MEMO: ARRB QUESTIONS SUBMITTED FOR DO BRIEFING
Originator: ARRB
From: JEREMY GUNN
To: JOHN PEREIRA AND BARRY HARRELSON
Document date: 03/18/1997
Document type: PAPER - TEXTUAL DOCUMENT

## Page 1

AAAAA

104-10330-10080

2022 RELEASE UNDER THE PRESIDENT JOHN F. KENNEDY ASSASSINATION RECORDS ACT OF 1992

SSiNATION

Assassination Records Review Board

600 E Street NW • 2nd Floor • Washington, DC 20530

(202) 724-0088 • Fax: (202) 724-0457

REVIEW

BOARD

SECRET

MEMORANDUM

March 18, 1997

TO:

FROM:

John Pereira and Barry Harrelson

Jeremy Gunn

SUBJECT: ARRB Questions Submitted for DO Briefing

I would like to address some of the concerns that you expressed at our meeting

yesterday, where we briefly discussed the Review Board's Proposed Questions for the

March 17 briefing regarding DO records. We understand that you have some concerns

about the scope of the topics raised. We very much appreciate your recognition of the

importance that we attach to the ARRB's independence and we again wish to

emphasize the fact that we fully understand your proper concern for the protection of

information that is unrelated to the Kennedy assassination.

I would like to emphasize that the questions that we sent to you were not intended as in

depth research queries, büt rather as topical talking points for discussion. We prepared

the questions, at your request, in order to give the persons conducting the briefing an

understanding of the types of issues in which we were interested. They represent issues

that we wish to explore in our quest for additional information and records to facilitate

the completion of the ARRB's responsibilities under the JFK Act.

We appreciate your acknowledgment that the ARRB is not necessarily obligated to

justify to CIA the questions it deems relevant to the assassination. Nevertheless, in

order to facilitate and coordinate our efforts, we are very willing to offer the following

additional explication of those questions that we understand may have been considered

by the Agency to be excessively broad.

SECRET

BOARD MEMBERS: John R. Tunheim, Chair • Henry F. Graff • Kermit L. Hall • William L. Joyce • Anna K. Nelson

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: David G. Marwell

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SECRET

Question # 5:

We have been working to identify all technical and surveillance operations in and on the

Cuban and Soviet consulates and embassies in Mexico City between September 1 and

December 1, 1963. How can we frame a search query to determine if we have a

comprehensive and complete list of all operations at that time?

Until very recently, we had seen no evidence that CIA had microphone surveillance of

the Cuban compound. However, Dispatch HMMW 12454 (no IDEN number attached)

found in Box 23, Folder 9 of the Sequestered Collection, makes reference to LICOOLS

(concealed microphones inside the Cuban Embassy in Mexico City). Though the

dispatch reports that the last LICOOL ceased functioning in 1961-before the period in

question-the prior existence of this capability and the fact that the dispatch discusses

the possibility of reactivation prompts the question of whether all technical and

surveillance operations against the Cuban and Soviet Consulates have been identified

to the ARRB. In addition, the dispatch refers to MKTRAP, a telephone hot mike

operation which was re-actuated from a basehouse in November 1963. The specific hot

mike telephone PIMPULSE appears to have been in operation during 1963. Are there

records from this operation? Are there any other operations that may have picked up

Oswald's visit?

Question # 6:

How can a search query be framed to document all electronic take produced by the

Mexico City Station in the immediate wake of the assassination (the first month) and

during the period of Oswald's visit? How can we verify that what exists in the

Sequestered Collection represents all records of technical production that were available

at the time of the assassination? If additional records or original production still exists,

where would it be stored or filed? What searches could be conducted to retrieve any

additional records? If such electronic take has been destroyed, do records exist of the

destruction?

This question is a follow up to question # 5. If MKTRAP was in operation from

September 1-December 1, 1963, where are the records or transcripts describing the take?

Was the take ever retained or reviewed? Do any original tapes or transcripts still exist?

Where might these records be found? Were any other technical operations in progress?

The various project files for the technical operations known to exist during this period

are spotty and incomplete. How can the ARRB know if it has reviewed records of all

the technical operation take for the relevant time period?

SECRET

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SECRET

Question # 9:

Various open sources have linked the CIA to various journalists and publishing

companies during the 1960's. How could a query be framed to search for connections

between the Agency and journalists or publishing companies?

The two 1967 Ramparts articles mention connections between the Agency and

journalists worldwide. The primary focus of this question is on any connection between

the Agency and any journalist who might have covered the assassination domestically.

Additionally, we would be interested in any publishing company involved in

publishing books about the assassination. HSCA staff notes (RIF 180-10142-10087)

summarize several files dealing with contacts between the Agency, publishing houses,

and authors. For example, the file identified as @KOPERA/Liaison ZRBLESS outlines

a memo by Gunnar W. Beckman CA/PROP on the status of negotiations between

Praeger Publishing and Milovan Djilas. ZRBLESS is identified as a subproject of

WUBONBON. Further, the staff notes mention a project involving "Praeger and

publication" [sic], a separate project involving "the Freedom Fund and distribution"

[sic], and a third project to provide news service to the foreign press through

Continental Press. Each of these projects appears to have been in operation in 1963-64.

Question # 10:

Did the Agency have any relationship, projects or contacts with publishing houses

during the time of the assassination and in the aftermath of the Warren Commission?

How would a search be formulated to determine whether or not the Agency had a

relationship with any of the same publishing houses that were also publishing books

about the assassination?

This question is a follow up to question #9. One record that is already in the collection

(RIF 180-10142-10087) summarizes the Project File of WUPUNDIT and notes two 'one

time only' operations in 1963-WURAISIN and WUTRANSIT which were responsible

for publishing two books each. In addition, WUSENDER is reported to be a 'one time

only' operation responsible for three books in 1964. If these books have domestic

implications or are on subjects related to the assassination, they would be relevant

documents.

We hope that this additional explication may help you and the DO understand our

approach to the issues raised in our questions. Should any of our requests impose on

you or your staff a burden that we may not have anticipated - or which would entail

work of dubious value or benefit - please advise us so that we can work with you to

modify or amend the requests accordingly.

SECRET

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SECRET

Please also remember that, when we request accesses to these materials, we are not

designating them "assassination records" and we are not, at this time, requesting that

copies of documents be given to the Review Board.

We appreciate your continuing cooperation and helpfulness.

Sincerely yours,

I. Jeremy

Gunn

General Counsel and Associate Directoi

for Research and Analysis

SECRET

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DISPATCH

Sequestered vollation Box 23, Folder

CLASSIFICATION

PROCESSINE ASTION

KAPOK

SECRET

MARKED FOR INDEXING

INFO.

Cose Mexico Clty

NO INDEXING REQUIRED

ONLY QUALIFIEO DESK

CAN JUDGE INDENIAO

FROM

Chef, HU Plyision

SURNACT

PERUMEN MIFEAT/LIERODE, COnTUSION In Use of Coyptunymy

ACTION REQUIRED. REPERENGIA

MICROFILAA

The Station's use of certain cryptonyms identifying technical

oporations agalast PBRUKEN TIELIDE In dexico has caused confusion 1n

Heady uarters elanents responsible for sourcing and dissemination of

intormation produced, and for supporting the entire complex of

operations 1taell.: The cryptonyns in question are (a) LIFEAT

(0) LIERODE (C) MKTRAP (d) LICQ0l/11 and (e) PBIMPULSE. The or1glnal

meaning of these cryptonyas 18 being forwarded under separate cover.

2.

The purpose. of thls dispatch is to submit for Station comment

a review of the technical operational effort against PBRUMEN TPELIDE

since ita inception..

recorde which lack considerable detail concerniag the intricacles of

the operation, (2) to urge a more precise use óf cryptonyms in

reporting thia actlvity which would benefit Headquarters personnel

responsible for monitoring and supporting those operatious and (3) to

SUggest &

few adninistrative adjustnents which would dispel the present

confusion mentioned in this dispatch.

3.

The inltial effort ageinst the target was PBIMPULSE. It was

introduced into the target using LIFEAT assets and was actuated from

the LIFEAT vI basehouse.

This 1e mentioned only to complete the record

and dues not pertain to the intent of this discussion.

Properly

speaking the intttal effort begins ulth the activation of LIFEAT/

LIERODE In February 1959, as indicated In OBA 12358. Subsequently

elght (8) LICM attampts were nade during 1960-1961 against the sate

target.

The LICOOLa Were Monitored fION a mobile LP (not LIFIRE),

Basehouse ABLE and Basehouse BAKER, and the latter came to be referred

to as thO LIERODE base.:

The nost productive operation of this sort

soens to have been LICOOL/11, activated on 9 May 1959, according to

HEXI 3884; dated 15 May 1959.

According to our records the last LIcool,

ceased Iunctioning during late 1961. Please confiru.

Attachment - u/8/c

Distribution

0&1 - COs, Moxico City #/att

CROSS REFERENCE TO

CS COPY

DISPATCH SYMBOL AND NUMBER

HIMW 12454

CLASSIFICATION

SECRET

50-6 - 3.7/6

DATE

1 Apr11 1964

tin,

HOS FILE NUMBER

50-6-3226

OESINAJING

TYPIST

rg

1

-

RI

Chrono

1

TSD/ASB

1 - TSD/Photo

OFfICE:

OFFICER

WH/3/Mexico/L Sarchez-

OFFICE SYMBOL

DATE

WH/FI

TSD/ASB

TSD/Photo

$340

COCECINATING

OFFICER'S NAME

OFFICE SYMBOL

C/WHD

LOS" 53 USE PREVIOUBEDITION

"DAlE

18180-

(80)

KIng

DISPATCH

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13-0Q000

CONTINUATION OF.

DiSPATCH

CLASS TILATION

КАРОК

SECRET

DISPATCH SIMADL ENS NUMBIA

HUMN 12454

FORM

530

4.

At that time a different technique was planned. The following

briefly outlines the developuent of the operationg which the Station

habitually refers.to as "AKTRAP":

5 February 1962: Request for operation received at

HECHARITY by Harvey C. MiLFOrD.

8 FeD. -Har. 1962:. Design and construction of AxTRAF.

9 March 1962

: AKTRAP delivered to LIFEAT CO for

placexent in target area.

10 Haґcв 1962

: MKTRAP installed by LIFEAT assets and

Initial IP tests performed fros LIFEAT VI basehouse

with negative resuits.

14. Harch 1962

: IP. tests conducted with revised series

line connections with positive resulta.

6-13 April 1962: Design and construction of LP equipzent.

16 April 1962

: Installaction of LP equipment in

LIFEAT VI basehouse.

MKTRAP, although moved Iron roon to room, remained in olace within

the target area, though

Inactive sost of the time.

JUTIng NOvENDEX

1963 MXTRAP Has re-actuated Iron a second LIPEAT basehouse thorn as

Basetouse CHARLIE.

5.

The photo surveillance of PBRUKEN TPELIDE was put into effect,

UsIng

casebouse BARKR (LIFRO)F. RASA) at tha sage time that KTRAP was

actuated.

this photo coverage, the basenouse, PBRUMEN TPALiDE and the

activity

for which the cryptony was first authorized have all been

identified as LINODE which has created considerable confusion here at

Hoadquarters.

According to scanty lleadquarter's records the

following

operations have utilized these bases against the target:

a. PBIMPULSE

LIFEAT VI

b. 1I000L5

Basehouses ABLE and BAKER

c. LIFEAT/LIERODE

d. "HATRAP"

e. PHOTO

LIFEAT VI

LIFEAT VI, Basehouse

BAKER,

Basehouse CHARLIE

Basehouse BAKER

Headquarters has the

impression that the principal factors that

contributed to the suspension of HITRAP activity

from LIFEAT VI, were

the physical deterioration of the house itsell and the divorce of the

bagehouse keepers.

The current LIFEAT Project Oytline indicates that

LIFEUD 14 and LIFEUD 17 were obtaining a divorce

and were terainated

as of 30 Septeaber 1962.

Headquarters assumes they were

the occupants

Of LIFEAT VI, yet the project outline does not show that the base was

closed. LIFEAT VI was listed'on page 20 of the outline as an' active

unit.

on the other hand, page 15 of the outline states that Liisul

and LIFEUD 23 are occupying the "LIERODE photo basehouse", but that

22

they have never been involved in. LIFEAT pork.

This indicates that

LIFEAT/LIERODE ard the photo work against the PBRUMsN trget are now

being conducted fros tuo diflerent basehouses.

The project outline

also indicates that while it had been planned

to have this base serve

USE PREVIOUS EDITION

CLASSIFICATION

KAPOK

SECRET

PAGENO.

CONTINUED

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CONTENTION OF

DiSPATCH

CLASSTILATION

KAPOK•

SECRET

OTUPATCH SYMBOL AND NUMOLA

HMMN 12454

"'LIFEAT/MNTRA!", technical difficulties made this impossible,

therefore theso two agents were not being included under LIFEAT

Project..

Whon HKTRAP was re-actuated in November 19G3 and as stated

above, the station utilized another LIrET bagchouse, algo called

baschouse CHARLIE, situated approximately six milos Iron target.

Please confirm the accuracy of the foregoing and supplement it

Informing leadquarters the basehouses and keepers Involved and the

operations they are currontly monitoring:

7..

Headquarters requests Station's conments on the following

BUggeStIOnS:

Photographic coverage.

That & separate project be

prepared to Include LIFEUD 22 and 23.

The project should

cover their salaries, basehouse rent, and equipment

expenses,

an arrangement similar to LITABBY and LIDOGTROT.

This sctivity, Identified with a new cryptonym would

ellainate further confusion when discussing photographic

coverage of PBRUMEN TPELIDE.

b.

LICOOL.

Headquarters is not aware of any LICOOLs

presently operative.

If cny are contemplated, CSI-52-6,

27

February 1958, reguires special Headquarters approval prior

to auy action taken.

If successful, a decision can be nade

at that time whether a new project la necessary or whether

it can adequately be covered under LIFEAT, depending on

the agsets

being utilized in the operation.

The original Intent of this cryptonym 1s

discussed. In the separate

cover attachment and the activity

has been assigned file number 50-6-32/6.

assets, it is suggested that it remain

Frojeci and be identified as LIFEAT/LIERODs in

all correspondence.

Please Inform lleadquarters of the assets

for LIFEAT/LIERODE coverage.

MKTRAY.

KURIOT would prefer the Station. not use this

reporting this particular type of coverage.

is suggested that a new cryptonym, in the li serles,

utilized to reference this activity.

The present cryptonym

to a technique which hasprogressed from the

developmental into the operational atage and should more

appropriately be identified with a regular. Station cryptonyu.

If this operation is being worked by LIFEAT assets, then

1t might bo identified with a dual cryptonym LIFEAT/LI. A

seperate file number, within the LIFEAT series,

can be

assigned to cover

"NKTRAP" if the Station requests it, but

it does not seem necessary since other LIFEAT targets do not

have

separate file numbers either.

Consolidated Project.

If the Station prefers,

technical operations - LIERODE, UKTRAP, LICOOL, PHOTO -

directed against PBRUMEN TPELIDE can be funded

adainistered under one project.

OLIVER G. GALBOND

54.-6-3.411

CS COPY

CLASSIFICATION

FORM

140)

53a

USEMRLYICUS LAITION.

CONTINURO

P.IGE NO.

3

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rift;

ATTACHLENT TO

HANY 12434

CRIPTONYM A - Usod to Identity Staton's unllateral telophone

CRYPTONYM B - Aesigned on 21 February 1959, to identily the

Station's untlateral telophono tap of the

PRUMEN TPELIDE 1n Hexico City.

(See

MEXI 3382, Febriary 21, 1959)

CRYPFONYM C - Identiftea the technical nomenclature of a

hot mike telephone AYS Installation.

Dotaila

of the syston are contained in HAMlA 20307.

CRYPTONYM D - Concealed aicrophones.

CRIPTONYM E - Hot aike tolephone.

58•6-2216

"ІНій

CS COPY

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1.

4/3/78

HARDWAY

dum

- oll'QKOPERA LIAISON

ERBLESS file: 8/1/61-8/38/64

the company

"CA/PROP"

the prentic at mind agate.

hooks.

Cubilind memo dated 2/11/64

deals@the statusof

n@gatiations with 'Draper'

author of "Castros Cuba.

Anting ton

update the

?

the auther of the memo to

two other Cubans.who were

rentin a dia in onello

bodien

4. susan Watkins says. ZRBLISS/was

subjarojest of [WUBONBON.?

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4/3/78

HARDWAY

bumm

file

dated 6/26/63 describes the

targeted get and to le

abroad

Project Action form dated

81a8kas signed buy Karamessin

approves a $665,000 budget

for WUTARy for the fiscal

year 1963(july) to 1964 (fune).

Memo dated 3/17/44. to ODP

nes requests

thạt /001 TARON" 3] budget be

creased to $80,0.00.

"The requested increase is

needed to la corer.an. unan-

icipated developmental charge

m connection.withai

individual doing a

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2

usiness adviso

b) corner the prostit

o the World's Fais."

---

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+09-16-96007

JEK RECORDS

Cross Reference: None

Status in System:

AGENCY:

HSCA

RECORD NUMBER: 180-10142-10087

RECORD SERIES: CIA SEGREGATED COLLECTION

AGENCY FILE NUMBER : 23-06-03

Other Agency Equity:

None

DOCUMENT INFORMATION

ORIGINATOR : ESCA

FROM : CIA

-TO'

TITLE

: THE WARREN COMMISSION AND MEXICO

DATE : 00/00/78

PAGES

: 62

DOCUMENT TYPE

: REPORT

SUBJECT (S)

CLASSIFICATION

MEXICO; WC; CIA, FILES;

UNCLASSIFIED

RESTRICTIONS

3

CURRENT STATUS

POSTPONED IN PART

DATE OF LAST REVIEW

08/07/95

COMMENTS

Box 12

Date in: 01/26/96

T T

F F

FFFFF

F

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The Warren commission and

mexico.

I Ompo from Cable Chrono, Oscaldi

Miss file and wx-7241.

A December 21,1963

1 DIR 90466 (420-75))

- ops. They plans n

communication chor Jano

date.)

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2

This cable reports that Helme

sana let the amen

I your sources

to us an

2. MEXI 8008

Da nos to DIR 97829

reports that station has

reported all info availabl

lA also notes that all

inaludinabasay

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3

that ponto the sca

# 1225 (contral 133) -

informs, embassy tonat

Tillma plan travel

to Mexi on s aperil.

purpose:

a determine nature testent

ofeffort of Us. investigating

agenciesabroad

b investigative effort of.

Mexican authorities

a Consult 45+ Mexi author -

ities see: further investi

gation if anyis determined

necestang:

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Hunt JUMmARy

files reviewed:

HArdWAY

4/7/78

(ECPOEM-WURABBIT] CorrespondencE

folders, Box2,

2. (LIRABBIT) TerminAtion

Folder 1; Box I

3| MPS Projeet file (WAPUNDIt:]

INC (CONDUit

SEAmAN's SErvicE INstituTE

• A PrAzgEr SpANish AffiliAtE

CoNtENINtAl Press, INc.

There were? 'One time only"

aperations in 1963/ WURAISIN?

and WU TRANsit? which were

responsible for publishin

turbookseach

approved

120.00

41.

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5

Operational stucture. There

was one operation that was

primaril

audeveleement

project. There was a project

ivalving Praeger and

publication. There was a

project involving the Freedon

Fundland distribution There

wasa projest to provide

me thught boreign

Reness Prior to 1963 the

development.

procurement.dn.F/63-64

rook procirement was

chameled to (Praiger) through

the Tree dom Fund?

MPs Project File E WUlBONBON]

11

"I WA HUSTLERS

pARt I of 3,

WUBONBON/Accountings FoldeR z4

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balder 25

Contains to memes for the

meetings

8 EUPUNDIT/ support folder 27

9T WUPUNDIT (WUBONBON)] folder 26

1OTUJUBONBON/Developament +Plans.F19

WUBONBON) Politoy Papers F20

1| WUPUNDIT) CIA Book Publishing

F-28*29

WU.BONBON. ]FY 65 support

F23+22

•.:--:***

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Types of Questions for Follow-up DO Records Briefing

March 17, 1997

1. At what point did the DDP begin to keep records of destroyed records? For

example, in a Cold Warrior footnote, Tom Mangold reports that as any of Angleton's

files were destroyed, "a complete record was carefully maintained about what had been

done. (George) Kalaris signed off on every file and the DCI's office was notified."

(p. 143) Where are these records?

2. Could an archival search be run on specific topics for retired records at the CLA's

Record's Center? Perhaps an ARRB staffer could be present during the search to review

the abstracts and to suggest other fields or topics to be searched?

3. Could a crypt search for records containing relevant crypts be run through

cryptographic reference? How would queries need to be framed and stated?

4. Why is it so difficult to develop a list for all personnel (official, contract,

administrative, or TDY) assigned to the post referenced in RIF 104-10065-10199?

5. We have been working to identify all technical and surveillance operations in and on

the Cuban and Soviet consulates and embassies in Mexico City between September 1

and December 1, 1963. How can we frame a search query to determine if we have a

comprehensive and complete list of all operations at that time?

6. How can a search query be framed to document all electronic take produced by the

Mexico City Station in the immediate wake of the assassination (the first month) and

during the period of Oswald's visit? How can we verify that what exists in the

Sequestered Collection represents all records of the technical production that was

available at the time of the assassination? If additional records or original production

still exists, where would it be stored or filed? What searches could be conducted to

retrieve any additional records? If such electronic take has been destroyed, do records

exist of the destruction?

7. Could you describe the process by which operational funds are proposed, approved,

received, and distributed (circa 1963). What funding and disbursement records exist?

How are they organized? How should a request be formulated to institute a reasonable

search of these records?

8. We have seen DDP monthly operational reports which contain information on the

allocation/ distribution of operational funds. Are there other DDP records which would

reflect how certain projects utilized their funding? How are these records organized?

How should a search query be framed?

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9. Various open sources have linked the CIA to various journalists and publishing

companies during the 1960's. How should a query be framed to search for connections

between the Agency and journalists or publishing companies?

10. Did the Agency have any relationship, projects, or contacts with publishing houses

during the time of the assassination and in the aftermath of the Warren Commission?

How would a search be formulated to determine whether or not the Agency had a

relationship with any of the same publishing houses that were also publishing books

about the assassination?

11. How would a query be framed to search for files on any office or person dealing

with organized crime and Cuba? How should a request be formulated to institute a

reasonable search on this topic?

12. Is there a comprehensive record or list detailing the identities of individuals on the

Interagency Source Register? How are these records organized? How can a search

query be framed to ascertain whether or not a particular individual appears in the

Register.

13. How could a search query be framed to ascertain whether or not a particular

individual was given access to classified information by DCD (then OO)? What kind of

files are assembled in the process of clearing non-Agency contacts/ sources for access to

classified information?

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