TOP SECRET. - 8 - Nevada for a client. Maheu stated that he recommended Edward DuBois and that the Los Angeles attorney requested him to contact DuBois to make the necessary arrangements to handle the investigation in Las Vegas. Maheu stated that he could “not recall if he or Walter Fitzpatrick, an associate of Maheu, had contacted DuBois regarding this request. He stated that his firm was not involved in this matter and that DuBois had been contacted only as a favor to the Los Angeles attorney. Maheu denied that he had made a second call to DuBois in- structing him to send only one man to Las Vegas, adding that he does not know any J. W. Harrison and is not acquainted with Arthur James Balletti. Maheu advised that he did not desire to furnish the identity of the Los Angeles attorney who originally contacted him without the attorney's consent. By letter dated January 27, 1961, Mr. Howard Babcock ad- vised the Criminal Division that prior to any presentment that office would be furnished with a prosecutive opinion and noted that the Bureau investigation in this matter has not yet been completed. An FBI investigative report dated February 8, 1961, at Salt Lake City, feflects that efforts to identify unknown subject, J. W. Harrison, have been unsuccessful. The above report dated February 8, 1961 also reflects that on January 2, 1961, at New York City, Phyllis McGuire advised that she had not given authority to anyone to install a listening device on Dan Rowan at any time and had no prior knowledge that such a device had been used before the arrest of Arthur James Balletti. a TOP SECRET oo, fai Docld: 32423544 Page 14
‘TOP SECRET ~9- The above report also reflects that Thomas Foley, Attorney- at-Law, advised on February 6, 1961, at Las Vegas, Nevada, that during the latter part of October 1960, he received a tele- phone call from James P. Cantillion, a Los Angeles attorney, requesting Foley to represent Arthur J. Balletti who had been arrested by the Clark County Sheriff's Office. Foley asked Cantillion about payment of the legal fee and Cantillion stated that. he would personally guarantee its payment. Foley stated that he immediately contacted a bail bondsman and arranged bond for Balletti. Foley stated that he was of the opinion that James P. Cantillion is the son of father and son team, Cantillion and Cantillion, a law firm in Los Angeles, Cali- fornia. Foley advised that Balletti's trial on the local charge was set for April, 1961. A Bureau investigative report dated January 28, 1961 at Miami, Florida, reflects that Fred T. Harris advised on January 24, 1961 that although he formerly worked as a pri- vate investigator for Investigations, Inc., from June 1960 until November 16, 1960, he did not work for Edward L. DuBois. However, since November 16, 1960, he has been back with DuBois almost full time. Harris stated he definitely did not accompany Balletti to Las Vegas and knew nothing of this affair and while he could not pinpoint his complete activities, he was certain that he was never out of Miami during the period from October 26 through 30, 1960. Harris also stated that he knew nothing of electronic devices and never had any sound training and ' sort of would have no idea as how to install any/wiretap. eg NSD va fy TOP SECRET Docld: 32423544 Page 15
TOP SECRET -~10- The same report reflects that Edward DuBois was inter- viewed on January 24, 1961, at Miami, Florida, stating again that Maheu had informed him that he could only send one man to Las Vegas, that he gave two round-trip tickets to Balletti who went to the Airport, met Maheu's man and travelled to Las Vegas. DuBois stated that Fred Harris definitely did not accompany Balletti to Las Vegas and did not work for him from June until the middle of November, 1960. DuBois stated he had no idea who had hired Maheu and that he had received $1,000 from Maheu for Balletti's services in Las Vegas. When he, DuBois, learned of Balletti's arrest, he contacted Maheu in Los Angeles and Maheu knew of Balletti's arrest and arranged for a Los Angeles attorney to defend him. Maheu indicated he had made these arrangements through a Los Angeles attorney whose identity he did not disclose. According to the above-mentioned report, dated January 28, 1961, at Miami, Florida, the desk clerk of the Kenilworth Hotel advised, on January 25, 1961, that registration records reflect that Robert A. Maheu of Washington, D. C., was registered in Room 722 from October 11-29, 1960 and that he was accompanied by one J. A. Rollins, also of Washington, D. C., who stayed in Room 701 from October 11-30, 1960. It was the desk clerk's recollection that Maheu paid the bill for both of the rooms and she noted that it was possible that either Rollins or Maheu could have left the hotel for a few days and return and if the room was not given up, such informa- tion would Seip reflected on the registration card. ed ares) TOP SECRET Docld: 32423544 Page 16
TOP SECRET -~ll- A Bureau investigative report dated February 14, 1961, at Miami, Florida, reflects numerous long distance phone calls of Robert Maheu made in October 1960 from the Kenilworth Hotel and four such calis made by J.A. Rollins during October 1960. A Bureau investigative report dated March 6, 1961, at Los Angeles, California, reflects the telephone listing for the Los Angeles number called by DuBois immediately after Balletti's arrest and the telephone listing for Los Angeles numbers called by Maheu and J.A. Rollins from Miami Beach in October 1960. In addition, the report reflects that James P. Cantillion, attorney, Los Angeles, California, advised on March 1, 1961, that his first knowledge of the microphone incident in Las Vegas, Nevada, came from a telephone call to him from a man in custody at Las Vegas whose name he could not recall. When given the name Balletti, Cantillion acknowledged that the name was probably correct but stated that he had no knowledge of Balletti prior to the call which came from a Lieutenant either from the Clarlk® County's Sheriff's Office or the Las Vegas City Jail. He claimed privilege for his conversation with Balletti but advised that he referred the caller.to attorney Tom Foley in Las Vegas. Cantillion stated that he knew Robert Maheu. Cantillion denied telephoning or otherwise contacting Maheu in Washington, D. C., or elsewhere, to ask him to perform surveillance on Dan Rowan. | A Bureau memorandum dated March 13, 1961, at Los Angeles, California, reflects information concerning James P. Cantillion, hate f EE Hotel when he came to Los Angeles and he visits with an attorney, 3 Tasty aeiaeeT ii one John Roselli stayed at the Beverly Hilton TOP SECRET None” i & Docld: 32423544 Page i?
TOP SECRET -12- James Cantillion of Beverly Hills, California. Records of the Los Angeles, California Police Department reflect that John Roselli, FBI # 3339986, was first arrested by the Los Angeles Police Department in 1924 for carrying concealed weapons, but the charge was dismissed. During the period from 1924 to 1932, he was arrested on several occasions on charges of suspicion of grand larceny, carrying concealed weapons and robbery. In testimony before the Kefauver Committee in October 1950, Roselli advised that he met Al Capone in Chicago and that he spent a day with Capone in Los Angeles, California, in about 1930. Records of the United States District Court indicate that on December 22, 1943, Roselli was found guilty of violation of Section 402A, Title 18, U.S.c., and sentenced to 10 years imprisonment. The charge involved extorting money from motion picture pro-- ducers to insure the studios against labor strikes. The above report reflects that Cantillion was apparently involved in business transactions with Roselli and had been visited by Roselli and one Louis J. Lederer, a close friend of Roselli and apparently linked to nationally-known hoodlum and gambler, Frank Costello, of New York. Cantillion, Lederer and Roselli were, according to the report, all involved in hotels and gambling operations in Las Vegas, Nevada. A Bureau investigative report dated March 27, 1961, at Washington, D. C. reflects that on January 19 and January 30, 1961, Robert Maheu was interviewed and remained unable to supply the name! of the Los Angeles attorney who had originally contaétédshim and requested him to contact Edward DuBois. 4 Bs TOP SECRET | Docld: 32423544 Page 16
TOP SECRET -~ 13- Maheu advised that he had stayed at the Kenilworth Hotel in Miami Beach during the latter part of October 1960, but | denied that he had instructed DuBois to send only one man : to Las Vegas and stated that his only involvement in the matter was to have DuBois contacted at the request of the Los Angeles attorney. Maheu identified the J.A. Rollins who was with him at the Kenilworth Hotel as John A. Rollins and would not identify him further, stating Rollins was working indirectly for him in Miami. Maheu denied that Rollins was the individual who went to Las Vegas to assist Balletti. Shortly after the interview, Mr. Maheu telephonically contacted a Special Agent of the Bureau at the Washington Field Office, stating that "he had just received a telephone call and if this matter could be held up for a few days, it would be all straightened out." A Bureau report dated April 6, 1961, at Miami, Florida, reflects that Balletti was interviewed on March 29, 1961 at which time he denied ownership of the technical equipment confiscated in his hotel room aside from a tape recorder and cameras. Balletti stated that he did not recall telling the arresting officers at Las Vegas that J. W. Harrison was actually Fred Harris of Miami. Balletti stated that on October 30 or 31, 1960, he received a long distance telephone call from Robert Maheu who instructed him to contact T. W. Richardson at the New Frontier Hotel. Maheu advised Balletti TOP SECRET Docld: 32423544 Page 19
TOP SECRET ~ 14 - that Richardson would pay him $1,000 and that when Balletti contacted Richardson giving a password, Richardson gave him 10 one hundred dollar bills in a men's room. Balletti again denied that he knew the true identity of J. W. Harrison. The same report reflects that on March 20, 1961, DuBois advised that Robert Maheu had paid him $1,000 in cash as his retainer.. DuBois claimed that Balletti had told him that on October 31, 1960, he, Balletti, received a long distance telephone call from Maheu who claimed that he was calling from Los Angeles and instructed Balletti to contact a Mr. Richardson and that Richardson would pay him the retainer. DuBois was asked if he knew John A. Rollins and he stated that he did not know anyone by that name. DuBois was questioned regarding the equipment found in Room 331 of the Riviera Hotel at the time Balletti was arrested and DuBois denied that any of the technical equipment aside from the minifon tape recorder and the cameras belonged to his agency. DuBois assumed that the equipment belonged to J. W. Harrison. DuBois reiterated that he did not know the name of the principal in this case who contacted Maheu to have . the surveillance conducted on Rowan. A Bureau report dated April 11, 1961 reflects that a communication from the Washington Field Office dated February 13, 1961, advised that Maheu was still unable to secure permission from the attorney to divulge the attorney's name to the FBI. Maheu denied that Rollins was the individual who went to Las Vegas with Balletti, stating that the Kenilworth Hotel records Se Pe Sa Jub 2 74uds. TOP SECRET BQ3
TOP SECRET — -15- in Miami would reflect that Rollins was there during the period Balletti was in Las Vegas. This report reflects that by communication dated March 28, 1961, the Riviera Hotel registration card, which contained the handwriting of the unknown subject, also known as J. W. Harrison, was submitted to the FBI Laboratory to be compared with the handwriting on the registration card from the Kenilworth Hotel at Miami Beach which bears the name J. A. Rollins. According to a Bureau investigative report dated April 12, 1961 at Los Angeles, California, Dan Rowan telephonically con- tacted a special agent of the Bureau on April 5, 1961 at which time he advised that he did not believe that he had any information of pertinence to add. Rowan stated that he first heard of Sam Giancana from a Lt. Smith with the Clark County Sheriff's. Office, Las Vegas, Nevada and stated that he had never met Giancana. Rowan advised that he has discussed Giancana on one or two occasions with Phyllis McGuire, observing that she was hesitant to discuss Giancana and stated that her relation- ship with him took place long ago and she saw no reason to discuss it. McGuire stated that Giancana still sends her gifts and flowers, but that this is entirely his idea and she has nothing to do with him. CIA Involvement A Bureau memorandum dated April 20, 1961 at Washington, D.c., reflects that on April 18, 1961, Maheu advised that following the recent invasion of Cuba by anti-Castro forces yf TOP SECRET UOJ Docld: 32423544 Page 71
TOP SECRET - 16- “he was now in a position to furnish additional information re- garding the situation involving the subjects at Las Vegas, Nevada. At this time, Maheu offered his explanation (set forth in detail in a previous memorandum concerning Central Intelligence Agency involvement in this matter) that Rowan's hotel room was to be the subject of electronic surveillance in connection with determining the source of a leak of in- formation on the part of an individual in the Chicago area. Maheu stated that his work could be verified by "Shef Edwards", Colonel Sheffield Edwards, Director of Security, CIA. The Director of the Bureau advised the Attorney General by memorandum dated May 22, 1961 that the full investigation requested in this matter is continuing, although the memo noted in view of the information regarding CIA's attempted utilization of the "hoodlum element’ in connection with anti- Castro activities, CIA has requested that this information be handled on a "need-to-know" basis. The Bureau also attached to this memorandum the results of an interview on May 3, 1961 with Colonel Sheffield Edwards, Director of Security, Central Intelligence Agency, which has previously been set forth in detail in the memorandum setting forth the CIA's involvement in this matter. By communication dated April 11, 1961, the FBI Laboratory advised that the handwriting on the Kenilworth Hotel, Miami Beach, registration card and the hand-printed name of J.A. Rollins was not comparable with the handwriting on the Riviera \ TOP SECRET Docld: 32423544 Page 22
TOP SECRET - 17 - Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada, registration card bearing the Signature of J.W. Harrison. On May 13, 1961, records of the Clark County Sheriff's Office reflect that the State charges against Arthur James Balletti were dismissed on April 24, 1961, since the complaining witness did not desire to prosecute. A Bureau investigative report dated June 6, 1961 at Washington, D. Cc. reflects that on May 25, 1961, Maheu again advised of his involvement with the Central Intelligence Agency ina@nnection with their attempt to utilize Giancana in connection with the CIA's activities against the Castro government. Maheu stated that the original contact with Giancana was made by "Johnny" who Maheu declined to further — identify. Maheu stated that it was his decision to have a microphone coverage installed in Rowan's room and he was extremely careful as he did not want to involve the CIA. Maheu advised that DuBois did not know the CIA's interest in this matter and in requesting DuBois to handle the assign- ment, he had used a pretext indicating to DuBois that a Los Angeles, California attorney had made the original request for coverage of Rowan. Maheu still denied that he had called one DuBois instructing him to send only/man to Los Angeles and that he, Maheu, would supply the second man. Maheu sub- sequently advised that he had sent word to Sam Giancana as to the extent of the investigation following his Bureau interview on May 25, 1961. imi Wha! be EYA TOP SECRET CLE 2 78 Docld: 32423544 Page 23
TOP SECRET - 18 - An FBI report dated June 26, 1961 at Miami, Florida reflects that Edward DuBois and Arthur Balletti, after viewing a photo of John Roselli, said on June 20, 1961 that they did not recognize him and that they have not been in contact with him in connection with their investigation of Rowan at Las Vegas, Nevada. However, one employee of the Kenilworth Hotel advised that she believed the photograph of John Roselli was a photograph of J.A. Rollins, but could not make a positive identification without seeing the man in person. An FBI report dated June 29, 1961, at Las Vegas, Nevada, reflects that on June 17, 1961, the manager of the Riviera Hotel advised that he knows John Roselli by sight and that so far as he knew, Roselli had never stayed at that hotel and he felt sure that Roselli was not the individual who checked into the hotel on October 26, 1960, using the name J.W. Harrison. According to a Bureau investigative report dated June 30, 1961, at Los Angeles, Robert Maheu advised on June 29, 1961 that the "Johnny" to whom he made contact with Sam Giancana was John Roselli and that he discussed the plan to wire Rowan's room with Roselli before it was done. It was pointed out to Maheu that the explanation he gave in a previous interview for wiring Rowan's room did not appear logical and was far removed from the purpose for which he was hired by the Central Intelligence Agency. Maheu stated that he would stick to the explanation previously given and wished to add that he would never have ordered Rowan's room wired except for his connection with the CIA. en Or Oe gic w ret ro aad TOP SECRET Docld: 32423544 Page 24
TOP SECRET ~ 19 - An FBI investigative report dated July 19, 1961, at Chicago, reflects that Samuel M. Giancana was interviewed at O'Hare International Airport, Chicago, on July 12, 1961 by special agents of the Bureau and he refused to make any comment regarding Maheu and refused to admit that he was acquainted with Dan Rowan. In the course of the interview, Giancana became very abusive and obscene. During this time, Miss Phyllis McGuire, who apparently traveled with Giancana, was also interviewed by special agents of the Bureau, although the results of that interview were not reflected. The special agents' conversation with Giancana was terminated upon the appearance of Miss McGuire. Giancana left accompanied by Miss McGuire. An FBI report dated July 20, 1961 at Los Angeles, Cali- fornia, reflects that Maheu was interviewed on July 15, 1961 and persisted in his story with respect to the bugging of Rowan's hotel room. Maheu denied that the installation of the device in Rowan's room was made at the request or for the benefit of Sam Giancana or John Roselli. The same report reflects that Roselli was interviewed on July 7, 1961, and admitted that he had known Maheu for approximately 5 years. When asked if he knew Giancana, Roselli stated, "Let's discuss the weather. I do not care to answer any more questions," On August 2, 1961, United States Attorney Howard W. Babcock, at Las Vegas, Nevada, advised that he is not certain that it could be proven that any information received by Balletti and the, unknown subject was ever "disseminated" and also ytd _ TOP SECRET JQ Docld: 32423544 Page 25
TOP SECRET - 20 - he was very concerned about the possibility of information becoming known of Robert Maheu performing work for the CIA. By letter dated October 13, 1961, Mr. Babcock noted that his successor assumes office on October 16, 1961 and, therefore, felt it appropriate that his successor review the file and investigative reports. In response to a request from the Criminal Division dated January 31, 1962, the Bureau ascertained from the Director of Security of the Central Intelligence Agency, Col. Sheffield Edwards, that his Agency would object to any prosecution which would necessitate the use of CIA personnel or CIA information and that the introduction of any evidence concerning the CIA operation would be most embarrassing to the United States Government. This Bureau reply was dated February 9, 1962. In response to an additional request from the Criminal Division dated March 19, 1962, the Bureau replied, by memo- randum dated April 10, 1962, that Col. Edwards advised that Maheu's prosecution undoubtedly would lead to exposure of most sensitive information relating to the abortive Cuban invasion in April 1961 and in view of this, his Agency ob- jects to the prosecution of Maheu. | By memorandum dated April 24, 1962, Mr. Herbert J. Miller, Jr., Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division, advised the Attorney General that it is clear that the national interest will preclude any prosecution resulting from the Nevada wiretap case, adding at the conclusion of the memo _ that. prosecttive action will be declined. Cae EAMES TOP SECRET ay PTH Docld: 32423544 Page 76
Date: Cotober TS," 1560 To: Zirector 7 . ° Central Intelligenge : Agency Attention:: Deputy Director, Plans From. . John Edgar Hoover, Director Subject: “ANTT-CASTRO | ACTIVATES | | \ Tie Tollovins ingormation has been reportea by a; source WhoSG relianility lias not been tested but wno is in | a position to ostain ingormation concerning the activities Ox Loauel ol. Giancana, wedl-xnown rac: Keteer from Caica illinois: Accordinz to the source, during recent conversation with several friends, Giancana stated that Fidel Castro was to be Gone away with very shortly. ihen dot bt was expressed regarding this Statement Giancana reportedly assurcd thease s preseoit that Castre's assassination would occur in hovcmuer. nereover, he allesedly inaicated that he had alreaay met wita Me assassin-to-ba on three occasions, the last meeting piste 8 65H mace on a boat decked at the bontainbicau Hotel, iniaui Geacn, Diyrida., Rensortealy, Glancana claimed that every thing nas boo perfected For tie 2ibli a3 ot Gastro and that tie “assassia" nat arrany :2 with a sirl, not furtier: Gescrived, to drop a "yikl" im some drink or rood of Castro's. Rte Wk A ar — le The source further advised that Giancana reportedly stated that Castro is in the advanced stazes oy syphilis and ~ is not completely rational, iic-are making efforts to ovtain additional inforsation concernirs these aticgations, which nave not been substantiated, and recipient asencics will be kept advised of any additional, pertinent data received. 1 - Gffice: ‘ot Security =, bepartaent of State sud 198. JUS AL Cy Docld: 32423544 Page ?7
Director - Contrai inveiligence Agency i - Assistant niet of Staff for Intellizence vepartment of tae Ary ate rakes oO Co eine eo WW beg By Attention: Chie?f, security DIVISion to = 4 bo Docld: 32423544. Page 26
nancy ee Xx TGF acl . 7 : . Russ Pen 7 > CENTRAL Piboetice | AGENCY WASHINGTON 25, D. C. 14 May 1962 MEMORANDUM FOR THE RECORD: SUBJECT: Arthur James Balletti et al - Unauthorized Publication or Use of Communications a 1. This memorandum for the record is prepared at the request of the Attorney General of the United States following a complete oral briefing of him relative to a sensitive CIA operation / conducted during the period approximately August 1960 to May . 1961. In August 1960 the undersigned was approached by Mr. Richard Bissell then Deputy Director for Plans of CIA to explore the possibility of mounting this sensitive operation against Fidel Castro. It was thought that certain gambling interests which. had formerly been active in Cuba might be willing and able to assist : and further, might have ‘both intelligence assets in Cuba and communications between Miami, Florida and Cuba. ' Accordingly, Mr. Robert Maheu, a private investigator of the firm of Maheu and King was approached by the undersigned and asked to establish contact with a member or members of the gambling syndicate to. explore their capabilities. Mr. Maheu was known to have accounts it B. with several prominent business men and organizations in the . , Aes United States. Maheu'was to make his approach to the syndicate ~ Von -as appearing to represent big business organizations which wished to protect their interests in Cuba. Mr. Maheu accordingly met and established contact with one John Rosselli of Los Angeles. ‘Mr. Rosselli showed interest in the possibility and indicated he had some contacts in Miami that he might use. Maheu reported that John Rosselli said he was not interested in any remuneration but would seek to establish capabilities in Cuba to perform the desired project. Towards the end of September Mr. Maheu and Mr. Rosselli proceeded to Miami where, as Feporicd— Materia introduced to Sam Giancana of Chicago. Sam Giancana arranged é £2. Yl, ~5 " fecmera apaeyypent to meet with a "courier" who was On Bbac iy USTICE VA ce ub cs) a a JUN 27 1962 - ry S Pieoat Uva! py Mo. 4 of KX” | . Map Ole ne) ome cul nents be Docld: 32423544 Page 29
TCP Sibc cd Byes C2 and forth to Havana. From information received back by the courier the proposed operation appeared to be feasible and it was decided to obtain an official Agency approval in this regard. * A figure of one hundred fifty thousand dollars was set by the Agency as a payment to be made on completion of the operation and to be paid only to the principal or principals who would conduct the operation in Cuba. Maheu reported that Rosselli and Giancana emphatically stated that they wished no part of any payment. The undersigned then briefed the proper senior officials of this Agency [2 the proposal. Knowledge of this project during its life was kept “A ory a) to a total of six persons and never became a part of the project / ! current at the time for the invasion of Cuba and there were no . memoranda on the project nor were there other written documents or agreements. The project was duly orally approved by the said senior officials of the Agency. 2. Rosselli and Maheu spent considerable time in Miami talking with the courier. Sam Giancana was present during parts of these meetings. Several months after this period Maheu told me that Sam Giancana had asked him to put a listening device in the room of one Phyllis McGuire, reported to be the mistress of Giancana. . At that time it was reported to me that Maheu passed the matter | over to one Edward Du Boise, another private investigator. It | appears that Arthur James Balletti was discovered in the act of a - '] installing the listening device and was arrested by the Sheriff in ° ~ ' Las Vegas, Nevada. Maheu reported to me that he had referred the matter to Edward Du Boise on behalf of Sam Giancana. At the time of the incident neither this Agency nor the undersigned knew of the proposed technical installation. Maheu stated that Sam Giancana thought that Phyllis McGuire might know of the proposed operation and might pass on the information to one Dan Rowan, another friend of McGuire's. At the time that Maheu reported this to the undersigned he reported he was under surveillance by agents of the Federal Burean of Investigation, who, he thought. were ‘exploring his association with John Rosselli and Sam Giancana incident to the project. I told Maheu that if he was formally ap- proached by the FBI, he could refer them to me to be briefed that he was engaged in an intelligence operation directed at Cuba. 3. During the period from September on'through April efforts were continued by Rosselli and Maheu to proceed with the “operations, ; aM first principal in Cuba withdrew and another principal ~ Lee ted Rivarscu | AW —_--— U3 EVES & Col | wy ewne Cen i. J of _ Xx Z Cevy ilo. / Too“ Tee éf"3' pages bi we ey de Docld: 32423544 Page 30