ie 0336-10010 Se ClA R-II Assassination Records Review Board 600 E Street NW - 2nd Floor - Washington, DC 20530 fo . (202) 724-0088 + Fax: (202) 724-0457 Lf Ci LA HAS NC NO OBJECTION TO Vy vy December 18, 1997 pee LASSIFICATION AND/OR 2 EASE CS “CHA INFORMATIO Mr. John Pereira — NTRS CocuMENT i re Chief 3 534] Historical Review Group Center for the Study of Intelligence Central Intelligence Agency Washington, D.C. 02505 Re: Status of CIA Responses to Assassination Records Review Board’s Requests for Additional Information and Records Dear John: I am writing to follow-up on our telephone call earlier today and to convey my serious concern about the status of CIA’s responses to the Review Board’s requests for additional information and records. Although CIA has completed its responses to several requests, and many others have been answered in part, a significant number of requests have not been answered — including some that were made more than two years ago. On many occasions we have been assured that responses would be forthcoming, only to have promised dates come and go without answers. It is now extremely important that these requests be answered promptly so that we may conduct a proper follow-up if necessary. The issues that we can now identify as being of the highest priority are identified in the text below by double asterisks (**)' and we request that they be answered within the next month. We request that the remaining requests be answered by April.1, 1998. The remainder of this letter is divided into two parts: first, a listing of the formal requests for information and records, and second, a listing of the informal requests for information and records. Please let me know if your understanding of any of the following points differs from ours so that we can resolve any potential discrepancies. 'As identified more fully below, the issues are: CLA-1 Organizational Material, CIA-6 Cables and Dispatches, CIA-13 Backchannel Communications, CIA-IR-03 HTLINGUAL Documents, CIA-IR-04 Disposition of Angleton Files, CIA-IR-07 Claude Barnes Capehart, CIA-IR-15 Electronic “take” from Mexico City, CIA-IR-21 DRE Monthly Operational Reports, CIA-IR-22 “A” Files on Clay Shaw and Jim Garrison. ee Boaro Memacas: John R. Tunheim, Chair « Henry F. Graff « Kermit t. Hall - William l. Joyce * Anna K. Nelson
13-00000 Mr. John Pereira December 18, 1997 Page 8 CIA-IR-09 George Bush Computer Search. The Review Board provided CIA with a copy of an FBI document, dated November 29, 1963, prepared under the name of John Edgar Hoover, which states: “The substance of the foregoing information [on the assassination of President Kennedy] was orally furnished to Mr. George Bush of the Central Intelligence Agency ....” We have been informed that the DO has no record of a “George Bush” being in n the employ of CIA in 1963 with the exception of Mr. George William Bush who has already given a sworn affidavit that he is not the “George Bush” in question. It is our understanding that the CIA has. confirmed that the search query included George Herbert Walker Bush prior to 1970. CIA should determine whether George Herbert Walker Bush is the person to whom the memorandum refers and should provide a definitive statement regarding the scope of its search and the basis of its conclusion. Any and all personnel files of George Herbert Walker Bush should be reviewed to determine whether he had any affiliation with CLA during the 1963 period. Once the formal statement is provided, this request will be complete. CIA-IR-10 IG Reports. CIA will determine whether the IG’s office maintains an index or inventory of its reports and determine whether the IG’s office prepared a report on the handling of Oswald. Since April 1997, CIA has had no response and no time frame fora response. * CIARA Warren Commission Critics: We are asking that CIA determine whether it possesses any files or records on Warren Commission critics Edward J. Epstein, Josiah Thompson, Mark Lane, Harold Weisberg, or Sylvia Meagher. The Review Board is not requesting _ information per se regarding any FOIA requests by these individuals or any Public Affairs news clippings.? Since April 1997, CIA has had no response and no time frame for a response. >To the extent that CIA possesses FOIA files or records on any of these individuals, and to the extent that those records contain information that was not filed’ with the courts, such records are being requested for review by the Review Board.
13-00000 ' (40552. (secure). ~ FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY 06 February 1998 MEMORANDUM FOR: J. Barry Harrelson DCI /HRG FROM: , Srey Sr aI ivision Office of Personnel Security SUBJECT: Records Search Request Warren Commission Critics REFERENCE: CIA-IR-1i1 1. In response to the referenced request, the Office of Personnel Security's Management Data Program/Personnel Security (MDP/PS) database was searched. 2. The searches undertaken were reasonably calculated to retrieve all responsive documents. Based upon the information provided, the Office of Personnel Security has located one (1) possible individual who may or may not meet your requirements outlined in your referenced request. Epstein, Edward J. AIN(0 488 768 f 3. There was an impersonal folder regarding a Sylvia Meagher and a 1968 Ramparts magazine article. This information was destroyed under the Records Control Schedule on 01 January 1994. Based upon the limited biographic information, security records were not located for the remaining individuals. 4, This memorandum is provided for your information and appropriate disposition. Plea xr inquiries regarding this matter to' at ror = FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
13-00000 poe” 613- 3002 . S Pent, 7 Sa I “ - . . . . . tn ° —_ teers mere ar 9 | sampames os 7 . SS 038 Form 100 "+ (#6392) 3a SERVICE HISTORY. - OFFICIAL °° wien | STATION Yashington,D.¢, Name _‘ Weisberg, Harold - + LEGAL Varginiea oe ftent? | Firat Widdie) {tates County) etree) ADDRES Zéee Not ‘St. Arlington,7va. = HOME TeELepHone Feb! 7380 ° DATE OF GATH Feb. 1, 2945 : $ DATE OF nace EF cose) sinete{_] waanieoix] ot vorceo [_] seranareo [J vinowed_} covrr exe, LJ BIRTH ‘April 8, isiz_ CFF. DATE SALAR BRAKCH AUTHORITY. * ACTION 4a5/ Sty isttns _t if py tis Preeti Hiitortal # | scent | 8.54500 | 3 “8/905 et 1 Ts eo a3 ‘ esa es eee y om) ;: i ; a, 18 . Be, oa cen ° eo cosy BwbtErees og tte te sae gy . . . ;
13-00000 , | | | (seg requed Cle Cin +45 cHecwunonle >) ADMINISTRATIVE-INTERNAL USE ONLY 11 February 1998 MEMORANDUM FOR: J. Barry Harrelson — Project Officer teen (Dur ep FROM: ia FEE Len Drorwe er} Associate Information Review Officer, DDA SUBJECT: CIA-IR-11 - ARRB Request for Search on Warren Commission Critics (DA/IRO No. 21) 1. This is with reference to your 2 February 1998 memorandum (Tab A) and our subsequent telephone conversation on 6 February wherein you requested that the Directorate of Administration (DA) search for files or records on Warren Commission critics Edward J. Epstein, Josiah Thompson, Mark Lane, Harold Weisberg, or Sylvia Meagher. 2. Based upon the limited biographic information provided on Subjects, the Office of Personnel Security (OPS), the Office of Human Resource Management (HRM) and the office of the Publication Review Board conducted thorough searches. No records were located on Josiah Thompson or Mark Lane. As you know, OPS located a file on Harold Weisberg as a result of its search in response to CIA-IR-27 (DA/IRO No. 14). At your request, on 6 February 1998 (Tab B) we requested that OPS make arrangements to have this file reviewed by the ARRB to determine which documents are Assassination Records. Accordingly, OPS did not address the Weisberg file in this CIA-IR-11 response. 3. As a result of DA's searches (Tab C) we located the following files and/or information: Edward J. Epstein - AIN 0 488 768 (found in OPS) File found in PRB Harold Weisberg - computer printout (attached) found in HRM Sylvia Meagher - OPS advised that there was an impersonal folder regarding Subject and a 1968 Ramparts Magazine article which were destroyed in accordance with the Records Control Schedule on 1 Janaury 1994. ADMINISTRATIVE - INTERNAL USE ONLY
13-00000 m ADMINISTRATIVE - INTERNAL USE ONLY 4. Please let me know when you want me to request the files on Edward Epstein from OPS and PRB. Meanwhile, this concludes DA action on CIA-IR-11. If you have any questions, please feel free to call me on (31201. Attachments: As Stated ADMINISTRATIVE - INTERNAL USE ONLY
13-00000 ADMINISTRATIVE - INTERNAL USE ONLY From the Desk of Frieda P. Omasta OTE FOR: J. Barry Harrelson FROM: Frieda P. Omasta OFFICE: ADAIIRO DATE: 04/01/98 09:41:04 AM SUBJECT: CiA-IR-11 Warren Commission Critics (DA/IRO No. 27} Barry: Per page 6 of ARRB‘s 5 March 1998 memorandum (attached), on 25 March, | asked PIRD to conduct a search and advise as to what FOIAIPA cases they received from anyone for records on the following individuals: Edward J. Epstein Josiah Thompson Mark Lane Harold Weisberg Sylvia Meagher i. As a result of PIRD's search, they advised that there were two FBI referrals for records on Mark Lane (F-1993-01446 and F-1994-02092). | have requested that these files be retrieved from the Records Center for our review. There is no record of requests received specifically for information on Epstein, Thompson, Weisberg or Meagher. However, the search revealed three requests that mentioned Epstein's name in the subject line. The raquests have been destroyed in accordance with records control schedule approved by NARA as noted below. | have provided the subject as identified on computer printout provided by PIRD: a. F-1980-00168 (The Secret World of Lee Harvey Oswald by Edward J. Epstein all infe - Cancelled 9/8/1087 & subsequently destroyed) b. F-1981-00894 (Correspondence bewteen IPD & Anthony Summers andfor Edward Jay Epstein - destroyed 8/5/1985) c. F-1988-01938 (George de Mohrenschildt documents released to Edward J. Epstein - destroyed 7/6/1993} The search revealed one request that mentioned Wiser in the subject line. File destroyed as noted below. Once again, | have provided subject as identified on computer printout. a. F-1977-00383 (NIS referral - JFK and Oswald documents, 20 Oct 83 - this is identical to release made to Harold Weisberg also as result of same NiS referral - destroyed 6/12/1997} At your specific request, PIRD also conducted a search te determine what requests had been received FROM the individuals referred te above on any subject. The results of their search revealed the following: Edward J. Epstein - 10 FOIA requests received all of which have been destroyed in accordance with the records destruction schedule. Josiah Thompson - no requests received Mark Lane - 6 FOIA requests and 1 PA request (FBI REF) received. The records show that four of these requests have been destroyed and that there is ne data such as Job and Box number to indicate the disposition of the remaining 3. However, | have been advised that since the remaining three are such old cases it is almost certain that they have been destroyed as well. These three are identified below together w/subject as provided by PIRD: ADMINISTRATIVE - INTERNAL USE ONLY
13-00000 ADMINISTRATIVE - INTERNAL USE ONLY 3 CASES WITHOUT DATA TO VERIFY DESTRUCTION a. F-1975-00145 (JFK, Oswald, Ruby} b. F-1975-02322 (Sam Giancona & surveillance) c. F-1977-00136 (Additional Kennedy Assassination) Harold Weisberg - 47 FOIA requests and 1 PA request (FBI COORD) received. Records show that 37 of these files have been destroyed and that there is no data such as job and box number to indicate the disposition of 5, However, | have been advised that since these 5 cases are so old, it is almost certain that they have been destroyed as well. These 5 cases are identified below. Those 6 cases which have not been destroyed are noted below together with subject line as provided on computer printout provided by PIRD. 5 CASES WITHOUT DATA TO VERIFY DESTRUCTION: . F-1975-04765 (No subject in MOR} . F-1975-06669 (Nosenko, Warren Commission) . F-1975-06898 (FOR} . F-1976-00105 (CIA Affidavits, Heike Case} . F-1979-01256 (Justice Referral). oe & © EF mm 6 CASES NOT DESTROYED . F-1979-01105 (Justice Referral - J.F. Kennedy} . F-1980-00321 (FBI Referral - CIA & FBI Docs) . F-1981-00023 (JFK Assassination - FBI REF NO. 2) . F-1981-00246 (JFK Assassination 2546 - JUSTICE) . F-1983-00125 (Yuri Nosenke) . F-1986-00440 (Info re: Yuri Nesenko) ro © Gh © EP a Sylvia R. Meagher - 1 PA request which has been destroyed. Frieda cc: Becky L. Rant ADMINISTRATIVE - INTERNAL USE ONLY
13-00000 wo “ Cys. * . Assassination Records Review Board < & eB 600 E Street NW + 2nd Floor - Washington, DC 20530 *. ot fe (202) 724-0088 - Fax: (202) 724-0457 ty w gor . : - March 5, 1998 Mx. J. Barry Harrelson Chief, JFK Project Historical Review Program . . Office of Information Management Central Intelligence Agency Washington, D.C. 20505 - Re: Status of CLA Responses to Assassination Records Review Board’s Requests for Additional Information and Records _ Dear Barry: Iam writing to update the Review Board's understanding of the status of CIA’s © responses to our formal and informal requests for additional information and records that have been requested pursuant to the Review Board's authority under Section 7()(1)(C)Gi)of the President John F. Kennedy Assassination Records Collection Act of 1992, 44 U.S.C. § 2107 (Supp. V 1994) JFK Act). We appreciate recent CIA efforts to respond to our outstanding requests. As we have written in our formal requests and as we have said to you orally, you should interpret our requests in the broadest reasonable sense. To the extent that you believe that a request poses an unreasonable burden that we may not have anticipated, or to the extent that you have suggestions to modify or to amend our requests in such a way as to better reach our goals, you should not hesitate to make suggestions or seek clarification. As has been noted in earlier letters, these requests will be incorporated into the Agency’s final compliance declaration. In requesting these materials, we are not designating them “assassination records” at this time and we are not requesting that copies be given to the Review Board. All outstanding ARRB requests for additional information, both formal and informal, are scheduled to be completed by April 1, 1998. As noted in your meeting with Michelle Combs on February 27, 1998, we recognize that some requests, such as C1A-7, are ongoing and will continue. In addition, the ARRB has. formulated some new requests, CLA-IR-34 and IR-35, which shouid be completed as quickly as possible. The reniainder of this letter is divided into two parts involving first, the formal requests for information and records, and second, Che intornial request: for mformation ane records
13-00000 Mr. J. Barry Harrelson March 5, 1998 Page 6 CIA-IR-09 George Bush Computer Search. _ The CIA’s response to this request has been received. This request is now complete. CIA-IR-10 IG Reports. - CIA will determine whether the IG’s office maintains an index or inventory of its reports and determine whether the IG‘s office prepared a report on the handling — of Oswald. Since April 1997, CLA has had no response and no time frame for a response. CIA-IR-11 Warren Commission Critics. We are asking that CIA determine whether it possesses any files or records on Warren Commission critics Edward J. Epstein, Josiah Thompson, Mark Lane, Harold Weisberg, or Sylvia Meagher. The Review Board is not requesting information per se regarding any FOIA requests by these individuals orany Public Affairs news clippings.’ Since Apuil 1997, CIA has had no response and no time frame for a response. CIA-IR-12 Contacts with Journalists or Publishing Houses. The Review Board seeks to determine to what extent, if any, CLA might have attempted to influence any journalists or publishers regardin g public discussion of the assassination. This request, originally discussed i in March 1997, was raised at the DO follow-up briefing on April 1, 1997. CLA has had no response and no time frame for a response. CIA-IR-13 Office or Person Dealing with Organized Crime and Cuba. The file was made available by CIA for review. Documents in this file have been marked for processing as assassination records. The Review Board seeks confirmation that these documents have been placed in the review process. The AP The Review Board requested that C1A make a particular personnel file available. wy "To the extent that CIA possesses FOLA files or records on any ot these individuals, and to Che estertt (iat (hose records contain mitorniation: that was nat filed with the courts. such records are bere requested for reiici by the Kevew Board,
13-00000 | UNCLASSIFIED 5 August 1998 2530 MEMORANDUM FOR: Chief, JFK Declassification Project /HRP/OIM/DA FROM: Fredrick C. Wickham, Jr. Chief, External Support Group/IMS/DO Central Intelligence Agency SUBJECT: : . DO Response to Informal Request CIA IR #11 REFERENCE: Informal Request from ARRB Staff Circa * April 1997 Requesting Information Regarding “any files or records on Warren Commission critics” 1. (U) This memorandum is in response to informal request number 11 (CIA IR #11). from the staff of the Assassination Records Review Board (ARRB). The staff has -requested “any files or records on Warren Commission critics Edward J. Epstein, Josiah Thompson, Mark Lane, Harold Weisberg, or Sylvia Meagher.” **CIA-IR-11 2. (U) After a thorough search and review of the Directorate of Operation’s records systems, the following information has been compiled on the five individuals cited in reference. At the direction of the ARRB staff, we did not include material in response to FOIA requests or in Public Affairs news clippings. a. Edward J. EPSTEIN - The DO has no identifiable information on subject.. Our search did surface the name Edward Epstein; however, by using additional biographical data known about subject, we were able to dismiss these names as false “hits.” b. Josiah THOMPSON - Subject was of operational interest to the DO circa 1962; therefore, a 201 file does exist on this individual. The file can be made available for review by an appropriate member of the ARRB staff. UNCLASSIFIED
13-00000 UNCLASSIFIED SUBJECT: (U) Do Response to Informal Request CIA IR #11 ec. Mark LANE - Our search produced re to two documents: (1) An Agency dispatch Exon | ' Germany /dated 23 January 1970, and (2) An O etter “dated 29 March 1977. Both of these documents are available for review. The OGC letter concerns a 1976 FOIA request -- Mark Lane was one of the individuals requesting the FOIA action -- which involves two dispatches dated 1967 and 1968. Because these two documents are the subject of a FOIA request, they are not included in this response. d. Harold Weisberg - There is a 201 file on subject which contains very limited information. This file can be made available for review by an ARRB staff member. The DO retired records system, CARD, has a reference to an Agency dispatch (EGBA}87605, 1969) which indicates subject was in correspondence with Julius Mader. We have yet to locate a hard copy of this document. e. Sylvia Meagher - We found no DO information. 3. (U) In addition to the above records, our research did surface a reference to a file titled “Garrison Investigation of Kennedy Assassination” which was opened in 1969 and closed in 1996. 2 UNCLASSIFIED
13-00000 UNCLASSIFIED SUBJECT: (U) Do Response to Informal Request CIA IR #11 IMS/ESG/HCS | k31660¢mjk (5 August 1998) Distribution: Original - Addressee 1 - C/IMS/ESG 1 - IMS/ESG/HCS 1 - IMS/ESG Chrono 3 UNCLASSIFIED
13-00000 CIA SPECIAL co OLLECTIONS RELEASS IN FULL 2000 13 August 1998 wee eee” MEMORANDUM FOR: Laura Denk Executive Director, ARRB FROM; J. Barry Harrelson JFK Project Officer, HRP/OIM SUBJECT: Response to CIA-IR-11 1. The following is responsive to ARRB Request CIA-IR- 11, a request for files and records on Warren Commission critics, Edward, J. Epstein, Mark Lane, Sylvia Meagher, Josiah Thompson, and Harold Weisberg. -2. The Agency has made a thorough search of its files systems in an attempt to find files on these individuals. At the request of ARRB staff, it did not include material found in news clippings or responses to FOIA requests. All files found have been reviewed, or made available for — review, by ARRB staff. a. EPSTEIN, Edward J. --The DO found no files identifiable with subject; a file was found on an individual with the same name but, with research, it was determined that the individual was not the Edward J. Epstein who is the subject of this request. DA searches found an Office of Security file and a Publications Review Board file on subject, as well as three “hits” to records destroyed pursuant to normal records destruction schedules. . The destroyed records involved three Freedom of Information requests that mention Epstein’s name in the subject line. None of the requests were for information on Epstein b. LANE, Mark -- The DO search produced references to two documents (1) An Agency dispatch dated 23 January 1970 and (2) an OGC letter dated 29 March 1977. DA searches revealed six FOIA requests and one Public Affairs requests from subject; all records concerning these have been destroyed. No other files were found. An additional reference to Mark Lane was found in a document from a foreign government; that information has been. processed for release. Cc. MEAGHER, Sylvia -- A reference to the fact subject made a Privacy Act request was found. In addition, the Office of Security found that it had, at one time, a folder on subject and a 1968 Ramparts Magazine article. Both subject’s Privacy Act request and the Office of Security folder have been destroyed pursuant to normal record control schedules.
13-00000 d. THOMPSON, Josiah -- The search revealed that subject was of operational interest to the DO in 1962 and there is a 201 file on him. e. WEISBERG, Harold -- An OSS “Service History’ Form 1003a indicates subject worked for OSS from 15 January to 30 September 1945, first as a consultant and then as a research analyst. On the latter date he was transferred to the State Department. The search turned up a thin 201 file on subject and a reference to the fact he corresponded with one “Julius Mader.“ A notation was found which stated that additional information on subject was contained within file 100-300-017 entitled “Garrison Investigation of. Kennedy Assassination;” this file is in the JFK microfilm collection at Reel 25, Box 25. An Office of Security file was also found. Lastly, the search revealed that subject has made over forty FOIA requests to the Agency. 3. This completes CIA action on referent request. If you have any questions, please call me. __\——_. J. Barry Harrelso
13-00000 EY UCLASSIFIED LY "SGN LY SUN'WENTIAL LY Setket ; . ROUTING AND RECORD SHEET. SUBJECT: (Optional) 1 LEP E PESTER fA Sears Bruce L. Solie - Chief, : Security Analysis a 3 October 1977 - § VO: (Officer designation, room number, and building) OFFICER'S COMMENTS (Number eoch comment to show from whem ee Drow @ line oeress eoluma efter each comment.) FILES | || A copy of the attached fhe eb ae ty in the following security : files: 3. | i i ' James Angleton a Fe acenll B : ‘ Raymond Rocca 4, i . #16 791, . . . | David A. Murphy , | #31 454 i | Richard Helms #7190 ; Tennent H. Bagley 6. | . #38 638 | Donald Jameson )- : ! #43 840 ‘ i i i In addition, a ‘copy of the attached memorandum has also been forwarded to the Chief, Clearance Division : + for the security file of ° poo. | i the undersigned. ° _ - a va : ”" wf og a a Bruce L. Solie 14. re \ 1 , oe j . \ ; t ‘ xy ys ~ \ 5 rome 610 “e™ C] secRET [] CONFIDENTIAL C] INERMAL =] UNCLASSIFIED 7 7 4 of 4é y a oo ff ee,
eae | 26 September 1977 MEMORANDUN FOR:: Deputy Director of Security (PSI) ¢ FROM: -- Bruce Le Solie ’. - Chief, Security Analysis Group SUBJECT: EPSTEIN, Edward .. 203° 0. % ese Unrrte.} #488 768 1. Gordon Stewart, former Director of Personnel ‘and Inspector General, who retired circa 1971, telephoned the + °=.i:: waceTsigned at his residence on the evening of 23 September ~* 1977. -By way of background, Stewart, who was the IG in early 1968, was selected by the DCI to act in a “middle-man capacity" in the controversy over the Nosenko case.: Nosenko had.become- the responsibility of the Office of Security in October. 1967 at the direction of the DCI and it had become quite apparent :: > that the Office-of Security viewpoint concerning Nosenko was ales in conflict, if not. directly in. opposition to the views . . expressed by the Chief and Deputy Chiefs of both the SR Divi- sion and the CI Staff. The above officials, respectively, - were David Murphy, H.-Tennent Bagley- (Pete Bagley), James oa Angleton and Raymond Rocca. 2. Stewart advised the, undersigned that an Edward . Epstein is writing a book on the Kennedy assassination. Stewart inquired as to whether the undersigned was Willing to be interviewed concerning an area in which the undersigned had particular knowledge (it was clear to the undersigned that the reference was to Nosenko although name not mentioned). The undersigned told Stewart that he was still employed by the : Agency but, in any event, had no interest in contact with any reporter. Stewart indicated that he understood the attitude of the undersigned and that it was not entirely unexpected. { The undersigned is of the opinion that Stewart was only relaying a request or inquiry from Epstein who must have the nane of the undersigned. , IFIPER E2 IMPDET y GHEE CL BY 007472 AUER GEE FOS BE EASE [gag GiA HISTORICAL REVIEW PROGRAM
13-00000 3. During the conversation, Stewart advised that Epstein, in addition to Stewart, has interviewed the following: Richard Helms James Angleton 2 3 Raymond Rocca , . ‘Pete Bagley ¢ Donald Jamison (Stewart did not. know if Epstein has contacted David Murphy.) 4. In-view of the individuals interviewed by Epstein, it is presumed that the book by Epstein will have considerable coverage of the past. controversy over ‘the bona fides of _Nosenko. “§. Stewart advised that he had little Imowledge concerning. Edward Epstein | ‘but that ‘Helms had a favorable opinion concerning Epstein. ; . ee Paya - 8, Cost. ree” 6. Edward Epstein is undoubtedly identical - to Edward Jay Epstein (OS #488 768). There is no indication that Epstein has ever been used in any way by the Agency. The security file was initiated in 1966 because of his authorship of articles }. on the Warren Commission. Stewart remarked that he ‘did not : believe Epstein, in his book, would. materially disagree with the finding of the Warren Comnaission. This opinion may. not be correct since Epstein has been quite critical of the Warren Commission and supportive to the “more than one assassin": . theory. . - _ Bruce L.°Solie -
September 12, 1998 wi Teak SOCUMENT To: Laura Denk . O Executive Director. cc: Bob Skwirot CIA Team Leader From: Michelle Combs Bills On bo | - Associate Director for Research and Review Subject: CIA-IR-11 Warren Commission Critics In an effort to determine whether the CIA opened or maintained files on Warren Commission critics because they criticized the Warren Commission’s work and. findings, the Review Board requested access to all extant records on Edward J. Epstein, Josiah Thompson, Mark Lane, Harold Weisberg, or Sylvia Meagher. The Review Board did not request information per se on Freedom of Information Act requests by these individuals or any Public Affairs r news clippings. In response.to the Review Board’s Informal Request for Additional Records and Information CIA-IR-16, the CIA provided the following files or information on the requested individuals. Each file was examined by the Review Board staff and relevant records were designated as assassination records for inclusion in the JFK Collection at. the National Archives. Edward J. Epstein: CIA located an Office of Security file and a Publications Review Board file on Epstein as well as three indications of records destroyed under a standard records destruction schedule. The destroyed records involved three Freedom of Information Act requests. None of the requests were for information on Epstein. The Review Board staff did not designate any additional records as assassination records. Josiah Thompson: The CIA has a small 201 file on Thompson which indicates that he was considered to be of possible operational interest to the Agency in 1962 while he was living overseas. Interest was dropped, however, and Thompson never worked for the CIA in any capacity. The Review Board staff did not designate any additional records as assassination records.
13-00000 Mark Lane: The CIA did not open a 201 file on Lane. The Agency’ s records on Lane consist of: a dispatch dated January 23, 1970, an Office of the General Counsel letter dated March 29, 1977, six Freedom of Information Act requests, and one Public Affairs request. These documents were not designated as assassination records. An additional reference to Lane was found in a document from a foreign government. That information was designated an assassiriation record and has been processed for release to the JFK Collection at the National Archives. Harold Weisberg: CIA holds several files on Weisberg, An Office of Strategic Services (OSS) history form 1003a indicates that he served in the OSS from January 15 to September 30, 1945, first as a consultant and then as a research analyst, until he transferred to the Department of State. CIA also holds an eight-page 201 file which - contains newspaper articles, one reference to the Garrison investigation, a reference to the fact that Weisberg corresponded with “Julius Mader,” and administration documents. . This file is a part of the CIA sequestered collection and has been processed for release to the JFK Collection at the National Archives. An Office of Security file on Weisberg was reviewed by the Review Board staff and a small number of documents were marked as assassination records. Finally, Agency records show Weisberg has made more than 40 Freedom of Information Act requests. Sylvia Meagher: CIA no longer has any records on Meagher: At one time the Office of Security had a file on Meagher and a 1968 Ramparts Magazine article. A reference to a Privacy Act request made by Meagher. was also found. The Privacy Act - request and the Office of Security folder have been destroyed under normal record control schedules. e:\combs\ cia-irl1.wpd File 4.20.1 and 4.20.4