obtain the approval of your office
before he canitestify in this matter. Accordingly, we
request that he be granted the necessary approval in
order to allow him to testify in this matter. In addition,
we request that we be provided with an address for
Col. Haldane and that he also be allowed to testify in
this cuse, we would appreciate being advised as' soun
Gǝ
1
14-00000
Office of the General Counsel
October 28, 1975
Page Two
i
possible with respect to whether these persons will be
available for testimony. If we can provide any additional
information with respect to this case, please do not
hesitate to contact the undersigned. Thank you for
your courtesy and cooperation.
Very truly yours,
HOLT, PHOADES & HOLLYWOOD
By
E.ma
E. Mac Amos, Jr.
EMA/db
Enclosures
14-00000
United States Bistrict Couri
FOR THE
SOUTERRY DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
v.
DALTON C. SMITH, et al.
TRATT MCVANE
X-2277-GT
You are hereby coininanded to appear in the United States District Court for the
District
California
on the
San Diego
Irth
Southern
..
.at
in the city of
day of
November.
325 West E Street.
19
75 9:00
at
o'clock
BL
to
A.
testify in the above-entitled case.
This subpoena is issued on application of the
ondant.
October-23
EAS AMOS, JR.
Attornefendant MEROLA
1910-Second Ave., Suite 1712
San Diego, CA 92101
Received this subpoena at
and on
within. named
WILDAR W. LUDDY
SEALLTOSE GALLAGHER
RETURN
on
Clerk.
Deputy Clerk.
at
I served it on the
by delivering a copy to
and tendering to
the fee for one day's attendance and the mileage
allowed by law.
Service Fees
Travel
Services
Total
By
* Insert "United States," or "defendant" as the case may be.
l'ees and mileage need not be tendered to the witness upon service of a subpoena issued in behalf of the United
States or an officer or agency thereof. 25 USC 1925, or on tehalf of a defendant who is financially 
unable to pay
such costs (Rule 17 (b), Federal Rules Criminal Procedure;.
14-20000
United States District Court
FOR THE
SOUNGERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
To..
V.
DALTON C. SMITH, et al.
COL. DOUGLAS HALDANE
NO 74-2277-GT
You are hereby commanded to appear in the United States District Court for the
District of
California
Southern
in the city of
25
325 West F Street
on the
San Diego:..
thith
day fovember
759
at
9:00
o'clock. M. to
testify in the above-entitled case.
This subpoena is issued on application of the
October 23
19
75
EC NOS, JR.
Attorney for
"defendant MEROLA
1010 Second Ave., Suite 1712.
San Diego, CA 92101
Received this subpoena at
and on
defendant.
WEDAN W. LUDDY
SEALLISTE GALLAGHER
RETURN
on
Clerk.
Depniy Clerk
at.
I served it on the
within named
by delivering a copy to
and tendering to
the fee for one day's attendance and the mileage
allowed by law.
Service Fees
Travel
Services
Total..
- By
* Insert "United States," or "defendant" as the case may be.
Fees and mileage need not be tennered to the witness service of a subpeens issued in behalf of the United
States or an ollicer or agency thereof. 23 USC 1825, or on behalf of a defendant who is financially unable to pay
such costs (Rule 17 (b), Federal Rules Criminal Procedure).
1832022356909
i
4-00000
A PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
IGID SECOND AVENUE. DUITE 1712
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA 02101
PHONE 230-1712
5
0
8
9
2
1
1. MAC ANOS, JR.
HOLT, REORDES & HOLLYH009
1010 Second Avenue, Suite 171?
Sniego, CA 92101
(716) 238-1712
Attorneys for Defendant
JOSEPH R. MEROLA
FILED
CCT 22 1975
CLERK, US DISTRICT COURT
COUTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA
By
DEPUTY
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA
10
11
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,
12
NO. CR 74-2277-GT
Plaintiff,
13
ORDER FOR ISSUANCE OF
SUBPOENAS :
14
JOSEPH R.: MEROLA, et al.,
15
5.16
Defendants.
H. H
28
19
This court having considered the application of defends
Joseph Merola, and the supporting affidavit of E. Mac Amos, Jr.
for issuance of subpoenas directed to Edward Stanton and Matt:
20 McVane and having found that good cause exists for the issuance
of said subpoenas,
21
23
24
25
22 222 22 2 2 2 2 3 5 3
20
30
31
32
26
27
28
A
:
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED THAT the clerk of this court issu
subpoenas requiring the attendance of Matt McVane and Edward
Stanton on November 11, 1975 at 9:00 a.m. in this court and,
further, that all costs and fees in relation to the attendance
said witnesses shall be borne by the United States under the
provisions of the Criminal Justice Act.
DATED: OCT 22 1975
BY: GORDON THOMPSON, JR
GORDON THOMPSON
DISTRICT JUDGE.
SOUTHERY DISTRICT OF CALIFORN
அஎத
14-00000
MEMORANDUM FOR THE RECORD
SUBJECT: Joseph Raymond Merola
24 Chode: 75
1. On 23 October, Mr. Robert Starling of DCD called to say that
Matthew McVane (phonetic), a DCD officer who is stationed in Miami.
Florida, had received a telephone call from a San Diego attorney saying
that he was mailing a subpoena to him. The attorney, E. Mac Amos, Jr..
is a member of the law firm of Holt, Rhodes and Hollywood at 1010 Second
Avenue, San Diego, California 92101, telephone No. (AC 714) 238-1712.
Mr. Amos advised Mr. McVane that the subpoena was for his appearance
on behalf of Mr. Merola who was on trial in San Diego.
I called
2. Mr. Starling indicated that the charges against Merola had
'something to do with exporting airplane parts without a license.
Mr. Clyde Bryant, Office of Munitions Control, Department of State, to
determine if this prosecution was related to 22 U.S.C. 1934. –Mr. Bryant
'called back and said that Merola was one of seven defendants being tried
on criminal fraud charges for having engaged in a flimflam operation
against the Salvadorian government.
The scheme was to establish a
facility in Salvador to assemble and service helicopters. The group had
assembled a collection of Army surplus parts for helicopters and was in
the process of shipping them without an export license and they were
seized by U.S Customs officers on 21 February 1974. Mr. Bryant
indicated that the Assistant U.S. Attorney in San Diego in charge of
the prosecution was a Mr. Robert Thaller, telephone No. (AC 714) 293-5668.
Mr.. Bryant also indicated that an individual by the name of Henry Maier-
hoffer was also one of the defendants and it was Mr. Bryant's recollection
that Maierhoffer had some previous connection with CIA.
3. I called Mr. Starling and reported this information to him and
he said that Mr. Merola was a real operator in the Miami area, always
involved in some scheme to buy and sell weapons but that he had volun-
teered information to the DCD Office, some of which was useful. I asked
Mr. Starling to have: Mr. McVane call me when he got the subpoena but
that he would not have to go unless they furnished the travel funds.
cc: Chief/DCD
Distribution
-
OVER
-
John K. Greaney
sociate General Counsel
14-00000
Start
CONFIDENTIAL
(When fed In)
201 File cn U.S. Citizen
30 Jan 1975
The 201 file on
Merola
(surname) (201 number indicated below)
can be most accurately be categorized as indicated below:
should be closed.
witting collaborator. OI Code Al.
potential witting collaborator; date opened
OI Code A2.
former wicting collaborator (relationship terminated),. OI Code A3.
potential witting collaborator never contacted (security reasons,
derogatory information). OI Code A4.
counterintelligence case (i.e., involving a foreign intelligence or
security service). OI Code A5.
✗ all others. OI Code A6. ISR
Signed
Barna
(name)
C/LSN/ISR
(title)
(component)..
This assignment of category has been entered into STAR.
Signed
(initials)
(date)
This document in a permanent part of this file.
CONFIDENTIAL
(when fired In)
1975
201- 357804
E2 IMPUET
C BY 002216
14-00000
:
LING
,·
SIGNAL CENTER USE ONLY
OMF 0
ACE
CLASSIFICATION
SECRET
Co
ACP
0 0 0
MESSAGE HANDLING INDIA FOR
MESSAGE
•17-11
106 9
0
0
•
•
PAGE
b
PAGES
STAFF
CONF:
LAB
INFO:
FILE
Date True L
0919102.
care
DIRECTOR
(P/AN, LSN/MIL, OPS/INT,
CH/002, Ops/Nars, LSNÍID,
TO: LA/MIAMI INFO CARACAS, PORT AU PRINCE, BOGOTA. Y
MHABYSS PBRAMPART Y
MESSAGE MER
DIDES
641466
DISSEM BY: 32
0
0
NO INDES
0
RETURN TO
PER
UP FILES #
REF: A. "LA/MIAMI 22730 |IN 432300*| {NOT NEEDED CARACAS, PORT AU
8.
PRINCE, BOGBO TAY
DIRECTOR 630872 1**1(NOT NEEDED CARACAS, PORT AU PRINCE,
DOGOTA Y
1.
JOSEPH RAYMOND MEROLA (201-2578041 WAS REGISTERED IN
ISR TO DEA/MIAMI ON 18 DEC 74 AS A COOPERATING INDIVIDUAL FOR USE IN
HAITI AND COLOMBIA.
IT IS REQUESTED THAT LA/MIAMI ADVISE DEA/MIAMI
TO CONTACT THE FBI AND DEPARTMENT OF STATE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
ON MEROLA. Y
HQS
2. FOR CARACAS PORT AU PRINCE, BOGOTA: IN JUNE 74J
INFORMED BKHERALD THAT MEROLA WAS OF OPERATIONAL INTEREST. DEA
REQUESTED TRACES AND STATED MEROLA REPORTEDLY WORKED FOR BKHERALD IN
LATE 1950'S. WE REPLIED THAT MEROLA HAD NEVER WORKED FOR BKHERALD.
1730.
ALTHOUGH WE WERE AWARE THAT HE HAD MADE SUCH CLAIMS ON NUMBER OF
PREVIOUS INSTANCES. Y
3. FILE:
201-257804. E2. IMPDET.H¨
DATE: 8 JANUARY 1975
ORIG: DARYL GEILER:LH
UNIT: LA/CAR/CART
EXT: 1249
Madima
DAVID A. PHILLIPS
C/LA
RELEASING OFFICER
CLASSIFICATION
SECRET
LA/NARČ
DDO/NARCOG.
LSN/ISR:
1
975
201-257804
* REF A REQUESTED TRACES
& REGISTRATION OF
MEROLA
C** REF 8 FORWARDED TRACES.
Lithyus
REPRODUCTION BY OTHER THAN THE SAVAS OFFICE IS PROJNITED
"RECORD Cor
ALFONSO SPERA
-C/LA/CAR
AUTHENTICATIO OFFICE
E 2
IMPDET
CL BY: 010116
14-00000
UNCLASSIFIED
[INTERNAL
USE ONLY
☐ CFIDENTIAL
SECRET
ROUTING AND RECORD SHEET
SUBJECT (Ophonal)
REGISTRATION REQUEST
FROM.
OPS/LG/INTERAGENCY SOURCE REGISTER BJ-5
TO: (Officer designation, room number, and
building)
DATE
RECEIVED
FORWARDED
1. IP/AIS:
HT-3
2.
3.
IP/EIB
DW-7
4.
5.
IP/RMS
DW-6
6.
EXTENSION Но
1064/
5045
ISRM 35174
DATE
OFFICER'S
INITIALS
10 DEC 1974
COMMENTS (Number each comment to show from hom
to whom. Draw a line across column ufter each comment.)
Lob Hit!
7.
IP/LDI
GT-6
M
8.
9.
LSN/13R
BU-5
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
13.
FILE NO. 201-
0257804
DOCUMENT DATE
ABSTRACT
X
INTERNAL
FORM
3.83
*7.13)
610
152 PERVIOUS
SECRET
CONFIDENTIAL
☐ USE ONLY
☐ UNCLASSIFIED

14-00000
P
MAC's Ecnducted
July 1972-FBI
act 1973-Statif p
esel-N
DODCI-N
1SR LOG
SECRET Filled Ins
:כז!
TO:
FILE NO.
DATE
NEW
UTILIZATION
i
RE-REGISTRA-
TION
RE-CHECK
DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS SPACE
TO SECURITY
TO
TO:
ISRM NO.
201 NO.
16 DEC 1974
17 DEC
NAME
FORM 1797 S XIOUS
1.2-74
EDITIONS
No Objection to Registration.
SECRET
11 DEC 19/44-38)
SECRET (when Filled In).
NAT. FILE NO.
DATE
ISR LOG
DCS reserve"
the right to
with it
DCID 2/5,
in accordance
NOCID 2,
Not right
by mutual agreement if is intended use so
requires.
CELTIC COLOTION DIVISION
NAME
Support Branch/Operational Support Section
[ 900, K. Building ext. 2268
-
FORM 1797
2-74
EDITIONS
NEW
UTILIZATION
9 Dec 7-
RE-REGISTRA-
TION
RE-CHECK
DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS SPACE
LCD
TO:
TO: SECURITY
TO:
ISRM NO.
201 NO.
39.170
13 DEC 1979
SECRET
(4-38)
14-00000
SECRET
(When Failed Iss
3333
OPS CHARGE-703 REQUEST FOR REGISTRATION IN THE INTERAGENCY SOURCE REGISTER-
2- 2306 15315 79-5
REQUESTER: Daryl
DEA
*-£ ་་བ-
LA/CARI
X Geisler
201-
257804
RE-REGISTRATION
REACHES TO COPY
OPERATIONS STREE/DDD
☑ NEW
NAME (Last First, Middle)
MEROLA, Joseph Raymond
ALIASES AND/OR SPELLING VARIATIONS
DATE SL501ITED
9 Dec 1974
DAYE RECEIVED
19
Dec 74
154
UTILIZATION
DATE OF BIRTH
PLACE OF BIFTH
>Ex
M
CITIZENSHIP
U.S.
19 Oct 1925
RESIDENCE
"
"NEW JERSEY
135 Dupont Plaza, Miami, Flä
PRESENT EMPLOYER
-ADITIONAL IDENTIFYING DATA (including references;
OCCUPATION
Pilot
Based on LA/Miami 22730 IN 432300, 3 Dec 74 (attached)
Traces sent DIRECTOR 630872, 6 Dec 74 (attached)
Send cards to UFP 872 HVC HLB HTP
IP/AIS TRACE RESULTS
Fru's Listed REF
P/EIB REMARKS
(OUTGOING CABLE)
NAI TO THAT KNOWN TO THE REQUESTER (630872)
16 DEC 1974
ISR REPLY TO REQUESTER:
CATE
18 Dec 74
ISAM NUMBER
39,170
1. Nothing in addition to that ■ known by the requester. Ixxxxs
For possible further information you are referred to the FBI
and the Department of State.
---
2. The ISR has no record of a current operational interest in Shanek
Subject who is hereby registered in the ISR to DEA Miami.
EVB
2-26
1797
WARNING NOTICE
SENSITIVE INTELLIGENCE SOURCES
AND METHODS INVOLVED
SECRET
Classified by 002216.
Exempt from generacification sched
vie of E. O 11652. exemption category:
58.12% (3 of 4 cat'a one or more)
Automatically declassified on
Tunions impossible, insert dute or event;
14-00000
331 PG 37
CABLE SET VISSEMB
PROSON UNIT NOTIFIED.
_ ACORD ISSUER EL
ACTION NIT
[C/CA/B)
"
N
TION
°
T .6173.99
+F
PLP
• Sop 103.
TOTAL COPIES
FILE
B/LA
6/150/11/1
EIA292
VR
15-1
SECRET
A. 1835
BBY
123
DOP, 4/16/AN, 5/OPS/MAR2 cops
2
1
STAF
PAGE 01
TOR: 032226Z DEC 74
SECRET 0322142 DEC 74 STAFF
CITE LA/MIAMI 22730
TO: PRIORITY DIRECTO
Ruth
Drill
REPRODUCTION BY OTHER THAN
ISSUING OFFICE IS PROHIBITED
.
41
IN 432322
LMIM 22738
Dary
RYBARMHABYSS PBRAMPART
REFI UFPS-1727, 25 GCT 74
1. PREASE PROVIDE PRIORITY TRACES ON THE FOLLOWING
DEA NARCOTICS
COTICS SOURCE AND REGISTER IN THE INTER-ASENCY
SOURCE REGISTER (ISR}}
JOSEPH RAYMOND MEROLA (201-257804)
CP081 9 OCT 25 IN NEW JERSEY
U.S. CITIZEN
0CC 1 PILOT
ADDI 135 DUPONT PLAZA, MIAMI, FL.
LOCATION OF USE: COLOMBIA AND HAITI
2. PER REF, ATT. NO. 2 PLS PROVIDE PRIORITY
TRACES ON DEA NARCOTICS SOURCE ORLANDO
7
VIERA, AND ADVISE IF REGISTERED IN
BAT ESTA
1
ISA,
3'.
FILE!
220-11-111 200-11-11/17. E2, IMP DET
If you dest-lived 201
Sec
SECRET
.
Bec
14-00000
SECRET
DO DOCUMENT EXTRACT..
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION CONCERNING THE SUBJECT OF THIS 201.
DOSSIER HAS BEEN FXTRACTED FROM ZNOTHER OFFICIAL DO FILE.
PERSONS PERFORMING NAME TRACES ARE CAUTIONED THAT THE DOCU
MENT FROM WHICH THIS EXTRACT WAS PREPARED CONTAINS ADDITIONAL
„INFORMATION PERTAINING TO THE SUĊJECT AND SHOULD BE REQUESTED.
FROM LP/FILES. __
MEROLA, JOSEPH RAYMOND
201-0257804.
SEX M _ DOB 09 OCT 25
POR USA, NJ
CIT USA
OCC PILOT
200-011-011/19
LPIM-22730
03 DFC 74
RES USA, FLA, MIAMI, 135 DUPONT PLAZA. TRACES
DFA NARCS
DATE 05 MAR. 75. COPS CARD.
09231716
201-1257804
SECRET
E2 IMPOET CL BY 054979.
C
0 0 0 0 0 0
B
6.
14-00000
:
SECRIT
CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20505
12 JUN 1974
MEMORANDUM FOR:
VIA:
SUBJECT:
REFERENCE:
"-
Mr. Lucien E. Conein
Acting Chief, Special Operations and
Field Support Staff
Office of Intelligence
Drug Enforcement Administration
Mr. John Warner
Chief, International Intelligence Division
Name Trace
Memorandum, Same Subject, SEC-IGI-74-0037,
dated June 5, 1974
1. The matter of Joseph R. Merola (Reference) has been
discussed between Mr. Richard Kobakoff of your office and
Mr. Stanley Archenhold of this office. Mr. Merola has never
worked for this Agency, although we are aware he has made
such claims on a number of previous instances.
2. It is suggested that you contact the Federal Bureau
of Investigation for information concerning Merola.
Semour R. Bolton
Seymour R. Bolten
Special Assistant for
Narcotics Control Operations
DONC 74-052
THIS DOCUMENT IS NOT TO BE DISSEMINATED ABROAD OR
OUTSIDE THE HEADQUARTERS OF THE RECEIVING AGENCY
WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE ORIGINATOR
EXEMPT FROM GENERAL DECLASSIFICATION SCHEDULE OF
E. O. 11652, EXEMPTION CATEGORY: 5 B (2)
DECLASSIFICATION DATE IMPOSSIBLE TO DETERMINE
CLASSIFIED BY 003604
201-257804
Cranet
14-00000
:
DONC 74-052
SECRET
DDO/OPS/NARCOG: S. Archenhold:el
COORDINATION:
/5/1022)
WH/NARC
Distribution:
Orig. & 1
1
-
1
-
-
Addressee
WH/NARC
201-257804
DDO/NARCOG DONC File
C
SECRET
12
DATE
.
14-00000
DEPT OF JUSTICE DOCUMENT
DATE: 5 JUNE 1974
SUBJECT: NAME TRACE
CLASSIFICATION:
SECRET
FILE #: NONE GIVEN
14-00000
30
DISPATCH
24
SECRET
Chief of Station, San Salvador
PONG KON
:
OWING MONSO
*
LAN ANDERING
FROM
SUBET
Chief, Western Hemisphere Division
DAMEMB SAN SALYADOR 0048. 5 February 1974
ACTION REQUIRED REFERENCES
**
Headquarters requested. LRERGO traces on Larry A.
because of his business association with Joseph R.
Trace results were negative.
Carr,
Merol a.
DISTRIBUTION:
Orig. & 1 - COS, San Salvador
EZ IMPOET
CL BY 031685
CROSS REFERENCE TO
5
1
-
1
-
Chrono
IP/AN
#3
water
ไวกะลง
MAD
Marilyn A. DAKOSKI
RECORD COPY
DESPATCH STRBO AND SMS(2
HSSH-3154
CASSATION
SECRET
DATE
typed 1 April 1974
MOS FILE NUMBER
✓ 201-257804
CRICINATING-
WH/2/6S 11 Patti Burke
TYPIST
all
(OORDINATING
EST
1454
Ab
DAT
ON
Corsa Colman
/
DISPATCH
14-00000
ATT
:
Chief, WH/2
David L. Smoak
Chief, Domestic Collection Division
Joseph E. Harola
RXY
:
Your Memorandus of II Abrth 1974
F-9-2849
039-539-74
23 March 1974
.
1. For your information, subject has been a volunteer source
since 1961. DCD is aware of his unsavory record, but he has from
time-to-time produced information of interest.
--
3. DCD wishes to advise you, however, that we have broken
off contact with Marola. Should be contact DCD again, we are
coligated to listen politaly, take down his information for
transmittal to the appropriate arms deak, and make absolutely no
promises for future contact.
3. Please direct further inquiries to Mr. Evan B. Anse,
DCN/3pport Branch/Operational Support Section, Room 910, Key
Building, extension 2263.
EVAN B. AMB3D
cc: Services Branch (Control)
FILE: HH-25826
SECRET
JACKSON R. ORTO
SLO
1-2 DOCET CL BY 010857
:
14-00000
DEPT OF STATE DOCUMENT
DATE: 19 MARCH 1974
SUBJECT: PATTERSON CORPORATION (CENTRAL
AMERICAN AERCSCAPE)
CLASSIFICATION: CONFIDENTIAL
NO FILE #GIVEN
MAROLA

14-00000
ST
11 March 1974
MEMORANDUM FOR:
ATTENTION:
SUBJECT:
REFERENCE:
Domestic Collection Division
Hr. Shaun P. Ryan
Joseph R. MEROLA
HH 25826, 8 January 1974
1. On 10 January 1974 the HH/2/GS desk received the
referenced memorandum from the Domestic Collection Division
indicating the Miami field office had been in contact with one
Joseph R. MEROLA. MEROLA had just returned from a business
trip to El Salvador; and he reported that a friend of his had
identified a Mr. Gremillion in the Political Section of the
American Embassy in San Salvador as a suspect CIA representative.
Headquarters traces on Joseph R. MEROLA indicated that on several
occasions in the past MEROLA had claimed that he was a CIA
agent. The Chief of Station, the Mr. Gremillion referred to
above, was recently questioned regarding any Embassy contact
with MEROLA while the latter was in San Salvador. The COS
stated that both within the Embassy community and at social
functions MEROLA had frequently referred to his contact with.
the CIA, past and present. He also volunteered this infor-
mation to a former Station contact.
2. In light of the above, it would appear that MEROLA
had taken advantage of his agency contacts in an inappropriate
manner to the potential embarrassment of the San Salvador
Station.. We would, accordingly, appreciate that this be given
due consideration in your assessment of the advantage of your
continued contact with hto.
EZ IMPOET
CL BY 509407
SECRET
David L. Smock
C/WH/2
14-00000
TRANSMI, TAL SLIP
JO:
WH/2GS-Patti
ROOM NO.
REMARKS:
BUILDING
Reply from
State
FROM:
ROOM NO.
OPS/LSN
BUILDING
EXTENSION
FORM NO
1 FEB 53 241
REPLACES FORM 35-4
WHICH MAY BE USEL
(47)
14-00000
TO
ATTHI
DATE
REPLY REQUESTED
SPEED LETTER
OPS/LIAISON
FROM
fxo!
WH/2/GS
NO
6 February 1974
LETTER NO.
Request Dept. of State Passport Office biographic information
on Larry A. CARR, U.S. citizen, currently in El Salvador negotiating
on behalf of the Patterson Corp. to build a helicopter plant.
1831
4.01
USE PAKVIOUS
EDITIONG
REPLY
Patti Burke WH/2/GS
SIGNATURE
DATE
SIGNATURE
14-00000
DEPT OF STATE DOCUMENT (PASSPORT DIVISION)
DATE: 20 FEBRUARY 1974
SUBJECT: LARRY ALTON CARR
CLASSIFICATION:
FILE:
NONE
NONE
14-00000
STATE DEPT DOCUMENTS:
DATE:
13 FEBRUARY 1974
SUBJECT:
PATTERSON CORPORATION (CENTRAL
AMERICAN AEROSPACE)
CLASSIFICATION: CONFIDENTIAL
NO FILE # GIVEN (DOC #: SAN SALV. 0568)
DATE: 5 FEBRUARY 1974
SUBJECT: PROPOSED HELICOPTER/AIRCRAFT PLANT
(PATTERSON CORP.)
CLASSIFICATION: CONFIDENTIAL
NO FILE # GIVEN (DOC #:
DATE: 5 FEBRUARY 1974
SAN SAL. 0048)
SUBJECT: PROPOSED HELICOPTER/AIRCRAFT PLANT
(PATTERSON CORP.)
CLASSIFICATION: CONFIDENTIAL
NO FILE #GIVEN
DOCUMENT #: SAN SALVADOR 0448
14-00000
i
pey
ratti,
We have cent a -rivate channel letter to
the COS on this matter, notingkat zizazumt
asking at the end for comments as to whether
MOROLA is embarrassing" the Station or CIA
generally by talking so much about his CIA
connections. If his re-ly is in the affirmative,
I it will -robably be best for you to draft
a note to DCD suggesting that he somehow
be silenced, -erha-s by their withdrawing from
contact with them since it is obviously something
that he brags about and otherwise tried to take
advantage of
gtc.
1
14-00000
1
Matt MacVane, DCD officer in Mimi, met with Joseph R. MEROLA
on 15 January 1974; at which time MEROLA identified the friend in San
Salvador who had identified Mr. Gremillion in the American Embassy in
San Salvador as a CIA representative.
A MEROLA also provided.
the names of two women employed in the Embassy who were xapaxtɛt involved
in compromising situations with both Americans and local nationals.
MEROLA identified the two women as Nancy SHALLOT and Dęlia OBESA. MEROLA
was met again on 17 January 1974 *■x#£fartx±ax&BÌ¤XNÌK#XXNXX®±Ñæ¤¤µ³яsibÌex
at which time he provided the name of a third woman in the Embassy. Gloria,
who has also been involved in compromising situations. Upon чж*кк inquiring
Headquarters personnel who had recently returned from San Salvador, the
above identities were confirmed; all three are American citizens assigned
to the Embassy in San Salvador.
:
Above is a note dated 24 January 1974 from ratti Burke, WH/2/CS/IA, based on
information received orally from DCD,
14-00000
SPEED LETTER
TO
:
Chief, WH/2/GS
(3 B 4402 Hqs.)
ATTN:
Patty Burke
1396
367
1831
SECRET
FROM:
VES
REGUESTED
DATE
23 January 1974
LETTER NO.
DCD/SB/OSS
SPRyan/ds
OSS-172-74
SUBJECT: Case 61401 Joseph Merola
-
On 18 January 1974, our Miami Field Office advised us of
the name of a third person reportedly involved in potentially
compromising situations who works at the Embassy. This person
was identified as "Gloria" by our source. This information
passed verbally to El Salvador Desk Officer on 18 January 1974.
E-2 IMPDET CL # 010650
REPLY
SECRET
USE PRES03
EDITIONS
RETURN TO ORIGINATOR
SHAUN P. RYAN Evan Amer for
DATE
SIGNATUR.
14-00000
STATE DEPT DOCUENT
DATE:
22 JANUARY 1974
SUBJECT: PROPOSED HELICOPTER/AIRCRAFT PLANT
CLASSIFICATION: CONFIDENTIAL
DOCUMENT #: SAN SALV 0256
ĵ
14-00000
CONFI NTIAL
☐ SECRET
UNCLASSIFIED
SUBJECT: (Ophanal)
MAL
USE ONLY
ROUTING AND RECORD SHEET
Case 61401 CIA Operative in El Salvador
FROM DOMESTIC COLLECTION DIVISION
LIINGICA
Support Branch/Operational Support Section
Poom 300, Key Building - ext. 2268
Mr. Shaun P. Ryan
TO: (Officer designation, room number, and
building)
Splian
DATE
OFFICERS
SPITIALS
RECEIVED FORWARDED
NO
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
;1.
12.
13.
14.
15.
WH/2/GS
Atta. Patty. Burke
3 B 4402 ilqs.
DATE
18 January 1974
COMMENTS (Number each comment to show from
to whom. Draw a line across column after each comment)
The attached is for your
information and possible
interest.
(OSS-142-74)
i
E 2 IMPDET CL BY 00, 22
FORM
3-02
610TIONS
USE PREVICIUS
SECRET
CONFIDENTIAL
INTERNAL
USE ONLY
UNCLASSIFIED

14-00000
SECRET SENSITIVE
HKNOKANDUM FOR THE RECORD
SUBJECT:
RKVS ::
A.)
D.)
c.)
D.)
E.)
F.)
G.)
085-142-74
18 January 1974
Case 61401 - CIA Operative in El Salvador
MIN-006-74, 4 January 1974.
TWX DCD/Washington 96860, 16 January 1974
Ryan/HacYaze telecoa 26 January 1974
Ryan/EscVane telecon 17 January 1974
Ryan/Mainwaring telecon 17 January 1974
TWX DCD/Miami 12475, 17 January 1974
TWX DCD/Miami 12476. 17 January 1974
1.
One of our sources in Miami, Joseph Merola, revealed
the name and position of an individual reported to be an Agency
official in El Salvador to Matt MacVane during the course of an
interview on 21 December 1973. This was reported in MIN-006–74
4 January 1974. This report was forwarded to the El Salvador
Desk ou 8 January 1974. On 16 January 1974 the Desk requested
that DCD obtain the name of the individual mentioned in this
memoranduma who said he knew a CIA officer in the Embassy. This
request was passed by telecon and TWX to MacVane by Ryan on
16 January 1974. The El Salvador Desk also questioned the
reliability of our source. Joseph Merola, at this time and
requested we query Miami as to his reliability.
3. On 17 January 1974 at the request of MacVane, Ryan
visited the El Salvador Desk to ascertain their objections to
our source, known to us as a convicted felon. Desk objections
stemmed from a 1964 report which indicated that Merola had
informed persons that be vas a "CIA agent". Further conversa-
tion elicited the fact that Merola had again made this state-
ment in 1973 at an Embassy function. We advised the Desk that
☐ CD was well aware of Merola's criminal background but that he
had provided DCD with reliable reports in the past unrelated
to his own "pursuits".
3. The El Salvador desk confirmed the fact that the
individual mentioned by Merola's informant as being a CIA
officer was in fact such. Ryan advised MacVane of this per
telecon on 17 January 1974. Macvane and Mainwaring told Ryan
they were sending two cables relating to this case. The first
would provide the name of the person who reportedly know thẻ
CIA official. The second provided the names of two women
employed in the Embassy who were reportedly involved in
SECRET/SENSITIVE
B 2 IMPDET CL. BY 010650
14-00000
CECRET/SENSITIVE
compromising situations with both Americans and local nationals.
This latter cable was requested after the El Salvador desk
officer advised that all avenues and possible leads were to be
pursued to determine who leaked the information relating to the
CIA official. These two names (phonetically spelled) were
provided in the second cable by Miami. All of the information
received in these cabies was passed via secure phone to the
El Salvador dosk by Ryan upon receipt.
4. ¨MacVas advised Ryan via telecon that he anticipated
meeting with Joseph Merola at 1300 on 17 Jesuary to address
further matters concerned with this case. MacVane advised bran
that he would forward such information as soon as possible.
06: Miami Field Office
08:
CC:
WH/2/08
Bensitive Control Officer
SECRET/SENSITIVE
SKIN P. RYAN
અમ
14-00000
SECRET 171845Z JAN 74 STAFF
CITE DCD/MIAMI 12476
DCD/WASHINGTON
SUPPORT ERANCH/035 (S.RYAN)
ATTN:
SUBJI
CASE 6141
Jan 17 5 PM 774
REF $ 00A(5) 322/82566-74
THE IDENTITIES OF THE TWO GIRLS WHO WERE THE SUBJECT OF
OUR TELECON ARE:
NANCY SHALLOT
DELIA OBESA
: BOTH SPELLINGS ARE PHONETIC, BUT SHOULD BE IDENTIFIABLE.
ONE IS SUPPOSEDLY SECRETARY TO MR. TAYLOR.
SECRET
E2 IMPOET CL BY 212658
14-00000
SECRET
SECRET 171845Z JAN 74 STAFF
CITE DCD/MIRMI 12476
DCD/WASHINGTON
SUPPORT BRANCH/CSS (S.RYAN)
ATTE:
SUBJI
CASE 6142r
Jan 11 1.5 FM '74
REF : DUA(S) 322/32566-74
THE IDENTITIES OF THE TWO GIRLS WHO WERE THE SUBJECT OF
OUR TELECON ARE:
NANCY SHALLOT
DELIA OBESA
E2 IMPOET CL BY 812652
BOTH SPELLINGS ARE PHONETIC, BUT SHOULD BE IDENTIFIABLE.
ONE IS SUPPOSEDLY SECRETARY TO MR. TAYLOR.
SECRET
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PAGES
DIRECTOR
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DESSAGE DE
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EREFS: A. SAN SALVADOR 20685 IN 134684)
1.
B. WH/MIAMI 20664 IN 135313=*1
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FOLLOWING INFO IN ADDITION TRAGES REF 8: JOSEPH RAYMOND
MEROLA
(201-2578043. PER DBA 62712, 13 APR 64, SUBJ CLAIMED HE
CIA AGENT AND ALLEGED CIA OBTAINED PRESIDENTIAL PARDON FIVE YEAR
PRISON SENTENCE FOR RUNNING GUNS CUSA. IN ADDITION CLAIMED CIA
ISSUED PASSPORT IN NAME MICHAEL JOSEPH MEROLA FOR TRAVEL
CENTRAL AMERICA.
2. PER HAS RECORDS, MEROLA NOT CIA AGENT, BUT HAS BEEN DCD
CONTACT SINCE EARLY SIXTIES.
3. 21 DEC 73. MEROLA CONTACTED DCB. MIAMI TO ADVISE HE RECENTLY
SPOKE WITH FRIEND IN SAN SALVADOR WHO WORKS FOR ANSESAL. FRIEND
ADVISED MEROLA NOT GO US EMBASSY SAN SALVADOR TO SEE A MAN NAMED
GREMILLION BECAUSE GREMILLION, WHO US EMBASSY POLITICAL SECTION
OFFICER UNDER SURVEILLANCE ON SUSPICION OF BEING CIA REP SAN
SALVADOR.
2
MEROLA TOLD FRIEND HE NEITHER KNEW NOR WOULD HAVE CAUSE TO
DATE:
ORIG:
UNIT
EXT:
Dd). 25983ḍ
RECORD COPY
REPRODUCTION BY OTHER THAN THE ISSUING OFFICE IS PROHIBITED
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SEE SUCH A MAN.
502254
FRIEND TOLD MEROLA HE ONLY TELLING HIM FOR HIS OWN.
"GOOD BECAUSE IF MEROLA SAW GREMILLION, MEROLA WOULD BECOME A SUSPECT
CIA AGENT AS WELL.
4. DCD MIAMI RECONTACTED MEROLA 15 JANUARY DETERMINE ABONE
IDENTITY "FRIEND" IN SAN SALVADOR. FRECOIEND IDENTIFIED AS
(ris 30 201-87.31.26)
GUILLERMO P. O BRE DE R, PRESIDENT INSAFI, MARRIED TO SECRETARY AT
IN SALFADOR
US EMBASSY CURRENTLY ON MATERNITY LEAVE.
5. MEROLA TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFO AT MTG WITH DCD MIAMI
17 JAN 74. WILL ADVISE.
b. FILE:
WH COMMENT:
201-257804. E2 IMPDET.H
*REQUESTED H&S TRACES JOSEPH MEROLA, WHO CELAIMED TO BE
AERONAUTICAL CONSULTANT WITH PATTERSON AIRCRAFT
COMPANY OF CALIFORNIA
**WH/MIAMI TRACE REPLY
***NEGATIVE SLIGO #TRACES
DATE: 17 JAN 74
ORIG: PATTI BURKE plo HDCD SHAUN RYAN (DRAFT)
UNIT: WH/2/GS
EXT:
1868
Jina
www.
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&
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TORI151451Z JAŃ 74
IN 137738
MMIM
28685
142112Z JAN 74. STAFF
SECRET
CITE WH/MIAMI 22685
TO: SAN SALVADOR INFO DIRECTOR.
REF: A SAN SALVADOR 28665 (IN) 134684)
WHYMIAMI 22654 CIN 135313)
B.
1,
2.
NO ADDITIONAL SLIGO TRACES ON JOSEPH MEROLA,
FILE: 288-11-11/3. E-2, IMPDET.
1/28
SECRET
Mafy C
11
Ins.
14-00000
STATE DEPT DOCUMENT
SUBJECT: PROPOSED HELICOPTER/AIRCRAFT PLANT
DATE: 17 JANUARY 1974-
حميل
CLASSIFICATION: CONFIDENTIAL
DOCUMENT: SAN SALVADOR C0193
NO FILE GIVEN.
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TOR:1121192 JAN 74
SE RET 1120592 JAN 74 STAFF
CITE WH/MIAMI 20664
AUN SY
REPRODUCTION BY O
ISSUING OFFICE 13 P
conc
STARF
HOK HI
135313-
HMIM 28664
क
TO: SAN SALVADOR INFO DIRECTOR,
REF: SAN SALVADOR 20685 (ZN 1346841
-
1. JOSEPH R, MEROLA, DPOB 9 OCT 1925,
STURTLE CREEK, PA, STATION CARDS FROM PERIOD 1959-1963
INDICATE HE EX-CONVICT, NOTORIOUS SMUGGLER. GUNRUNNER AND
GENERAL TROUBLE-MAKER, CARDS TO LAERGO REPORTS INDICATE HE
WAS INVOLVED IN PANAMA INVASION PLAN IN 1959, ANDIN
HAITIAN INVASION PLANS IN 1958 AND 1963. IN 1959,
HE WAS UNDER INDICTMENT IN PA, OR INTERSTATE TRANSPORTATION
OF STOLEN ARMS, IN 1968, HE WAS PRINCIPAL IN
PROPOSED CUBAN COUNTERFEIT PESC DEAL. LNERGO WAS CONTACTED
IN 1961, AND INDICATED THAT ALTHOUGH HE
HAD LONG RECORD, HE UNDOUBTEDLY COULD SPEAK AUTHORITATIVELY
ON INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS, ALSO, HE WAS INTERESTED
IN PROVIDING CONTRABAND WH[SK
SENATOR, AND ATTEMPTED MANU
WHICH PLACED ON HIM AFTER CONVIN
QNINGING IN TO U.S. THE SON OF
P RESTRICTION"
CLADESTINELY
_ ICTATOR
༩༢::
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VR.,
PAGE 02-02
REPRODUCTION BY O
ISSUING OFFICE IS P
STAFF
IN 135313
TUR1112119 JAN 74
WMIN 20664
FULGENCIO BATISTA, OR FOR CHARGE THAT HE INVOLVED IN THEFT OF
GUNS FROM NATIONAL GUARD ARMORY.-
2. SUBJECT NOT LISTED 1973 MIAMI TELEPHONE BOOK.
LATEST ADURESS IN CARDS IS: 2018 NORTH BAY RD, MIAMI
BEACH, FLA. ME WAS VISITED AT THIS ADDRESS IN 1951 BY MBR
OF SLIGO, URGANIZATION, WHO DESCRIBED HOME AS "PALATIAL",
ALTHOUGH WE HAVE NO RECENT INFO ON SUBJECT, SUGGEST
THAT HIS PLANS ESTABLISH HELICOPTER PLANT IN SAN SALVADOR
MAY HAVE SHADY SIDE, POSSIBLY SMUGGLING ARMS OR LUCRATIVE
NARCOTICS TRAFFICI
3.
4. SINCE SUBU IS U.S. CIT, REQUEST AGOVE INFO NOT BE PASED.
LIAISON ON OTHER U.S. GOVT AGENCIES WITHOUT HOS APPROVAL.
5, WILL FORWARD PERTINENT SLIGO TRACES.
6. FILE! 280-11⑉11/31 E-2, IMPOET.

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PAGE 01-01
TOR11113222 JAN 74
IN 134684
SALV 20685
SECRET 1823252 JAN 74 STAFF
CITE SAN SALVADOR 20685
TO: DIRECTOR INFO WH/MIAMI,
0
501.0357804
1. REQUEST TRACES ON/MR, JOSEPH R. MEROLA, AGE 487
K BURN PENNSYLVANIA,
RESIDENCE OS MIAMI SHORES, FLORIDA,
MEROLA CLAIMS BE AERONAUTICAL CONSULTANT WITH PATTERSON
AIRCRAFT COMPANY OF CALIFORNIA. HE SUPPOSEDLY TRYING
NEGOTIATE DEAL TO ESTABLISH HELICOPTER PLANT EL SALVADOR:
DURING TALKS AT SOCIAL PARTIES WITH EMBASSY PERSONNEL HE
INDICATED PREVIOUS WORK WITH BKHERALD.
2. FILE: DEFER: E2 IMPDE
* Svc'D
SECRET
RECORD COPY
281-25787
14-00000
☐ UNCLASSIFIED
i
☐ RNAL
U ONLY
CONF. NTIAL
☐ SECRET
'ROUTING AND RECORD SHEET
EXTENSION
40
HIH-25826
SUBJECT. Ina)
CIA Operative in El Salvador
FROM: DOMESTIC COLLECTION DIVISION
** 2233
Support Branch, 'Operational Support Sectioa
Room 900, Key Building -
Mr. 
Shaun P. Ryan
designction, room number, and
Schepen
TO. (Off
building)
1.
C/WH/2/GS
Attn. Kathy Kaurer.
3 B 4402 Hqs.
2.
DATE
OFFICERS
INITIALS
Ramo PORWARDED
10 JAN 1974
11/20
DATE
8 January 1974
COMMENTS (Number each comment in show hom whom
Draw a line 
across column after each comment.)
To whom
3:
4.
5.
04/11/2
12/14/2
7
C/WH/2/G-S
10/2/05/Patte
8.
11. JAN
19747
11 JAN 1974
11
Jans
The attached Memorandum.
CHIM-006-74, is for your
interest and retention.
Please advise us at your
earliest convenience of
any additional interest
or requirements in this
matter.
Thank you.
cc:
CI/OP/WH
9.
10.
11.
$12.
13.
14.
15
610
3.43
4.3833
157°23
SECRET
☐ CONFIDENTIAL
_
action
(a) fils call DCD to,
to find out
whs Merola en Job, etc.
именвазивной
Wands their ach Mosela
whiths sexet retrice man
Tis
(c) then send modifially
FYI & station.
K 2 IMPDET CL BY 007622
3:5ой будет
INTERNAL
USE ONLY
matter.
ིབཁསཔཆ
☐ UNCLASSIFIED
14-00000
TO
857 ronal
MINIT
GSA FTMALS
UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT CONMENTAL
Memorandum
: Chief, Domestic Collection Division
ATTN : Support Branch/005 (JGross)
FROM :
Chief, Mimmi Field Office
SUBJECT: CIA Cperative in El Salvador
chanard.
by 
DCD"
Gramlin
pol 
section
解
MIM-006-74
DATE: January 1974
-MURAWSK!??
1. Joe Merola contacted the Miami office on 21 December 1973 to
explain that he recently had spoken with a friend of his in San Salvador,
El Sulvador. The friend, who allegedly works for the El Salvadoran
Secret Service, told Horola that when he (Merola) comes to El Salvador
not to go to the US Embassy to see a man named Vermillion. The friend
told Kerola that Vermillion is the Commercial Attache at the embassy
and in under surveillance because he is suspected of being the CIA man
in San Salvador. Merola told his friend that he did not know a man
The
named Vermillion, nor would he ever have cause to see such a man.
friend then told Merola that he was only telling him for his own good,
and that if he (Merola) were to see this Vermillion that Merola would
become a suspected CIA agent as well.
2. Merola said that he was passing this information to us in case
we did indeed have a man in San Salvador by the name of Vermillion.
Merola has been a contact of the Miami Field Office for some ten years,
and during that period he has passed to this office some very reliable
information.
NCMacVané: pav
Briner & Man
BRUCE E. MAINWARING
ཚ ་ ་ ་ ་ ་
E 2 IMPLET CL. BY 010650
CONFIDENTIAL
Bay U S. Savings Bonds Regularly on the Payroll Savings Plan
14-00000
SECRET
4 February 1964
Chief, Security Branch
PROP
Greg Maruca
14
Jails
'
☐
785
Lt. Van Buskirk, Metro Intelligence
To pass info and receive advice.
܂
0930 hours, 4 Feb 64,
telephonically
Lt. Van Buskirk advised that Clifford V. CONNELL, who was
arrested about two months ago for illegal possession of aboutl}
tons of dynamite will claim as his defense that he was performing
a patriotic service for his country by working with Joseph Raymond
MEROLA who has on numerous occasions claimed to be working for
KUBARK. The trail date has not yet been set. Others involved
the same. case: Remer Estuez ODOM, and Harold WIDDEN. MEROLA
was born 10/9/25, Pittsburgh, Pa. and posseses FBI #4989299.
Van Buskirk wanted to know if any of the above are working for
KUBARK. Results of Station traces are attached.,
Charlie McKey said, "
Joe has hand intout on intelligens
luvil, informant type not an agent, not on payroll and not
разгове
in position claim employment. McKay has not want to
lose this sance of info. He said one john Alie French
irational, trying to over thear Invalin govt Haiti which
might account for dynamite castre.
Advise 00. Advise. Van Buskirk that the
above individuals are not working for KUBARK.
00 Adved 1515 has 4 Feb By C.O.S.
c/oo said to tell police
Subject (Merda) has been of interest in part as informent - not
Freq Maruca
foreg
Greg Maruca
Metro
SECRET
&B.UP 1
2-
14-00000
tosociated with KUBARK AND
present Activities.
عما قسمه
we are not AWARE Sulpet's
monial of above.
VAN Buskink Adrized by Afhandass 1600 km. 4. Febby
Van Bookends sound was showed he perfond have somebody
office andy to deny
in count from
of Connalle as
00
he intends use this as
to so adriand
Claim
Defence. Co.s.
2.
į
14-00000
From Mitch Lawrence
Regarding Joe Merola:
Information passed on.
Van
to Lt. Van Buskirk per our discussion.
Buskirk advised that we should have somebody
ready to go to court and to deny the claim
of Connel that he was working on our behalf.
The date for the trial is not as yet set and
Van Buskirk said there is no hurry, but he
would like to know whether or not we would
have somebody there in as much as this person,
- intends to base his defense on the basis of
* his working for us.
1645
1