Originator: FBI
To: FISCHER-GALATI, STEPHEN DR.
Document date: 3/10/71
Document type: PAPER, TEXTUAL DOCUMENT

## Page 1

File #:

62-40-116395

Serial Scope:

Bulku

1llde

HH

19614712 89559

—Hatei

---

## Page 2

276

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HH 55100 DocId: 32989553 Page 2

---

## Page 3

INFORMATION RELATING TO THOMAS RIHA

HH 55100

DocId: 32989553 Page 3

---

## Page 4

vot Colorado, Bouider

Boulder, Colorado.

Monday, Aprii 14, 1969

Volume 17. Number

116

KISTORY PROF MISSING A MONTH

Riha'sAlbsence Mysterious

BY DAVID M. GAON

"leave without pay," according is

Copyrighi, 1969 by The Colorado Daily

The month long absense of Russian History Professor Thomas

Meanwhile achock by the Daily of

Riha is shrouded in mystery-including a report from an official of the

friends and associates shows that

Briggs said that April 10 he wins

Central Intelligenc

Agency (ClA) that Riha is

10 Riha at a forwarding addres

whereabouts cannot be divulued.

Riha

after a quarrel with his wife at his

information

provided by the Boulder Pos

disappeared during the

disappearance.

home. lie was last seen in Boulder

weekend of March 15, one weck

A check of the Brooklyn, leu

March 17 at a dinner party at the

information reported an unlisted

York address revealed that it is

home of Mr. and Mrs.

telephone number for a Thomas

the home of relatives of Mrs.

Riha. A second check April 12

Hanna Riha. Mrs. Riha, who is

student of Riha's.

shows only an unlisted number

circumstances

staying at the Brooklyn address.

said that she has not heard fron:

surrounding his disappearance are

During the week of April 6 Riha

her husband since sile left trei

gave his nephew Zdenk Cervny of

home early March 9. Briggs has

not regeived a reply to his reques:

Tannenbaum

for information

sell lus house in

Corny" said he has

Wheeler Realty

Boulder so handle the transaction,

neighbors report

furniture has bech removed from

tie house during the past week.

colleague in the history

department wise asked that his

contired carly last

i die to his wee te

him only that Ribo was sale and

Siley said Tuesday lie was cold

by relandle sources an Washungio:

that Kobo was sole but smuley a.as

sable do learn the carcumstances

saroundy in chsappearance or

mruld not relesse the

nicely of lais source.

Since march 15 Riia, who was

proceedings when he disappeared.

has contrered a noraber of peo,e

in the metropolitan Denser area.

Galya Tancenbaum of 245 Logua

Si, in Denser said she has lad

teral phone contenations

devribe hereit as a long-timo

reii letier ironi

Montreal. Canada. Tie last letter

was cared Apri & and vas trom

Montreal. She said he sold her

lolegram from Rile m late March

advising him that it a later date he

would be advised as lo why he

disappeared. Hophans los received

On April I1 Joyce Lebra, an

associate professor di listory it

several other friends antempled io

the is missing persons sopore los

Rohar. She surd shie was mimmed

Ponéo Departinent idier

line same day thir

Bolider Ponce Dentment

concerned Riha was sure and had

been lenared a weck curler. dips

Tannenbaum's relationship wir

Riha has caused great concern ic

friends and colicagues of d

year old native

times during the for

several months Mrs. Tannenbau.

represented herself

Colonel Tannenbaum of Miltor

Intelligence 10

proceedings of Mr. and Mrs. Rins.

Goraid Coplan, 3445 178h Sa.

Boulder, wire as thie sitorney it

Mrs. Roha in divere procodies

begun February Tand that Miss

Tannenbaum visited his ollie!

carly in March ar his requesi. at 1

that tumo siio lented tessele as

leonined on rage e

unavalable for commient.

ward from Rile, the

hus placed him ori

105-75358

Rile 5-Jurk

5750359

202 737

..HH 55100 / DocId: 32989553 Page 4

---

## Page 5

rile

(continued from page 1)

missing.

Investigation (FBI) about Riha's

military intelligence and promised disappearance. Briggs and Miss

to present her credentials al a Lebra received no reply. Caplan

provided, according to Caplan.

declined to devulge the crature all

Riha's attorney, said questions to the Boulder Police

he had a phone conversation with

a woman who identified horself as

Contacied by the Daily on April

Colonel Tannenbaum of military 10,

Scott Werner, FBI Burcau

intelligence but has never met her

Chief in Denver, said it is FBI

personally or been provided with

policy not to reveal whether an

proof of any connection with irs

investigation is in progress or any

lannenbaum

details surrounding a case. He said

intelligence in this country.

that this should not be taken as an

Brigus, Miss Lebra and Caplan

admission that a case is or is not

contacled the Federal Bureau of under investigation.

1H 55100 DocTd:32989553 Page 5

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## Page 6

G.W. Abernathy

SiC, Denver

Director, FBI (105-78256)

PRIONAS MINA

IS w .02

4/16/63

Inclosed is a copy ot a letter dated 4/7/69 adaressed

to Mr. Nathan B, Honvia, Chiez,

Fozeirn Agcnts Registration

Section,

Departinent of Justice,

and writton over

the

elenature of stephen auscher-telati, on the stationery oi the

Univereity oi Colorado.

1so oncionod is a copy of the report

ot 31 Baniel J. Griffin dated 8/31/60 at Boston concerning

subjact.

Nathan B. Lervin, now deceased, according to Eufiles

interviewed Fischer Gnlati

in 1950 in connection with a mattor

in which

Fischer-CaInti vas to testify. The coclosures are

Jurnished for your assistance in the event any intormation is

brought to your attention concerning the matter in the enclosed

letter.

Disclier-Calati

should not be interviowed without

prior Burcau authority;

however, in the event he contacts your

office,

any intornation pitered should be accepted and turnisbed

Bureau:

Taclosures - 2

'JEK' Act 6 (1) (B)

MAILED 24

1969

APR 1

(4)

¿This document is prepared in response to your request and is not for dissemi-

¿Mination oute In 1025 Committee.

your Con:

Its use is limited to official proceedings by

e and the content mai not be disclosed to unauthorized person

nel: without the express approval of the FBl.

M.

The enclosed letter was

furnished by hir. James I.

aldon. Jr; of the benartment.

Rutiles disclose that at one

a copy of the enclosed

letter was furnished to

on 4/10/69.

Subject is a U.S.

citizen who has spent tine in the past in Czechoslovakia and

in Russia.

There is no information in the enclosed letter which.

alson

ci pach .

would indicate that the Bureau should maire any inquiries concerta

ing subject.

ohi -

Bufiles contain no information which would

ishop

indicate that subject could be involuntarily leaving the

• U.s.

isper

allch an

as indicated in the enclosed letter.

onted

alc

REC 14

-sun

165

•Nivrin

svei t

ANGESIRE

i - 3 APR2 2 1969

18. APR 17 1959

sing -

MAIL ROON LV

TELETYPE UNIT L

-4.55100

DocId: 32989553

Page

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## Page 7

INIVERSITY OF COLORADO

BOLLOERR.

COLORADO BU30%

April 7,1969

NSTAIEAT OF HISTORY

M9 6404

Paadad...

Nr, Nathen B. Lenvin, Chief

Foneign Agonüs Registration Section

Department of Justice

Washington, D.C.

Dear Mr. Lenvin:

I. should like to call io your atiention the facù thai one

of our colleagues here, Proiessor Thouas kiha, disappeared

nysteriously three weeks ago.

kiba, a native

of Czecho-

slovakia bui naturalizeu citizen of

ine United States, has

been Inl this country Ior over 20 years.

he was educated

in the Unitai States and has taugat at the lniversity of

cnicago eiore joining the faculty of the University of

colorado in 196%.

I an calling these deteils to your atiention because

according to infornation made available by the soninistration

of the Universiüy of Colorado, Riha has decidea to return

to czechsolovakia. he is allegedly avaiting pernission from

Prague in Mew York at this tire.

nel wilhowé lie express

reritãose mos, anap

approval of

=12t the codt2r: 90o!

Geceme 'ec.

the

. *3

This dosumay is minared in reszonse io

VOUY T9T

Should that be indeed the case, there is evidence to assume

that his action is not voluntary. Moreover, certain actions

taken by the auninistration ray

actually contribute to his

apparent ascision.

In any event, it is incubent upon me

to notity you of these events to

prevent either the

involuat

ary recuin to czechostovakla oi an American specialisi on

Hussian affairs or the voluntary "professional suicide"

that he nay

connit under trying circumstances.

tliaricee person

nfiral mrececiings by

cna as not for dissemi-

]

an confident that the Department of Justice

will vant

look into these natiers while there is time.

With

kind

regaras,

-32-0

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTIGE

Cajiy gl eoede

dl'Pei per

27

APR

8

1969

SIncerely yoUrS,

R.A.(i

le smit" ai

Aftile.

/erorusset us ladsory

HTOTARIN-

sbil in 05-78÷57

5.8"

HH 55100 DocId:32989

153

ntaLLE

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## Page 8

F1 - 263 15-17#.

FEDERA

keporting efilce

BOSTON

TITLE OF CASE

CHANCED

CHOMAS PHA, aka Thomas Andrew

Charles Riha -

SOVIET INTELLIGENCE SERVICES

RECRUITMENT OF STUDENTS

BUREAU OF INVES

GATION

Office of 0r1g1:

CONFINE TIAL

Investigative-Period

BOSION

AUG 3 1 19506/6-8/11/60

Report zade by

DANIEL J. GRIFFIN

CHARACTER OF CASE

IS - R

"YORSESER

'.

The title of this case is being marled changed to

set forth the sublect!s true name before it was legally changedy

the time of his naturalization to THOMAS RIHA.

REFERENCE: WFO letter to Bureau dated April 5, 1960; Bulet

Boston dated May 25, 1960; Bulet to WFO dated

May 12, 1960,

all captioned "Soviet Intelligence Services - Recruitment of

Students BIHOMAS RIHA, IS - R."

IS « R"; Boston letter to Bureau dated June 30, 1960,

entitled

-C-

JEK Act 6 (1) (B)

ADMINISTRATIVE

Ribs aavised that he received a very short

belore going to Russia

and he

has never been contacted subsequently by

The Bureau's jurisdiction and responsibilities in the

field of internal security and espionage was explained to RIHA

and he stated he would cooperate in every possible way.

Approved

Toples pads?

from

Special Agent

in Charge

5. " Bureau (RM)

Do not write In spaces

belor

5-78211-51

1

ото

Washington Fleld (Info) (RM)

New York (Info) (RM)

000

Chicago (Info) (RM)

Y

17 SEP 2 1960

•. Boston

(205-5289)

Typed By:

beb

This dommond

nation outsir

your Customa

nel without

тигелес.

content real

28 190t, f0!

i be disclosed

Criteres

horized

the FBI

. - 30

REG SO

110%

REQ. REC'D

DATE TGON. 2-11-63

Xeroit DIA

1/227.4

Property

• of fBi

This

герогі

to be distributed

the

agency. to ach

outside

59 SEP 14 4960

to You by tho Pal, and meAtiONAL SECURITY INFORMATION

# U.S. GOVERNHENT PRINTING OFICE: 1956 o-385319 Unauthorized Disclosure

HH 55100. DocId: 32989553 /Page 8

Subject to Criminal Sanctions

---

## Page 9

CONFIRMAN

BS 205-5289

establlshed source,

contacted by SA DANIEL J, GRIFF IN on June 16, 1960.

Was

Captain MATTHEW J. TOABY, Harvard University Polir 3

Department, established source, was contacted by Sa DaVIEl J.

GRIFFIN on June 16, 1960.

This report is being classified CONFIDENTIAL aS li

discloses the Bureau's

Investigative Interest in the East

West Exchange Program which could be detrimental to the defense

Interest of the nation.

RIA has accepted a position as Professor at chicago

University, Chicagos TInois,

and in this position will have

no reason to institute contact with the Soriets. RIKA stated

that since his sudy in Moscow, Russia,

the Soviets have not

contacted him. It is not believed at this time that RIHA

possesses any double agent potential or that he should be

considered as a PSI.

One copy of this report is being furnished Washington

Field and New York Offices as por instructions

in referenced

Bulot dated April 5, 1960.

One copy of this report is being designated for Chicago

as subject will reside and work in that area.

The Boston indices reflect in the report of SA (A)

RUSSELL J. PARDEE entitled "Czechoslovakian Funds, Boston

Division,

IS - R & OZ," dated March 31, 1958, that the subject

sent $50 through the

NAME

subject during March 1958 sent $50 to the same

Czechoslovakia. During the interview of RIlA, he stated that

this money was

Czechoslovakia

sent to his sister prior to his visit to

to be used by him if he needed 1t and if not,

he would leave

It with his sister.

COVER PAGE

ww 55100, Docid: 32989553

lage 9

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## Page 10

BS 205-5289

Mrs. GENEVIEVE BOSTWICK, established source,

was

contacted by SA DANIEL J. GRIFF IN on June 16, 1960.

Captain MATTHEW J. TOARY, Harvard University Pollee

Department, established source, was contacted by SA DANIEL J.

GRIFFIN On June 16, 1950.

This report is being classified CONFIDENTIAL as it

discloses the Bureau's Investigative Interest in the East

West Exchange Program which could be

detrimental to the defense

interest of the nation.

no reason to institute contact with the soviets.

RIHA stated

that since his study

in Moscow, Russia, the Soviets have not

contacted him. It is not believed at this time that RIHA

possesses any

• double agent potential or that he should be

considered as a est.

One copy of this roport is being furnished Washington

Field and New York Ofrices

as per instructions in referenced

Bulet dated April 5, 1960.

One copy of this report is being designated for Chicago

as subject will reside and work in that area.

The Boston indices rerlect in the report of SA (A)

RUSSELL J. PARDEE entitled "Gzechoslovakian Funds, Boston

Division,

IS - R & CZ," dated March 31, 1958, that the subject

on February 27, 1958,

sent 550 through the Harvard Trust Company,

Cambridge, Massachusetts, to LUDMILA CERVENA and also in the report

entitled

"Czechoslovakian Funds, Boston Division,

9Ê SA (A) RUSSELL J, PARDE dated April 30, -8 & 62, " thet

subiect during March 1950 sent 950 to the same individual in

Czechoslovakia.

During the Interview of RIHA, he stated that

this money was

sent to his sister prior to his visit to

Crechoslovakia to be used by him if he needed It and If not,

ho would leavo it with his sister.

COVER PAGE

IN 55100 DocId:32989553 Page 10

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## Page 11

FU 201 (Rev, 3-3-59)

WNNDENTIAI

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION

Copy to:

DANIEL J. GRIFFIN

Report of:

Date:

AUG 3 7 1960

Boston 105-5289

Field Office File # THOMAS RIHA

Title:

SOVIET INTELLIGENCE SERVICES -

RECRUITMENT OF STUDENTS

INTERNAL SECURITY - R

Boston, Massachusetts

Office:

Bureau File #:

Character:

syrahlect attended Moscow University 1958-1959 as an exchange

student. Interview of subject set forth concerning his

activitles while in Czechoslovakia and Moscow, Russia.

+,-

CONFIDENTIAL

This document contains neither recommendations nor conclusions of the FBI. It is the property of the FBI and is loaned to

your agency: It and its contents are not to be distributed outside your agency.

55100 DooId: 32989553 Page 11

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## Page 12

CONFDIENTIAL

DETAILS:

SOURCE AT

On June 16, 1960, [MISs GENEVIEVE BOSIWICK, traduato

school of Arts and sciences, Harvard University, Cambriage,

Massacnusetts, advised subject resides at 1! Dana stroet,

Cambridge, Massachusetts.

His record revealed he was born

April 11: 1929, in Czechoslovakia.

His home address was listed

as 5085 Rockledge Drivo, Riverside, California. He receivea an

A. B. Degree from the University of Cailfornia in 1951 and an

Ai M. Degree from the samo university in 1957. At Harvard he

1s majoring in history and attended 1957-1958 for a half year

3nd took one hall his course in history in 1959-1960.

He was

arantod a leave of absenco for the Fall Term 1950-1959. Hl.

record seveals. thet ho has passed his genersi. examination

January 30, 1960, in order to proceed for his Ph, D. Degree..

The person listed to contact in case of accident was its.

RULE COOK, Chaffoe School, Windsor, Connecticut.

Captain MATTHEW J. TOAHY, Harvard University Police

Department, advisod on June 16, 1960, that his files contain no

Information concerning THOMAS RIHA, which would indicate that no

complaints had been registered against him during his attendance

at Harvard.

On June 6, 1960, personnel, Office of the Massachusetts

Commissioner of Probation, Suffolk County Courthouse, Boston,

Massachusetts, which is a central repository for a11

criminal

conviction records in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, advised

they could locato no record in their illes identiriable

with

THOMAS RIFA®

On June 6, 1960, personnel, Credit Bureau of Greater

Boston, Inc., Il Beacon Street, Boston, Massachusetts,

advised

they could locate no record concerning subject IHOMAS RIHA.

•2.

HH 55100

DocId: 32989553 Page 12

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## Page 13

F'D-302 (Rev. 1-25-60)

FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIG "ION

CONFWENTIAL

Date

August 19, 1960

THOMAS RIHA, 11 Dana Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts,

furnished the following information:

He was born In lzechoslovakia April 17, 1929. He

stated that his father VIRIOR RIHA died September 1958 and was

previously divorced from his mother Mrs. RUTH COOK, who presently

resides at Chaffee School, Windsor, Connectlout. He stated he

graduated ierm high school in Prague, Czechoslovakla, in 1946

and went to England where he attended the Czechoslovakian College

from 1946-1947.

He then came to the United States in 1947 and

attended the University of California at Berkeley 1947-1953 as

en undergraduate and graduate student.

While residing in Berkeley,

California, RIHA stated he was naturalized a United States citizen

1n Oakland, California, December 19, 1952, at which time he legally

changed his name from THOMAS ANDREW CHARLES RIFA tO THOMAS RIFA.

He then entered columbla University in 1953 and atended one

semester when he as drafted into the United States Army and served

Irom 1953 to 1955. He was stationed los live monühs at Fort Dix,

Now Jersey, and the rest of his time was spent at Fort Bragg,

North

Carolina.

He received an honorable discharge in December 1955 as

a Spocialist 3rd Class,

RIHA stated that after his discharge from the United

States Army, he returned to Columbia University for a short period

and then returned to the University of Calliornia at Berkeley where

he received his Master's Degree in August 1957.

RIHA in the Fall

of 1957 entered Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, to

work for his Ph. D. Degree.

He said he received a leave of

absence from June 1958 to September 1959 to study at Moscow

University, USSR. In Septenber 1959 he returned to Harvard

• and

will remain there until September 1960 when he will receive his

Ph. D. Degree. RIHA stated that he has accepted a position

28

professor at Chicago University,

unicago,

Lilinois, and will

assume his duties september 7, 1960.

His address in Chicago

will be 6007 Woodlawn Avenue, Chicago 37, Illinois.

RIHA stated that on June 15, 1958, he left the United

States to attend Moscow University,

USSR, for one year.

•arrived in Paris, France, June 21, 1958,

Ho

and proceeded to

Czochoslovakia to

visit his father VIRIOR RIRA, 44 Rimsha

Street, Prague 12, Czechoslovakia, who was an

• attorney until

his death in September 1958. He also visited his sister LUDMILA

On

8/11/60

_ at

Cambridge, Massachusetts

_ File # BS 105-5289

SAS MICHAEL C• MO DONAGE aND DANIEL CO:

- Date dictated 0/17/60

GRIFFIN/bab

This document contains neither recommendations nor conclusions of the FBI. It 13 the property of the FBl and is loaned to

your agency: it and its contents are not to be distributed outsido your agency.

-3 -

CONFIENTAL

Nw 55100 DacId: 32989553 Page 13

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## Page 14

GENEVANNA

CERVENA. and

husband SIRI CERVENA who he stated has a minor

clerical position with some local company in Prague.

Ho al3o

visttod his unclo JARIHA (rotired) in Roudnico, Czechoslovakia.

RIHA stated that when he arrived in Prague he was

assigned to stay at the Flora Hotel by the Housing Bureau for

Foroigners operated by the Czechoslovakian Government:

remained there for soven days before going to see his father

and sister.

Rahs stated that while he was visiting with his father.

'a Czechoslovakian man who identifled himself as KAREL CERPA frOM

the Visa Department of the Czechoslovakian Government and asked.

to 100k at RIHA's visa on the pretext that It was not in order.

RIHA stated

that aiter a review of his visa, everything was found

'to be in order then ChRPA asked RIHA his impressions of Czechoslouaki

and offered to take him on a sightseeing trip which RIHA refused.

According to RIHA, CHRiA appeared at his fathers home with his

automoblle several times during his stay and would walt outside

as just down the street for RIHA to come out and then would offer

to take RIHA wherever he was going. RIHA stated he would alwAys

reluse.

KIMA advised that CHRPA

never asked him to do anything

of an Intelligence nature and It appeared to RIHA that CHRPA

was trying to make a good will ambassador out of him.I: Ior

Czechoslovakia.

RIHA stated he left Prague July 12, 1958, and spent the

rest oi the summer in Paris, France. His address

In Paris was

Franciss I, 23 Rae-de condo, Paris 6, France.

RIHA stated he recelved a picture postcard from CHRPA

while in Paris; however, he was never contacted by anyone while

in Paris and has

never

seen CERPA again.

RIHA stated that he left Paris September 7, 1958, for

Vienna,

Austria, where he stayed for approximatoly three or four

days and then departed by plane for Helsinki, Finland, and

Copenhagen, Denmark, where he stayed approximately three weeks

and then entered the USSR at Vyborg, Russia, September 27, 1958. 1

-4.-

602 7A6 1148

MH, 55100 DocId: 32989553 Page 14

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## Page 15

INTO ANAL

RIHA stated that whilo in Helsinki he met MARK/MANCALL,

a Harvard university student, now in Japan..

RIHA stated, that

MANCAL was with him on his trip to Moscow; however, MANCALL left

alm at leningrad and he proceeded to mosco

RIHA stated that upon his arrival au Moscow University

ne was met by Dr. bOrIs MiNiatUro, Moscow state University.

historian,

whomRIHA stated 'he was to

confer with on matters

of

policy that might come up during his stay at the university.

Approximatoly ten days after his arrival RIHA stated ho mot his

advisor, EVGENII DEMIIR IEVICHCHERMENSKI, PrOfessor of History.

RIHA said that these two men are the only faculty members he

had any contact with while at the university.

According to

RIHA, his advisor invited him to his home once and that this was

the only social contact he had with him, and had

absolutely. no

social contact with NIKIFOROV.

BIRA stated that his travelling companion around Moscöw

Was DAVID MAC KENZIE, a student from

columbla University, now at

Princeton, Universlty."

RIHA said that while he was in the university Ilbrary

in Moscow one day,

a soviet friend and student casually introduced

him to a Mr. IURIF MIKHALKOY who told him he worked for the

International Cormerce. RIFA said he was very suspicious of this

man as he had plenty of money and a car.

MIKHALKOV Invited RIHA

to dinner which RIHA accepted.

According to RIHA, MIKHALKOV hired

a private room in a very expensive and exclusive hotel to have

dinner.

RIHA said

he was suspicious of him because of his wealth

and therefore never warmed up to MIKHALKOV during this visit.

RIRA stated that their conversation was very general and that

MIKHALKOV made no requests of him whatsoever. RIHA

or at sate shat

this was the last time he saw MIKHALKOl.

RIHA advised that while doing research work In the Lenin

Ilbrary in Moscow, he met a girl employee NATASKAXMEYER whom he

dated from November to December 1958 until she told him not to

see her again because if she continued to see him she would bo

expelled from

her. position.

RIHA stated in March 1958 he met another girl LARISSA..:

¡suzan A through an american student WAI Ols of columba

∞5 c

HH 55100 DooId:32989553 Page 15

---

## Page 16

University who previously dated this girl until he left Russia

In March 1958. RIHA stated that he dated KUCHBERIA from March

until he left Russia. RIHA said that he was suspicious of

LARISSA KUCHBERIA and therefore was very cautious in his

relations with her. However, AUChBiRlA never made any requests

of him to do anything of an

intelligence nature.

However, he

said she constantly praised Czechoslovakla and pointed out its

advantages and attempted to interest RIHA in returning to his

native country. RIFA told her many times he had no desire to

return to Czechoslovakia.

RIHA said that he has never heard from the two girls

he dated nor has he corresporded with them.

RIHA left Odessa by boat and after travelling to various

countries in Europe, he departed from Paris, France, on August 20,

• 1959,

and arrived In the United States August 26, 1959. RIMA.

i stated that due to his being born in Czechalovakia he was aware

Ithat attempts might be made on the part of officials of the

Soviet and Czechoslovakian Governments to attemot to induce

-him to return or stay in Czechoslovakia and therefore he was

alert to recogniza any such attemots.

He related that since his return to the United States

he has never been contacted in any manner whatsoever by a

Sovlet or Czechoslovakian Goverrment representative. He stated

that 1l such a contact 1s eves made, he would immediately contact

tho FBI.

residence.

The following is a description of the subject as

obtalned from intervlew and observation:

Sex:

Race:

Height:

Weight:

Eyes:

Hair:

Complexion:

Marital Status:

Date of Blrth:

Male

White

588"

148 pounds

Brown

Black

Medium

Single

April 17, 1929,

Czochoslovakia

- *NADENTIAL

IN 55100 DocId:32989553 Page 16

- 6=

---

## Page 17

Form DJ-150

(ke. 4-15-6)

UNITED STATES O!

MENT

:

Memorandum

TO

: Director, Federal Bureau

of Investigation

J. Walter Yeagley

Jon: Assistant Attorney General

Internal Security Division

SUBJECT:

Correspondence dated April 7, 1969.

fxom Professor Stephen Fischer-Galati

re: Professor Thomas Riha

HLPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

DATE:

... ....

hpril 14. 1969

This is in further reference to our referral

of the captioned letter to you on April 9, 1969.

I am transmitting herewith a copy of our

reply in this matter for your information.

Enclosure

This document is prepared in response to your remiest an? is not for dissemi-

natira outside gor Commines.

your Connie und the content may not be disclosed io vuit orized person

nel without the express aproval of the FBI .

REG 43

6951

ddy

fils

ENCLOSURS

9

i)

Jord

Finana

4407055781-36

inal

55100

DocId: 32989553 Page. 17

15345321643

"r..

ES APR° 15.1968

assisti

LARS dATE

1**

WaR i 115

" City

---

## Page 18

tip:37. 14: 19896

VoFoccer Stochen Fischer-Galati

Department of History

Univarrat of Colorado

Bouider, Colorado 30302

Joar Prodissor Fischer Galati:

J. hove your louter datod April 7, 1969, regarding

you concies over erozessor thonas Riha.

This is to

novise you thot your lotter has boen directed to the

eppcopcince governmental authorities.

Sinc: your letter was addressed to Mr. Hathan B.

Ichvin, I cucught you may be interested in knowing

and saddand to learn that Mir. Lenvin died last

October 256h.

Your intosest in writing to us is appreciated.

Sincorely,

J. WALTER YEACLEY

Assistant ittorney General

Intornal Security Division

By:

JAMES I. WELDON, JR.

Chief, Registration Section

This dociment is pronered in response to

Committer.

use

your Connie

and the content may not

nel without the express approval of the

„."

for

ced.

wini thorized person

- seed to do it t-s.

sme

• :

TH 55100 DocId: 32989553

Page 18

---

## Page 19

TO

$

DETONAL FORM NO. 10

Mutate

GSA GEN. KEG. NO. 27

JUNITED STATES GOVEMENT

Memorandum

: Mr. D. J. Brennan,

fr

DATE: April 16, 1969

1341 -

Bicher

Cusper

Callchon.

Contad -

"eit a

Gais -

Rosen -

Sullivan

Tavel -

Troller.

Tele. Root

Holmes -

Gandy.

FROM : So j. Papich/

SUBJECT:

THOMAS FIRA

INTERNAL SECURITY • CZECHOSLOVAKIA

JEK Act 6 (1) (B)

The subject has not leit the United States.

The

story or runor indicating that he may have gone to Czechoslovakia

is without foundation.

Riha has been having difficulties fron

his wife, and

he recently "ran away from her."

has also received information indicating that

the university

newspaper at the University of Colorado will

be printing an article concerning the subject and will refer

to him as an undercover agent of L

Mrs. Roman stated that

subject very definitely is not being utilized by CIA in any

capacity.

ACTION:

The above information is being directed to the

attention of the Research-Satellite Section.

1 - A. W. Gray (Vizas)

1 - Liaison

1 • So J. Pepich

(4)

н....s.

4022-69

22225

APR 21. 1969

lidare 575777572

This docment is prepared in response to your remest ann is net for cassemi

viction arian

I's us? is limit. to rijimul uroceedings by

..e cut the conteme my nos be disclosed io unithorized person-

nel without the express approval of the FBI.

HH 55100 DocId: 32989553

Page 19

105-7Ü258

---

## Page 20

a see sectra- actor altoo a a nosed do aroma o a add, no also the not anna end to a lit nat

• .

I = MIr. G. W. Abernathy

418-69

SAC, DanVOr

T28-10

Director, IDI (105 78256)-8

ZOIAS RIKA

I5 - CL

ReBulet 4-16a09.

On 4015=00

savised through linicon that the

susjec had not late

finizod beater.

According to

subiock has boen baring airlicuitos with his vite and he

recently

"ran away fron hes."

the scozy on zuror indicating

the Jubioct nay have goue to Crechoslovakia is vithout

foundation.

JEK Act 6 (1) (B)

han rico roceived information indicating that

the Univorsity

nowspaper ct the Univoroity of Colorado vill

be circus an

rrticle concerning

ÉO DIN AS On WUECHSOVET B00n4 01

in any capacity.

âny pertinent intornation roceived concerning this

matter nhould he forrided io the furosu by hich and no invosti

intion nord se conducted by your ottice.

GNA: :1D3

(4)

NOTE:

Subject is a professor at the University of Colorado.

The Departuent received a letter dated 4-7-09 which stated the

subject disappeared mysteriously three weeks ago.

the writer

of the lotter was concerned that subject might be involuntarily

Jeaving the United States for Czechoslovakia. The above is

being furnished Denver for its information.

This document is rrepared in response to your request and is not for dissemi-

nation p's's

T's needs lie in offrial proceedings ba

your Carara

¿: the conta man not be disclosed to unaccor wes person

nel without ine express approval of the FBI.

MAILED 2

APR 1 8 1969

COMM-FBI

TH 55100 04 08 3290914

Page. 29-

---

## Page 21

it

.. he following in

AIRTE

TO :

FROM:

SUBJECT:

FBI

Date:

(l'ype in plaintest or code)

(Priority)

DIRECTOR, FBI (105-78256)

SAC, CHICAGO (205-8541)

THOMAS RILA, aka

IS - CZ

9/15/69

Enclosed for Denver is a

copy of Boston report

dated August 31, 1950, captioned, "THONAS BIHA, aka

THOMAS ANDREW CHARLES RINA - Soviet Intelligence Services

your C'in.

SOURCE

: 300..

in the past, furnished the following information to

we sewis rosale commandon

SA GEORGE M. WOODLEY on September 15, 1969. According

to the source it is zumored among the Czechs at the

University o1 chicago (UC)

that THONS RINA, a Professor

at the

• University of Colorado,

Bolder, Colorado, was

"either kidnapped by the Russians, or picked up

by

CIA or the FBI. "

approval of

RIHA entered the United States in 1947 as a

student and has been in the United States since that time,

except for a period of one year (1958-1959) when he

studied at the University of Moscow, Moscow, Russia.

Some time in 1968, he headed a group of college

professors on a tour of the

Soviet Unions

In the group

was

OnE ANNA TRUSKA, a Czech gixI, whom he married in

Bolder, Colorado, after returning

to the United States

from this trip.

The source does not know if ANNA FRUSKA

is an American

Citizen, an exchange student from Czecho

slovakia or any background information concerning her.

87.

TW.4555 5558926323

- Bureau (RM)

2.

- Denver (Encl. 1) (RH)

= WFO (Info) (RM)

2 - Chicago

(1 - 134-2309)

Gify/kmb

1339•

is!

Sent

M

Per

NH 55100 DO0Id:32989553

Special Agent in Charge

Page 21

---

## Page 22

CG 105-8544

RIHA studied at Harvard University, worked

at the university of Chicago from 1960 - 1966, and

then went to the University of Colorado, Bolder,

Colorado, in the fall of 1966, whore he

presently has

a teaching contract.

It is runored that RIM recently divorced

ANNA HRUSKA and disappeared from the University and

his apariment, leaving

behind his clothes and

furniture.

According to the source, the University of

Colorado is unhappy with RIli for

walking out on his

teaching contract and has

beer attempting to locate

him without success.

The files of the Chicago Office, in addition

to the enclosed Boston report, contains a

• Department of

State Form (Request for Security Information), which is

dated 2/5/63.

This

form shows that Professor

RISk was

proposed for

acedemic ezchange with Czechoslovakia by.

the Inter-University Committee on travel Grantst that

University oi Indiana, Bloomington, indiana.

time, he

was assistant professor of lodern lussian and

European

History

at the University of Chicago,

Chicago, Illinois.

He resided at 6007 South Woodlawn

Avenue, Chicago, lIlinois. He was born April 1i, 1920, ;

in Prague, Czechoslovakia.

It is not known whother or

not hila was accepted for this program.

In addition to the above, the Chicago files

contain a Department of State Form (Visa Action Request)

on behalf oi JARMILA ZAKOVA, nee CERVENA, born 4/14/37, in

Prague, Czechoslovakia.

She was emploved

as a clerk

by the Film and Television Academy, Prague and desired

to visit her uncle,

THOMAS RINA,

5801 South Dorchester

Avenue, Chicago, Illinois,

for a

period of two months

in August, 1966.

It is believed that this TIONAS RIBA

identical with the subject because the Dorchester

address is in close proximity to the UC.

= 2 -

NH 55100 DocId:32989553 Page 22

---

## Page 23

s hol No. +775-44077170

., "

CG 105-8541

LEADS

DENVER

Contact sources in the Czech conmunity

for any information they may have regarding the

disappearance of THONAS RIHA.

Check marriage and divorce

records regarding

THOMAS RIHA and ANNA HRUSKA•

CHICAGO

AT CHICAGO,

ILLINOIS.

Will maintain contact

SOURCE

regarding the above matter.

[(66) 062-5)

- 3-

AH 55100

DooId: 32989553

Page

23

---

## Page 24

I ~ liT. J. Wo Reifield

SAC, Chicago

Director, rEX

THO: LAS LINA

IS - Cu

(105- 3544)

(105-70256)

9/22/59

ReCGaintel S/15/09-

Enclosed for Chicago me Eulete, dated 4/10/09 wich

Its endsasure aud 4/13/03, notch are colicetplanators 6467060-51

It rosad popoor the incornetion obtained by Sochet

ie. the anne runes whach bus circulating in the Cacch cosmunior

during paul, 2009.

Daloas additional postinent intonation io devolozod,

20

incestination hoed be conduciod by you birices.

posterone indonation is neceived couceraios this nattor, it

socie be

aedished to the bion in a forn suitable tor

cassurination.

Encioeures n 3

i 1

Jra:10g

(5)

MOTE:

ration ai'

your Core?

_nel without the express approval of ine f'el.

Subject

a professor at the Univorsity of Colorado, vas

Deported

40 have denopaarod ayotcriouoly buch in Anril, 1509

2222205

JEK Act 6 (1) (B)

cubicot hac

been having

cifficulty vich his vifo and be "ran away frou kcr."

the story of runer indicating subjocù noy inve gone to Caockoskover:

was without foundation.

it appearS SOURCE

has obtained

Informacion ecacozainy

in view of

this,

Chicaro being turnished

perter li information devilood in

Aprils

I909, and miess atrition? portinont intornntion is

dewored indiccting

otherwise, ficago ind Lonver boing instructed

to conduct no furthar invostigations.

:: 031140

MAIL. ROOM LA

TIL ATYPE: UHIT

• Hi:55100--DocId: 02989553 Page 24y..

---

## Page 25

OPTIONAL FORM NO. 10

MAY 1062 EDITION

GSA FPMR (41 CFR) 101-11.8

UNITED STATES GO

ENMENT

Memorandum

TO

: DIRECTOR, FBI (105-78256)

FROM

SO DENVER (205-42151)

& JUBJECT: THOMAS RIHA

DATE: 12/11/69

ReBulet 4/18/69.

FORK AUTH

There is attached a letter dated 12/5/69

signed by Mrs: RUTH ANN COOK concerning this subject.

Mrs. COOK indicates in this letter that the subject

Is her son and it would appear Irom the envelope tha

the letter was possibly mailed in

Switzerland.

In accordance with ReBulet this letter is

being forwarded to the Bureau.

No reply has

been made

to the letter by the Denver Office.

ENCLOSURE

2-Denver (+105-4151)

61-47-3190)

SJW: hg

Trouting slipior

REC 11 115-792-56-11

B

DEC 15 1969

dissemi-

того Солті єй.

Malen o du comes do use 5.1

'e cal de condone mer

nel without the express approval of the rai

Deplit to cede Bureaw,

A 1869

MY 516000

Docta: 3594582 U.S. Saungs Bonds Regularly on the Payroll Surings Plan

---

## Page 26

tara tilo

Brissage Vicina

CH-106614

MAS. RUTH ANN COOK

105-78256-11

alute 5 m

1969.

Wen tie

you name and ad en tes

the de Me.

19i8 I dani

3, CERVENT Y

He is the an of my stepalangles an

Write you a babel! my

Aran A. 4. Line antiate perfers.

11 hast

Y mat received te-de a denientas

HIT

55100 DocId: 32989553 Page 26

---

## Page 27

with y in Power Mo the leit mess

ren site

camer sina 1968 und otil an

fat from well, Ines not told any-

of dis Pridt

blie

i Pit. 1968- diaseced

How. 1969) del left the A814-

But mes well and licing ni leade-

Ahat 10 digs ags I rain

is Daklaul Thit sime land pla

raice -namely выше покам

the name of

Malia

samueas

10p248 ge, alane.

•IW 55100 DocId:32989553 Page 27

---

## Page 28

as a an owes all checkes aud

gotter hold o

Dell the lef ougings

of my

Wastedy hares

there the ti and

Neare will at give auy in beatin

about him

insteines

as taffey

is leter

It appear

4 см

that the

lies.

alya lamentanis

vilently fee on bail of a chare

of last rid of an old wa

dear,

to tell me shet I albull as

4W 55100 DocId: 32989553 Page 28

---

## Page 29

to

H4Y FOR-NOTE

goes noted for the

I have us kenniledge and to tell

me whos where he is of there

he has met

one play at the hove

rentty in me armed and aliday,

callies a que

All this in perfitly need.

Il ts euri sage for me Yarne

I am.

respectable riddli

-

similar citimantames.

Yimplie you to hele

me and advise te

as to my shes

where about

do

Hack you in alari

Hutt A. Tott.

NW 55100 DocId: 32989553 Page 29

---

## Page 30

TO

:

FRCI

SUBJECT:

ERNMENT

¿lemorandum

DATE:

DERECTOR, FUT (105-78256)

12/29/63

SiC, URaVER (105-1151) (P)

110.36 dira, aka

I0 -C8

i: Bureau RS dated 12/19/ü9.

inclosed herewith is a letten of acknomieugen

to subject's mother Mrs. RUTH AN COOK, as ver your raquost.

1lso enclosed are 5 copies of a IlM which includes

inso Cost's letter to the Denver Office of the

FBI and?

nerduer

articles dated 12/28/89 appauring in the "Derr

Розі

nuclaper pertaining to subject.

This doe ment is preperca in resnes so your reanest and is not for dissemi

nation ritan

Ponen to officint

mal withou ine enress annoul of ine it .

sizer person-

1x27066474.1)6 e

E1А-1950і

3.22,

RED 36

JAP

1EF0

Bureau (Sncl. 5) (RM1)

Denver

(1 -

105-4151)

(1 - 47-3190 - TANENBAUM)

LDi/SID

( 4)

HH 55100

DocId: 3298955344946 Aavings Bonds Resularly on the Parroll Savings Plan

---

## Page 31

In Reply, Please Refer 10

File No.

UN

STATES DEPARTMENT OF

FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION

ICE

18218 Federal Office Building

Denver, Colorado

80202

December 29, 1969

Ruth A.

Cook

Mrs.

Casa Lido

Ruth Ann Cook

Brissago, Ticino CH-6614, Switzerland

GeRMANY

Dear Mrs. Cook:

This is to acknowledge the receipt of your letter

dated December 5, 1969 concerning the disappearance of your

son Thomas Riha.

Please be advised that the Federal Bureau of

nel wincit ine

no ion rains,

Investigation has no jurisdiction in matters of this nature

and we are not able

to conduct an active investigation

concerning your son's disappearance.

At your request we will place a Missing Persons

Notice with our Identification Division in Washington, D. C.

If you desire us to do this, please advise.

Very truly yours,

express approudl of tie

Cordles.

I's is

This cocameni is proneral in response to

SCOTT J. WERNER

Special Agent in Charge

paperes

- CC Bureau (blind)

dissenti-

105578256-12

ENCLOSURT

HH 55100 DooId:32989553 Page 31

---

## Page 32

UN

PED STATES DEPARTMENT OF SCSTICE

FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION

In Reply, Please Refer to

File No.

Denver, Colorado

December 29, 1969

REC 36

Thomas

THOMAS RIHA

Also Known As

Andrew Charles Riha

On December it, 1969, the Denver Office of the

Federal Bureau of Investigation, Denver, Colorado, received ag

letter from Mrs. Ruth Ann Cook, Casa Lido, Brissago, Ticino

addressed to Mr.

Scott

Werner,

the Denver

Federal Bureau of Investigation Office.

This letter states

as follows:

"Dear Sir,

expiess

рі в ВиготО ЛОв

naison.

ritists

This document is

"Your name and address was given to me by

Mr. 2.,.

•CERVEMY Oi 918 S. Logan Str. Apt: 302%

'He is tie son

ot my steddaushter and

prepared

Denvar.

working

3.25

ingences at Samsonite lanuf.

"I write you on behalf of my son (the

above young man's uncle) Thonas A. C. Rina

approat of

Comminice.

associate professon at U. of Colorado, Boulder,

in response

last of otn Str. in that

city.

Espreis

"I just received to-day a descriition of.

the last encounters of ny stepgrandson with my

son Thomas of the first months of this year.

As I have bech sick nith cancer since 1968 and

still am far from well, I was not told anything

but that my son after some unpleasantness with

an irate uncle of his bride Hane: Hruskova (wedding

in Oct. 1968 - divorced filed in Jan. 1969) had

left the U.S.A. - but was well and living in Canada.

"About 10 days aro I received a letter from

my brother 22: P.P. Kress of Oakland/that some. :

foul play was involved in my son's disappearance -

namely some woman by the name of Galio. l'annenbaum

#CLOSURE

HH 55100 Do0Id:32989553 Pade 32

---

## Page 33

THOMAS RTiA

of 248 LoJan, Denver, who prolaims to be a general

in Army Intelligence, who had forged powers of

attorney and chocks and gotten hold of all the

belongings of my son - who was not in Canada -

nobody knows where he is and that the police in

Boulcon and Denver will not give any information

about him to nis friends or lawyer of the above

mentioned ir. Cerveny.

It appears from my brother's

of an oil man (her friend) who died of cyanide

poisoning.

"Dear ir. Werner, I beg of you to tell me what

I should do to niel! my son - who as

the rumour

goes - worked for the cli of which I nave no

knowledge and to tell me also where ho is or

whether he has met foul play at the hands of this

Mrs. fannenbaum who apparently is well armed and

always carries a gun.

"All this is perfectly dreadful to envisare

for me,

I assure you.

1 an o. respectable middle

class

and never nad to do with similar circumstances.

"I implore you to held me and advise me as to

my son's whereabouts - and what I should do.

"Thank you in advance.

"/s/ Ruth A. Cook"

The "Denver Post" newspaper published in Denver,

•Colorado, contained tuo articles

in the Sunday edition

December

28, 1969 regarding Riha.

The first article

appeared on page l and is captioned "Silence Shrouds Odd

Case Oi Missing CU

The second article appeared

on page 36 and it is captioned "Prof. Riha's Disappearance

Shrouded in Mystory and Silence". A Xerox copy of

each of

these articles is attached hereto.

This document contains neither recommendations

nor conclusions of the FBI. It is the

property of the FBI and is loaned to your

agency; it and its contents are not to be

distributed outside your agency•

2%

55100 D00Id: 32989553 Page 33

---

## Page 34

11-350

7-10-037

(Mount Clipping in Space Below)

Silance Shrouds Odd Cas

Ci Missing CU Prof

SS

More than nine months ago, a Czecho- even his mother in. Germany-say they

slovakian-born associate professor of Rus- haven't heard from him.

sian history at the Uniycisily of Colorado

• And, if police do know some answers,

faiica l0 appear to teach his classes.

they

arch't passing them, aiong. to. the

He still hasn't appeared.

missing professor's friends

or relatives..

Police entered. the case last April, via

Many de those friends are refugees who

a missing person

report. Now,

though,

fled to

this "land of the fice" from the

they say they aren't ically interested in

tyranny ot European countries. And they.

• the prolessor's disappcarance.

wunder how a man can disappeai, here

i Officers say they have been

• in America.

told. hy

They remember a snowy night in

iederal agencies that the missing pro-

londer, When a screamig woman was

iessor is okay, that no foul play is in-

carried from the professer's home.

volved.

They remember another woman, re

But it he's alive, where is he?

ferred to by the professor as "Colonel,"

And who are these federal agents who

and they remember other things:

reportedly know the secrets of the pre-.

fessor's disappearance? Police refuse to

But they don't have the answers.. And

that's what they want.

For the strange story of the professor

His friends say they don't know where who dropped fiom sight, turn to Page 36,

section I, of Sunday's Denver Post

(Indicate page, name of

newspaper, city and atate.)

The Denver Post

_. Denver, Colorado

Date: 12/28/69

Edition: Home

Author:

Editor: Palmer Hoyt

Title:

THOMAS RIHA

Character:

Cl. Ification:

Submatting Office:, Denver

O Boing Investly isd B

•HH 55100 DocId: 32989553 Page 34

---

## Page 35

FD-350 (ler. 7-16-03)

(Mount Clipping in Space Belov)

30:22 CU TSACHER

101.

Riha's Disapp

houded in Mystery

(Indicate page, name of

newspaper, cily and slate.)

and Silence

DY FRED GILLIES

Conver Pest Stait Writer

Early on the morning of

arch 17, Pref. Thomas Riha's

vicease sicod

open

amid

jois and papers scaitered on

' Cost in his study at the Uni-

Casily cê Colorado.

this was unusual, for Riha

was known

as an orderly and

ciganised man, one who didn't

Leave things at loose ends.

But unusual things were oc-

curring in the life of Pina, 10,

respecied processor of Pus-

sian history at CU.

• The most unusual of these

as that he was disappearing

i dropping cut of sight from his

some, his university, his friends

des his relatives.

Did he do this by his own?

goosing? Did he want to disap!

ar?

Or, did something else hap-s

ja to Riha?

I: he dead? Alive?

self he is alive, where is he?

Whis is he doing?

•Mystery bufis would believe

that whon a university profes-

dor disappears, police would

wigle for an ansier to the

•addle. Dut if police have strug

zelù, there is little evidence ci

i in the strange case of Riha. *

Rist which agencies? No one

_Nificers, examined the

will say.

Earlier on that strange

grounds and peered inrougn the

windows of the modest Riha

March morning - a Monday -

house at 1055 6th St. in Boul-

T'roi. Robert Skotheim, who •

der, where Riha had been liv-

shared the CU study with Riha,

ing alone since his estranged

jeceived a telephone call from

wife moved to a Boulder hotel

a woman in Denver. She want more than a weck before. Po-

ed to remind Riha about an im-

lice talked to neighbors and, ev-

portant appointment he had

idently finding nothing amiss,

that day with the U.S. Immigra-

tion Service in Denver.

By the end of that week, thers!

Skotheim placed a memo ti

still was no information on

36 The Denver Post

Denver, Colorado

this eifect on Riha's desk and

"Riha's whereabouts. But the ti

leît to meet his classes.

tle to his car had been assigned

At noon, Riha failed to at-

to a Denver couple. And a

tend a scheduled faculty meet-

Boulder real estate firm had

ng.

received a letter authorizing

Later that afterncon, a wom-

Riha's nephew, Zdenek; Cerve-

an telephoned

tary she wanted to pick

telling a secre- my. of Denver, to sell' the Riha. Date:

: 12/28/69

home. On both documents was

Edition:

Riha's briefcase because the

the signature, Thomas Riha;

Home

Author:!

professor had been taken to a

notarized in Denver. ..

hospital after being injured in a

Editor: / Palmer Hoyt

Title: |

fall.

NEVER APPEARED

THOMAS RIHA

The woman never appeared

No hospital record for Riha has

iscen found.

The concern for Riha really

logan building when he failed

to meet his classes at CU on

Tuesday, March 18. A WOrried

Character:

or:

Classiiication:

Submitting Ollico:

Denver

• Boing Investigated S

CU staff member notified Mrs.

Riha's attorney, who contacted

Boulder police.

i Leaver Post reporier re-

ice vague answers from ofti-

Thore is talk of other

us - unidentified - re-

225 Riha to be "alive and

- somewhere."

H# 55100

DocId: 32989553

Page 35

:

---

## Page 36

3 ..

in.

Dinia

THOMAS RINA, PROFESSOR OF RUSSIAN MISTORY

"We've been told not to worry," Boulder officer says.

HH 35100 Duti

At. this same time,

Rina, met liana Hrukora, 21,

Riha's art works, appr

at in New York Cily suomy before.

$19,605, known to have been in he

ok à group no proiessisi

his house the fictious weck,

'our of Russia in the surn-t

rested in a workucom at the

mer ot 1906. Ou his reduen to the

Denver Art Muscum and were

United

States larry that sum-

recorded officially as a gift to

mer, Riha again : v iana, in

the museum from a Denver

this country on a sudent visa

woman.

from her homeland in Czecho-

In the nest two months, most)

slovakia. Riha,

then 35

also

of Riha's household possessions

was of Czech origin, becoming

and the books and papers in his

a naturalized U.S. citizen and

office had been transferred to a

receiving his university educa

house in Denver. His home in

tion in this country. -

-*.

Boulder had been sold. Letters

On Ocl. 13, 1903, Hana and

and checks appeared, signed

Thomas were married in a late:

'Thomas Riha. His credit card

afiernoon ceremony at the Uni

was lised for the purchase of tarian Church in Boulder. Ai ¿

several ticusand

dollars in

wedding reception that evening

merchandise in the Denver area.

at the Black Bear Inn in Lyons,

One of the typed letters, dated

Coio.,

Thomas obviously was

March 30 and signed with

overjoyed. Crossing

his arms

Riha's name, was postmaried

and clasping them at the elbow

April & at Montreal, buchec.

as if rocking a cradle, he went

This letter was sent to a Boul-

around the room calling out ex-

der insurance agency, request-

uberantly that the marriage

ing cancellation of an insurance

was "for all life."

policy on Riha's Volkswagen,

Among the reception guests

which the writer said had been

was a Denver woman - re-

ferred to later by Riha as

But were the signatures really

"Colonel" - with whom Riha

those ef Riha?

discussed at lengun the bringing:

PROPERTY QUESTION

of his nephew, Corveny, to !

It's the handling of Riha's this country. Cerveny then was.

property, including the works in Vienna after fleeing from'

of art, that particularly bothers Prague in Russian-occupsed

the professor's friends and rela-

Czechoslovakia.

tives, including his mother in ADMITTED TO U.S.

Germany. They claim he

About a month later, Cerveny

wouldn't give up some of his was admitted on temporaty

possessions, that they were loo

status to the United States as a

dear to him.

Czech refugee, through ai-

On Sept. 30, Riha was divorced

rangements which Cerveny said

from his wife, Hana, on her

were entirely normal and rou-

counterclaim of cruelty. Riha

wasn't in court. Before

the di-

tine.

Riha's plans for a marriage;

vorce was granted, Riha's attor- "for all life" didn't take root.

rey questioned the authenticity

Shattering for him and his wit

of letters he had been receiving

were events at their home early

with Riha's signature. The

on the morning of March 9.

lawyer urged a court clarifica-

At about 12:30 a.m., guests

tion of the : attorney's respon-

were leaving a party

at the

sibilities toward Riha so that the

home of CU Professor Richard

professor menty and unjusti

and Mrs. Wilson, next di

"permanently and unjusty

to

the Rihas. One

of the gu

"S,

saurificed."

Professor Robert Hanson,

Mrs. Riha standing at a

ISt-

floor window in her home

flailing her arms and cryir ic:

help.

Snow was still on the go its

a: Hanson raced to the hu:

house and pulled Virs. Ride".

the window. A strong cir

, what he thought

was c

'form clung heavily ivi:

¡Riha.

With the aid of l

son took the che

---

## Page 37

nice fix soon

the Ride rouse,

an Due las J. Dor:

D. Somed, Who saii

on cured by an.

in tie Riha house.

"chal report, the of

this version of

*e woman met them in front

?the Niha house and told them

is. Riha had locke herself in

el budroor, from which ether

aes were coming. When she

nd liha threatened to break

he bedrcom door, the woman

mid.

Nirs. Riha went to the

indor and started screaming.

on t, conversation, the offi

cis said, the woman tried to

a the impression see was int

" Piss house that night as ?:

sou in an official capacity

i had something to do with

no imigration authorities in

Senver. But she couldn't pro-

nee any idenaricacon.

Further, sho loid police Nirs.

Una Wash't a U.S. citizen, that

or visa had expired and that

ia irmigration authorities in

inver had been called.

Asked for her identification,

te woman said it was in her

kar parked oatside the Riha

muse. But she could produce

ry an Illinois driver's Icense.

it the Wilson home, the offi-

HN 55100 DooId:32989553 Page 37

cers iound Mrs. Rina "in an evi-ll

Apparently terrifier,

1 Her husband's later disg-

dant traumatic state."

MRina took

from her purse

pearance ivas

"sonsthing, unt-

After taiking with Mrs. Rina,

"Regosin's business card and

sual," Mrs. Riha said. "Zie loft

ile officers returned to her

¡picaded for someone to call him.

his shaving stuif, his writing

home, where they found a jar ofil

The call was made, with Mrs.

stuff, even his suits). I've

ether and several ether-soakcd;

Fina soubing as she told Rega-

not heard from him at all

gauda pads in the baicovers in

sin what had happened. Also

from the time he disappeared."

her bedroom. These items later

talking with Regosin during the

raif hour conversation were

Aroused from sleep by a tale-

were lured over to her Boul-

der altorney, Gerald Caplan.

Wilson, Hanson and Patriman

rhone call on the night of the

disturbance at the Riha home

¡Dorsey. Aiter the call was com-

"Having investigated this

matter for over an hour and

pleted, police loit Airs. Riba in

was

Join I. Toco, district di-

rector of the U.S. Immigration

the custody of the Flansons, who

finding no evidence of foul

and Naturalration

play," the otticers said in their

took her brictly to the Rina

Service

home io get some of her

(INS) in Denver.

report, "we advised Mrs. Riha

clothes. They then accompan-

The call concerned the dis-

to return home, but assured her

licd her to the Bouiderado

turbance, Todd' said in a re-i

size did not have to."

iel, where she stayed until she

cent interview.

A police check that same

eft Boulder with her aunt

"I dor't recall who it came

morning with the National

April 5 for New York City.

from and what was said ..

Crime Information Center indi-?

AVISA NOT INVOLVED

The caller was informed thatl

cated Mrs. Rina wasn't among

Recalling this middic-of-the-

appropriate inquiries would bel

persons in the United States i-linight telephone conversation,

raade."

legaily, the oiticers said.

Regosin said the trouble at the

CALLED NCPHEW

This was the substance of thy Rina home that night "had

officers' report, according to

nothing to do with Mrs. Riha's

On the night of March 13

Riha was in Denver ard tela.

Police Capt. Willard Spier of

„Boulder, who declined to per-

"There was nothing urgent

phened his nephew to come •

and see him, Cerveny, Riha's

mit a Post reporter to examine i about her status, nothing press-

the report. He relayed verbally

ng, no imminent deportation,"

nephew, said. This was the last

only those parts of the report

Regosin said.

time he saw his uncle, Cerveny

"he considered pertinent, saying

Regosin said he was told b..

said.

the rest consisted of "personal

Mrs. 'Rina during the telephone

On the night of Sunday:

comments of the officers."

call that night that she had gon,;

March 16, Cerveny said, a Den-

ODOR STRONG

to bed and began to sense a

ver woman telephoned him

The odor of ether clinging

strange odor. As it became.

and said Riha was gone and

to virs. Riha was so strong that

stronger, she became very up-

cidn't have a chance to talk to

windows in the Wilson house

Iset and started screaming, think-

tim. Cerveny was toid he

had to be opened, Mis. Wilson

ing she was being overcome by

would be hearing from Riha

some chemical.

and would get his uncie's pow:

And Mrs. Wilson spoke of

In New York City, where she:

ci of attorney. He also said he

angry voices rising in the entry-iS employea ai a

bank, Mrs.

was advised to say that he

way to her home as her hus. Riha said recently that the

knew where his uncle had gone

ether in her room came from

and the Riha's leaving

. and on that his we he seat the vents or under the bedroom

stemmed from his impending

divorce.

(back to his home.

SIGNATURE IN DOUBT

!Riha's voice was "angry, bel-

The signature, Thomas Riha,

ligerent and frightened"

as he

, told Wilson thai the woman

appears on at least three accu-

ments witnessed in Denver by

who had cailed 'police

swo notaries public after his

an intelligence agent of the U.s.

disappearance. Shown a set 0i

Army, that she was armed an l

six photographs, among winen

the Wilsons were in danger if

was a recent ohoto of Rina, inc

they didn't return his wife, Mrs.

Wilson said. Wilson firmly re-

notaries couldn't pick out Riha i

as the person who signed the

fused this demand, ordering Ri-

papers.

• ha out of his house shorily be

fore police arrived.

Received in Boulder and'•

Denver after Riha's disappear-

In a 2 a.m. emergency tele-

phone call made at the lilson

lance, letters signed with his

a contain glaring misspo

home, Mrs. Riha talked that

i some a veward grun

longtime with d and persir, in

matical expressions ard it: •

New Turk City.

<..

accurate address

A letier written in cat:

nephew doess. west':

niceties of Riha's tidine

Cervany Suic.

---

## Page 38

a Cü and

Bould

Tion Donald!

i scribe the!

Aips, into alled out a forn at

drationist in;

to terra nome. Jaiss Labra

said she has heard nothing fron

i&g his virle

.?. Mha was thel

'Bouldor police after making

this report.

scholarly

Certeny says Denver Detec

learned treatises,

Ere Phillip Villaloves told hind

wis nare di the nuances

ile has been informed that "re-

•s raise logue, as well as

- it English, Kessian,

Ger-

ponsible persons" have said

Tha is all right and that the

i:d

reten, each of

Donvar Police Department isn't

able to proceed with the search

Dar, de those many perplex-

sinatioas,

ofticialdom

is not too incurested in find-

wat whad happened to Riha

nin; cut vague assui-

ais saicly or denials

i say icondledge of the mán.

Jinny a month after Riba

appeared, Di. Joseph Smi-

i taed president of CU, said

cumcied "reliable sources"

Washington and was told

at liha was saie, but was un-

do o learn where the profes-

• was or the circumstances

lis disappearance.

Tis past week, a CU sookes-!

on said there's been no

ter incuiry about Rina a:

lovel of the university ad-i

stration.

da Boulder, Captain Spier

•ys:

"iy understanding is that

i disappcarca of his own ac-

Nor had lo-and there is

" wasting time looking for

just as a missing person.

re's no suspicion of foul play

d'aco."

..i police Lt. Ralph Ruzicka

•s *? Boulder:

"We've been

it "an agency') not to

"y. Dut when we talk to

a's friends and associates

heur the facts, they don't

..u up logically, and we get

the again."

isolned to identify the

"ny which provided the as-

• •ce abou Riha.

ul Curveny filed a missing

is report on his uncle Oct.

i:: Builder police had noth-

raisial on the Rina disap.

vice in their files, Ruzicka

driss Joyce Lebra,

cule professor of history

nys that about 1½

i..et* Ruha disappeared,

: " four CU professors

•iniormation aboui Rina to

HH 55100

Denver police, Detective Mike,

encouraged

Cerveny to file a missing per-t

sons complaint on Riha Oct. 281

with Boulder police.

"The next day," Allegretto

• "Boulder police told us '

that the FBI told them to forge:

bout Riha, because they knew

where he was and that he wagi.

alive and well."

FBI POSITION

But the FBI here insists, it

hasn't jurisdiction in the case.

This was determined when two

inquiries were made as the re-

sult of anonymous phone calis

received here by the BI April

3 and again in Sepiember,

, John

?. Moricy, assistant agent in

Charge, says.

Inquiries made by the FBLI

Morley said, were based on the

fact that a man had baon rc'

ported missing

"under unusua

circumstances."

"IVe've placed no restrictions

on any other investigative agen-

cies in the area to determine if

there is any violation over

which they may have local in-

vestigative jurisdiction (in the

Riha case)," Morley said.

Agency (CIA) spokesman in

Denver said.

"As far as we

know, Riha left voluntarily. Wei

have nothing to do with the man.:

He has no contact

with our

agency."

However,

CU Professor Ste-

phen Fischer-Galati reportea he

• was told by the CIA early last

DocId: 32989553

Page 38

lApril tha; Runa was safe end/mother, Mrs. Ruth Ann Cook,

had leit voluntarily. Fischer-

sucking information anour ter

Galati alip said he wrote theison.

The letter was direcri

U.S. Justice Department Aprilipersonally to Scott Werner, reI

7 and was toid "the matter has agen in charge here. She haso'e

becn referred to proper govern- heard from her son.

ment authorities."

As they spoke warmly oi

Riha just iccently,

his close:

rie has reccived no rebiy to friends - many of them rci-

¿: Dec. 6 letter, directed io the gees from Europe - seemed

same deperiment, rischer-

to be trying to build with words

Galai said.

ine image of the man they

Also disclaiming any knowl-

wanted to see again:

erige of the Riha case is Todd,

"Riha felt positively more an

of the immigration service

American

. as a Czech. He

have quite bitter memory as a

"I know nothing about Riba,"

youth of the German occupa-

tion (during World War Il).

But a close friend of Rina's Riha probably developed a deep

says he contacted the INS twice sympathy for the Russian lib-

libout Riha-once in May or erators. But he missed the part

June, when he was told that fi- when the Communists take ore

ja was alive; and the second (because he had come to maki:

sime in the fall, when he asked his home in the U.s. by this

whether Riha still were alive time).

and there was no answer. At

"So simple a man, he couls

this time, Riha's friend said, he fit any place.

was told by the INS "not to be

"He was very illusionary

interested" in the Riha case.

an idealistic dreamer... a lio-

U.S. Army Military Intelli-

eral-thinking man. But I deny he

gence "has never been official-

was a sympathizer cê com-

ly involved in the Rina case,"

munism. Ile was a man who i

said Col. Lynn Fritchman, com-

adored everytning that was tra-

manding officer, U.S. Army Re-!

ditionally rational.

Military Intelligence

"Riha was, a very reliable

man. You could build a cathe-

" Riha's friends don't know dal on his word."

what to believe-hoping the

Another friend said of Rina:

vague assurances they hava re-

'He was an extremely open

ceived are valid and that Rihal

man. He made the impression

lis alive and well. But they

of an absolutel,

free man....

not scared of anything. He hai

MOTHER WRITES

made it in life. He was a ta)

Many of them came to this professor in his line

-.•

country from totalitarian tyran- healtny ... a fantastic cook.

nies in Europe, and they ask: His art pieces were valued in

"How can it happen, especially|the thousands. He had a big i-

in this country, that a man can brary. He was a charming than.

disappear and nothing can be

"Riha was a nihilist, an at'he-

know, about him for almost alist who just yearned for sorce

From Germany early this

Riha's friend paused, consi

month came a letter written tolered, and then, quite simply,

the FBI in Denver by Riha's| added the one word, "God."

---

## Page 39

OPTIONAL FORM NO, 10

3010-100

MAY 1982 EDITION

GSA GEN

REG. NO, 27

UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT

Memorandum

TO

: Mr. D. J. Brennab,

FROM

: So d, Papich

SUBJECT: THOMAS PIRA

INTERNAL SECURITY • CZECHOSLOVAKIA

DATE: 1/13/70

Cailsier

Carrsi.

Fri: -

Gale -

Suiliver.

Tovel

Soyais

feir. Foor

Holmes -

Jundy

JER Act 6 (I)(A)

1/12/70

that the subject is not of operational interest

is that

Agency.

JEK. Act 6 (11(B)

With regard to the subject's alleged disappearance,

did receive a report, which could be characterized as a

rumor, that the subject was experiencing marital difficulties

and had lelt his wife. The Agency does not have any infornation

concerning subject's present whereabouts.

ACTION:

The above incormation is being directed to the

attention of the sino Satellite section.

Hst. Gray (Mr. Redijeld)

- Lñ2150n

1 - Mr, Papich

(4)

13

REC-36

HH 55100

80 JAN 14 1970

0105-78256

This dorment is menared in response to

your Coin:

1on Commisee.

your remust and is not for dissemi-

Is use is linin to dinal mo cedings by

nel without the express approval of the FEI.

3 a' the contori may not be cicelosid to unuchorized person-

59 JAN19

1970

DOCId. 32989553 Page 39

---

## Page 40

5010-106

GIA.

UNITED STATES (ERNMENT

Memorandum

TO

: Mr. W. C. Sullivan,

FROM

A. M. Gray?'

1 = Mi.

Deloach

Bishop

I - Mr. Malmfeldt

DATE: January 13, 1970

1 = Mr Sullivar

• L121S01

- Mr. Gray

1 - Mr. Redfield

Callana;

Conrad.

"elt -

Gale -

Ro.'en -

Sullivan

Tavel -

Sayars

Tele. Foon.

Holines -

Gancy -

SUBJECT: THOMAS RIHA

INFORMATION CONCERNING

(SINO-SATELLITE)

your request and is not for dissemi-

limited to offarl roceecings by

I's rise is

ernien! un not ho discosed to unc choriced person

approud of the FBI

This desmont is rommyrg

your Corama'se

nel rithions

Recommend attached letter be sent Attorney General (AG)

regarding letter 1/8/69 to him from Congressman Donald G. Brotzman,

Republican, Colorado, referred to us concerning disappearance of

subject: Also recommend representative of Mr. Bishop's office

personally apprise

ê Congressman of facts. Brotzman, formerly

United States Attorney Denver, 1959-1962; relations cordial.

Congressman requested information from AG by InacTod

concerning subject's disappearance from Boulder, Colorado, 3/69.

He noted Riha may have disappeared because of "domestic complic: -

tions." He stated he asked Bureau for report as to what had been

done to locate subject. He wrote that Bureau advised, aside from

preliminary inquiries, no investigation conducted. On 12/31/69

Mr. Bishop did advise

Congressman's office FBI had conducted no

investigation of disappearance, since no indications of violation

of federal law in our jurisdiction.

Congressman stated during

course of, similar inquiries, CIA advised it had no jurisdiction

but understood FBI had looked into matter and might well know

whereabouts of subject and circumstances involved. We did inquire

on 4/15/69 to determine if they bad

•any

interest in subject.

They did not.

JEK Act 6 (1) (B)

Subject, born 4/17/29, Prague, Czechoslovakia, entered

United States 1947; naturalized US citizen 12/52; served US Army

1953-1955; attended Moscow University 6/58-9/59; prior to dis-

appearance was professor of Russian history, University & Colorado,

Boulder. We have no information concerning

Riha's whereabouts

and have conducied no investigation to locate. CIA advised Liaison

1/13/70 Congressman was told CIA was not investigating subject and

not using him in any capacity.

CIA suggested he might check with

local police and IBI, but did not tell him FBI was investigating.

REC- 9A

In 12/69 Denver received

letter from subject's motherf

requesting information concerning son's disappearance a pennean 1070

Office replied this was matter not within jurisdiction of Bureau,

however, offered if she so desired to place his name on Bureau's

missing

persons list.

SAC, Denver,

advised reply received from

+ +7011 - 009

hother 1/13/70 declining to have subject's name placed on list.

10.4. /84"

JWR : kml

(8)

WH 55100 1 DocId: 32989553 Page 40

CONTINUED - OVER

---

## Page 41

Memorandum tu nir. W. C. Sullivan

RE: THOMAS RIHA

ACTION:

(1) That approval be granted for attached letter te

AG providing him with these facts

and advising him that a

representative of the Bureau will personally inform the

Congressman of them on 1/14/70.

(2) That a representative of Mr. Bishop's office

personally contact the Congressman and provide him with tbese

facts.

Orace

vves

Persi

Jet!

15

J.p°

1-15.

advised we sort brigade desperanes

contentale no matigation, in absence 8

NH 55100 DocId:32989553 Page 41

---

## Page 42

• FD-350 (Rev. 7-16-63)

(Mount Clipping in Space Below)

CU PROFESSOR'S FATE A MYSTERY

Probe Widens in

•Disappearanca

By FRED GILLICS

*Denser Post Stuff Writer

Denver Dist. Atty. Mike Mc-lappeared, signed Thomas Riha, I quested to iook into the ascrep-

Keviit said Wednesday his staff Some of these leiters have

ancies betseen oilicial state

is concreting an "extensive in- Montreal, Quebec, postmark.

i ments of federal agencies and

asian in thomas eite are guis a de nation. onad mense wile persons in ested-

üniversity of Colorado profes. 'G. Brotzman. R-Colo. To date, in Riha received from these

sor. and is coordinating its ef. Brotzman said he has received agencies shortly after he disap-

forts with widening probes of

responses from three agencies: | peared.

the Denver and Boulder Police

-The FBI. which says it

Depariments and the Boulder

hasn't and won't conduct an in-

"red said they me of i ass

districi attorney.

vestigation of Riha's disappear-' surance from federal agencies

At the request of The Denver

ance unless someone comes for- that they knew where Riha was

are pulies about Riha alsol irense in iate to have deel met that, he was

are being continued with fed-;

eral agenciès in Washington.

"involsed. The agency did, how.

D.C., ard through Canadian im- erer. acknowledge it has re-

migration officials.

ceived

several inquiries about

RUSSIAY HISTORY

¡Riha.

Riha, 40, a highly respected

-The Central Intelligence

professor of Russian history,

' Agency (CIA), which

said it

ias officially listed as missing, thinks the FBI might have some

March 17

when he failed to Knowledge of Riha's

appear at his office where his abouts. The CiA spokesman said

briefcase stood open amid

the agency considered the mat-

bocks and papers on his desk. ter when it received inquiries

On the same day, Riha's

last March and April and veri-

rrized art works rested in a fied that Riha's disappearance,

workroom at the Denver Art

didn't have international impli-

cations and

"was a domestic

Museum, the gift of a Denver malter, in terms of the United

woman

who museum officials

say didn't mention Riha as the |States."' Inquiries directed to the

owner of the art works.

CIA were turned over to the

Less- than two weeks later, |FBI, the spokesman added. He

the title to Riha's car had been said the CIA has no direct

assigned to a Denver couple.

knowledge or reports of a rumor

*And within two months of his which has come to its attention:

i disappearance, his home in

Bealder had been sold.

saying that Riha is "somewhere;

on the East Coast."

MONTREAL POSTMARK

-The U.S. Army Intelligence®

Denver and Boulder law

en-

Command, which says it has no'

forcement authorities have in-

personal knowledge of the Riha

dicated that much of their effort

case, no direct or indirect in-

involves examination of the var-

volvement, nor any knowledge

ious documents involved in the

tôt facts surrounding Riha's dis-

appearance.

_Broizman said he is sailing 105-75227-1

(Indicaie page, same of

newspaper, ciiy and siate.)

-

2 The Denver Post

Denver, Colorado

Date:

1-14-70

Edition: Home

Author:

Fred Gillies

Editor:

Palmer Hoyt

Title:

THOMAS RIHA

Character: IS - CZ

Classification: 105-4151

Submitting Office:

Denver

_ Being Investigated

105-78256

Tele

H7 55100 DocId: 32989553 Page 42

---

## Page 43

a cr

X1L1

The Actorney General

Director, FBI

ToSS 2717

E.20 KAION CO CREWING

4

2 - 77. Doloach

1. a liz. Bishop

January 34, 1970

I a Ms. Halufeldt

•lis. Sullivan

Nixo Gray

• Hir. Redfield

Dolorence is node to lordon Mated January 8,

1970,

andreocod do you drun Concessen Rongld G. Eroterar,

Coronaro,

a copy or, wiret is auscoled with tis enclosue

had

asices dor a ronty by damiary 14, 1070.

On December Sa, 1958, purpuant to the Concroconan's

this barcau

advised it. novery Touring, hi

nel without ine

reminiocodivo 12oo, tuat tho 201 bed conducto no levostige

Pion corcorning to dinar carance in Larch, 1099, 01 %. 4125

Mata, Ecosuacos, iniversaty of Colorado, ronicer,

Colosado,

since chore vore n0 indications of a violatinn of federai

• 1av

idlin iso jurisdiction.

tais decou has no intornation

concorning liba's whorcaronts and her conduccod no 20ve041g2-

sion to loonde Bin.

Ou uncil 10, I0G3, we did inquire of

the

Contal Intolliyonce igency it they had any incorest in

express approval

racy dle not.

0j :

in Recenber, 1959, our Donver Office received

Jobior fron Dino's lother ronuostlig intornation concorning

ar con's disastrarance.

FLI

Chis vas a meter

ros vichin tho juriouiction of tho 1l.

to vas told, however,

she so sonired his sone sould bo placed on the FbI's

Fussins porcons list, to reliod on tommy ta, lord, aud

your Commutro and its contes moy mos be dischaed

nation otsie ten Cramplice.

eclinod to have his

nane placed on the lict.

This document is nichared in resnonse to your ramiest end

The Contral Intollinonce Arency advised this Lureau

93 January 13, 1020,

thut Concrocrman Drotoman upon inquiry

thou had boon adviced that ironey was not investioncing niha

end not using hin in any copacity.

Contral Intelligonce Agency.

had

succested ho check with

i the local police and the ios

but

did not toll the Congressman the tbi was investigating subject

eassemi

A ropresentative of the Bureau will personally contact

Conpressnan Drotzran on January 14, 1970, aad arprise hin of

the above tacts.

Snclosures = 2

(10)

JOE NOTE PAGE TWO

HY 55100 ĐocId:329895593

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## Page 44

is?.

-

The Attorney General

NOES:

Sse memorandum A. H. Gray to M, W. C. Sullivan,

dated 1/13/70, captioned as above, prepared by JWPiln,

"he enclosures attached to the AG letter have

bsen Xeroxed since

the original letter to the AG bore Bureau

administrative nurkings.

CiA information 1/13/70 obtained

from john daury, congressional liaison, by sa sam d. Papich.

...д we i..

WH 55100

DocId: 32989553

Page 44

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## Page 45

2111

-022

LONILO G. BF

I Teach.

703 i

2000D 14

• Wallers

COMMITTI

INTO ATA!

CHIMLIT

CHOSE DAD TELEO 48 yoons

R Bishop:

sIr. Casper

GUECOMMITTEE ON COMMUNICATIONS

Mr. Callahar

AND POWER

Mouse of Representatives

Mr. Conrad

dr. Felt -

@clashingion, D.C. 20515

Mr. Gale

Mr. Rosen

January 8, 1970

Mr. Sayin

Mr. Soyars

OFFICE OF TI

Tole. Room

Miss Holmes

RECEIVEL

Miss Gandy

Attorney General John N. Mitchell

Department of justice

Constitution Avenue

JAN 121976

Washington, D.C.

20530

ATTORNEY CENERA

Dear Mr. Attorney General:

IN Set-s

ass mont

Enclosed is a photocopy of an article which was published.

by the denver Post on December 28, 1969.

a photo be en

I have been

requested by the Denver Post and friends of DI. Riha,

who is a constituent of mine, to do everything

possible

to assist in either locating

the Professor or in determin-

ing additional facts about his disappearance.

nel without

your Comin""

It seems to me that the interest of the nation in general

the

and the credibility of the FBI in particular is not well

served by the proliferation of a belief that Professor Riha

is the victim of some kind of international intrique, if

such is not the case.

Despite the implications found in the Denver Post article,

I think it is quite possible that Professor Riha left

• Boulder because of domestic complications TONNEY CEN

e and the concene una

I TEDERAL BU. OF IN AFa

nation arman you Communice. *nis

In this spirit I last week asked the FBI to provide me,

This comment is prepared in response

either formally or informally, with a report on what the

last Friday that, aside from a file of inquiries made in

Professor Riha's behalf, the Bureau has

not looked Anto

the matter and is not conducting inquiries

I so informea

the Denver postyl':t..

TORNEY COL

OF INV

NEO 8• !!:

However, in the course of similar inquiries

(no)

federal

agencies, I leamed from the central Intelligence

Agency that at one point last year it made some preliminary

inquiries, determined that no transactions within its

jurisdiction were involved, and turned over whatever files

were generated to the FBI.

CIA also informed me that it

understands, unofficially, that the FBI did look into

the

and is not for dissemi-

matter further, and that the Bureau may well know the

1X:201

whereabouts of Professor Riha and the circumstances behind

his unusual disappearande. E Ei

105-78246

VE JAN 19 1970

roon

HH 551

DocId: 32989553 • Page

• 45

---

## Page 46

Attorney General Mitchell

January 8, 1970

Page 2

I now appeal to you to look into the matter and at least

provide me with guidance.

I am convinced that the

speculation will only grow in

intensity, and I can see

no good purpose in hiding behind a jurisdictional facade

if the Professor's current status can be explained in a

straight forward manner

Your response by Wednesday,

January 14 would

be deeply appreciated.

Very truly yours,

DGB/tj.a

Enclosure

Donald G.). Brotzman

Member of Congress

(R.-COLORADO) WISHIC

HH 55100 DocId: 32989553 Page 46

---

## Page 47

**THE DENVER

rOs:

RESPECTED CU TEAC...

Prof-Riha's Disappearance

Shrouded in Mystery and Silence

y IREN CHLIE

ensor Post Stall Write

Darly on the morning ci

March 17, Prel.

Thorias Riha's

briefcage

stood open

amid

ooks and papers seatiered on

he desk ir. his study at the Cni-

sersity es Colorado.

This was unusual, fr Riha

was known as an orderly and

organized man, one who didn't

Ieave things at loose ends.

But unusual things were sc.

curring in the life of Runs, 10.

a respecied professor of Rus-

sian history at CU.

The most unusual of these

mas that he was disappearne

- dropping ous of sight from s

home, his university, his fritzus

and his relatives.

Did he

do

this by his orn

choosing? Did he want to disar.

pear?

Or, did something else hap

pen to Rina?

Is he dead! Alive?

If he as alive, where is he?

What is he doing?

Mysiery buffs would beliese

that when a university profes

sor disappears, police would

struggle for an answer to the

riddle. But if polsce have strug.

gied, there is httle evidence of

it in the strange

case of Riha.

VAGUE ANSWERS

A Denter Post reporter to

reived vance ar.swers fre oifi-

cers.

There is tall of other

agercies - undentified - re-

porting Riha lo be "alise and

well" - somewhere.

But which agencies? No one

Hill say.

Earlier on that strange

March moral Skotheim.

— a Monday -

Prof. Robert

who

shared the CU study with Rina

received a telephone call from

& woman in Derver. She want.

ed to remind Riha about an im-

portant appointment he had

that day with the U.S. Immigra-

tion service in Denver.

Skotheim placed a memo lo

this effect on Riha's desk and

left to meet his classes.

At noon, Rita failed to al-

tend a seieduled faculty meet.

Eater that afternoon, a won.

an iclephoned, telling a secre

ry she wanted to pick l

ta's briefcase because t

professor had been taken in a

hospital after beng injured i a

fail.

NEVER APPEARED

he woman never appeared

to hospital record for Riha ha

been found.

The concern for Riha really

began bullding when he failed

do meet his classes at CU on

March 18. A worried

CU staff member notified Mrs.

Riha's attorney, who contacied

Boulder police.

grounds and feared throush the

windows of the nodest Riha

house at 155 6tir

St.

in Boul-

der, where Riha had been live

ing alone since his estranged

wife riotra to a Boulder hofei

more than a week before.

hce taiked to neighbors and, ev-

idently finding nothing amiss,

soon left.

By the end of that week, there

still was no information on

Riha's whereabouis. But the ti-

tle to his car had been assigned

to a Denver couple. And a

Boulder real estate firm had

cived a letter authorizing

sha's nephew, Tdruck Cerve-

no of Denver, to seil the Riha

home. On both documents was

the signalurt.

Thomas Riha

line willie of

Rite a art works.

appraised at

$19,605, inown to have kren in

ins house the previous wick,

rester in a workroom at the

Denser AM Museum and were

recorded offically as a gill to

¡the museum from a Denver

¡woman.

In the next tiro months, most

no! Rha's household possessions

and the briks and papers in his

ofisce had ben transferred to a

"house in

Denver

fiss home in

Boulder had bren sold, Letters

and checks appeared, sagard

Tronas Riha. His credit card

wis used for the purchase of

varral thousand dollars in

merchandise in the Denver aren.

One of the typed letters. dated

March 30 and signed with

Rita's name.

4 83

postmarket

April 8 at

Montreal. Quebre

"es let'er was sent to a Bou!.

der insurance agency, request-

ung cancellation of an insurance

"alley

on

Volkswagen

which the writer said had been

THOMAS RIHA, PROFESSOR OF RUSSIAN HISTORY

"We've bren sold rior io war,

su'der ore-says.

PROPERTY QUESTION

lis the

handling of Ruhas

property. including the

They claim he

wardnt give up some of his

-....

NW 55100

DocId:32989553 Paye 47

---

## Page 48

-fana met Minna Hruskovn 24,

fran her

slovakia.

¡Colo.,

overjoyed,

"Colonel"

Vienna

tine.

"for

all life'

and Mrs.

the Rihas.

help.

¡Riba.

of professors

her y

the Iranut

Czecho-l

then 29.

alsol

becoming)

and,

was

this

arms

Гс-

Cerveny,

through ar-

next door lo

events:

Mrs.

the bedroom

55100

DocId: 32989553

Page

48

who said

an-

the

offi-

her bedroom.

play."

report,

A police

Crime

cated Mrs.

The

recalled.

.told

Wilson

the

In a 2 a.m.

New York City.

'Riha

took

half-hour

1 Wilson,

Dorsey.

spicted,

"home to

clothes.

They

Heft Boulder

the off-

ether-soaked

Riha

Natlonal

house

Mrs. Wilson

as he

the

woman

firmly re-t

were

accompan-

, visa status.

door.

stuft,

even

turbance,

made."

said.

hira.

and

the

divorce.

papers.

co

101-1e

tion,

at the

As it became

Mrs

came from

"something unu.

I'va

Todd, district di.

Immigration

Service

taformed that

to say

that he

leaving

Thomas Riha

Shown a set ot

among which

Boulder and

his

describe the

author

and

Russian,

Ger-.

each of

ing

offcraldom

or denials

CL, sald

sor

circunstarts

no

ministration.

says:

suy place."

"We've bren

agency which provided the as.

surance about Riha.

Until Cerveny filed a missing

persons repori on iris uncle act.

as. the Bouider puice inad noth-

ung oliscial on the Rina disap

pearance in their fries, Ruzicka

sard

However, Miss Joyce Lebra,

an associate professor of lustory

al CU.

says that aboul l'

wacks after Riha disappeared,

she and four CU professors

gave information about Rina to

Boukder Patrolman Donald

Alps, sibo filled out a form at

the Lebra home. Miss Lebra

"said she has heard nothing from

Boulder police alter making

this report.

Corvens

sals Inter Detec-

tive Phillip Villalovos told him

he has been informed that "re-

sponsible persons" have said

Riha is

all right and that the

Tenver Police Depärtment isn't

able to proceed with the search

for Riha.

Denver police, Detective Jfike

Allegrelto

says,

encouraged

Cerveny to file a missing per-

sons complaint on Riha Cct. 28

with Boulder saline.

"The next das." Allerretto

said,

"Boulder police told us

Athal the FBI loid them to forget

labout Riha, Incause they knew

where he toas and that he wa.

"alive and well

---

## Page 49

ESt POSITION

But the FBI here

sts it

hasn't jurisdiction

in the case.

This was determined when two

inquiries were made as the re-

sult of anonymous phone calls

received here by the FBI April

3 and again in September, John

F. Morley, assistant ageni in

charge, says.

Inquiries

made by the FBI,

Morles said, were based on the

fact that a man had been re

ported missing

"under unusual

, circumstances.

"We've placed no restrictions

lon any other investigative agen-

¡ches in the area to determine it

there is any violation over

[which they may have local in-

ivestigative jurishction (in the

Riha case)," Morley said

"We know nothing about hin

(Riha)," a Central Intelligence

Agenry (CTA) spokesman in

Denver said.

"As far as we

know, Riha left voluntarily. We

have nothing to do with the man

He has no comtact with our

agency."

Hoverer, Sir Professor Sle

phen Fischer-falati reportrd hic

wes told by die ClA carly last

(April that Riha was safe and

had left vosunitrily.

Fischer-

Galati also said ise wrote the

U.S.

Justice Department April

17 and was told "the matter has

been referred to proper govern

ment authorities."

NO REPLY

He has received no reply to

& Dec. 6 letter, directed to the

same department,

Fischer-

Galati said.

Also disclaiming

any know!.

edge of the Riha case is Podi.

jo the immigration service

'(INS) here.

"I know nothing about Riha,"

Todd said.

But a close friend ot Riha's

says he contacted the INS twice

about Riha-once in May or

June, When he was told that Ri.

ha was alive: and the second

"time in the fall, when he asked

iwhether Riha

still were alive

and

there was

rio

answer.

At

this time. Riha's tried said, he

was told by the INS "not iu be

interested" in the Riha case.

U.S.

Army

Military

Intelli-

gence "has never been official-

ly involved in tne Riha case."

said-Col. Lynn Fritchman, com-

manding officer, U.S. Army Re-

gron 4, Military Intelligence

Group in Denver.

Riha's friends

don't know

what to believe hoping the

ivague assurances they have re-

Iceived are valid and that Riha

fis alive and well. But they

Many of them cane to this

country from totalitarian tyran-

nies in

Europe. and they ask:

"How can it happen, especially

in this country, that a man can

disappear

and nothing

can

be

known about him for almost a

year?"

From - Germany early this

rhonth came a letter wrillen in

the FBI in Denver by Riras

1H 75100 DocTd:32989553 Page 49

mother,

Nirs.

Ruth Ann Cook.

seeking

information about her

I son.

The letter was directed

personally to Scolt Werner, FBI

lagen in charge here. She hasn't

Theard froni der son.

As they spoke warmly of

! Riha just recently, his close

friends - many of them refu-

gees from Europe - seemed

to be trying to build with words

the image of the man they

wanted to see again:

"Riha fell positively more an

American .

. as a Czech. He

¡have quite bitter memory as a

youth of the Ger'n occupa-

tink (during World War Il).

Riha probably developed a deep

sympathy for the Russian lib-

erators. But he missed the part

when the Communists take aver

because he had come to make

his home in the U.S. by this

time).

"So simple a man, he could

fit any place.

"He was very illusionary :.

was a sympathizer of cim-

, runism. He was a man who

adored everything that was tra-

¡ditionally rational.

•Riha was a very reliable

man. You could build a cathe-

ural on his word."

Another friend said of Riha

"He was an extremely ope

(man. He made the impression

;of an absolutely tree man

not scared of anything. He had

made it in life. He was a top

it pe fire at cox.

the thousands. He had a big li-

brary. He was a charming man.

"Riha was a nihilist, an athe.

list who just yearned for some

kind of…."

Riha's friend paused. consid-

ered, and then quite simply,

acided the one word, "God."

---

## Page 50

180-2161

Dewey Port

Clary. -12/28

• Pite our leopario,

Rof Thome Picks

Boulde Colo

Pade Reason Aisting

Our A Colora!

Geer

This document is poon-red, in response to

T'3 200 is Immated in ofe

proccestags by

b2 disclosed to.unuuthorized.person

nel witkout the express approval of

the FBI

H4:55100

DocId: 3296P553

Page

50

---

## Page 51

i...

185-78256

File shows roe

have conducted

weat his

mortications")

balation Fed

lew in on fires.

Torang 3001/3159

5

HH 55100 DocId:32989553

Page 51

---

## Page 52

"IX)

I R031

SUBJECT:

CATIONAL FORM NO, 10

5010-100

MAY DOIS EDITON

GS* GEN. REG. NO. 27

UNITEN STATES GOVERNMENT.

Memorandum

Mr. Bishop:

M.

ones

THOMAS RIHA

INFORMATION CONCERNING

(SINO-SATELLITE)

DATE:

1/15/70

Tol.or

1010151

PTEr

fale =

Gale ~

Rosen -

Sullivan

Tavel .

Soyais .

Telo, Room

Gandy -

412?

Rememo of 1/13/70 from Mr. Gray to Mr. Sullivan

wherein it was recommended and approved thai Crime Records Division

orally advised Congressman Donald G. Brotzman (R-Colorado) that

we have conductea no investigation regarding subjects disappearance

and have no knowledge of his whereabouts.

Robert Tonsing, Administrative Assistant to Congress-

man Brotzman, was furnished this information orally on 1/14/70 by

nspector bowers in the Congressman's absence.

not aprecisive o our prompt handling of the matter todas will!

we would send the Congressman a letter confirming this information.

Enclosed is an appropriate letier.

RECOMENDATION:

That the enclosed letter be sent.

115-70 RET-SA

Enclosure eme

1 - Mr. DeLoach - Enclosure:

1 - Mr. Bishop - Enclosure

I - Mr. Sullivan - Enclosure

1 - Mr. Gray - Enclosure

1 - Mr. Malmfeldt - Enclosure

1 - M. A. Jones - Enclosure

1 - Mr. Bowers - Enclosure

N

Mas mastingens

OS JAN 23 1570.

1

DWB:mjl

(9)

This document is prenered in response to your request and is not for dissemi-

nation d'ésin

l's use is limates to official proceccinas by

your Coria"' sand the corint may noi be disclosa io valithorized person-

nel withoui the express approval of the FBI .

105.78241

58FEB5

N 55100 DOEId: 329291970

Page 52

---

## Page 53

0261

INV

Ison -

Louch

irers...

hi.

shop

ilshon

l..9rn -

jers

181-WWO3

.........

January 15,

1970

Honorable Donald C. Brotzman

Housc of Hepresentatives

Washionton, D. C. 20515

ily dear Congreasman:

This will confirn Information orally fur-

nished on January Isth to your Administrative Assictant,

Mr. Echort Tonging, by my zepresentative in response

to your letter of January Ath wich ios referred to this

Bureau for honiling by the Attorney Generel.

The FBI has conducted no investigation

concerntuz the disappearance of Di. Thomas Ria since

tere is ne indication of violation of any federai law

within our jorisdiction. We have no knowledge concerning

Dr. Riha's whereabouts.

The Denver Fut Field Citice bas been

in contact with Dr. Miha's mother and offered to place

a znissing parson notice concerning her son in the flies

of our identification Division. This offer was deciined.

Sincerely yours,

#. Edgar Hoover

nel without the express

nation outsile,

Committe.

prepared in

thie.

your Commit e and the content mas woe be

T'his document is

response has,

casclosea to unantion

amited to

our

request and is not for dissen

1 - Denver Field Office

1 - Mr. DeLoach (detached)

1 - Mr. Malmfeldt (detached)

1 - Mr. Bishop (detached)

1 - M. A. Jones (detached)

1 - Mr. Sullivan (detached)

1 - Mr. Bowers (detached)

1 - Mi. Gray (detached)

REC- 94

NOTE: See M. A. Jones to Bishop memo dated 1/15/70, captioned "Thomas

Riha, Information Concerning, (Sino-Satellite). "

DWB:mjl ..

(10)

HE JAN 29 STO

=1

---

## Page 54

TO

OPTIONAL FORM NO. 10

MAY 1962 EDITION

GSA F-*MR (11 CFR) 106-11.2

"UNITED STATES GOT

ERNMENT

Memorandum

DATE:

DIRECTOR, FBI (105-78256)

1/15/70

SAC, DENVER (105-4151) (C)

THOMAS RIHA, aka.

IS - CZ

Re Denver letter to the Bureau, dated 12/29/69.

Enclosed herewith is a letter of acknowledgement

to subject's mother, Dr. RUTH ANN COOK; to acknowledge

her letter of 1/11/70.

Also enclosed are 5 copies of an LHM, which

sets out Mrs. COOK's letter to the Denver Office of

the FBI and in which she mentions her son's work with

CIA.

1.17

This document is poored, an response to your request and is not for dissemi-

nation me elate.

year Cruni

eel the content may noi be cessiosed to unawinorized person

2- Bureau (Enc.

6) (RM)

2 - Denver

(1 - 105-4151)

(1- 47-3190) (TANNENBAUM)

LDN/ 11a

(4)

RO GO NELL WHILE

and RBO

aGENTStatE, Cil, DiR bustiacsse

1EA S00!

DAR. SIT: 6.78-20

1040

jO95.0.-141.,0.L46,5=134p0-6

16

REC-6

3 JAN 19 1570

-====

APOLLITE

FEB 10 1970

HH 95700

COPY tO DENVER

by routing slipior

E info Dastion

date L-28-70

Pinasso: 636665062

Re

- 310 Br

DooId: 329825

satire.

.S. Savings Bonds Regularly on the Payioll Savings Plan

---

## Page 55

In Reply, Please Refer to

File No.

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

FEDERAL BUREAU OF INTESTIGATION

Denver, Colorado

January 15, 1970

THOMAS RIHA

Also Known As

Thomas Andrew Charles Riha

The following letter dated December 29,

1969, was

sent by the Denver Office of the Federal Bureau o

Investigation

(FBi) to Hrs. Ruth Ann Cook. This communication acknowledged

the receipt of hei letter dated December 5, 1969, received by

the Denver Office on December 10, 1969, concerning the disap

pearance of her son Thomas Riha..

Mrs. Ruth Ann Cook

Casa Lido

BrISSagO, TICInO CH-5014, Switzerland

nel without ihe

express

Dear Mrs. Cook:

This is to acknowledge the receipt of your letter

dated December 5, 1969 concerning the disappearance of your

approval

son Thomas Riha.

Please be advised that the Federal Bureau of

your Commi re unc the contemi may not

ration

This

accriment is

parcared in response

and we are not able to conduct an active investigation

Investigation has no jurisdiction in matters of this nature es

concerning your son's disappearance.

At your request we will place a Missing Persons

Notice with our Identification Division in Washingion, D. C.

Il you desire us to do this, please advise.

Very truly yours,

SCOTT J. WERNER

Special Agent in Charge

1::d. 5616

ENCLOSURE

HH 55100 DocId: 32989553 Page 55

• i:

---

## Page 56

Thomas Riha

On January 13, 1970, the Denver Office of the

Federal Bureau of Investigation received a leiter from

Di. Ruth Ann Cook, 6232 Neuenhain/Taunus, Sophienruhe 14,

deutschland, dated January 11, 1970, and

addressed to

Mr. Scott J. Werner, Special

• Agent in Charge of tie

Denver Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

This letter states as follows:

"Trankfurt - (Illegible)

"General Hospital

"Jan. Ilth 1970

"Dr. Ruth Ann COOK

"6232 Neuenhain/Taunus

"Sophienruhe 14

"Deutschland

"Dear Mr. Werner,

"Thank you so much for your kind

reply o1 Dec. 29th to my letter concerning

T. Riha's disappearance.

"Thank you also for your offer of

placing a Missing Persons Notice in Washington

D. C. for me.

"My sole concern is of course for my

son's safety and well being - but in view of

the information which has reached me recently

on rumors of my son's CIA work and some strange

happenings at his home in March 1969 I do

not know whether it is in his best interest

that

• I should request such a Notice.

"I am very sick, Mr. Werner with

double pleurisy and have

lost-since I wrote

you-que to my sickness one eye sight - having

only barely recovered after cancer.

"I wish I could talk to you and

ask your advice - in this grievous matter.

"Perhaps when I recover shall I

come to Denver to seek your counsel.

"Thank you once

more

"/s/ Ruth Ann Cook.

-2.

HH 55100 DocId: 32989553 Page 56

---

## Page 57

+Herwater

Thomas Riha

On January 15, 1970, the following communication

was sent by Scott i. Wexher, Special Agent in Charge, Denver

Office,

FBI, tO DX.

Ruth

AnD Cock in response to the

letter:

DI. Auth

Ann

5232

Cook

Dear Mrs. Cook:

This will acknowledge receipt of your

letter of January 11, 1970.

Pursuant to the request in your letter

I will not place a stop notice with the Federal

Bureau of Investigation Identification Division

in Washington, D. C., concerning your son Thomas

Riha.

The FBI is not permitted to provide counsel

to individuals

regarding their problems and I would

suggest it you feel you need legal advice that you

contact an

attorney for such advice.

Very truly yours,

SCOTT J. WERNER,

Special Agent in Charge.

PROPERTY OF THE FBI

This document contains neither

recommendations nor conclusions of

the FBI, It is the property or the

FBI and is loaned to your agency; 1°

and its contents are not to be

distributed outside your agency.

HH 55100

DocId: 32989553

Page 57

---

## Page 58

F5-350 (Rev. 7-16-63)

(Mount Clipping in Space Below)

WOMAN CASUAL ACOUT MYSTERY

Missing CU Professorte

Leium This Month.

Denverite Claims.

By FRED GILLIES

- friarid of the Czechoslovakian barn pro

Denver Post Staff Writer

fessor.

She sat across from her attorney in his

Draw Blank

downtown Denver office and spoke in an

She said Riha is in Montreal. Quebec,

oithand manner.

but she has no address for him. Riha has

"Tom (Riha) will be here sometime in

made all contacts with her and she

January," she said.

, doesn't contact him directly, she added.

It seemed very matter-of-fact. even cas-

Canadian immigration officials in Den-

wal. And yet the Denver woman's remark

ver said this week they

were

unable,

came during the interview like a fitful

through their extensive contacts, to fo-

wind roiling the heavy air of mystery

which for 10 months has surrounded the

rate Riha in Montreal or any part of

disappearance of Thomas Riha, professor

canada

of Russian history at the University of

* Montreal

telephone information said

Colorado.

there's no phone number listed there for

Riha vanished March 17, leaving no

Thomas Riha. And officials at the Cniver-

trail except what can be found in letters

sity of Montreal say they have no knowl-

and documents which have been appear-

edge of Riha.

ing from time to time. The authenticity

Mrs.

Tannenbaum said Riha

was in

of many of these papers has been ques-

Denver late in May and again last sum-

tioned by his attorneys.

mer, staying each time for only a day or

two.

The professor, Mrs. Tannenbaum said,

Riha's house, his car and his art works

came to her door at 2 a.m. one day in

have been disposed of, with

what his

May with his flight bag in his hand. Dur-

friends call "untimely haste." Federal

ing his visits in May and late last sum-

agencies apparently have issued conflict-

mer, she said, Riha didn't contact any-

ing reports, at times saying they know

one else, including his close friends or his

nothing about Riha, and at other times

nephew, Zdenek Cerveny.

indicating they have knowledge of his

Riha had acted as a sponsor when Cer-

whereabouts.

veny came from Vienna to Boulder in

Denver and Boulder police

say

they

November 1968, as a refugee from Rus-

have been assured by federal

agencies

sian-occupied Czechoslovakia.

that Riha is "alive and well." But they

decline to identify the agencies.

'To See Attorney'

The Denver woman, who has predicted

Mrs. Tannenbaum said Riha will be com-

Riha's return here, apparently is the only

ing to Denver this month, mainly to assist

person in the Denver-Boulder area who

her in personal matters

and to see the

has said she has heard from and scen

Boulder attorney involved in his divorce.

Riha since he was officially declared

Riha's visit here also will serve to clear

missing

under

what

the FBI

here

up "all this innuendo." said Mrs. Tannen-

acknowledges were "unusual circum-

baum. alluding to what she said were im-

stances."

plications in the news media that Riha•

"Tom (Riha) will write or call me (be.-

might no longer be alive and might be a

fore he comes to, Denver this month),"

victim of foul play.

said Tis. Co

With a wave of her hand. Mrs. Tannen-

•Si, who described herself as a longlime

amnonbaum, 218 Logal-aum said she knows nothing L Ri

Tile

Went to

HY 55100 DocId:32989553 Page 58

(indicate page, rame of

newspaper, city and siote.)

Refine

45 The Jenver Post

Denver, Colorado

Date:

1-18-70

Edition: Home

Author: Fred Gillies

Editor:

Palmer Hoyt

Title:

Thomas Kiha

Character:

or

Classification: 105-4151

Submitting Office: Denver

Being Investigated

78256-27

105-78256

Sider

---

## Page 59

225

actinitias in Montreal.

Also adding an air of mystery to Riha's Extensive Probe «

"I don't know what he's doing; I never

asked him," she said. She added, how-

sudden departure was the discovery of aDeliver Dist. Atty. Mike McKevitt and

ever, that the professor must have some

place setting on his kitchen table—a cereal. his staff recently entered the investiga-

means of support because "he has money

bowl, other dishes and silverware, ap- tion, saying an "extensive" probe is under

for plane tickels."

parently set there for a breakfast he

way. These efforts are being coordinated

with stepped-up probes of the Denver and

'A Perfectionist'

Friends of Riha saw this unused place

Boulder police departments and the Boul-

When it was mentioned that Riha's,

setting, when they came to the Riha home

der district attorney.

friends had described him as a perfec- March 16 and peered through the kitchen

Last week, McKevitt said

Mrs. Tannenbaum smiled and re-l

window, after Riha failed to pick them up

told by the Denver police-who he said re-

sponded quickly:

that day for a dinner engagement in

ceived their information from

Yes, she said, Riha was a perfectionist

tional sources"-that Riha is alive. Mc-

—in his leaving Boulder. Then she threw

Seen by Others

Kevitt declined to name the national

back her head and laughed with her

The place setting also was observed, the

same day, by other friends who stopped

At the request of The Denver Post, in-

Riha left Boulder, Mrs.

Tannenbaum

at the Riha house and got no response

quiries about Riha have been made at

said, "because things were pressing in on

when they knocked at the door.

the federal level by U. S. Rep. Donald G.

him"—at the university and at his home,

Close friends of the professor say it

Brotzman, R-Colo.

where he was living apart from his wife

was his custom, since he'd been living

during divorce proceedings.

'No Request'

alone, to set his place for breakfast the

1 Early in the interview, Mrs. Tannin-

The FBI in Washington told the congress-

night before.

man it hasn't, and won't, conduct an in-

laum disclaimed any knowledge of hw

Could the place setting have been there

vestigation into Riha's disappearance, un-

Fiha left Boulder-whether by car, train

on Saturday, March 15, when

less someone comes forward to indicate

or plane. Later, she said, without elabo-

phoned Riha repeatedly, beginning at 8

that a federal offense is likely to be in-

ration, that she picked up Riha's car at

the Stapleton International Airport after

im. and continuing throughout the day,

Riha left Boulder. Title to the car was

got no answer? On the same day,

FBI officials in Denver acho this state-

transferred April 1 to a Denver public

Riha failed to attend a meeting of history

ment. They also decline to say if Scott

school official and his wife. The notarized

professors in Denver-which he had noted

Werner, special agent in charge here,

signature. Thomas Riha, was on the title

on his calendar pad.

has received a letter known to be have

Denver and Boulder law enforcement

been sent to him by Riha's mother in

Mrs. Tannenbaum said she has known

authorities are examining documents in-

Germany, seeking information about her

Riha since 1947, when her former hus-

volved in the transfer of Riha's house, his

band, who was then in the U.S. Army,

car and art works.

The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)

helped bring Riha from Europe to the

New Documents

informed Brotzman that it thinks the FBI

States. She also said she knew

New documents and letters are turning

might have some knowledge of Riha's

Riha in Chicago, where Riha was on the

up with misspellings and awkward gram-

whereabouts. But the CIA spokesman not-

faculty at the University of Chicago from

matical expressions, similar to those found

ed that the agency has verified that Riha's

1960 to 1967, when he came to CU.

in other letters, signed Thomas Riha or

disappearance doesn't have international

implications and was "a domestic mat-

Even as Irs. 'Tannenbaum was pre-

with other names.

ter, in terms of the United States."

dicting that Riha would be appearing in

Checks signed with Riha's name and

Denver, there were developments suggest-

purchases made with his credit card after

The U. S. Army Intelligence Command

ing that Riha had had no intention of

he disappeared also are being scrutinized.

denies any knowledge or involvement in

the Riha case.

leaving his Boulder home suddenly.

Notaries public who certified the Thom-

Calendar Notes

as Riha signature on some of these docu-

'Alive and Well'

Found among Riha's papers was his

ments have been shown a set of six

But then there are conflicting reporis

calendar pad. Notations in the two weeks

photographs, including one of Riha. But

from persons of high integrity in whe

they haven't been able to pick out Riha

Boulder and Denver communities. These

before Riha disappeared include remind- as the man who signed the documents.

ers to write for tax forms and the time

Another Denver notary public who cer-

persons say they contacted the C. S. Iin-

and place of appointments and dinner en- tified one of the Riha signatures said he

migration

Naturalization

gagements. These entries, many of them

FBI, CIA and "reliable sources" in Wash-

made in advance of the event, continue

was most anxious to talk with a Denver

ington last spring and early last summer

through April 25. One of these entries, on

Post reporter about the Riha situation.

and were told that Riha was "alive and

March 11. reads,

"dinner Colonel." Riha

But the notary failed to keep his appoint-

had been known to refer to Mrs. Tannen-

ment with the reporter. When contacted

baum as colonel.

later, the notary reversed his position,

In the light of these conflicting reports,

saying he had "nothing to offer." It was

John N. Mitchell, U. S. attorney general,

After examining these entries, friends this notary who made the certification on

has asked the FBI to take another look at

and colleagues of Riha say the notations Riha's power of attorney, conveyed in a

the Riha situation.

are very matter-of-fact and hardly appear letter to a Boulder attorney last August. "

"It seems to me," Brotzman wrote in

to be those of a man who is contemplat-

"part.to Mitchell,

"that the interest of the

ing a sudden departure from his home

nation in general, and the credibility ut tie

13404. DocId: 32989553 CEalE 59

---

## Page 60

EBI in particular, is not well served by the bedcovers in Mrs. Riha's bedroom

the proliferation of a belief that Prof. Rina ere later turned over to her Boulderst-

is the victim of some kind of international

intrigue, if such is not the case."

At ene point,

Riha was schulled by

neighbors, sheltering his wife. when he de-

Eerie Prologue

manded she be returned to his homc.

Setting an eerie prologue for Riha's dis-

Just recently, a New York City allor-

appearance were events at his home early

ney and longtime friend of Mrs. Riha,

on the Sunday morning of Narch 9, about

said in a telephone conversation from

a week before he was declared missing.

New York,

"There was nothing urgent

Emerging

from the Boulder police re-

Sport of the disturbance-only

about Mrs. Riha's visa status that night,

parts of

nothing pressing, no imminent deporta-

which have been made available to The

tion."

& Denver Post are these highlights:

It was this altorney whom Mis. Riha

-Mrs. Hana Riha, then the professor's

telephoned the night of the disturbance,

wife, was pulled out of the bedroom win-

pleading for his assistance as she sobbed

dow or her home by neighbors as a strong

out her story.

Yodor of ether clung to her ana she was

SCreaming for help.

From New York City, where she's em-

ployed in a bank, Mrs. Riha said recent-

-Police were called to the Riha home

ly that the other in her room came from

by Mrs. Tannenbaum, who police said

the vents or under the bedroom door. She

was in the house with Riha at the time

said

she bagan screaming when she

of the incident.

feared she'd-be overcome.

-Mrs. Tannenbaum met police in front

of the Riha house and told them Mrs.

'Unusual'

Riha had locked herself in the bedroom,

She said her husband's later disap

from which ether fumes were coming.

pearance was "something unusual," not

ng that "he left all his shaving stuf

'Screamed'

is writing stuff, even his suit (s)?'

-When she and Riha threatened

The search for Riha - spanning the

break the bedroom door, Mrs. Tannen-

nation, reaching to Canada and thrustin,

baum said, Mrs. Riha went to the win-

into Europe - seems never-ending. One

dow and started screaming.

lead seems to spawn several others and

- Mrs. Tannenbaum told police Mrs.

much of the information ends up at what

liha wasn't a U.S. citizen, her visa had law authorities and interested person

expired and the immigration authorities

term in their frustration "a blank wail'

had been called.

matic st fina was "in an evident trau-"

Mirs. Tannenbaum has said the end of

the neighbors' home

montarch will come here in Denter this

where she had been taken.

Boate aude clies cond several eher min ories i a her law and co.

gauze pads found by police-in leagues - who hope Riha will indissol en-

HW 55100 DocTA: 32989553 Base-60-

---

## Page 61

THOMAS RINA, UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO RUSSIAN HISTORY

PROFESSOR

His"' Tefurn will serve

la clear up "all this innuendo." his friend urd

H4 55100- RocId: 32989553 Page 677

---

## Page 62

0-19 (Rev. 7-17-68)

Tolson -

DeLoach -

Mohr -

Professor Vanishes at the University of Colorado

XY ANTHONY RIPLEY

BOULPER, Colo, Jan, 18

A Croch-inni associate protes-

sui lf many Russian histor

has damarce irom the Uni

versity oi Cior.de campus.

Thomas Rina,

WaS les. coon nine monts 240.

In bit too man i

presence dock

noihins

wit

in and leit a masterious ford.

While

and

fella.

Faculty modbeis lear that Pro-

Ir -cor Pila may be dead, police

offinis in Boulder and Denver

ind the former nresident of tia

university, Dr.

Joseph Smiley,:

ill insist he is alive.

They say they have srokori

ipsponsible pursons

in

Fodoral Coveinment who have

assaied them of the professor's

sanely. Incy

retured to

either

ay,

publicly

or privately,:

to their saur as were.

In Washington, the

Federa!

I meau of

Investigation,

the

Contral Intelligence Agency and

the Sidle Doperiment all dayl

knoring

anyining

about

the

s."s and sisait it may be a

dore! police matter.

Protessor

Rina,

born

came

in|

to

the

United

in 1917. He became

naturalized

citizen,

and

re-

and his bachelor's and rams-

tor's degrees at the triversite!

i California

at Bookies.

1952

I:?!

he received a doctorate

foe Harvard University.

le taught at the University

Chicago

and

at Marburgl

Thiv rsity,

in

West Germany,

Lame moving to the Universivy

of Colorado in 1967.

Disapresred Suddenly

Professor Riha

disappeared

so suddenly that, though nor-

sally a neat and precise man.

leil personal paders

scat-

tried un

his university

desk

whrle he lied been preparing

nis income tax.

Oziy

one person has main-

trined that he has

been seen

sine

his

disappearance

the

workerad of March 15-16. That

is Mrs. Galya 'lannenbaum of

Ionver, an ex-convict who says

ste has spoken to him and that

he is in Montreal.

number of lotters

ar'd

sedit cards signed

"Thom's

Pina''

have turned up.

much of his personal property

Las been sold or given away.

Conrad

Felt

Gale

Rosen

Sullivan -

Tavel --

Trotter -

Tele. Room

Holmes -

Gandy -

The will was witnessid iy

Mr. Cerveny, who later repudi-

ated

Prof. Thonas Riha

Mrs. Galive anenbaurs

Donter

probate

court.

Professor

Riha's

Judg sent Will Unpaid

lawyer,!

Another friend of Mrs. Tan-

nanbaum's,

Nit's.

Barbara Ex-

Richard E. Hopkins, of Boulan, l

Following his disappearance,

bert, 51, died Sept. 13 of

SO-

SHY'S

he

is suspicious of the sirs. Riha filed a counter-Suit.

dium cyanide poisoning.

signatures

and the jetters.

She won it on Sept. 30 and re-

Both dearns are listed

as

Though Mr. Hopkins has I

ceived a $5,030 judgment.

suspicious by the Denver police

ceived lotters signed by

"Thom-

as Riha,"

he said,

"I simply.

Her hustard did not appear

and are under investigation l

court. and the judgment is

don't know whether I've head

• The Washington Post

still unpaid.

Times Herald

Sirilcy,

president

the proîcssor's nephew, Zed-

of the University of Texas ,

nick Ceiveny, of Lyons, colo., o

The Washington Daily News

JEl Priso, said he was assured of

"game to the United States from

The Evening Star (Washington)

tne proiessor's safeiy "by what

Czechoslovalia

following

the

The Sunday Star (Washington)

I consider calible sourcent in.

Russian invasion in 1033.

Washington.

Daily News (New York)

Pollowing his uncle's disap.

"I repeat my real regret that!

bearance

sit.

Corvanv. said

Sunday News (New York) _

Tant au bejond what I have:

Mrs.

Galya

Tentenbaum

of

New York Post

seid," he said in a telephone in-l

Denver,

whom

lad

met

tervicw. "A confidence is still al

through Professor Riha,

The New York Times

called

0, 37

confidence."

him and said that the professor

The Sun (Baltimore)

would not le back. He said she

Professor Riha's former wife

asked

them to dispose of his

The Daily World_

lives in Brooklyn. The former

(personal effects.

The New Leader -

Hana Hruskova Was also born

in the following weeks the

The Wall Street Journal .

in Czechostovakia and is 15

professor's car and house were

ressor younger than the pro-ferd and his furniture any ere

The National Observer .

iransferred

to Mrs. Tan-

¡ nonbaum's house in Denver. Sha

People's World

the time oi his disap-,turned over $19.000

worth

pearance

of/

Examiner (Washington)

che had been gone his small art collection to the

from their home for a way' Denver Art Museum.

after a stormy scene in wind:.

a neighbor said she firt tr.

Mrs. Tannenbaum, who spent

more than

twn years in

him, with her clothes smellng State Penitentiary at Dwight,

of etner, shouting

she

was

Iil.,

forgery and

leading guilty lo

afraid acquaintances were try y 1053,

chibezzlement in

presented

Mr.

ing to kill her.

Ceryeny

with two pistols and said she

At the time, Professor Riha had! was a brigadier general in mili-

alroady filed divorce peners to tary intellitence.

JAN 29 1970 1/

She is now

awaiting trial

end their five-month marriage. Feb. 9 in Donter District Court

on charges of forging a wit

following the death of Gustav,

mesatus

TN 5210019000

Ingferson, 78, a friend whol

Id: 32989553 Pade 62

_id of poi: ium cyanide pui-

---

## Page 63

A. W. Gray

Redfield

1/39/70

SAC, Denver (105-4151)

Director, TOE (105-78265)

DUCAS REMA

KASCEULARTOUS

• INPOPLATION CONCERNING

/JEK Act 6 (1) (B)

nel

Congressenn Donald G. Crocamn, Colorado, addressed

Rettor dised 1/3/70 to

the Attorney Goneral (10%

regusating

informtion from hi: concerning the dinarpearance of subjoot.

Enclosed is one cony each of the Conarcsoman's lettor and

Duronu letter io the AG Gated 1/14/70 tos your information..

Aao ancioned for your inforration is one cony

0f

each

dated 4/21/59 and 6/2/59; Duledo to Wa

3/18/00 and C0 BOStOn 5/20/00g

Escion lotter to the Direcior

dacca 1/30/00; Roston toport dated 8/31/00, all pord21n10g

to subject.

The above are boing furniched

for the compiction

of your file.

express approval

of

your Corruittee und the content man

nation outsire 1024°

This document is

Commitee.

I's.

On 1/12/70

is not of coorational

interest

to that Agency.

the subiset's alonmearance,

advioed le ald

which could be chamorerizod as a

runor, that the subjoot was

emporiencing marital difficulties

and had lett his wie.

Agoney does not have any intornation concerning subject's

The

prosent whereabouts.

chat the bussi

With rosnrd too

prepared in response to

disclosed

In subsequent commnications concerning this natter

of this letter.

limitra, to official

your request

and is

Unless addicional pertinent information is doveloped,

Lorized

D70r:

not for

no investiration nood be conducted by your office.

It addin

it should promptly be furnished to the Bureau by

dissener-

Enclosures " 3

= 62

Tolson

ErLoach

Walters

liohr

Bishop

Casper

Callchan

Conrad.

Felt

Give

Sullivan

Sugars

DJAN

NT 55100

Does

JWP: set

(f(5)

NOTE:

MAILED 3

19 JAN 1Q 1970

JAN 1 6 1970

ZAIENASE

52455577497

COMM-FBE

Subject, a

professor at the University of Colcrado,

disappeared in March,

1959. 1E ilrst being reported to us

in Aprils

1589,

Bufiles disclosed chat ac one came sunject

NOTE CONTINUED PAGE ISIO

9553

FELETYPE

Page

63

---

## Page 64

Letter to SAC, Denver

RO: - HOLAS RIHA

105-78256

"JEK Act 6 (1) (B)

NOTE CONTINUND:

was of

Sone

Interest

to CIA. On 4/15/30,

that

subject had not left the U.s. and had been baving

difficulty with his wife and "ran avay from her." CIA advised

the story or runor indicating subject may have gone to CZ wes

without founration. In 12/39 Donver scoolved a letter from

subjcet's mother requesting information concerning subjeet's

disappearance.

Denver replied this vas a matter not within

the jurisdiction of the bureau; however, offered if she so

desired to place his name on the Bureau's missing persone

List.

Subject's nother replied to our Denver Office on

1/13/70 declining to have subject's name placed on the list.

On 12/23/69

"The Denver Post," a

daily nevspaper in Denver,

Colorado, published a lengthy article concerning the disappear

ance of subject, By letter dated 1/8/70 Congressman Brotzman,

R-Colorado, also requested information concerning subjeet's

disappearance fion the

AG. We have conduced no investigation

of subjeci's disappearance since there are no indications or

violation of Federal law in our jurisdiction.

HH 55100 DocId: 32989553

Page 64

---

## Page 65

ID.J6

#fl01-5-22-971

Transmit the following in

Via

AIRTEL

F BI

Date: 1/20/70

(Type in plaintext or code)

(Priorizy)

TO:

DIRECTOR, FBI

FROM: SAC, DENVER (105-4151)

THOMAS RILIA

MISCELLANEOUS - INFORMATION CONCERNING.

ReBulet 1/19/70.

This morning FRID GILLIES, reporter for the

"Denver Post," Denver daily newspaper, telephonically?

contacted the Denver Office. C

(By way of background GILLIES has written

articles which have appeared in the "Denver Post" con-

cerning the so-called mysterious disappearance of THOMAS

RIHA.

RInA, a naturalized American citizen of Czech birth,

was a History Professor at Colorado University in Boulder,

Colorado.

He disappeared in March, 1969.

Copies of those

articles have been furnished to the Bureau).

if in tai

-nel without the

GILLIES spoke to ASAC JOHN F. MORLEY in the

absence of the SAC.

He said he had a copy of a letter which,

the Bureau had written to the Honorable DONALD BROTZMAN

concerning the RIHA mattes, which was a letter in reply

to an inquiry directed to the Bureau by BROTZMAN.

The Bureau had previously furnished the Denver

Office a copy of its 1/15/70, letter to BROTZMAN, as well

a copy of BROIZMAN's 1/8/70, letter to the Attorney

) General, and those letters had been read by MORLEY upon

In order to confirm whether GILLIES did in fact

have a copy of the Bulet, MORLEY asked him to read it.

GIuLIES read the letter and there is no doubt it was

in jact a copy of the dreau's 1/15/70, connicationis

105-11%

-Bureau (RM) (AM)

NEG 99

'2-Denver (1-105-4151)

-о ?

17

1179

JFM: hg

(1-47-3190 Galya Tannenbaum)

(4)

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---

## Page 66

DN 105-4151

GILLIES then told MORLEY the reason he was calling

was to obtain the FBi's comments in Denver concerning the

letter.

MORLEY advised CLLICS the letter was very clear and

self-explanatory and no further comment was necessary.

The above is being brought to the attention of

the Bureau for completion of their tilee and also so the

Bureau will know a copy of their communication was forwarded

to GILLIES of the

"Denver Post" by BROTZMAN.

BROTZMAN, a current U. S. Republican Congressman

From Colorado, is

a former U. S. Attornsy here in Denver.

ocal indications are BROILMAN will run for re-alaction this

year and the

"Denver Post" is the largest publication in

Colorado. Also BROTZMAN is a

resident of Boulder, Colorado,

where he maintains a law practice.

RIlis, the subject of

his inquiry,

was also a resident of boulder, and, as 1hd1Cateœ

above, associated with the Colorado University faculty there.

Denver is conducting no investigation in subject

matter.

The above is submitted

for the Bureau's information.

2

'NH 55100

DocId: 32989553 Page 66

ad-stroll a nil, are 190d dresses.

---

## Page 67

(Mount Clipping in Space Below)

WORDS COME HESITANTLY

Pho's Ex Wifa Foars

(Indicate page, name of

newspaper, city and stote.)

BY 1 RLD GILLIES

Pilled.. 16.35

Cag.riam6, 1979. The Derver Post, Ire.

NEW YORK - Her normally expres

sive eyes went suddenly dull as she sat

in the Czech restaurant on New York's

East Side on this coid January night.

"I balieve Thomas may not be alive -

he does not even write his mother,

"AIrs.

Hana Riha said.

The words came hesitantit. and she

stared fixedly at the door at the back of

the restaurant. This door, she later dis-

closed. has a special significance, for it

was buyond this door, in the restaurant's

garden area. where she and Prof. Thomas

Riha arnonced teir engagement a. a

smali party with friends in August 1968.

Strange Incidents

Now. almost 112 years later. Mrs. Riha

was talking with a newsman in the same

restaurant about the many strange inci-

dents surrounding the sudden disappear-

ance March 17 of Riha, her former hus-

band. When he vanished, the Czechoslo-

vakian-born professor

was

an

asso-

ciate professor of Russian history at the

University oé Colorado.

"No, no." Mrs. Riha said, shaking her

had determinedly. "Thomas would not

do it this way - disappear so suddenly.

(li he were alive), he would contact his

mother, the university, his friends

. ..

even me.

"When he does not do this, I can only

think he is not free to

do

what he

wants, I know Thomas; he is a responsi-

ble man."

Mrs. Riha insisted that the hasty

dis-

The produssor also had a strong attach-

ment to his Boulder home and especially

fo his art works, Mrs. Riha said.

"His home," she said, "was like

castle. He once said no one could throw

him out of his home. If they would, he

said he would be back in 24 hours. He

his paintina have left his job, his home,

his paintings. Not this way.

Mrs. Riha quickly dismissed the claims

of Mrs. Galya Tannenbaum of 248 Logan

St., Beaver, who has described,

herself as a friend of the pro-

fessor.

Mrs.

Tannenbaum was jailed

early Saturday in Boulder after

she was charged Friday in Dis-

trict Court there with forging

Riha's name to a $330 check

used to pay for a charter air-

plane flight from Longmont to

San Antonio, Tex., July 30. It.

Raiph Ruzicka of the Boulder

Police Department said a search

of her residence Friday uncov-

ered some books and letters al- 1

legedly belonging to Riha.

Nirs.

Tannenbaum said in a

recent interview in The Denver

Post that Riha had visited her

home twice after he disappeared

-once in May

and again last

summer. Each time,

Mrs. Tan-

nenbaum said, Riha stayed only

for a day or so, not contacting

any of his friends or colleagues

on the no. To to can ne

Riha said. She pictured her

posal of Riha's property after he

dis-

appeared wasn't at all in keeping: with

joyed contacts with his friendsl

his outlook and

attitudes. Riha's house

and students.

and

car were sold, and his art works

Mrs. Riha also was openly

were donated to the Denver Art, Museum.

skeptical of Mrs. Tannenbaum's

Documents connected with these trans

announcement that Riha would

fers - along-with clicks

issuedrand be coming sometime this month

credit card plachases made in his name

to Denver from Montrcal, Can-

are being scrutinized by Denver and ada, where Mrs. Tannenbaum

HY 55100 Docid: 32989553 Page 67

-

1 Denver Post

Denver, Colorado

Date:

Edition:

Author:

Editor:

Title:

1-25-70

Hcme

Fed Gillies

Palmer Huyti

Thomas Riha

irring

Character:

or

Classification:

105-4151

Submitting Office: Denver

Being Investigated

NOT RECOr

o30"

145 FER

1970

105-782541

Pile 5 jur

---

## Page 68

"Tailcal

closed

and called

oul,

to walt under ine beu-

time,

Nirs.

Here

she

stayed

been donated

Rita.

a.m.,

Riha

(ing.

, called.

Riha

said they found Mrs.

HH 55100

U1wss

L1444

LR44L

L414D

Tannenbaum. Mrs. Riha said.

Riha and JI's.

Tannenbau

who wasn't among the invited

guests at the reception, spoke

nenbaum.

"a fairly lone time" in a room

tear the main fittes, resentered, but sie dey the stre

reported. Their discussion, it is door

said. centered on ways to brirs, whispers from inside the room.

Rita's rephew, Cerveny, to ill she immediatoly went to her

DocId: 32989553 Page 68

---

## Page 69

A. IS Immigration and Mar inok, is known to have written way he picked some wild flow-l

Service (INS)

offi-early in December to Scotl

cial in Denver said recently

ers and presented them *te-kis

Mrs. Tamenbaum has ta officer, el special agent in

at Denver, seeking in- Wifc,

cial connection with INS

#formation about her son. Dr.

Recalling this time, Mrs

The week after the incident at! Cook reportedly is quite ill, aft-

Riha was pensive. Her glance

once again went to the door al

the Riha home seemed uneven er undergoing two major opera-

the hack of the Czech resiau-

ful for Riha - he met his

rant here. Then she smiled

Inquiries about Riha are be-

and counseled ins continued by the Deuver

wanly and said:

"For him, life was like a

his students. A note on his cal-"Post, contacting federal agen-

endar

oad Tuesday, March 11. cies; U.S. Rep. Donald G. Brol-

indicated he was

to have din-,man: R-Colo.,

and Canadian

"Colonel." Rina

immigration officials.

was often known to have used

Denver Dist. Atty. Alike Mc-

that name when speaking of

said he has been

Mrs. Tannenbaum.

ducting an "extensive investiga-

tion' of Riha's absence and re-

Riha was seen up to about

lated matters.

This investiga-

12:30 a.m., Saturday, March 15.

tion, McKevitt noted, is bcing

when he left a family narly at a

friend's home in Boulder. No

cordinated with probes of the

one except Mrs. Tannenbaum

has come forth to say he has

¡seen the professor since that

Here in New York, Mrs. Riha

Riha was officially declared!

misspellings and awkward

missing Monday, March 17,

his bricfcase was

ters and documents signed

open amid books and papers on

Thomas Riha,

which have ap-

his desk in his CU study where

peared since his disappearance.

he had failed to appear all day.

Her reaction has been instant:

Federal agencies

apparenly These papers aren't genuine,

hive issued conflicting reports she said.

- telling some persons ther

"Thomas was fussy about the

about Riha and language." she insisted.

telling otters they have know wound not wite in this way he

edge of his whereabouts.

Denver and Boulder police

•say they've been told by fed- all things. "Everything must

be in its place."

"alive and well.". But they de DEEPER BASIS

cline to identify the agencies.

This past week, J. Edgar

field office,"

Hoover said,

"has been in con- happier time with Riha.

tact with Dr. Riha's mother (in l

Germany) and offered to place

cerning her son in the files off tended in Boulder shortly after

our identification division. This

they were married. Riha want-

offer was declined."

-

55100 DocId: 32989553

Paue 69

---

## Page 70

Атак - кожна

PROF. THOMAS RINA

Füsse about the language MRS. GALYA TANNENBAUM

MRS. HANA RIMA

Claims he visited twice.

| "He is a responsibizmtn."

-

IW 55100 DocId: 32989553 Pate 70.

---

## Page 71

(Mount Clipping in Space Below)

Kiha's nephew fears

missing scholar dead

BY BIKKES JOHNSON

Rocky Mountain News Writer

His nepher looked at the last three

paragraphs of the nerspaper story Sun-

day and nodded in

agreement. "I'ms,

afraid Rose is right,"

was the young:

man's solemn remark. "My unele's body:

is probably somewhere in the moun

The speaker was Zdenek Cerveny, nephewy of

Thomas Riha.

the missing University of

Colorado Russian history professor who disap-

peared March 17,

1969,

and who, in recent

weeks. has become the subject of renewed in-

vestigations to discover his whereabouts.

"Rose." a name she picked in order to re-

main anonymous, is a Denver clairvoyant iho,

in the Sunday article in the Rocky Mountain

News. said the missing Boulder man is dead

alad that his body is in the mountains, next to a

, Cerveny is a dark-haired, handsome man

like his 10-year-old uncle. The Czechoslovakian

immigrant came to the United States in Novem-

ber, 196S, to work in Denver, then Lyons, Color

Sneaking splendid English. Cerveny. abou:

34. talked about the involved case that has been

clouded and perhaps stifled by reports from

Denver and Boulder law enforcement authori!

ties that certain federal agencies have stated

Riha is "alive and well."

Enumed U.S. agencies

The local law offices have declined to identi-

iy the C.S. agencies, but they are believed to be

the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the

Central Intelligence Agency.

Much of the speculation about Riha's wei-

fare in the last two weeks

comes from Mrs.

Galya Tannenbaum,

248 Logan St., who claims

"lose friendship with the professor. She insists

he has visited her iwice since his unannounced

reparture in March. He is in Montreal, Quebec, a

¿Canada, she said.

Mrs.

Tannenbaum,

who has substituted i

"Galya," a Russian name,

for the

"Gloria" 1

found on earlier records. claims to have known!

Riha since about 1949 when he emigrated from

Czechoslovakia.

She has pleaded innocent by reason of insan-

ity on a charge of forging

will of another

acquaintance and was arrested Saturday on a

charge she signed Riha's name to a check

Cerreny adamantly disputes the claims Mrs.

Tannenbaum has made about her association

with Riha and with his group of friends, largely

persops of Saach ancestry who have settledin

the Denver-Boulderareas en

I to me i in

65100

DocTa 30989553

Page 71

Per's tras a tensive relationshis with he

group, he explained as he sipped

coffee in a

comfortable Lyons restaurant.

"Tannenbaum presented herself as some-

thing she was not," Cerveny stated.

Met before wedding

"She met Thomas early in October, 1968, at

a party about two weeks before he was married

"As far as our friends could tell, it was the

first time they had met. If they had met before

Tannenbaum says, they certainly

plaved the roles will.

past to hind out er oution so she cota talmas's

The introduction at the wedding party in the

Black Bear Inn in Lyors sas arranged by a

Boulder lawyer who knew Riha wanted to get

his nephew to America.

Cerveny was in Vienna after leaving Prague,

following the Russian invasion.

Francesca Stein, who

owns the Black Bear Inn with her husband

George, both Czech immigrants, Mrs. Tannen-

& baum had impressed the lawyer with the under.?

i standing she could influence Cerveny's arrivalt

Submitied the papers

"Tannenbaum

apparently look the papers,

wrote 'approved by the Colonel' on the bottom

space to impress our friends," said Cerveny,

"then took the papers and submitted them" to

regular immigration channels after clipping off

her officious notation.

"Then regular approval came for my immi-

gration, she simply tola my uncle's friends that

it was her work that got it through quickly.

"But I had suspicions even on the flight over

here when I found the length of procedures for

the other passengers were about the same as

minely uncle had told me I would be met 'by a

rich and poverful person' when I got to Denver

"That person was Tannenbaum," Cerveny said

in a shoulder holster and told hirt

an agent for a

"corporation," (MrS:

*Tannenbaum's

for what Cerveny inter

preted to imply a secretive government agen-

of Cerveny thinks his uncle, a respected scho!.

ar, believed Mrs. Tannenbaum's inferences that

she was a

"rich and powerful" individual, but

all she had to show 'was an old Illinois driver's

license " Riha may even have beliered she was

Curtain country secret police agent. k

Mr.

Tolson_

Mr. DeLaach.

Mr.

Walters.

Mr. Alohr.

Mr.

Bish:"p

Mr. Cachay

Mr. Calesan

Air. Corrad

Nir. Felt.

Air. Gade

Air. Rosen

Mr. Salivan

Mr.

Tavel

Mr. Sirs

Tele. Room.

Miss 1l tres

Aliss Gandy

(Indicate page, name of

newspaper, city and state.)

Gilly

5 Rocky Mountain New.

-Denver, Colorado

-

Date: 1/27/70

Edition:

Home

Author: Rykken Johnson

Editor: Jack Foster

Title:

THOMAS RIHA

Character:

or

Classification: 105-4151

Submitting Office: Denver

Being Investigated

B

14056448

€070

---

## Page 72

Cantedo Rika house

His uncle told him AIrs. Tannenbaum came

to the Riha house on March S. 1909, with papers

she said concerned Mrs. Riha's status as an im-

migrant. Hana Riha, nor living in New York

City, is also a native Czechoslorakian.

Cerveny said it was Mrs. Tannenbaum's in-

tention to remove Mrs. Riha from the house

that night. He said his uncle had taken a gun

away from Mrs. Tannenbaum, but she persisted

in wanting Hana Riha to accompany her. l.S.

immigration authorities say Airs.

'Tannenbaum

has never belonged to their bureau.

A nearly hysterical aIrs. Ria escaped from

her bedroom window with the aid

of a fer

meighbors. Fumes of ether were smelled inside

the house. Ceryeny stated his uncle told him.

the ether belonged to Mis. T'annenbaum.

The nephew described the marriage between

Hana and Riha as a frustrated one from its

about 26. Riha's 40th birthday took place shortly

She was not the housekeeper Riha apparently

nad expected, Cerveny said. liana smoked anc

nad a casual attitude toward the languag

classes Riha had arranged for her to learn bet-

ter English

There also sere arguments the

nephewy said

Afor this cher affair, Fianal di I"

ard long dos Tony York City

ostril in ratrimony with a wom-

cond. doved. 10: 1n-

is made and the

1968, party in

the precious month was que to ver Fock, and the impending

the marial problems. ¿ divoree,

krican colobraled again dur-

sas granted Sent. 30.

Cerveny tells that Airs. Tan-Salering in Lyons.

Cerseny also came to knavl

cious grasp on her relationsp

Tannonbaum.

"Ofton," he said, lacked me to join the 'corpor-

come toltion.' I would be valuable ha

and cause I knew Russian she said."

ishen he Cerveny remembers.

Then ashod

"She would stay and talk for

been attempts to have

woman verify her claims, Cer-

might have had other things to

veny said she would laugh and

become evasive.

The joung engineer scoffed atl

She once told Cerveny she had

Jirs. Tannenbaum's description|

"connections" with the Denver

childhood

and would "fix" a ticket

World War Il.

he got for going through a stop

' Riha, half

Jewish, was not!

to tao want, in a dermin rana

Soviet troops

Cerveny was with Mrs. Tan-

•nenbaum on the privately chart-

ered airplane flight to San Anto-i

Tex., for which the woman

Cervenys accounts for the un- paid irith an allegadly worthless

les cousiny do trine cover to cerveny related the incident

zecho rais the rons man co men Antone decide to hose

vakian friends there. He did not

HH 55100

DocId: 32989553

Page 72

No, IIrs. Tamenbaum told

Cerveny, she would not lend

the car to him. She had to use

it for something important in

Denser during the next few

days.

3ut, better yet, she would use

zer position to have him flow

to Texas, Cerveny was told.

"Tannenbaum

couldn't ny un Cerveny and di

States, Rina enjoyed companion-

hiend) on a military plane, 'fol

ship with persons from the ole

obrious reasons,' but she would

country. He was not the type to get another one."

reserve companionship and con

Cerveny said his unidentified

friend did not want to use Wrs.

Tannenbaum's

invitation, but!

after viewing the adrantageous

econornies of the offer and Mrs.

Tannenbaum's insistence, they

Flying serrice

The party, with NIrs. Tannen-

Couple introduced

(baum once again self-inserted

The New Yorks prople were into the situation, left a fort

assare that Riha might be inter-Collins flying service on July 31)

---

## Page 73

for sart antonio. Mcs. Tannen-

baum

returned with the plane

the next day and reportedly paid

$330 for the charter with a check

signed

frith

Thomas Riha's

name.

Because of insufficient funds,

the check was not accepied at

the bank and the oisner of the

flying service found Cerveny at

the Black Bear Inn.

Cerveny said he took thel

with several pas

ments, repaid the flying service

"Fle said he didn":

mant to make money off me, so

that's all he took."

• But then Mrs. Tannenbaum

pleaded innocent and later in-

nocent by ressen of insanity ic

ustar archerich Ingwersen

Crech and a friend of Riha. He

• died of eyanide poisoning.

came as ture the char s

the Fort Collins aviation sery

"and told them to do ihai

should be done," Cerveny said.

Another acquaintance of Mrs.

poisoning was Mrs. Barbara Eg-'

Cerveny speculates that if the

Ideral authorities which pur-

| N₩ 55100

DocId: 32989553 Page 73

---

## Page 74

1 - Mir, DeLoach

NEL: 13105-78256-219

Dr. Stephen Elscher-Galati

• Dixector

Center for test European Affairs

University of Colorado

Boulder, Colorado S0302

Desr DE. Flscher-Calati:

March 19, 1970

1 - Mx. Bishop

1 - Mr. Rosen

1 - Mr. Sullivan

1 - Liaison

1 - Mr. Gray

3. - Mr. Redfield

MAR 1 9 1970

102d775 3613505

M 10l> 13 3st102

эзЕр

son

•auch

ters.

hop

трег.

lahan

irad

livan

rel

ars

c. Room

mes -

Idy -

Your letter of Fobruary 18, 1970, to the

Vice President concerning the disamearance of

Professor Thomas Riha has been referred to the FBI

for reply.

The concorn you expressed in soliciting the

Vice President's assistance for & careful investigacion

and meaningful

resolution of the case is understandable.

MM-FBI

203,10 л

This

document is

Based on the information which has been reported

us concerning Professor Riha'g disappoasanco, the fei

conducted no investigation.

There is

no indication of

al violation of lederal lay within the FBI's jurisdiction.

Moreover, the ISI has no information regarding Prolessor

Riha's whereabouts.

As you are probably anaro, Proiessor Riha's

nother inquired of this Purenu in December, 1969, concern

ing her son's thereabouts.

She was informed that we had

no infornation in this rogard.

ProfesSor Riha's nothes

was asked›if she desired a missing persons notica be placed

In the files of the rBI Identilication Division. Our offer

was declined.

the

and the corto: man' not be disclosce

It's wee

You have

furnished information thai local authori

ties

are currently concucting investigation into Frolessor

Riha's disappearance

In the absence of information indicat

ing

& Federal law within ite Jurisdiction has been violated,

the

FBI cannot conduct investigation into tho disappearanco

of Professor. Rihs.

105782567

JWRiebp tET

(9)

SEE NOTE PAGE TWO

üie.e011235

nat for

person-

bag

Lissemi-

go12 10821.10

CAPR 3 1970

: UNITL

HH 55100 DocId: 32989553

Fage 74

---

## Page 75

DI. Stephen Fischer-Galati

While I am cortain the Vice President would

Jlke to be of more assistanco to you in this matter and

appreciates your concern for your colleague, in the

absenco of information indicating Federal interest or

a violation o1 rederal statutes, this matter appears to

be one solely within the investigative province of

authorities in your area.

Sincerely yours,

J. Edgar Hoover

Note:

Above letter written pursuant to referral from

the Office of the Vice President. Xerox copy of the original

referral and its enclosures being returned with the copy

of the letter to the Vice President.

Czechoslovak-born, naturalized,

fessor of Russian history at Colorado university, deperted

former pres

fxom Denver area March, 1969, without notifying friends,

associates, or his estranged

wife. His disappearance has

been glamorized in recent months by energetic Denver reporter

and spiced up with

reterences to a mysterious paramour

under whose influence Riha had fallen.

Fischer-Galati, according to Builles, was deferred

World Har ll for psychoneurosis, anxiety type.

He reportedly

advised State Department in 1950 he was a close friend of

the Director's, an untrue statement.

SENSITIVE SOURCE INFORMATION

He communicated with Justice Department 4/7/69

concerning Riha's disappearance. Justice acknowledged his

lettex.

Fischer-Galati has been mentioned in severei press

items

In the Riha case as an acquaintance and University

associate. He is a professor of history, Colorado University.

Salutation of Dr. taken from established

reference book.

Copy of letter being sent to The Vice President's Offer by Liaison.

CE BEING SENT DENVER OFFICE

in 2000

H# 55100 DocId:32989553 Page 75

---

## Page 76

Dr. Stephen Fischer-Galati

While I am certain the Vice President would

Ilke to be of more assistance to you in this matter and

appreciates your concern for your colleague, in the

absonce of information indicating Federal interest or

a VioLation o1 lederal statutes, this matter appears to

be one solely within the investigative province of

authorities in your area.

Sincerely yours,

J. Edgar Hoover

Note:

Above letter written pursuant to referral from

the Office of the Vice President. Xerox copy of the original

referral and its enclosures being returned with the copy

of the letter to the Vice President.

fessor of

Riha,

Czechoslovak-born, naturalized, former pro-

Russian history at Colorado University, departed

from Denver area March, 1969, without notifying friends,

associates, or his estranged

wife. His disappearance has

been glanorized in recent months by energetic Denver reporter

and spiced up with

references to a mysterious paramour

under whose influence Riha had fallen.

Fischer-Galati, according to Bufiles, was deferred

in World Har II for psychoneurosis, anxiety type.

He reportedly

advised State Department in 1950 he was a close friend of

the Director's,

an untrue statement. He has been in periodic

routine contact in the past with the Romanian Embassy and

contacts not of known security significance.

He was born in

Romania.

He communicated with Justice Department 4/7/69

concerning

Riha's disappearance.

Justice acknowledged his

letter.

Fischer-Galati has been mentioned in several press

items in the Riha case as an acquaintance and University

associate. He is a professor of history, Colorado University.

Salutation of Dr. taken fron established

reference book.

Copy of letter being sent to The Vice Presidents Offee by Liaison.

CC BEING SENT

DENVER OFFICE

JEK Act 6 (1) (B)

in 2 c

H# 55100 DocId:32989553 Page 76

---

## Page 77

Viet

3-..

Myr. Tolson

PFICE OF THE VICE PRESID.

The Honorable J. Edgar Hoover

To: Director, Federal Bureau of

Investigation

U. S. Department of Justice

Washingion, Da Ca 20530

REFERRAL

Dato:

March 16, 1970

Mys Tehr

Mri

Mr.

Mr. Cal!,

"in

Mr. Connail

Mr. Folt

ИГ

Mr. R

Mr.

ACTION REQUESTED

Mr. Sivars

Tele. Room

Miss Huires

_ Draft reply for:

"iss Gandy

.Vice President's signature.

Undersigned's signature.

THOMAS

RiHA

NOTE

Memorandum for use as enclosure to

reply.

Direct reply.

. Furnish information copy.

Prompt action is essential.

If more than 48 hours' delay is encountered,

please telephone the undersigned immer'iately.

_ Suitable acknowledgment or other

appropriate handling.

- Furnish copy of reply, if ony.

— For your information.

Basic correspondence should be returned when

draft reply, memorandum, or comment is re;

quested.

,30

For comment.

REMARKS:

This document is prepared in response to

ration auntie

con" Commitee.

your request cad is not for dissemi-

T' use is laid to afrial proccedings by

yur Cori" e nid the content ma: mot be disclusca to uncuthorized person-

nil without the express approval of the FBl

од.

Description:

. Letter:.

Telegram: Other:

To:

The Vice President

REC: 1505575256-241

From:

Mr. Stephen Fischer-Galati, Univ.

of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado

Date:

February 18, 1970

Subiect: Investigation Into Disappearance of Professor thomasaliha

80 MAR 25 1970

11:

MAR 1'3.

i..i

ENCLOSURE

COPY LESS FOR LIO.

Ge Andrew LawrencedEsi itrich

POISON

GAL:gYj

(Department or Agoncy copy)

HH 55100 Do0Id:32989553 Pade 77

105-78256

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## Page 78

DIRETOR DE

CENTER FOR EAST EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO

BOULDER. COLORADO 80302

STEPHEN

FISCHER -GALATI

February 18, 1970

The Honorable Spiro I. Agnew

Vice President of the United States

The White Ecuse

Washington, D.C.

Dear Mr. Vice President:

In the hope that you have read the accounts of the

disappearance of Professor Thomas Piha and the mysterious

circunstances surronding the investigation of that dis

appearance by the proper authorities, local

and federal,

I an taking the liberty of enclosing

a copy of the latest

relevant account. from The Denver Post.

As a trustea of the Ihomas Riha Fund, I should Iike

to solicit your assistance in securing a

careful. in-

vestigation and meaningful resolution of the case.

failura of the local authorities and of the University

of colorado to conduct

a groper investigation aù the

tine of Frofessor Riha's disappearsace

in March 1409 Is

reflective of the lack of concorn and bureaucratic inepti

ness which has been so rightly criticized by jou in recent

months.

In an age of repudiation of the fundanental moral

values

which have historically difforentiated denocratic

from totalitarian, bureaucratic societias, it seems

imperative that the truts be uncovered no

netter what the

embarassment to those who

failed to fulfill their moral

and even legal obligations.

Professor Riha's case is particularly relevant in

that respect since he was a refugee iron connunist Czecho

slovalia.

It would

denocratic society it he were to be the victin of bureau-

cratic nogligonce or of tactios identifica with the regime

which he escaped:

- I would be placed to send you all natorials pertinent

to the case, should

that be required, to facilitats

honorable resoluation of the case of Professor Riha.

105-76256

ENCLOSURE

HH 55100 DocId: 32989553 Page 78

respectfully yours,

Lilitan

Fara-Finis

Stophon Fischer-Galati

Dilaciss

e and the condes mon noi

nel wilhout the capress approval of tie

sid

"Bigs by

inorized versoil

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## Page 79

30 47073

"-3.

-:a!

-2°2218:

E:2!

7220

=-5.

• **2:

•:1.*

=) .

105-782560 mie

НН 55100 Do0Id:32989553

Page 79

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## Page 80

=v.

CENTER FOR EAST EUROPEAN

UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO

BOULDER, COLORADO 80302

AIRS

March 25, 1970

o. Lagar hoover

Director

Federal Bureau of Investigation

United States Department of Justice

Washington, D.C. 20535

Dear Mr. Hoover:

Thank you very much for your letter of March 19, 1970

with reference to the disappearance of Professor Thomas Riha.

Since I am not aware of the extent of the jurisdiction

of the Federal bureau of Investigation, I am unable to provide

any information which will allow investigation of the dis-

appearance by the FBI. The only basis which may permit action

by the FBI appears to be Professor Riha's status as a recipient

of funds from the Office of Education of the Department of

Education and Welfare under the provisions of the

National Defense Education Act at the time of his disappearance.

in March 1969. Whether the receipt of monies from a Federal

PRO

agency constitutes a legal relationship with the Federal

Government which would fall within the jurisdiction of such

Federal agencies as the FBI is unknown to me but, conceivably,

it would provide a rationale for participation in the case by

the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

EXP.

33

34: MAR 228 1970

Yours sincerely,

Nephew Freen Ears

Stephen Fischer-Galati

Director

Tro 3.a1p00g

1619

date 4/6/70

3/31/20

SEG: m1

This document is prepared in ree ceo to your prena mma is are for diesemiz

nation o are burn Comer.

your Conmitse and the corini rich not 7

nel without the express approval of the FBI.

REC- 35*

105-78254-33

AR-27 1970

RiTi

SINO SEE LITE

HH 55100 DocId:32989553 Page 80

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## Page 81

REC-35*

105-78256-36

..

March 31, 1970

1 - Mx. DeLoach

fred

Mr. Bishop

- Hr. Rosen

- Mr. Sullivan

food

• Liaison

fans

- Hi. Gray

food

• Mr. Redfield

In

Di. Stephon (Tischer-Galati

Director

Center for Ease Buropean Affairs

University of Colorado

Boulder, Colorado 80302

Dear DIe Fischer- Gelati:

Reference is made to your letter dated Masch 25,

1970, concerning the disappearance of Professor Thomas

The information you furnished has been carofully

reviewed.

based upon the

avallable facts,

there is no

2ndXcation o1 & violation of any federal stacutes over

wich this Bureau has jurisdiction.

Therefore, I an unable

be of assistance to you.

Sincerely yours,

J. Edgar Hoover

:.

Morgan for

Ca0s enor

210÷/04

SULt

MA LED 22

1970

paindrais

VM-FSI

CO

so sad:

MOPY TO DENVER

by routing slipior

Bino daction

date 4L6l70

by Quill let

(9)

NOTE:

Riha, Czechoslovak-born, naturalized, former

professor of Russian history at Colorado University, departed

Denver area March, 1969, without notilying friends,

associates

or his estranged wife.

Ris disappearance has been glanorized

in recent months by energetic Denver reporter and spiced up

with references to a mysterious paramour under those

influence

Riha had

fallen.

I LI

olson

eLoach

alters -

ohr.

ishop

asper

allahan

onrad

elt

ale

osen

allivan.

avel

pyars

elc. Room

olmes

on dy

Fischer-Galati previously wrote to the Vice President

concerning the disappearance of Riha, which letter was referred

to the Bureau for reply.

He was informed the FBI had conducted

no investigation concerning the disappearance of Riha; had no

reply to the information in his current letter vas coordinated with

the

Accounting and Frauds Section, Géneral Investigative Division.

NOTE CONTINUED PAGE 2

MAIL

ADORE 110.19701

HW 55100 DocId:32989553

Page 81

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## Page 82

Dk • Biophen Fischer Galati

NOTE CONTINUED:

Fischor Galati is a protossor of history,

Colorado University.

Salutation of

Dr. taken iron

estabLished cererance book.

According to Lutiles,

Fischei-Calati was dolerred in World Far I1 for

psychoneurosis, anxiety type.

He roportedly advised

State Departnont in 1950 ho was a close triond of the

Director's,

an unirue statement.

SENSITIVE

SOURCE MATERIAL

Но нав

SENSITIVE SOURCE MATERIAL

Ro communicatod with

JustiCe

Departmont, 4/%/09 concerning Riha's

disapposrance.

Justica

acknowledged his letter.

He has been mentioned in soveral

press itens in the Riha case as an acquaintance and University

associate.

Se danagnolle, Buncan liarson, inal the did it staminat

HН 55100 Do0Id:32989553 Page 82

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## Page 83

Dio Stephen Fischer- Calata

NOTE CONLE NURD:

Flacher-Galati is & professor of histosy:

Colorado University.

Salutation of D.. taken from

established reference book.

According

to Bufiles,

Fischer- Calati was deferred in World Har II for

psychoneurosis, snisery type.

He reportedly advised

State Departmeni in 1950 ho was a close friend os the

Direstor's, an untrue statement.

He has been in periodie

routine contact in the past with the Romanian Imbassy

and contacts not of known security signiiicance.

He was

born in Romania. In 1966 CIA advised Fincher-Galati was

of interest to and used to & linited degree by that Agency

since the early 1950's.

Department 4/3/09 concerning Riha's disappearance.

Justico

acknowledged his letter.

has been mentioned in several

pross iteme

In the Riha case as an acquaintance and University

associate.

HH 55100 DooId:32989553 Page 83

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## Page 84

"On 3/30/70, Fred Schmidt, Director of Security,

HEW, advised SA Hengemuhle, Bureau liaison, that the

Institute of International Studies, Office of Education,

contributes funds to an Eastern European (Slavic) Program

at the University of Colorado.

Approximately 50% of the

cost of the program is paid by 0E with the University

contributing the balance.

Thomas Riha was one of the

instructors hired by the University under this program.

His salary would be paid by the University and he receives

no funds directly from. OE and 0E has no control over his

employment.

He is not

a

federal employee.

JWR"

HH 55100

DocId: 32989553 Page 84

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## Page 85

0-19 (Rev. 11-3-69)

Tolson

DeLoa

Walters

Mohr -

Bishop

Casper -

Callahan

Conrad

Felt _

Gale.

Rosen

Sullivan T

Tavel -

Soyars

Tele. Room

Holmes -

Gandy

-Hee Story

"The Strange

Case of the

unissing

Professor

& woman friend insists he is alive,

bué a distries atforney doesn't think

so ais he seeks the froth in a mazo of

forgerios and two strange deaths

The Washington Post

Times Herald

The Washington Daily News

The Evening Star (Washington)

The Sunday Star (Washington)

Daily News (New York) -

Sunday Yews (New York) S

New York Post -

The New York Times -

The Sun (Baltimorel .

The Daily Horld _

The few Leader

The Wall Street Journal .

The Valona Muserver.

Perple's idi

Examiner (Washington)

MAY 3 1970

Date

10

997544-31

H 55100 bocId: 32989553

Page

85

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## Page 86

BY KERMIT JAEDIKER

5 MILE HIGH DENVER,

eco-

nomic and cultural capital of the

Rockies, investigators are work-

ing to unrarel a mystery that at

time his hoon fartintii

Heard

Ins, weenal corre is Galsa Tannen-

henryset,

domineering

worean of 32 who had three friends

wi.. I, put it mildy, ivere awfuily

unlo-ky.

The ill-starred three were:

• Thomas Riha,

1U, a Czechosiova-

kian-born associate professor öf Russian

history at the L'niversity of Colorado in

nearby Boulder. He vanished in

1969. amid a spate of rumors hinting at

line with espionage.

Denver Distric

Attorney Slike MicKevitt sars

has "grave doubts" that Riha is alive.

O Gustar Friedrich Ingwerson, a 78-

year-old plastics engineer.

He died last

June from ermide poisoning. Galya is

charged with forgery in connection with

his will, wh ch made her a boneficiary.

• Mir. Barbara Egbert. a 51-year-old

divorcee

who was found dead last Sep-

tomber in her Denver apartment.

Her

death. too. sas attributed to ryanide. A

typewritten suicide note was found, but

NIcKevitt says it's a fake.

According

to

the district

attorney,

both known deaths are suspected of be-

ing

homicides.

Galya's

lawyer,

John

Kokish. admits the police wanted to ques-

tion her about them but "I told her not

to open her mouth." Galya took his ad-

vice.

Ordinarily, she's quite a talker.

For months.

fascinating aura

international

spying clung

to

the

of

Riha

case and still hangs over it, although it

lacks official corroboration.

A contrib-

uting

factor undoubtedly

was Galva's

claim, to a number of persons in the

Denver area,

that she was a colonel in

U.S. Military Intelligence.

Galya's attorney says that just isn't

true.

and Intelligence heartily concurs,

but Galva

is still known

around town,

perhaps only in jest, as The Colonel. Just

before he disappeared, Riha himself, who

reportedly knew her very, very well, was

believed

to

have

referred

to

her

as

Colonel in a notation on his calendar.

Logic itself militates strongly against

the puritisty that Galya was an oilicer

in the American intelligence. She was a

free-re commereial

artist, profes-

as good a cover for a spy as any,

suits gowent around broadea ting she

an intelligence officer,

matically blew her cover.

The Colonel stuff asido, there have

sarious questions

whether

Rika timeir nay have dashed in secret

" Iron

COtT. C29+

in

11947

Dera"re

a

nataran"1

citizen,

started lard and received bachar's and

miesiana darines

at

the

Universit.

rained to sat nothire of a doctoraie

fron

Harvard.

Me TauGHT at the Univerally as thi

cago, at Marburg

University in West

Germany and then joined the faculty of

the University of Colorado. He'd been

around a lot, geographicaly speaking,

had professorial pals all over the cour-

try and, what's more. ivas a leading

authority on Russian history.

In addition, he had made at least two

visits to Moscow. He went there in 1958-

attend Moscow University as an

exchange student and he

group of college professors.

One report has it that he told friends

in Denser that he was

once ensures.d

sin tie aroscow subway by & man who

asked if he would do intelligence

edit told the story jokey the im.

plication of the joke being that just about

tourist in Russia was

open to approach by Soviet agents seek-

ing spy recruits.

Galya has hinted that Riha had worked

for Uncle Sam, which proves nothing.

Still another source, completely without

official support, says he was connected

with an American espionage outfit.

"I don't suspect

espionage." and in Washington, the Cen-

Intelligence

Ageney,

Bureau

the

Federal

of Investication

and the State

Department have all denied knowledge of

the Riha

case.

But even bereft

of

the

cloak-and-dagger angle,

the case has its

moments, thanks largely to Galya..

"A fascinating, brilliant person with

a complex mind,"

sars District Attorney

- McKevitt in speaking of her.

perhaps

most

terrifying

of a cluster of strange events

tied in

with

Galva

occurred

March 9,

1969, a

Sunday, at Prof. Riha's ranch-

style home on a picturesque hill slope in

the university town of Boulder, 20 miles

from Denver.

Riha's 25-rear-old wife, Hana, stood

sereuming at

• bedroom window of the

house.

She was

heiped out the

window

by neighbors.

About her was a strong

Boulder police were summoned to the

ves in the nee

othor than Galya,

So was Riha.

Galy%,

12ldda2g pal me the cons

tol thon trat-firs.

1. 55100 DocId: 32989553 Page

86

Pa had cleo sere do the bedroom,

tunes were stry

inside the room and that airs. Ris fied

sercaming i

"he

window

when

and

Galyz

the professor threatened to break

the bedroom door open.

sha "piy

with Galva's

versin.

She irising that

in; mini

47-09232

that she

one among 5h

sar deal the did it dod does one

her.

l'once mad a saur and food far

of echor and several care

pads in

the bed

corers

Mrs.

was not explained

Galva coolly told investigators that

Mrs. Riha, a Czechoslovakian,

was not a

U.S. citizen and that immigration

au-

thorities had been called because her visa

had expired. However, a New York at-

torney

and longtime triend of Mrs. Riha

declared that "there was nothing urgent

about MIrs. Riha's visa status that night,

nothing pressing, no imminent deporta-

tion."

Was Bra phone her attorney frene

that very night and sobbingly told her

story anc pleaded for his hoip. Exentual-

ly she moved east to Brooklyn, obtaining

a job in a New York bank. Prof. Riha

had already filed divorce proceedings

to

end his five-month marriage and after

he disappeared

his wife filed a counter

suit anci

won it.

She also won a $5,000

judgment.

When District Attorney MeKevitt was

asked about the ether business, he hinted

it may have been "an attempt to scara-

AIrs.

Riha"

that

sprang

from

"thought process of a mixed-up mind."

He didn't elaborate.

Galya's presence in the household may

be explained by the fact that she and the

professor had been friends for some time

—perhaps even more than

friends. An

authoritative spurco gates Galra y har-

ing said she lived with Riha for

about

two

and &

half months prior to his

marriage.

The police report on the ether episode

described the chunky,

160-pound Galya

as

"the fullback type." What drew the

rather good-looking professor to her is a

puzzler. Probably the attraction of op-

posites.

He was known

to be quiet-and, soft-

" spoken, givert to scholarly pursuits and

---

## Page 87

to it she has her anserhed as lane received ungrated regative

.?ntien

120a.on

+060 0.91. 01 4107.

morey fieldleg ciguete in sui positons duuit

worn in St. Louis

espionage.

Fir.

11726

the arrao di lart sommer.

the Aftere Taxmi.

CHONG TER 1C6 TO 02922

Kurise.

reed in

"ail

.:.:

riher

thire chidren and she won it. Later, she

charged her name legali to Galya Tan-

nenbaum.

Konish sars her mother lives in Gal-

va, lib, and

suggests AIrs.

Tannenbaum

may have arrived at Gaira by

"maying

around

with

the word Galva." It was

certainly more exotic than Gloria.

A week after Mrs. Riha made

her

precipitate

exit

via

&

window

of

the

house.

Prof.

Riha disappeared. He was

to have

attended a meeting

of history

professors in

Denver

on

March 15.

Saturday, and. characteristically method-

ival. had

noted this on his calendar pad.

He faiied to show up at the meeting.

Friends repeatedly phoned the house

that day and goù no answer.

Next day, a

of

acquaintances,

whom he was

to have picked up

for a dinner engage-

ment, called at the house, rang the door-

bell,

got no answer and peered through

They could see the kitchen table and

on it a place setting consisting of a ce-

Denver. Death was at first attributed to

but an autopsy showed

traces of mercuric cyanide.

As an engineer, says Kokish, Ingwer-

used evanide in

mineral assaving.

The district attorney's office developed

police were intrigued to learn that Gaiya

knew Ingwerson,

who was a widower.

She told the cops they had pienicked to-

gether and even talked marriage.

Interestingly enough, Ingwerson also

Prof. Riha. Indeed. during a clean-

up of Ingerson's home last December,

Ingwerson's son, Doraid. found Riha's

wedding ring.

development came

Galya was arresied on a charge of hav-

ing forged, in part at least, the Inower-

will and presente.l it in Denver Pro-

bate Court wich alleged intent to defraud

Donald Ingwerson

of Denver and Mrs.

Esther Foote of Colorado Springs.

parently it had been set for a breakfast

Investigating police discovered

while Riha was & man known for preci-

sion and neatness, his

personal papers

were rather wildly scattered across his

sesk, where he had been preparing his

meome tax return. Among his effects

was his calendar pad bearing the March

11 entry: "dinner Colonel." This was be-

lieved to refer to Galya.

The mystery of his disappearance al-

most immediately

touched

off

rumors

that the quiet professor of Russian his-

might

actually be a pedagogic

friends expressed

might be dead. But a university official

"reliable sources"

Washington—-that Riha

ond well." Later, however. MoKevitt said

alive-and-well

from a misunderstanding and termed the

report "an honest mistake."

Rep. Donald G.

Brotzman (R-Col.),

according to his administrative assistant,

Pobert Tonsino.

"made inquiries to Alili-

hary Intelligence, the CIA and the FBl

Alterey Ickerit sad "There was a

He adeps,

Mokerite

silente

Logan

basemont they

i el as poiassium cyanide. He said Galya

har a chorn lahomary in die coriad

nursed with chemicais in that connec-

The Denver press was still kicking

the Riha mystery around this January

Galya, free pending the forgery

investigation, consented to be inter-

viewed,

Riha, in lawyer Kokish's office.

She declared unequirocalls that Riha

was still alive. She said, in fact, that he

hart visited her in Denver twice since his

disappearance, once in May and later in

She said he was living in

although she had no address

Montreal, a don't khot what he's doines,

she added. "I never asked him."

She said he left Boulder

things were pressing in on him" both at

latter an apparent reference to his di-

She insisted she didn't

know how he left Boulder, but in the next

breath admitted she picked up his car at

Stapleton International Airport after his

OLICE quoted Mrs. Foote as saving

Galya asked her to witness

the docu-

ment, but NIrs. Foote said she didn't sign

When the interviewer remarked

"perfectionist,"

Galva said sardonically, ves,

perfectionist -

in leaving Boulder. She

it and that the witness' signature on it

was & forgery of hei name. Under the

made a prediction: "Tom [Riha] will be

terms of the will, Galya was left 100

here some time in January." The seeress

shares of stock. The will was drawn up

but a lot of

13 days before Ingrorson's death.

things that didn't show up in her crystal

materialized in January, to say

Galya denied the forgery, but author-

ities were unimpressed. After all,

nothing of February, and they were all

on the wrong side for Galva.

had dabbled in forgery before.

an arrest record dating back

She was accused of forgery

when she was taken into custody in San

warranty deed in the sale of Prof. Riha's

Antonio, Tex.,

on a charge of forging

forgery of a deed of trust linked

government

and fursery of Riha's

sentenced to a year and a day for mail

name to a $330 check to finance a char-

theft, but was placed on probation.

trip for herself and

In 1960, she was sentenced in Illinois

companions last July 30 to San Antonio.

to nine months for getting money

She was also charged with forgery in

false pretenses with a check. Later the

the transfer of the tille to Riha's car,

same year she drew 1 to 5 vears in a

sold for $1,250 to Anthony J. Stone,

women's reformatory on two charges of

high

school principal.

Sione

forgery and one of embezzlement.

bought the car April 1,

said

he

which would be

In the midst of the Ingwerson inquiry

about two weeks after Riha's disappear-

came the revelation that an investigation

ance, with a check payable to Riha.

was under way into the death of a third

It was further disclosed that Galva,

most unfortunate friend of Galya-Ars.

in a burst of generosity, donated a large

Egbert.

She was found dead in her flat

part of Riha's art collection, with an

at 1330 Race St. on Sent land Districi appraised value of more than $14,000. •

IT, 55100 DocId: 32989553 Page 87

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## Page 88

s454489+4199-0006

to the Tenver Art Muscum. Galya

claimed Riha left the collection in her

custody.

From

Riha's ex-wife in New York

came

statement that

the

professor

"mas not be alive-he does not even

write his mother." Riha's mother died in

Germany in February,

ind Riha failed

to show up for the funera!.

Gaisa,

facing trial

on

the forgery

raps, pieaded incocent by reason

of in-

sanity and

was lodged in Colorado Psy-

ch-atric

Hospital, where tivo

state-ap-

pointed psychiatrists examined her. They

reported her legally sane.

However, Kokish sax.

one

bit" and

indicated

she

had

"hedged &

"severe

personality disorder" and it was further

suggested she might be a pathological

liar." Kokish obtained permission to have

a third psychiatrist examine her and it is

expected a sanity trial will be conducted,

probably in June.

a then to doctora ported

in a manner highis unfavorable to

the

defense, Galya's stay at Colorado Psy-

chiatric was not

entirely unproductive.

Between

talks

with

the

doctors,

she

whiled away the hours by taking a fling

at fine art.

The pictures she turned

out ivere

considered good enough to be exhibited

in the highly prestigious Miller Stock-

mar. Galleries. They consisted of water

colors and acrylics,

a paint that looks •

like oil paint but dries faster.

Denver Post art critic Rena Andrews

viewed

them

and

reported

that

the

acrylies were close to the works of the

German expiessiorists but that

Galya

"uses very sunny colors like Van Gogh."

The artist had "a disturbing technique"

in that it appeared she ran

a comb

through the paint, leaving ridges, but

for all that she seemed to have genuine

talent.

The

exhibit

drew

wide

interest,

partly, to be sure, because of the notor-

surrounding the artist and, at

a throw,

the paintings were repo sto

selling well. Indeed, the gallery has re-

quested that Galya

paintings

turn in some more

with the hint that the price

may be upped.

This

leads

to the reasonable conclu-

sion

that if Galya

beats the charges

against her, she may be launched on a

new career, porhaps eren more lucrative

a lot les:

ISKENEYE 1011

Prof. Thomas Riha's disappearance more than a year ago from his home (below)

in Boulder, Colo., produced a flurry

of rumors that ho was involved in

international espionage.

Ny 55100 DocId: 32989553

Page 88

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## Page 89

Colorful, domineering and falented

Galya Tannenbaum is shown confer-

ring with her attorney, John Kokish

(7) between hearings on charges

of forging the missing Prof. Riha's

name to papers disposing of his fiume

'and "cai?'

HH 55100

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Paue 89

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## Page 90

HW 55100 DocId:32989553 Page 90

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## Page 91

SEEMUIT UN CULORADO D

FOULDER, COLORADO

VIER FOR SLAVIC ANO EAST EUROPEAN STUDIES

FICE OF THE DIRECTOR

March 5, 1971

i. Elgar Hoover

ideal Bureau of Investication

"iced statos

• Departrent of justice

lincher,

D.C.

20555

Dear Fir. Hoover:

Reference is made to your communication of March 19, 1970

with respect to the disappearance of Professor Thonas Rihe,

I am aware of the position of the IBI with respect to

Professor Riha's cisegnearance; nevertheless, I am sending you

nel without

a letter adoressed to me which was sent from

Cincinnati, Ohio

a few days a30.

It is my assumption that inasnuch as this cormuni

cation was sent through the United States mails icom

a place other

then Boulder it falls within the jurisdiction of the

FBi.

I do not necessarily envisage the

enclosed letter a5 a

ducat: However, I cannot exclude that possibility and it is

for this reason,

as well as for the obvious implication of the

contents, that

an writing to you again at this time.

Yours singerely,

Meter Fits class"

Ste, hen Fischer-Galati

Director

131

NOT NO

37

RC0-6.

/::"

EX-103

STG:m1

MAR 15 1971

K2YA24SAHA BAILUNNEN DESSER'S

This conser

nation

anil, its

Carriestor.

¿the

ense

I's

i'se

Hi reat

?

кої

on.t

-.

io tinuirized person

KCLOSURE

HW 55100 DocId: 32989553 Page 91

---

## Page 92

*siephen rischer Calatt

NONE COMT TIROND:

Tischei-Galati proviously wrote io the Vice President

concerning the disappearance of Riba, which lettes was reicried

to the nurcau ies coply.

He wns informed the FBI had conductod

no invostigation coucerning the disappcarance of Riha; had 1o

information legoding his vorcabonts: and thore was no indication

of a violation oi lederal law within the BI's jurisdiction.

raschor-Galati is a professor of history, colorado

University.

Salutation

os. Dr.

taken iron estabiished retorence

book.

According

• to Bufiles, mischer-calati was doterred in

World War II j01 ¡sychoncurosis, anxicey type.

ile reportedly

advised state Dopartuchi in 1050 he wes a chose friond of che

Director's, an uatzue statccent.

SENSITIVE SOURCE INFORMATION

Do communicated vith justice Departnent 4/7/03 cou-

ornine lihas disconcerance.

justice acinowledged his lotter.

Te nas Icon nentionco in sevoral Broes lians in the cina

an acquaintance and University associate.

pilin

ENCLOSURE

148 55100 S DocId: 3989553 Pale 92:315

- 7 in

---

## Page 93

Fi rosphen Mascher-

Jati

ROLE C9270022:

Fischer-Galati previously wrote to the Vice President

concerning the disappearance of itha, which letter was referred

to the bureau for roply.

He was inforned the iSt had conducted

no invostigation concerning the disappearance of Riha; had no

infornation regarding his vhercabouts and thore was no indication

of a violation or fcieral law within the FBi's jurisdiction.

Fischer-Galati is a professor of history, Colorado

University. Hulutation of Dr, brien Iron ostablished rescrence

book.

According to Bufiles, Fischer Galati was deferred in

World War Il for psychoncurosis, anxiety type. He reportedly

adrisud State Department in 1050 he vas & close friond of the

Director's, an untrue statenent.

Is has been in poriodic

routine contact in the past wich the Romanian imbassy and

contacts

not of known security cignificance. le was born in

Romania.

He comunicatod with Justice Dopartnent 4/7/69 con-

corning chas aisappearance..

justice acknowledged his ictter.

lie has boon mentioned in soveral press iteme in the Rihà case

as an acquaintance and University associate.

JEK Act 6 (1) (B)

- 2-

far

ENCLOSURE

17 55100 DoeFt: 32989553 Page 93.

---

## Page 94

F'D-350 (Rev. 7-16-63!

(Mount Clipping in Space Beluw)

Socra

Mr.

Ma. Sullivan

Mr. Ustir. -

Jir. Bish o

Mr. BremaiCD!

Mr. Callaran

Pir, Caster

•To fled y

Nir. Foit

Mr finla

Koson

.........

IIr. Walters

T'ele. Roum ...

Hiss ITohnes

Miss Gandy.

valencine?

(Indicate page, name of

newspaper, cily and state.)

02 Ho

Covermmont

officials in the

Soviet Union will be requested

to determine i Prof.

Thomas.

Riha is in

that country, a

spokesman for the Soviet am-

¡bassador to the United States

said Monday.

"But

I cannot promise

whether

any

answer will be

given," said the assistant to in

Analoy Dobrynin a:

the Suvict Embassy in Washing

ton, D.C.

Speculation over Rina's where-

probable suicide March y of

Mrs. Gloria (Galya) Tannen-i

in Puablo.

Before she lapsed into uncon-

sciousness from the effects of

cyrarde poisoning. Mrs. Tannen-

baum reportedly seid Riha "had

just made it to Russia arter

he vanished Tiarch

14,

1969,

from Beulder.

The U. S. State Department

has said it has

no information

suggesting Riha is in the Soviet

3 The Denver Post

Lenver, Colorado

105-78256

Date:

3-16-71

Edition: Home

Author:

Editor: Charles R. Puxtic:

Title: Mrs, Gloria (Saly

Tannenbaum

Character:

or

Classification:

Submitting Office: Lenver

_ Being Investigated

35

- Feli

58APR2 - 1971

# 4400443774

NOT RETORT AD

191 AM. сд 271

SEESONTAN ANTEN FARENE

Page 94

---

## Page 95

5010-106

A TENS TONTON

GSA GEN, REG. NO, 27

UNITED STATES

/ERNMENT

- Hemorandum

70

• Mx. E. S. Miller

1 - Mr.

A.

Rosen

I - Mix. D. J. Dalbey

DATE: 10/20/71

FROM

: W. A. Branigan

1 - Ms. T. E. Bishop

1 - Mix.

I. S. Miller

]

#. A. Branigan

2. - Mr. W. R. Schlarman

Tolson

Felt

Rosen -

ingles

'Aliter, JES.

Callahan -

Casper m

Conrad

Dalbey

Cleveland

Ponder -

Bates mo

Tavel -

Walters -

Soyars

Tele. Room

liolmes —

Gandy

SUBJECT: THOMAS

RIHA

MISCELLANEOUS - INFORMATION CONCERNING

Letter received from Oren Jarinkes and Francis B.

Randall of New York City who described themselves as school

mates and friends of Professor Thomas Riha.

to an article which appeared in "The New York Times" on

Sunday, October 10, 1971, sating "The IBI learned that there

grate that" those

had been no foul play, that

the professor had chosen to

leave for personal reasons."

They asked to be advised if

we could inform them if Riha is in fact alive and if they

can communicate with him.

Recommend they be advised we

conducted no investigation into Riha's disappearance.

Professor Riha is the Czech-born naturalized US

citizen who was a former professor of Russian history at

Coloxado University, Boulder, Colorado.

departed the Denver area without notilying friends, associates

jor his estranged wife. He did not conduct any investigation.

into his disappearance since there was no evidence of a

violation of

a Federal law within our jurisdiction.

Local

authorities in Denver did conduct an investigation into his

disappearance, however, to date his

whereabouts has not been

ascertained.

EX-102

REC 201, , 152::

Bureau files indicate Jarinkes, Queensboro College,

New Yorks,

professor,

has previously been interviewed by us

regarding Soviet matter and was cooperative; however, while

in the US Army 1954-56 he received psychiatric treatment and

admitted "emotional pressure because of homosexual tendencies."

Randall is a professor at Sarah Lawrence College, New York.

He was interviewed by us in 1954 in connection with a student

trip to the Soviet Union and was cooperative 58 fe

supported and participated in antidraft and anti-Vietnam war

activity.

16 OCT 26 1971

Enclosure see

103-76-76

105-78256

1 - 131-16839 (Jarinkes)

1 - 105-30830 (Randall)

CONTINUED - OVER

WRS :kmJ

WRS

Til 105-78256

(9)

4NOV1

1072

Ho 55100 DocId: 32989553 Fate 95

This document is prepared in responsa to

your request and is not for dissemi-

Conmantee.

lis use

is lim!?", Co

c".

your Corn ce an ins content maz

пої

be disclosca to unualrorized person-

nel witnout the

approval

---

## Page 96

.. orandum to Mr.

E. So Millex

THOMAS RIHA

100-78256

ACTION:

With your approval, the attached letter will be

sent to Jarinkes informing him and Randall that we have not

conducted an investigation of Riha and suggesting that they

may desire to contact the District attorney in Denver for

further information.

EM

DEM

- 2 -

NH 55100 DocId:32989553 Page 96

---

## Page 97

vi -

Son

cn

hop

er. E.S.

lahan

rad

bey

'cland -

der

2s

lIrs

:. Room

EX:102

Octobes 21, 1973.

1. Nc. E. Rosen

REC-15

39

I. o bit.

1

D. do Palbey

ore Hz,

1

E. Bishop

•It.

E. S. Miller

Ir. Oren Irrinice

1 - HiS.

W. A. branigan

4D5 FiVerSiCe Isive

= Iz. W. R. Schlarman

Now Soak, Wew Youts

20025

Deas Mr. Jazinkes:

Datorosce is nade to the letter ron

Ice Praleis B. Randall and you dated Cotober 13, 1971.

The DNI has no% condueted

an investigation

concerning the disappparance of Provessor Nonas Biha

since share is no indicacion of a

violation os any

Feuco! Law WiChin Suz ImIDdiCtiOn.

le have no

enovicoge concerting Frotessor Biho's vhercabouts.

Professor Rita's disappoaranca was che

subjcot of an investication by local aucrositios in

zonver,

Colorado, and you may desire to contact the

District detornoy in Denver for infornation Ecgarding

this naster

MAILED. 7,

Sincerely youss,

OCT 2 11971

J. Edgar Hoover

FB!

1 - Denver (105-4151) (Loclosure)

NOTE FOR SAC. DENVIE:

Inclosed is one copy of referenced letter for your

informacion in the event you receive an inquiry

from local

authorities in Donver relating to this natter.

For your

information, Bureau files indicate Jarinkes is a Queensboro

College, New York, professor and has previously been inter-

viewed by us regarding Soviet matters

and was cooperative.

10507925G

1 - 134-16839

(Jarinkes)

- 105-30830 (Randall)

Las:18T 2919/1

(11)

NOTE FOR SAC, DENVER,

Ein

SEE NCTE PAGE TWO

ricit20n

document

response

Q4039

UNIS

oSt,

Duals de 20.

Concierer.

I!'s 2'se 28

limite?

and the conient may not be disclose

without

che express approval

nissemi-

by

• 13

MAIL ROOMC TELETYPE UNITE

HH 55100 DocId:32989553 Page 97

---

## Page 98

with

Mr. Cren Jarinhes

NONE HOR SAC, DEIVED, COAL IUD:

treatment and armisted "enotional pressure because of

bonosoxual tendoncion." Randall 1s a proscsoor at Saran

Lawrence College, Now

1954 in connsction with a

contation with a student trip

intervieved by us in

SCUCInE CrIN tO ThE SOVIET

Union and was coonerntive.

In 19G3 he supported and

particinated in anticinte

and anti-Vietnam was activity.

NONE:

Sce monorandon l. A. Acanigan to Dr. A. S. Miller

dated 10/20/71, captioned "2'bcrao Riha,

ilscellaneous

Intornation

Concorning," prepared by Wis:lonk.

octa

2 co

HY 55100

DocId: 32989553

Page 98

---

## Page 99

Mr. Oren Jarinkes

Francis B. Randall

125 Riverside Dr.

New York, NY, 10025

Oct. 13, 1971

The Federal Bureau of Investigation

Washington, D.C.

Dear Sirs,

In The New York Times of this Sunday, October

10, a reporcer makes an extraordinary statement

about the disappearance of PEDE. THOMAS-RIHA Erom

the University

of Colorado in March, 1969.

says, "The F.B.I. learned that thore had been no

foul play, that the professor had chosen to leave

for personal reasons."

We have been friends of Thomas Riha for many

Both of us went to school with him, one

of us (Oren Jarinkes) served in the Army with him.

We appeal to you out of the strongest concern for

our friend whom we have thought dead for two years.

Can you tell us that Thomas Riha is indeed still

error or is this just one more New York Ilmes

Is there anything that you can tell us

about him and his situation, consistent with your

professional discretion?

Can his friends help

him?

Can we communicate with him, through you

or in any other way? May we beg you to tell us

what you can about our friend, as soon as possible?

Thank you very much for anything

you can do!

Crimetecutien

Oren Jarinkes

EX-102

REC-15

Franda

Rans all

Francis B. Randall

-39

OCT 22 1971

+7754 520407479

This doerment is prepared in response to your request and is not for dissemi-

nation o'isite your Committer.

your Commitro onl the conter: mag

Ita use is hired to mincial pioceedings b?

not he disclosca to uauthorice: person-

nel withou the expiess approval of the FBI.

•. і нери

1H 55100 DocId: 32989553 Page 99

---

## Page 100

110938

SWEET:

OPTIONAL IDAM NO 10

5010-100

MAY 1902 EDIVION

1G. 10, 27

¿"'UNTHED STATES GONER

MEN'I

Memorandum

Nr. M. R. Wannally

W.

Cregar

THOMAS RIHA

INTERNAL SECURITY • CZECH

011 2/20/71

furnished the following intormation.

• DATE: 2/26/74

1

Mr. Nicholas

• Nir. Cregar

JEK Act 6 (1) (B)

Assoe, Dir.

Dep. 10 kIn.

Des. AD lere.

hess. Due..

Admin.

Comp. Syde.

Ext. Ailars

Files la Com

Gan Inv.

Ident. _......

Inspection

Insell.

Leboratory

Pier. l. Eva!.

Spec. les..

Jeamony...

Logel Cour.

Telepions Ra. .

Director See's

!

telephonically

has

& source

WHo

Mecently

advised his

contact that he had learned from a suB-source

:who

in

turn learned from

a friend, not identified to

SOURCE

that the friend had seen subject in Bratislava,

Czechoslovakia, in late 1973.

According to

the. SoURCE had no additional

information regarding this matter and had failed to obtain

the identity of the friend

his

SUB-506965. .

Inasmuch as we do not have a current investigative

interest in Riha, no further action is warranted in this

case.

ACTION:

For information and record purposes.

WOC: ebo

(3) sle

RECIO

41"

18

TEN D1071

This docement is picpered in response to lom recure and is not for dissemi-.

ration presire

•e to aficial pro ectings ba

till Corin

¿alle concie mo not a disclosco to uncuhorize person

nel rollo: the express approval of the FBI.

i

6 SMAR 5 1974

WW 55100 DocId: 32989553 Page 100

---

## Page 101

18041:

50:0-108

GSA GEN, REG, NO. 37

UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT

Memorandum

Mr. W. R. Wannall,!"

W. O. Cregar

DATE: 2/26/74

1 = Mr. Nicholas

I - Me. Cregar

THOMAS RIHA

INTERNAL SECURITY - CZECH

AJEK Act 6 (1) (B)

Assoc. Dir.

Dep. AD Adm.

Dep. AD inv.

As51. Drr.:

Admin.

no..

Comp. Syd1.

Ext, Alíores

Files & Com.

Gon. inv..

Idons. -

Inspection.

Insoll.co

laboratory ..

Plan. & Eval.

Spoc. Inv. =

Training —

Legal Coun... -

Tolophona Rm.

Director Soc'y ...

On 2/20/74

furnished the following information.

telephonically

Recently Byrnes advised his

contact that he had learned from a former student who

in turn learned from a friend, not identified to Professor

Byrnes, that the friend had seen subject in Bratislava,

Czechoslovakia, in late 1973.

According to

the Professor had no additional

information regarding this

matter and had failed to obtain

the identity of the friend of his former student.

Inasmuch as we do not have a current investigative

interest in Riha, no further action is warranted in this

case.

ACTION:

For information and record purposes.

WOC: ebe

(3)

REG-19

41°

B3 FED 51071.

LEASIES 14IXG

This doc wont is prenured in response to you request and is not for dissemi

ram ns in un a concattee.

Is man is traited to official moreedings by

vor, Commitre and ile content man not ba disclosed to untuthorized person-

nel withori the express approval of the FBI.

•SMAR 5 1978/

NW 55100 DocId:32989553 Page 101

---

## Page 102

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION

IDENTIFICATION DIVISION

WASHINGTON, D.G. 20537

NOV9 1975

The following FBl record, NUMBER

237 764 H

, is furnished FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY.

Information shown on this Identification Record represents data furnished FBI by fingerprint contributors:

WHERE DISPOSITION IS NOT SHOWN OR FURTHER EXPLANATION OF CHARGE OR DISPOSITION IS

DESIRED, COMMUNICATE WITH AGENCY CONTRIBUTING THOSE FINGERPRINTS...

CONTUSUTOR OF

MAME AND NUMBER •

ARRESTED OR

CHARGE

DISPOSTION

FINGERPRINTS.

RECEIVED

US IMMIGRATION

& NATURALIZATICN

SERVICE

SAN FRANCISCO:

CALIF

TOMAS ANDRE

KAREL.

RIHA

#247 ₽ 23936

10-17-52

(finger-

printed)

APPLICANT

FOR

NATURALIZATION

U.S. ARtY

New York

New YOrk

Thomas A.C.

Riha

#US 51 288 063

Enlisted

12-2-53

APPLICANT

FOR

U.S. ARMY

AC Of § G2

Departnent

of the Army

Washington DC

Thomas Riha

#A-3

(finger-

printed)

1-13-54

APPLICANT

This drawer is premene a repops to your retire end is as for disti

Commits.

not Come one the conion may not be doosed to wearied perse-

nel without the express approval of the FBI.

Since neither fingerprints nor a

identitying numbat which is irr

in our fis accompanied you. i

FBi cannot guarance in any i.

that this materal concerns tie

individual in whom you are int rat

HH 55100 DooId:32989553 Page 102

---

## Page 103

UMITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION

IDENTIFICATION DIVISION

WASHINGTON, D.C.

20537

NOVS 1975

237 764 H

Description and Related Data:

Race: Yhite

Sex:

Male

Height: 70%

Weight: 127

Hair:

brown

Eyes: blue

Date and Place of Birth: 4217-1929

Czechoslovakia (Prague)

Scars and Marks:

none listed

Address:

5085 Rockledge Drive Riverside, Calif. (1-13-54)

Occupation:

U.S. ARMY (1954)

Social Security Number: none listed

Since neither lingerprints not:

identifying nuiner which is

in our files countanied you

FBi cannot guarantee in any

that this material concerns l:

Isdividual in whom you are intri,

NH 55100 DocId: 32989553 Page 103

---

## Page 104

INFORMATION RELATING TO GALYA TANNENBAUM

HH

55100

DocId: 32989553

Page

104

---

## Page 105

"TO

FROM

SUBJECT:

OFTICNAL 108,24

NO. 10

EDITION

GSA MAN NTCD: 101-11.6

UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT

Memorandum

DIRECTOR, FBI

DATE:

12/24/69

¡SAC,

i DewaR (47-3100) (C)

GALYA

TANNENS-UN,

aka

Galya Ann Tannenbaum,

Julia Galya Stern Tannenbaum

IMP

00:

Denver

The above captioned individual was the"

subject

Of an inpersonation case, twice declined

by USA, Denver.

Circunstances associated

with the investigation are being

made available in the enclosed LiM in the event subsequent

inquiries might be received at the Dureau regarding this

marcer.

This document is prepared in response to your request and is not for dissemi-

nation outside your Committee.

Its use is limited to official proceedings by

your Commie and the content may not be disclosed to unauthorized person

nel without the express approval of the FBI.

1y7-.

54547-1

- Bureau (Encs 4) /-4253

- Denver

REG 94

MRS/ cal

(3)

MH 531

{DocId: 32909553

Canines Bands Regularly on the Payroll Savings Plen

---

## Page 106

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION

In Reply, Please liefer 10

File No.

Denvers

Colorado

Decenher 24, 1009.

JOROCNATEON

This investigation was opened after the telephone

call to the bonver office by the Colorado University

campus police, Boulder, colorado, was received advising

the Boulder Polico Ceparinont hod been called to

the home

od a Pzofessor Phonus liha, a history

at tho

aforenentioned institution.

Interviey or Coulder Police

Dopartuent Officers disclosed they vere calied to Rita's

home, 1050 Sixth

Street, Boulder, Colozade, 13:30 a.l. on

March

9, 1909, and subicct anguered the door.

The call

was placed by

subject Tannenbaun.

Their investigation

disclosed Kiha was attempting to obiain a divorce tron

his wife Mana and that subject Tannenbaun was attenpting

to get Hrs. Kiba to sigo some papers.

They learned Hrs.

Biha had locked bersell in her bedroon which was' on the

nain floor and had been screaning out the window for holy.

Regulis detezuined she couid have stopped fron the roon

without assistance and that her becroom door had been

locked fron the inside.

Also a suall bottle was found

under her bed covers which was subsequently determined

to be etier'.

They also cocalled what appeared to be

Xeros copies of innigration papers and tirs. Fannenbaum

advising that irs. Riha had out-stayed hor visa.

Tannenboun also used the telephone and clained to have

calied the inmigration authorities.

Captain Lowell Iriesen, Boulder Police Department,

on April 14, 1009, advised their

department did not open

a case on this matter inasnuch as they determined the

problem to be a civil natter.

Friesen pointed out that

Irs. Tannenbaus had been living with Mr. Riha before this

marriage, that niha wanted to divorce his wife who he

had married in the fall of 1966, and that Riha had left

the city.

This document is prepared in response to your request and is not. for dissemi-

nation outside your Committee.

Its use is lamited to offrcial proceedings by

your Commitre and the content may not be disclosed to unauthorized verson

nel without the express approval of the FBI :

HH 55100 DocId:32989553 Page 106

---

## Page 107

GALYA TANINBAUN

IIZARSONATION

Mrs. Yova

wye of Boulder, Colorado, who described

herself as the only roal triend Mrs. Riha had in ihe

Boulder

ares turnished the foilovine information:

She cdvised she net ims. Riha the first week in

November, 150S at a Boulder beauty college.

She said

they bocano frionds and she was often invited to the Rina

hone.

She also recalied that even at this

early date

Mr, and sirs. Riha had been married for little oves

a month, irs, Wha advised her husband had already

mentioned divorce.

She also recalled a nephew of lix.

Riha's,

Edenck. Cerveny, had been living with the couple.

Sbe advised urs.

Riha had been in the country about throe

years and had net Riha

either through mutual frionds or

a relative of Riha's.

She rocalled nunerous corplaiats

vy Rila

that his wife had no interest in his vork, thai

а роск поисексерої, бредь воо нися ої пок

and did not goem to

"shape

un' to what he expacted in a

wife.

Iye rocalled that near the end of January, 1669

Riba calied hor to five her a mossage for lana

intended to divorce hor and would she find out what flana

near the end of danual lat land

intended

to do.

She also recalled

Hana nentioning kirs.

Tannenbaum called her otten and was s visitor at che

recalled Ir. Niha referred to lannenbaur

as Colonel. Hye recalled that both Tannenbaum and tiha

were working on Riha's wife to get her to sign papers

which they indicated vere immigration papers bus may have

really been connected with property settlements or

divorce papers.

Tacts of this case were discussed with the

U.S. Attorncy, Deavor, Colorado, on May 7, 1969, who

advised he did not consider this

to be a true violation

and requested no further investigation be conducted.

Tannenbaum was contacted by Agonts of the

Denver difice and was severely admonished for giving

The irrection that sho was connected wich the sternal finit

The above case was again opened after Mr.

I. W. Gillette, who was visiting in Boulder, Colorado,

2

NH 55100 DocId:32989553 Page 107

---

## Page 108

• J,

Te..

GALYA TARNLMBAUM

INPMESONATION

subcoquently located in Postage, Michigan, conincted

the Donvor office of the foderal. Durcau of invertigation.

Gillette, advisad that Conceabat hnd been daving a Gus

Ingworsen, who wao the father-il-ian of his daughter.

Tannenbaun had indicatod to lagporson she was conneciod

with the U. &. Ary

and indicated

• Intelligence and was a full colonel

do hin she usually traveied two or three

times & wook so lashington, D.C. in counection with her

enployment and in the near

future was to be made a

brigadier general. Gillette zelated ho believed no ono

acquainted lith l'annchbaun bolieved her clains and that

nost persons wun knew her bolievod her to be emotionally

unstable.

Also, an Esther Foote of Colorado Sprinks,

Colorado, appoarod in the Donver offico and was subse

quently intervieved.

Foote adviser she met Tanuenbaun

After

she, loote, placed an ad in the "Denver Post"

fortune

telling.

Toota advised she tutored

two of the suvject's children, agos 3 and 9, at the

subjost's hone, 445 Losan dtreet,

Lenver, Colorado.

foote civised

she received two bad checks

for this

work, one uns a closed account and the other was a

non-cufficiont tunds check.

Noote recalled the subject

indicated to her she ras working for the U. S. Goveranent

and was

going to travel to lashington, D.C. and visit

the pcntagon

and

also cisplayed

briefcase with

the word

"Ariay" on it.

she advised subject nover displayed any

credentials and had obtained nothing of value fron her.

The facts of this case vere discussed with

Assistan V. s. Ariosney, denyck, Colorado, who

advised

that inasmuch as tannenbaun did

not display any

credentials and did. not opinin anything of value, ho

desirod no further investigation be conducted in

this

nattor and inasnuch as Tannenbaum had previously boen

adhonished, aid not desire to have her recontacica.

The Detroit office also advised that Gillette

thought there vore nystorioua circuistances surrounding

Ingworsen's

death by cyanide poisoning together with

the fact that a will had boch found naming the subject

as the chies beneficiary.

HH 55100 DocId:32989553 Page 108

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## Page 109

GALLA TAIDENSAUM

INPUESONATICN

Ou Docender In, 1969, Captain o1 Datectives

Willard spies, Boulder, Colorado Police Mopacinon,

advísed

that

Tnc:180 2224,

dormerly a prozossor at the

Undversity of Colorado (CU), was last soen in Bouldar.

0B

March loy

1969 г

Spior advised that Rika had not been

carried as

mosing nesson uatil October ko, 100g, when

Lika's

nephew

Sidenck. Corpony:

prosently in Donvor,

Созогело,

inquired as to Mino's whorcaborts.

Riha

vas

described

by scsor

ao a percon who was fluent in tire

languages in edission to Caglich,

Spior advised that

sone have seit wha disappened ieronuch as he nay have

bach in sone tire of undercover work for an agenoy vithin

the Unitoo Scroos Goveracont.

Spies advised Nina's

attorney wo handled

his subsequent divorce was a Richard

Nophing at Bouldor.

inier also

airiged that umber

of checis

hang

jeen croned in Xina's account at the

Pirai raciosal Bank with no complainis of forgery.

Spies also surined 'Fannenbaun's naso bad appoared

on the

Vil's 02

: Ranbor Eghert

and aldo an luguerson, whose

deaths had boen coscidbed as suicidel and accidental,

respoctively, and are now boins; investigated by the

Denver Polico Lopartnent. Both individuals had lived

in Denver.

Richord E, Lookins, Lawyer, 2011 Fourtenth

Street, Boulder, adviced no vas tronas liha's attorney

for his

fron his wife lara.

the divcace was

granted in Boniter County Dictrict Court on Septouber 26,

1969, lasor ou tie grounds of nontal cruelty.

Honking

advised the couple vas narried in the fall of lecu and

the marriage "aid not soen to voris out according to

Riba's libings."

hopkins advised liha was last seen

Boulci on lincol 15, 1009, le advised he recoived a

teleman on arch 19,

IS6D, tron Chicago, advising that

a Icties would be

sent iatcr emplaining;

that frionds

may think he should have congulted cham before Icaving

but aid not think he nooded pormission for what was

necessary and to please subdue

was signed I.

Riha. Hopkins advised he received numerous

lettors discussing

subdue avised

the panic.

Tho tolegram

hone

morigage on the hove to bo sold,

bills of Riha', various papois concerning his wife and

the use of the roturns on the sale of his house.

ilopkins

also advised thai kiha obtained his property throub the

use o1 a 80,000, & poncent loan iron Juiia Galya Otorm

Tannenbaun.

lopisins advised thai one of the lotters

received from Riha which all had bean nailed

from Canada

vas shown to

isis wifc. lana at tus divorce trial, and loua

clained the siguature

was not genuine. Hopkins

advised

the

4.

55100 DocId: 32989553 Page 109

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## Page 110

GALYA TAINENSAUH

IMPEXSONAXION

only way he could describe the whole affair was to call

"coossy" and that he does not know it liha is alive.

Hoprins advised he has talked with ionercud dour or

five times on tho ¿clophone and bodore lihu's disappoarance

bad boon given a number to call for tannenbaum and bearu

Bila

talicios in the background.

Hopkins also advised

Riha's nephew

had been living with Tannerboun in Donver

10x

sone tine.

lie describori Tannenbaun no persuasive,

very detensive once anyone questions

a rambler and finally, as a neucotic.

By neurotic, he adviced she has delusions vi grandeur

of importance, or her own abality and ot 01110231

capacities.

Is advisod it was his oninion that iĩ

Tannenbaun

WOre

ever taken to court and was pushed,

she could picad insanity wich no difficulty. ec

also advised launedbaun clains she knows the whereabouts

of tiba

and has been in contact with him.

Hopkins also

nade availabte docunenus including a letter to the Deaver

Art Museu',

liscing eleven itous valued fron $30 to

$6,000 which ne assues belonged to liba, to be made

Sifts to the public.

The Donver office has also been in coceipt of

a lettor fron a loss. Ruth Ann Cook, indicating that

• Riha

is hes son, inquizing about his veil being and

whereabouts.

The lettor was possibly nailed fren

Switzorland.

The following is a description of Galya

Tannenbaum:

Name

Aliases

Sex

Race

Date of birth

Place of birth

Galya Tannenbaum

Galya Ann Pancenbaun,

Julia Galya Storm Tannenbaum

T'onale

White

March 30, 1030

Illinois

Ileight

Weight

Build

Egos

Hair

165 pounds

Heavy

Brown

Greying

5

H₩ 55100 DocId: 32989553 Page 110

---

## Page 111

'"'

GALSA TANNENGAUM

IMPERSONATION

Complexion

Aädress

Occupation

§pecch

Driver's

license

Ruddy

248 Logan Streets

Colorado

Denvel delacions

Public

No particular accent

Colorado 320032,

expiros March 30, 1972

This docunent contains neither recommondations

nox conclusions of the 23I.

It is the property of the

I'B] and 18 loaned to youx agency:

it and iis contents

are not to be distributed outside your agency.

IN 55100 DocId:32989553 Page 111

---

## Page 112

1/22/70

AIRTEL

TO:

DIRECTOR, FBI

FROM:

SAC, DENVER' (47-3190) , (P)

SUBJECT: GALYA TANNENBAUM, aka

IMP

00: DENVER

Ke, Bureau telephone call, 1/22/70.

Enclosed for the Bureau are 5 copies of a Will per-

taining to investigation conducted by the Denver Office io

date.

For the information of the Bureau, subject has heen.

charged in District Court, Denver, Colorado, fos

forgery and

investigation is currently being conducted by the boulder,

Colorado

PD in an attempt

subject.

:to develop similar charges against

On 1/21/70, Detective Captain WILLARD SPIER, Boulder:

Colorado PD, advised

his Department expected to complate a

forgery investigation against subject on 1/23/70 and attempt

to obtain a warrant for her arrest.

He also stated that it

is

the desire of his Department to obtain a search warrant for

her residence in Denver in an attempt to develop information

which may lead to the whereabouts of THOMAS RINA.

Denver

considers it advisable to hold a reinterview

with TANNENBAUM in abeyance until this action is completed

by the Boulder, Colorado PD.

For further infornation of the Bureau, this matter

was originally presented to the USA, Denvor, Colorado on 5/7/69

at which

tine he adviséd he did not consider the

facts sufficient

Bureau

(Enc1. 5)

~ Denver

(705-4152)

647-3100)

MRS/ SID SI

(4)

This doomen is meerared in resnense. to your remiast mad is not for dissema-

nation 1.

Containe.

20:r Crossin

nil minone the express approach of the FBI.

HH 55100 DocId:32989553. Page 112

---

## Page 113

ĐN 47-3190

= to warrant prosecution under. the Federal Impersonation

Statute.. The case was reopened on the basis of subsequent

information furnished by Mr. L. W. GILLETTE, who was visiting

in Boulder,, Colorado, who contacted the Denver Office of

the fBi, at which time he furnished additional informatio

concerning representations made by TANNIBAUM concernin

affiliation with U. S. Army Intelligence.

The facts of this case were again discussed with the

USA's Office, Denver, Colorado, who advised that inasnuch

as there was no evidence that TANNENBAUM displayed credentials

• or obtained anything of välue through her representations:

prosecution would not be authorized.

Investigation is being expeditiously conducted by

the Denver Office, at the conclusion of which the matter

will be again presented to the USA Denver, concerning other

information

received by the Denver Office regarding

representations nade by subject.

-

2

IN 55100 DocId:32989553. Page 113

---

## Page 114

"DERAL BURBAU OF INTESTIGETION

In Air, bi Please Refer to

File No.

Denver, Colorado

January L2, 1970

GALYA TANNENBAUM

1l1

On March 9, 1969, the Boulder, Colonado Pofias

Department wes summoned to the residence of Professor

Thomas

Argha, University of colorado,

Investigation by the

Colorado Police Departient disclosed that Professor Riha was

attenpting to obtain a divorce from his wife Hand Riha and

that an altercation had taken place at this residence between

Professor Riha, his wife and Galya Tannenbaur.

It was learned

by the Boulder

Police Department that Professor Riha's

wife

had locked herself in her bedroom, which was on the main $1.003

of their residence, and had been screaning out of the window

for help.

A small

bottle was found under the bed covers of

her bed

which was subsequently determined to be ether..

Patrolman Douglas John Dorsey, Boulder, Colorado

Police Department, determined during his investigation on the

night of the altercation that Tannenbaum had been attempting

to have ios. Riha sign some type of immigration papers and

she

advised

Dorsey that she was "doing a little

work for

immigration no.

and then."

Officer Dorsey then asked

Tannenbaun for identification which she stated was located in

hen car.

At no time did l'annenbaum ever explicidy advise

Dorsey that she was officially connected with the U.S.

Immigration and Naturalization Service, nor did she show

him any identification to this effect.

On April li, 1969, Mrs. Veva Permilla Nye, 3635

Buckeye Court,

Boulder, Colorado, advised she was a

personal

friend of Mrs. Haná Riha, having first net her as a fellow

student at a Boulder beauty college.

She stated she was

often invited io tha Riha home and that shortly after the

marriage of the Rihas in October, 1263, the couple was

considaring divorce.

she recalled a nephew of lir. Kina's,

Zdenek Cerveny, had

been living with the couple.

She advised

Mrs. Riha had bean in the United States about three years

and had mei Riha either through mutual friends on a

nelativo

This dorment is aronerca in response to you renost ant is not for nssemi-

melon outside veir Cramin.

J's rise is

ver Counters and the renter remail discusse iowa 256-25

nel went the express approval of the FBI.

105.

OdcId: 32989553 Page 114

---

## Page 115

GALYA TANNENBAUM

of Riha's.

She recalled numerous complaints by Riha that his

wife had no interest in his work as a professor at the

University of Colorado; that she was a poor housekeeper;

and that she spent too much of his money.

She stated ther

nean the ena oi January, 1959; Riha called hen to give her a

nassage for Hana that he intended to divorce her and desired

that she determine from his wife what she intanded to do

about it.

also recalled that Hana mentioned to ner thai

Galya. Tannenbaum called hor often and had been a frequent

visitor to the

housc.

She stated Mr. Riha relenned to

Tannenbaun as

"Colonel," She also recalled that both Tannenbaur

were attempting to have iana. sign some type of

imnigration papers, the importance of which was not known to

On May It, 1969, Tannenbaum was contacted by Special

Agants of the Federal Bureau of Investigation at her residence,

248 Logan Street, Denver, Colorado, during which she stated

she had never impersonated an officer of the U. S. Immigration

and Naturalization Service or implied to anyone that she was

"in

any way connected with this agency.. She stated that she

assists immigrants on many occasions by filling out forms and

other ways by helping them become adjusted to life in the

United States.

Tannenbaum was admonished for giving the

impression in

the past thai she was connected with the U.S.

Bureau of Immagration and Naturalization.

Mrs. Tannenbäun

stated she did not wish any confusion to arise from any of

her actions and was

sorry if any such confusion did result.

She stated she would make every effort in the future to see

that no misrapresentation was made by her which would cause

anyone to belleve that she was in anyay connected with any

Federal agency or actively associated with the Immigration

Service.

In December 12, 1969, Esther R.Y Foote, 1209 South

Nevada Avenue, Colorado Springs, Colorado, advised she first

Galya Tannenbaum

as the result of an ad Foote placed in

the "Denver Post" daily newspaper soliciting her services as

a fortune teller.. She stated

as a result of this meeting

she subsequently tutored to of Tannenbaum's

children at Tannenbaum's residence, 248 Logan street, Denver

colorado. She. stated for hen services she naceived ino bad

checks from Tannenbaum, one of which was a closed account and

2

HH 55100 DocId:32989553 Page 115

---

## Page 116

CALYA TANHENBAUN

the other an insufficient funds check. Foote recalled

Tannenbaum stating to her that she was working for the

United States Government and was going to travel to

washington,

D. C. and visit the Pentagon.

She also dis-

played a briefcase with the word "Army" on it.

She stated

Tannenbaum never

displayed any credentials to her, nor did

she obtäin anything of value.

On Decender 12, 1969, Captain of Detectives,

Boulder, Colonado, Police Department, advised

Colorado,

advised Riha had noi been reported by anyone to his Department

as a missing person until October 28, 1969,

when Riha's

nephew Zdenek Cerveny filed such

a report with this Department.

Riha was described by Captain Spier as a person who is fluent

in five languages in addition to English.

Spier advised

Riha's attorcoy who handled the divorce

proceedings between

Riha and his wife hana was Richard Hopkins in Boulder,

colorado.

Spies also advised Tannenbaum's name nad

appeared

on the wills of Bashor Eghert and on a will of a Gus Ingersen,

whose deaths had been described by authorities as suicidal

and accidental, respectively.

He stated that both are now

being invéstigated by the Denver, Colorado Police Department.

On December 12, 1969, Mr. Richard E Hopkins,

Colorado, advised

between Riha and his wife Hana.

The divorce was granted in

Boulder, Colorado on September

26, 1969.

Hopkins advised

Riha was last sech in Boulder on March

Illinois, supposedly from Riha,

advising

be sent at a later date explaining his disappearance. He

staied in the telegran that friends might think he should have

consulted them before

leaving, but he did not feel he needed

permission for what was necessary and requested Hopkins

subaue the panic.

The telegram was signed Thomas Riha.

Hopkins advised that subsequent to the disappearance

of Riha he received letters from Riha or at leasi signed witn

a signature which appeared to be authentic, which discussed

the

sale of the couple's home in Boulder.

Hopkins also

advised that Riha had originally obtained the hone in Boulder

3

AH 55100 DocId:32989553 Page 116

---

## Page 117

GALYA TANNENBAUM

through the use of a $7,000.00 four percent loan from Julia

Galya Storm Tannenbaum.

He went on to state that one of the

Ietters purportedly sent by Riha had been mailed from at this

which was shown to Hana Riha at the divorce hearing.

time Hana stated that she did not consider the signature of

Riha appearing on this to be genuina..

Hopins stated that subsequent to the disappearance

of Riha he had numorous telephone conversations with l'annenbaun

and on one occasion sho indicated to him that she was connected

with the U. S. Army Intelligence Service and that she was a

full Colonel.

Hopkins advised that to his knowledge Tannenbaum

ai no tine received anything of value fron either of the

Rihas

as

a result of any representations made by her concerning

affiliation with eiher the U. S. Imnigration Service or Army

Intelligence.

n January 16, 1970, Mir. Gerald A Caplan: Attorney

at Law, Boulders colorado, advised he represented

Hana Riha

in her divorce proceeding

har

fron Thomas Riha.

He also represented

in connection with a deportation proceeding which the U.S.

Imnigration and Naturalization Service was attempting to place

against her.

caplan advised that on either February 17'in his

o1' February, 12, 1969, he net with Mrs. Galya Tannenbaum

office and as a result of this visit reduced the results of

her visit to nemorandun which is attached hereto.

Mr. Caplan also stated that through interviews with

Mrs. Riha he had determined from her that Tannenbaum had also

represented herseli to Mrs. Riha on numerous occasions as a

"member of Army Intelligence and also as some type of officia?

with the U, S. Immigration and Naturalization Service.

The following descriptive data of Galya

• Tannenbaum

as set forth below was obtained through records of the Colorado

tate Department of Motor Vehicles, Denver, Colorado, and

rom the various individuals contacted in this case:

Naina

Aliases

Sex

Race

Galya Tannenbaum

Galya Ann Tannenbaum,

Julia Galya Storm l'annenbaum

Female

White

Ht 55100 DocId: 32989553

Page 117,

---

## Page 118

...=

GALYA TANNENBAUM

Date of Birth

Place of Birth

Height

Height

Build

Eyes

Hair

Complexion

Address

Occupation

Speech

Driver's license

March 30, 1930

Chicago, Illinois

5'8"

165 pounds

Heavy

Brown

Greying

Ruddy

248 Logan Street,

Denver, Colorado

Public Relations

No particular accent

Colonado B29832,

expires March 30, 1972

The circumstances concerning alleged impersonation

representations made by Tannenbaum have been discussed with the

U.S. Attorney, Denyer, Colorado.

Based upon details available,

the U,S. Attorney has

declined to authorined prosocution of

Cannonbaum for violation of the federal Impersonation

Statute.

An official oi the Boulder, Colorado, Police Department advised

on 1/21/70, that his

Departhent expecied to complete

a forgery

investigation against Tannenbaum on 1/23/70 and attempt io

obiain a warrant for

her arrest and a search warrant io. her

residence in Denver in an attenpt to develop incormation leading

to the whereabouts of Thomas Riha.

This document contains neither recommendations

on conclusions of the FBl. It is the property

of the fol and is loaned to your agency: it anc

its .contents are not to be distributed outside

your agency.

5%

H# 55100 DocId:32989553 Page 118

---

## Page 119

MEMORANCU

On nuesday:

mary li, or Wednesday, Februa

1s l'd, 1 met with

Airs, Galya lannenbaum in my office at my request.

Inis visti was i connectioi

• •With the deportation and divorce matter in thich I was representing irs. Hana

Riha.

/

It had been my understanding prior to this visit that Mrs. Riha was being

assisted by hirs. Tannenbalim with regard to her immigration status and other

matters.

Based upon my conversations with Mrs. Riha and her aunt and uncle, re

and Mrs. Grossman, prior to my visit with lirs. Tannenbaum, Mrs. Tannenbaum was

apparently exerting a substantial amount of pressure on Mrs. Riha and had

indicated to them that she had some official position in the Government.

Mrs.

Tannenbaum, at the meeting in my office, told me that she was with

MI 4, which I asked her to explain.

she indicated that Mi 4 was the Military

Intelligence Division of the Army in this District.

she had bean associated wich Military Intelligence for 2 urans su that hea

of her connections in Military Intelligence she had many friends in the Justic.

Department and in the Immigration service, whom she nad been contacting in ar

effort to assist Mrs. Riha.

She further stated that she had obtained firs. Rita's

immigration file and that at that time she had possession of the file. She

appeared to be knowledgeable concerning the various immigration laws.

She statec

that there were certair documents which Hana must file.

She also mentioned that

because her position in Military Intelligence enabled her to arrange for the

Postoffice Department to place an earlier postmark date on some correspondence

which Hana had filed after the time for filing the documents had expired.

I stated to her that I thought it was appropriates in order to protece my

client, to ask her to produce certain credentials or identification.

She states

she did not have any identification with ner, that she did nave a plasite car

which identified her with Military Intelligence, and that sne would see that 1

received a proper identification card a our next meeting.

We had no further

meetings and that was the only direct contact which i had with Mrs. Tannenbaum

other than some telephone calls; which I believe preceded the office visit.

Sened AGglin

This domment is premared in response to your recuest und is not for dissemi-

ration cool ced Commitee:

Its ase is linsel do cifial kinardings by

your Commie and the content me, not. be colose io unaniorived person-

nel without the express approval of tie FBI

105-78256-23

1970

HH 55100 DocId: 32989553

Page 119

---

## Page 120

OPTIONA FORM NO. 10

MAY I80I fCITION

5010-100

G'S TEN, REG.NO, 27

UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT

Memorandum

Deloach

DATE: January 27, 1970

1138!

Tu."!.

FROM : I.

RoGen

1

i0::09

SUBJECT:

GALYA 'CANNONBAUM

INPERSONATION

17...

nel without

your Committe

nation

castsin??

This document

express

1

- Mix. DeLoach

- Mr. Rosen

~ Mr. Malley

- Mr. Shroder

- hir. Huppert

- Mr. Bishop

-iir. Sullivan

Captioned subject has been under investigation by

Denver for possible violation of the Federal Impersonation Statute.

She has indicated connections with Imnigration and Naturalization

Sorvice as well as referring to herself as a "Colonel" with

U.S, Army Intelligence at various times.

The U.S. Attorney,

wanner,

has thus far declined to authorize prosecution, based upon

subject's alleged misrepresentations.

Additional investigation

being conducted by Denver to determine if Tannenbaum has, in fact

violated the Impersonation Statute.

appioval

eit the co: cont may

Pong Cronmail ec.

Ricared in

Considerable interest in the subject has been generat :c:

by the press vecause of her connection with Thomas Riha,

torme:

"professor of russian history at the University of Colorado, who

¡disappeared in larch, 1969.

Riha, born in Prague, Czechoslovakia:

I'ls 2's0

cane to the United States in 1947 and became a naturalized citize..

Investigation of the Tannenbaum impersonation case has disclosed:

that Boulder, Colorado, police were called to Riha's residenca on "

3/9/69 because of

a disturbance.

Lannenbaum was at the kiha done

and police determined sne had been tempting to get hrs. Linagio:

• 31

: 31

sign some papers relating to thomas riha's efforts to obtain d

31

divorce fron Mrs. Riha.

Boulder, Colorado, police authorition have

advised that Thomas Riha was last seen in Boulder on 3/15/69.1

A when sach a report was filed by ta"s nephew, sent cervers.

mibsing porson report was not filed with the police until 10/28/09

.?

indinized person

Articles appearing in newspapers concerning this matter

moories by

notar dissemi-

have indicated that Galya Tannenbaum may have information concernit.

the disappearance of Thomas Riha.

Basic facts were furnished to tre

Attorney General by letter dated 1/14/70, prepared by the Domestic

Intelligence Division. The Crime Records Division has also advised

U. S.

Representative Donald Brotzman (Republican), Colorado, that

the IBI has conducted no investigation concerning Riha's disappear-

ance.

It is anticipated that other inquiries may be received in vic

Of the continuing interest in this matter by the press.

JDH: dVJ

in ( 8)

1 - 10573256 (Thomas Riha)

- *1

1970

TROY

• 19/0

HH 55100

DocId:32989553

Page

120

-SEE -ACTION OVER:

• i FED $ 1570

MAriST's 4440749795.93

1.

---

## Page 121

Rosen to DeLoach memorandum

RE: GALYA TANNENBAUNI

ACTION :

Above submitted for information. Denver's investigation

of Tannenbaum under the Impersonation angle is being closely

followed. Any inquiries concerning her alleged knowledge of

Riha's disappearance will be appropriately handled.

Wils

- 2

HH 55100 DocId: 32989553 Page 121

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## Page 122

(Mount Clipping in Space Below)

Puzzle clouds

e page, name of

BALLY CONNINGINE

Recto Mounrain News Writer

CHIC:GO - Her name is neither

Cala nor Tannenbaum, according to

tise Me knew the enigmatic Denver

woman when she lived in Chicago in

Te loo and 1990s.

B: Mrs.

Gloria Anil Forest Mc-

Phere: Soimo's use of an exotic as:

-same? man is in keeping, they say,

siln i lifelong flair for playing mys.

richi wades sond weaving webs of part

uth and part fantasy.

Aire. Scimo-or Tannenbaum, if you

acces: me name by which she is better

nor a Denter-remains the key fig-

we in a muiti-faccied Colorado my's-

The mout perplexing facet, with-

put a scabi. is the question of what hap-

=ened to Di. Thomas Riha, the Czech-

corn an ociate professor of Russian his

cory was disappeared from te Univer-

Colorado and secmingly from the

ince c: the earth last March.

Tie Donver woman, who was arrest-

i to: Soulder police last Friday and

hare with forging Riha's name to a

seck "est July.

says she is one of a

ery tas people, if not the only one,

130 more lie ensivers. She also insisis

is aire end well. Mlany people are

wille 2 agice with the first statement,

but there" is controversy on the second

point.

Probably no one in Chicago knows

Where Thomas Riha is. But few people

here whose lives have crossed paths

With Gloria Forest-or NIcPherson, or

whatever name she might have used ati

times-are likely to forget it.

She has acquired a reputation for

making an imprint on people. Usually,

it seems, the imprint has been a painful

Not surprisingly, some of those who

nave thus felt her impact are reticent to

talk about it. But from those who will

talk, this

much has emerged about the

remarkabie

life of the former Gloria

Ann Forest:

• She was born in Chicago March

30, 1931, the only daughter of an interiori

• decorator,

the late Joseph Forest.

had two brothers.

Sho:

§ She spent part of her childhood in:

Galva, Ill., near Galena in northern Illi-

nois.

It is interesting to note that when

one adds a small line to the "" in Gal-

one comes up with Galya, the name

she chose to assume later in life.

• She attended a parochial school in

St. Louis,

AIo., and dropped out of a

Catholic high school there, but got a

Rocky Nountain Ne

- Denver, Colorado

105.

Date:

1/28/70

Edition:

Home

Author:

Alan Cunningha:

Editor:

Jack Foster

Title:

THOMAS

RIHA

Character:

Classification: 105-4151

Submitting Oifice:

Denver

• Being investigated

B

78956469

HOI ARCORDED

JSO FEB 9 1970

50FEB 1 2 1970

eile 5:1454105-78256

IN | 55100 DocId:32989553 Page 122'

---

## Page 123

righ, snihool certificate when she was 20.

She never received a college degroe, al-

March she later claimed to have a

Ih.D.

o She has been wed twier, although

die claims a third marriage, to Chicago

artist Ico Tamerbaum.

She was en-

repo to be married in 1005 1o Tanen-

noum (hose nare is speiled ditteront-

j from that she dow uses), but actually

was not divoreed from her socond hus-

bard, Charles P. scimo, until 19t6.

More interesting than these biograph-

ical tidbits, however,

are reports that

Mrs. Scimo worked her way through a

series of bookkeeping jobs in Chicago, a

shall

Missouri

and elsewhere

winding up in jail several times and

once for a three-year term in the stale

prison in Dwight, Ill.

" Still more fascinating, the urar-

old Denver woman is said to have posed

as an expert on virtually everything

from geology to acronautical engineer-

ig to medicine, even though she had

only a smattering of expertise in any

fick-except, perhaps, that of influenc-

ing people to her own adrantage.

Once, she claimed to have invented a

system by which in-flight airplane colli-

sions would be avoided, using the repul-

sion principle of magnets whose like

poles are placed next to each other. And

only last week, she claimed in an inter-

viow with the News that she had devel-

oned a cobalt process for detoxilying

Ariny chemical and biological materi-

his and had built what she termed a

"i-bank laser."

3Iost remarkable of all, perhaps,-pa-tivo

of lie stories airs. Scimo is reported to have

told acquaintances here in the 1960s.

One sas that her true name sas Galya Zak-

harosms, and that she was the daughter of a

The other, which required

Mrs. Scimo to do something few women ever do

nately, claim she was older than she really

wis. made it appear she had sufiered extreme

¿Teres as a prisoner of the Nazis during World,

Iu fact, say those who knew her in Chicago

Ginia Forest MIcPherson Scimo never has beer!

kit of the United States. She was in gradt

stored in Calva and St. Louis during the war

Chartered airplane flight

Titler this week, Longmont pilot Robert

Cares told the News about other extraordinary

colas made by "Galva Tannenbaum" when be

her, anothor woman and Riha's nephew,

Certony, to San Antonio,

waited flight last July 30. (It was in paying

light that she allegedly passed in

reck wilich led to her most recent arrist."

m their urst conversauon, Games repoued

lannonbaum claimed she was working lor

th: 5arl dervice, and had personally been re-

sporable for bringing her to sellow passen.

gers freon the soriel

Union. She added that

such services were a restar part of her work.

Liter, Gaines

seid he lenined Cerseny had

dest picaned to daise to San Antonio, where he

sonin were going to risit a

cob-bore tamily, but had boon persuaded by .

agreed to change his plans in

the boler that the U.S. government was paying

for the light.

It sas not Gloria

Srimo's first trip to San

Antonio, cither. Records here show that she re-

a suspended year-and-a-day sentence

from a federal judge there in Novembe 1950,

after being convicted oi theit and forgery of a

government check. She also ivas put on three-

the then-AIrs. McPherson

cused of embezzlement and forgery while sork-

ing for the mayor of Tellston, Mo. An accoun-

tant's report purported to show that wiis. Mc-

Pherson's endorsement had appeared on 41 un-

authorized city checks, totaling $6,060.

The mayor, who was in the midst of an clee-

lion campaign, declined to press charges.

Probation viclutor

Similar accusations led to her leaving a

bookkeeping job with a Chicago hospital in 1957

and an advertising firm here in 19:8. In the lat-

ler. case, she pleaded guill to emberlamon

and forgety of checks totaling $16,0c0. She va:

placed on three-year probation.

Arrested once more in 1960 on charges of

forgery and receiving stolen property, she was

to prison as a piobation violator. She ras

paroled into the custody of a rabbi in 1952, aiter

reportedly persuading him she was Jewish.

She moved to Colorado in 1967, more than a

year after her second divorce-and aller her

encounter with Leo Tanenbaum. She says it

was part of a mutual agreement with Tom

close friend of 20,

Piars alish te start heis lies not in

alsa Tannenbaint, vet one more facet is

fascinating slorit:

seems to.come under question.

Tanenbaum discussed his own painful rela-

tionship with her during a conversation in the

Chicago suburb of Evanston. He recalled that

Galya had made a specialty of working her way

into people's lives,

and of conspicuously drop.

the names of virtually everyone she knew

to each of the others at trequent intervals.

Yet throughout the time he knew her, 'fanen-

baum said, he could never recall having heard

her mention the name of Thomas Riha--who

was at that very time teaching on the nearby

campus of the University of Chicago-no.

1H 55100 ĐocIe:32989553

Page 123

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## Page 124

/ FD-350 (Rev. 7-16-63)

Mr. Tolson.

ale. Dolench

i?r.

Mr.

Mohr

it:.

(Mount Clipping in Space Below)

Insanity plea will be eniered

for Mrs. Tannenbaum

• BI RYXKEN JOHNSON

Rocky Mountain News Writer

The lawyer for Mrs. Galya Tamen-

baum said Tuesday an insanity plea of

innocent will be presented during a Feb.

& preliminary hearing in Boulder Dis-

trict Couri on charges against her of

allegedly forging the

name of br.

Thomas Riha to a check.

Tannenbaum,

of 248 Logan St.,

ceived a reduction in the $2.500 bond set after

her arrest last week for allegedly forging the

name of tha missing University of Colorado pro-

fessör to a check last July 30.

rs Tannenbaum, about 50, is a key figure

in a swirl of discussion and speculation over the

health and location of Riha.

He is the associate professor of Russian his:

tory who disappeared from CU March 17, 1969.

She has claimed to be the Czechoslovakian na-

tire's confidant and has said Riha will soon re-

turn to the Denver area. Other persons fear

Riha is dead.

Bail was recluced to $1,000 by Boulder Dist.

Judge Howard O. Ashton after receiving a mo

tion filed by John Kokish, a lawyer from Denver

who is representing Mrs. Tannenbaum.

Kekish also asked, the bond to led tempo

rary one lasting until Feb. 4, to allow Mrs.

Tannenbaum to arrange her personal affairs.

The lawyer said the free time is necessary

because extensive litigation in this

case and

others is expected.

Mrs. Tannenbaum pleaded innocent by rea-

son of insanity last Thursday to a charge of for-

gery involving the will of another acquaintance

of hers, the late Gustav Frederick Ingwersen,

of 1431 Forest St., who died June 18, 1969.

She was free on $1,500 bail in the alleged will

forgery case aller being ordered by Denver

Dist. Court Judge Robert T. Kingsley to lake

psychiatric tests. However,

she was or sted-

Fias he Denvey police and charged Saturday

by Boulder officials on the check charges and

has not been able to begin the tests.

A hearing on the findings of the tests will be

held Feb. 25 in Judge Kingsley's court.

In asking for the reduction, Kokish was de-

nied a request for Mrs. Tannenbaum's release

from Asst. Dist. Atly.

Robert M. Jenkins

Boulder. Jenkins said his office wanted a waiv-

er of extradition and the responsibility of bail to

exist during Mrs. Tannenbaum's release.

Kelich said the woman is "destitute except

for personal property" He asked for the. "one

her affairs in shape.

"She sould like to get her children (she has

a three-joar-ole

daughter and a 10-year-old

son) to a daughter in Chicago," Kokish told the

judge.

Judge Ashton then

asked if JIrs. Tannen-

baum were planning to leave the state.

"Yo, not

under any circumstances,"

roplied Kokish.

Kokish

continued that AIrs. Tannenbaum

also would like to put her furniture into storage

and liquidate her assets. He said his client's

lastlur in seeking "to evict 3Irs. Tannenbaum

from her residence.

I Shis~ Tamenbaunt mluntarily-signed the

waiver after Ashton and Kokish explained it to

he okish said he hoped the bail money could

be raised by Mednesday.

JIrs. Tannenbaum spoke

in a low, almost inaudible voice. She wore a sol

idl black dress sith: • bright, luminescent, red-

dish scarf and loafers.

JIrs. Tannenbaum said she had been.a resi-

doch a Denser intermittently since 1961 and

continuously during the last three yeats.

wrot

19

N!:.

Mr.

Kinsen

Tels. 1

:.1

11.1093..

Miss Gandy

(Indicate page, name of

newspaper, city and state.)

Regi

5 Rocky Mountain News

Denver, Colorado

Date:

1/28/70

Edition:

Home

Author: Rykken Johnson

Editor: Jack Foster

Titlo:

THOMAS, RIHA;

GALYAETANNENBAUM

105-4151

Classification:

47-3190

Submitting Office:

Denver

7 Being Investigated

B

=545

+=I-23.+ 251-52919

HM 55100 DooId: 32989553

Page 124

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## Page 125

7545-49

Mrs.

Galja Tannenbaum,

left,

self-pro-

claimed confidante of missing Universily of

Colorado professor Thomas Riha, appeared in

•Boulder District Court Tuesday. She sas c-

companied by attorney John Kokish of Den-

ROCKY MOUNTAIN NEWS PHOTO BY HOWARD BROCK

ver. The court necepted a motion to reduce

the

Denver woman's

hond front $2.500 to

$1.000. She is being held on charges of alleg-

eily signing the

Russian history scholar's

name to a check after he vanished.

AH 55100 DocId: 32989553 Page 125

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## Page 126

MYSTERIES

His horse Maid!

If the pris

fessor's papers and liailure care sent

Tom Cut and the Colonel

Tannenbaums lans

stic

She called bin

"Tom Cat," she ex-

mied Rinas daur in the

Drains couly, because

"he earned it."

Ait Museum, Royall.

the called her. "Colonel," she says, "be-

Kussion Cilicion, a tereo bolume his-

cause somotimes ! get a litile bossy. It

lory lost published

was just a joke.

• Adore serious is the

are now sent to ira.

fact thirt

"Tom Cal"or Thomas Kiha,

ver addess. The paterni

l.1,81 has

40, associate professor of Russian his-

recened a number of letteis 1n

tory at thie University of Coloredo, has

name, but he suspads that neither the

been

missing since March. Only the

signaturs lior the grander belong to

"Colons"- Mrs. Ciair Cannenbaum, a

his client.

prison alumna with a knack. for forg-

One of the fow thi

that to clear is

ery and a yen for mystery-claims to

that Riha Crappeared

hottis after his

have scon him since.

wife Him.

25. lie:!

house.

her

When Kiha vanished, lie left a four-

clothes smelling of

other.

crying that

bedroom house full of furniture,

a col-

someone was trying

to do

lection of religious siatuary. a

kitchen

that tric.

Riha and

har

in.: At

Hana

hid

sued

table set for breakfast and a pending di-

vorce action. Denver police received as-

mach we fat ordeds

ment was

surances that Rind was "alive and well"

only after Riha had

vanished

and that no investigation was necessary.

Mrs. Tannenbaum, s8, says that she

That word ostensibly came from Gov-

met Riha when he,

ernment agents, but federal oficials in

the Universily g

Chicago slee vas

Donver and Washingion now deny any

Chicago.

was

born Ciloria sna

Forest and was mar-

involvement in the case.

ried and divorced twice.

A third mar-

Ether

Smell. Friends

and associates

riage, she says. gave her the name of

in Colorado continue le

wonder if the

Tannenbaum. She was twice imprisoned

protessor is indeed alive and weil. The

in Illinois for forgery and embezzlement.

Czechosiorak-born reacher was

first

The Colonel

apparently followed her

missed on aarch 18, when he jailed to

friend to Boulder, and the two remained

show ne for class at the uncerty.

close-so close ihat Riha's attorney

Then Rihas progenty logan to be solo

claims to have seen an lOU that Riha

c. 13s cut

gave to Galya, which specitied cancel-

lation in the

event of their marriage.

be Rib's mos on the tide arigoment.

The two remained friends after Riha's

marriage to Hana, and Calya was pros-

ent the night that Mann Far soreaming

from the house. Galya alone clains io

know Riha's whereabouts.

"He is some-

where between Montreal and Toronto."

she toid TiME Correspondent Champ,

Clark.

"a summer-resori sort of place.

Galya has had other interesting but

нойоз полсі-сесія?

tunes meal cops, last dot.

i friend of jess. Cirli

flynn.

a 10o tir incordos, jrinter and

desi.

sonin..

ingrorons will left

less in

funily than crowed. He dil ben:.

Sell amand do does

ment di personal posserine.

a cuckoo chick, a

dren.. Cinder is now charged bo De.

police wiih forging thai mill.

eel net gutty by reason de Insaniy.

Strangely. one witness

15. 111

Cerony.

Tho

Riha's neplici. Coreny ink sentes

nessing the will. He also says that Cir

instrneted him to help dispose of kin

properly after his disapprarance.

now believes that his

untie is

de.-

And it was Corvent Who fled the or

oilicial complaint in the Riha case-d i

lated missing-persons report lit 0:.

tober. Another minor beneficiary of it÷

werson's

will. Barbara

Ebert.

alre

friend of Galya's, died last Septembe:

diso of cyanide poisoniny

Bad Check. Denser police last wee.

arrested the Colonel and charged :::

with forging Riha's naile in a bad ches:

The check was payment for a piar:

that she had chartered fo: Cerveny ir.

a Colorado Mying service. The char:-

pilot says Galya claimed lo be a Seur:

Service agent mirink the plare lord..

citizens of the Soviet Union.

Did Thomas Riha vani has the Ce.

onel claims--simply to crape his los.

bles with a young wire? Who rogre

senter the federal

agencies"

1r.:

stopped a police investigation last ye.-

Denver District Atlorne: Janes D. J1..

Kevitt intends to find out.

"Inis one.

say's the D.A. now, "is right out of Ag-

atha Christie."

TIME MAGAZINE

• February

9, 1970

7.60

47. 54544

ww ss100 spbeta(a2yass5s

Page 126(//A-.

---

## Page 127

"..

OPTIONAL FORM NO. 10

PONY INTIOTION

A FOMR (1 058) 101-18.6

UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT

Memorandam

:

DIRECTOR, EBI

DATE:

2/12/70

IR1031

SAC, DENVER (47-3190) (C)

GALYA TANNENBAUM, aka

IMPERSONATION

00: Denver

'any

Re Denver airtel to Bureau 1/22/70.

Enclosed

for the Bureau are five copies of a letter

head memorandum reflecting additional investigation conducted

regarding captioned matter.

For information of the Bureau, subject TANNENBAUM is

presently undergoing psychiatric examination and evaluation at

the Colorado State Hospital, Denver, Colorado.

As previously

noted, subject has been charged in Denver District Court in the

1969 forgery of the will of a deceased individual, and she is

presently on $1500 bond on this charge. TANNENBAUM is also

free

on $1,000 bond in connection with charges filed in Boulder

District Court where she is alleged to have forged the name

THOMAS RIFA to a $330 check. This forgery allegedly occurred

in July, 1969, some four and a half months after the mysterious

nel without the

" newspaper clippings and detailed information.

your Commitre arcine content may

nation outside voir Committee.

All persons interviewed in this investigation were

specifically advised by interviewing Agents that the purpose of &

this investigation was to ascentain whether GALYA TANNENBAUM

had in any way violated Federal statutes concerning impersona-

tion.

Interviewees were specifically advised investigation was

0.1

"not in any way connected with the disappearance of THOMAS RIHA,

of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado

a clorently missing Assistant Professor of History at the univens d

14545411-

This statement was made to interviewees because

the

Denver Office has received inquiries by news media concerning

¡RIHA's disappearance and

They have been specifically advised

Bureau (Enc. 5) kids

Denver

•MRS: pr

( 3)

is 414200434

"'Y"SO FEB 16-1970

wuniorized person

centras by

not for

dissemi-

1-54549

2570172251

x7292

DocId: 32989y56. Spageingn Bonds Regularly on the Payroll Savings Plan

---

## Page 128

DN 47-3190

there is no evidence relating to his disappearance showing any

violation of federal law over which this Bureau has jurisaction.

l'he circumstances of his disappearance suggest a missing persor

situation and that investigation is being handed by the

• Boulder

Police Department.

Because of the close personal relationship between

stead of the impersonation or a Federal officer by TANNENBAUM.

Pursuant to current Bureau instructions, this office

is not and has not conducted any investigation concerning RIHA.

Interviews of additional sources in captioned ratter

have been for the purpose of clarifying additional statements

allegedly made by subject TANNENBAUM regarding her affiliation

with

• Inmigration and Naturalization Service, U. S. Army and

Military Intelligence, In this connection all logical sources

have been interviered and the results of these interviews dis

cussed exhaustively with the Assistant U. S. Attorney in Denver,

Colorado, having jurisdiction in this matter, and prosecution

has been declined. The Assistant U. S. Attorney in Denver does

not feel there is

any possibility of prosecuting subject

TANNENBAUM regarding these false statements under the Federal

Impersonation Statute.

In view of this fact, no lurther investi

gation is contemplated by the Denver Office in this matter.

=2=

NH 55100

DocId: 32989553

Page 128

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## Page 129

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION

Ins Keply, Please Refer to

tile .lo.

Denver,

Colorado

February 12, 1970

GALYA TANNENBAUM

IMPERSONATION MATTER

Robert Duane Gaines, Pilot, Judson Flying Service,

Longmont,

Colorado, was interviewed at Fort Worth, Texas, on

January 27, 1970, and stated Galya Tannenbaum had telephoned

him at the Longmont Airport in July, 1969, Inquiring about the

price of chartering an airplane to fly to

San Antonio, texas,

and back.

Gaines stated Tannenbaun told him over the telephone

nel ari di

that she was a Secret Service Agent with the Central Intelligences

Agency (CIA) .

She also stated she

worked closely with the Federa

20u Granire

Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Gaines stated he had quoted a

price of $330 for the round trip charter.

Gaines stated that

Tannenbaum called him later and accepted

his offer.

He stated

he subsequently picked up Tannenbaum and one Idenek Cerveny at

Stapleton Airport, Denver, and flew them to San Antonio, Texas.

Gaines stated that during

; the trip to San Antonio and back

nation aside your Commantee.

Tannenbaum talked at great

length about her affiliations with

various Government agencies, including the Secret Service and

CIA.

Gaines stated Tannenbaum told him that the Government

would pay for her trip to San Antonio; however, when they

1is 2192

arrived back at Stapleton Airport in Denver, Tannenbaum pre-

sented him with a check which she took from

l her purse and which &

was completely filled out in the sum of $330. The check was

already signed with the maker's name Thomas Riha.

C235.955d

Isabad ino

Gaines stated that at no time did he actually believe

that Galya Tannenbaum was affiliated with the Secret Service,

CLA, or any other Government agency.

He said that her state-

ments to this effect did not influence him either in providing

the air transportation or in accepting the Riha check in pay-

ment.

He said that he would have handled the transaction in

exactly the same manner regardless of statements made by her

claiming affiliation with various

• Federal agencies.

HH 55100 DooId:32989553 Page 129

MICLOSURS

451-5441-411-4

---

## Page 130

RE: GALYA TANNENBAUM

Paul Morris, Attorney, Woolworth Building, Boulder,

Colorado, advised on January 28, 1970 that Galya Tannenbaum

had been

introduced to him in June, 1968 by another Boulder

attorney, Dennis Blewitt.

At this

time he stated Blewitt and

others were interested in the Lake Valley Home Owners Associa-

tion and

were attempting to secure financing of a one million

dollar ($1,000, 000) loan.

Morris stated that Tannenbaum had

indicated to Blewiit that she could obtain such a loan for the

Association and as a result certain paynents were made to her

for alleged expenses.

Morris stated that Tannenbaum had statec

that she would be able to secure the loan through the Federal

Housing Administration (FHA) and that she seemed to be quite

well informed on financial matters.

we the foot tanent had noted

He recalled that during

the summer of 1968 Tannenbaum had been successful in obtaining

a preliminary approval of an FHA loan for the Association;

however, it was never finalized.

Morris

stated that several months after the FHA

through he had occasion to contact Tannenbaum

further and at this time Tannenbaum made representations to

a Colonel in the United States Military

Intelligence and had connections with the office of the United

States Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). Morris

stated although he was somewhat skeptical concerning

Tannenbaum's military connections, she did appear well versed

in innigration

matters.

He stated, however, at no time during

his dealings with her had she ever obtained

anything from him

on through him as a result of her representations.

Dennis Blewitt, Attorney, 1966 13th Street, Boulder,

coLorado, was

interviewed on February 3, 1970 and furnished

substantially the same intormation as attorney Morris con-

cerning Tannenbaum's affiliation with the Lake Valley Home

Owners

Association and Tannenbaum's efforts to obtain an FHA

loan for this association.

Blewitt stated after it became

apparent Tannenbaum could not secure the loan from the FHA

she was advised by the Association that her services were no

longer required. He recalled at this time that Tannenbaum

on one occasion had claimed affiliation in some manner with

Military Intelligence and on another occasion had stated she

was an

instructor at the United States Air Force Academy,

Colorado Springs, Colorado.

a result of his associations with Tannenbaum, he had formed

the personal opinion that Tannenbaum was not

a truthful person

-2-

117 55188-

BoeId:32989553 Bage 190

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## Page 131

RE:

GALYA TANNENBAUM

and that he had not actually believed she had any affiliation

with such military agencies of the United States Governnent.

Mrs. Francisca Stein, owner of the Black Bear Inn,

Lyons, Colorado, advised on January 21, 1970 that she had met

Galya

l'annenbaum through her attorney, Paul Morris, Boulder.

Colorado, and had seen her on several

occasions when Tannenbaun

visited the Black Bear Inn.

Mrs. Stein stated Tannenbaum had.

been introduced to her by Morris as one who might be able to

assist her in getting Zdenek Cerveny, a nephew of Thomas Riha,

admitted into the United States.

Mrs. Stein said that on one

occasion Tannenbaum made a statement to her that she was a

Colonel in the Military Intelligence and was soon to be pro-

moted to the rank of General.

Tannenbaum also told Mrs. Stein

that she at one tine had belonged to an extermination group

which killed people.

Mrs. Stein said in view of this and

other similar wild

statements made by Tannenbaum, she soon

formed the opinion that Tannenbaum was not a truthful indivi-

dual and did not believe any statements made by her.

Mrs. Hana

Riha, wife of Thomas Riha, was interviewed

at the residence of Rose

Grossman, 240 Bast 18th Street

Brooklyn, New York, on Januany 28, 1970. Mrs. Riha advised

that she

had first met Galya Tannenbaum

on the occasion of

her marriage October 13, 1968 to Thomas Riha:

She said follow

her marriage to Riha, Tannenbaum had visited at their

residence in Boulder approximately twice a week until February,

1969. On several of these occasions Tannenbaum made statements

to Mrs. Riha indicating she was working for the United States

Army and expected to be promoted to the rank of General.

Riha said that Tannenbaum also claimed to have connections

the Immigration and Naturalization Service but was not

specific as to the nature of her affiliation.

Tannenbaum

claimed to have lived in Russia during World War II.

Mys.

Riha said that she became tired of Mrs. Tannenbaum's inces-

sant talking and had as little to do with her as possible.

Mr. Zdenek Cerveny, a nephew of Thomas Riha, was

interviewed

at the Black Bear Inn, Lyons, Colorado, on

January 21, 1970 and advised that he has

known Galy, Tannenbaum

since his arrival in the United States from Czechoslovakia.

He stated Mrs. Tannenbaum met him at the bus depot in Denver

upon his arrival November 16, 1968.

She drove him to the

residence of his uncle, Thomas Riha, 1055 6th Street, Boulder.

-3-

HH 55100 DocId:32989553 Page 131

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## Page 132

22:

GALYA TANNENBAUM

ir. Cerveny said that he had been told by his uncle, Thomas

tha, that Mrs. Tannenbaum was a very important

person' and

had been influential in getting him into the United States.

i said he resided with Thomas Riha and wife Hana until January 8,

1369 and during this period Mrs. Tannenbaum had

visited in the

nina house on many occasions.

He recalled Mrs. Tannenbaum had

made numerous statements claiming to be either an officer in

lilitary Intelligence or influential with authorities of the

United States Immigration and Naturalization Service and had

indicated on one occasion that if he did not behave, she would

have him sent back to Czechoslovakia.

Cenveny

stated Tannenbaum accompanied him to the

Federal Building in Denver once when he had to go to the office

of the Immigration and Naturalization Service.

He said that

Tannenbaum refused to go with him into the office, however,

and remained outside. Cerveny advised that at no

time did

Tannenbaun ever obtain anything from him as a result of her

representations of affiliation with governmental agencies.

Rose Grossman, 240 East 18th Street, Brooklyn, New

York, advised on January 27, 1970 that she had attended

the

wedding of Thomas Riha and wife Hana in Colorado in October,

1968. She stated she is an aunt of Hana Riha.

Mr's .

Grossman said she heard of Mrs. Tannenbaum but did not

actually meet her.

She said the first she had spoken to Mrs.

Tannenbaum had been by telephone from New York about March,

1969.

Later she said she went to Boulder, Colorado, and Mrs.

• Tannenbaum came to the hotel where she was staying and told

her that Hana Riha was in trouble concerning her immigration

status.

Mrs. Tannenbaum claimed to have influential friends

at the Immigration and Naturalization Service.

also told

Mrs. Grossman she was a Colonel in the Pentagon Military

Intelligence, Washington, D. C.

Mrs. Grossman said her hus

band, who had

accompanied her to Boulder, asked Mrs. Lannendaum

if she worked fon the Military Intelligence in Washington, and

Mrs. Tannenbaum said that a smart person would not ask such

questions.

According to Mrs. Grossman, this conversation left

her with the impression that Tannenbaum had some type of con-

nection with the United States Government; however, she never

exhibited any identification as such.

- 4-

1H 55100- DoOId: 32909553

Pane. 132

---

## Page 133

RE: GALYA TANNENBAUM

Vaclav Havlicek, owner of a business known as Fasco,

located in the Denver Merchandise Mart, Denver, Colorado, ad-

vised on January 23, 1970 that he had met Galya lannenbaum on

two occasions through Thomas Riha, a personal friend. Havlicek

said that Riha on a number of occasions had referred to Mrs.

Tannenbaum as the "Colonel" and had indicated she had influ

ential Government connections.

He stated, however, that Mrs.

Tannenbaum had never made any such statements to him,

and he

had no knowledge of her ever having claimed to be affiliated

with an agency of the United States

Government.

Stephen Fischer-Galati, Professor, Department of

History, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado, advised

on January 26, 1970 that he first met Galya Tannenbaum in May,

1969, when he

began making inquiries of individuals he had

reason to belleve might have intormation concerning the dis-

appearance of Professor Thomas Riha.

He said that Mrs.

Tannenbaum had told him she had known Thomas Riha for many

years and had indicated to him that she helped Riha come to

the United States and gave no further explanation.

Fischer-

Galati advised that he had heard from unrecalled sources that

Tannenbaum claimed to be a Colonel in Military Intelligence.

He said after several conversations with her; however, ne

became convinced she was not connected with any type Incelli-

gence work and was not connected with Eastern European history.

He stated Tannenbaum was extremely careful in her conversations

with him and made no statements concerning affiliation with any

intelligence or governmental agency.

David Regosin, Attorney, 30 Broad Street, New York,

New York, advised on January 23, 1970 that he is attorney for

Rose Grossman and has also represented Hana Riha.

Mr. Regosin

stated his only contact with Galya lannenbaum had been on or

about March 8, 1969 when he received a telephone call, allegeaty

fcom Mrs. Tannenbaum, who said she was calling from Colorado.

Mr. Regosin said this person indicated she was taking care of

the immigration problems of Hana Riha and she was not "going

out on a limb any more." Tannenbaum during

• this conversation

appeared to be screaming and hysterical.

Mr, Regosin stated

she did not directly represent to Mr. Regosin that she was an

officer or employee of the United States Government.

Mr. Bill Wade, Chief Underwriter,

Federal Housing

Administration (FHA), Denver, Colorado, advised on February 2,

1970 that Galya Tannenbaum came to his

office in the summer oi

1968 in an effort to obtain a one million dollar ($1,000, 000)

development loan for the Lake Valley Estates of Boulder.

After

reviewing the material furnished by Mrs. Tannenbaum, Mr. Wade

55100 DocId: 32989553 Page 133

- 5.

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## Page 134

HE: GALYA TANNENBAUM

stated the financial structure of the Lake Valley Estates was

not sufficient to

grant such a

loan.

Mr. Wade stated that

Tannenbaum made a trip to Washington, D. C., in January, 1969,

and registered a formal complaint against the Denver FHA

office.

She also wrote a letter of complaint to FHA in

Washington making complaints against FHA personnel in Denver.

Mr. Wade advised that at no time did lannenbaum ever represent

herself to him as an employee of the United States Government,

either in a civil or military capacity.

John L. Todd, District Director, United States

Innioration and Naturalization Service, Lieutenant Colonel

Lynn B. Fritchman, Commanding Officer, Region IV, 113th

Military Intelligence,

and Paul S. Rundle, Special Agent in

Charge, United States

Secret Service, New Custom House

Building, all of Denver, Colorado, were contacted and advised

that there is no information in records of their respective

offices indicating that Galya Tannenbaum is or has ever been

affiliated with their respective organizations.

Galya Tannenbaum was interviewed at Boulder County

Jail, Boulder, Colorado, January 28, 1970 and results of that

interview are

set forth on FD-302, copy of which is attached

hereto.

-6-

HH 55100

DocId: 32989553

Page 134

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## Page 135

FD-302 (Rov. 1-15-64)

FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION

Date February 3, 1970

1

CALYA TANNGNBAUM waS interviewed at the Boulder

County Jail, Boulder: Colorado.

She was advised of the

identities of Special Agents APRILL R. SHIllI and J. MALE

MC MENAMIN, after which it was explained to her that the

purpose of

the interview was to clicit infornation concerning

allegations that she was in violation of the Federal Extortion

Statute.

She was orally advised of her rights by Special Agent

MC MENAMIN and waived these rights, as shown on an executed

Waiver of Rights form.

that the name CALYA TANNENBAUM is a name she

has chosen for her

self, and that the name has been legally affirned in the County

Court of Cook County, Chicago, Illinois.

She stated the name

derives from a ballet dancer whom she admired by the nane of

GALYA ZAKHAROVNA and a former cormon-law husband, LEO TANENBAUM.

She noted she still occasionally utilizes the name GALYA

LAKHAROVNA, and explained that she spells the name "TANNENBAUM"

slightly different fron that of Loo tAnbubAum to avord any

implication that she was ever legally married to him.

TANNENBAUM stated she was born GLORIA ANN FOREST in

chicago, linois, on March 30, 1931, to JOSEPH J. FOREST, nOW

deceased, and MARGARET JOSIPLINE DAHLGREN FOREST, age 69, tho

currently resides in Galva, Illinois.

She advised she married

ROBERI STUARI MC PERSOiT on August 15, 1947, in Alton, Illinois,

when she was 17 years of age, and MC PHERSON at that time was a

member of the United States Army Band Corps as a Staff Sergeant.

of this marriage. She

MARGARET THEILE.

an aunt by marriage of her brother, PETER

FOREST.

She explained the child was adopted after she had

commenced serving a two-year sentence in the Illinois State

Reformatory, Dwight, Illinois, In 1960, pointing out that she

nad been previously divorced

from MC PHERSON in St. Louis

County, Missouri, in 1954.

On

1/28/70 Boulder. Colorado

File # Denver 47-3190

SA'S MERRILL R. SMITH and

by_

I. HALE MIC NENALIN Jak:anw

Dato dictaiod 1/29/70

This documons contains neither sacommendations nor conclusions of tha FBI. It is the proporty of the FBl and is loaned to your agency;

it and its contonis are not to be distributod outside your agency.

HH 55100 Do0Id:32989553 Page 135

---

## Page 136

DAI 47-3190

2

Prior to this adoption in 1960, TANNENBAUli advised

she marrIed CHARLES RUSSELL S0110:

a graphic artist, on

LoveMber 40

Their divorce vecume

one child, JAiBS DAVID

SCIMO, was born of this marriage on roverber 3, 1959. lle

presently resides with her in Denver, Colorado.

According to TALLNDAUl, the present whereabouts of

MC PHERSON and SCIlO are unknown to her.

TANNENBAUM advised

she commenced living with LEO

I'ANENBAUM in a cormon-law relationship in 1064 at 5135 Kenwood

Street, Chicago, Illinois.

See stated TANENBAUM is approxinate..

ly 48

years of age and a rraphic artist in the Lincoin l'ower

Building

75 E. Troker Drive, Chicago, Illin01s.

She stated

REBECCA" ÉVA TANENBAUM waS born of this union on February 12,

1966. and currently resides with her in Denver. PAINBAUM

stated she and lio ceased their relationship in approximately

May, 1966.

with regard to her relationship with THOMAS RIHA,

TANNENBAUl stated sno first met him in the Washington, D.C.

ared in approximately 1949 when her husband, ROSENT IC PHERSON,

wos stationed at Bolling Air Force Base, Hashingion, D.C.

She

recalled that her husband had not NinA while he wos in

the Army

ovenseas under circumstances she either does not know on does

not recall, and knew hin only slichtly as a visitor in their

home on a fow occasions.

She continued that the next time she

net him was while he was teaching at the University of Chicago

in 1961 or 1962. She recalled she was sharing a house with a

woman named PhYLis KAPlAi, and they lived next doon to a wonan

e he recal 200

naned JULls SiOn, mom she described as a lesbian enloved as

the Advertising Director of the University of Chicago Press.

She advised she had occasion to contact STORM from time to

time seeking froe-lance graonic ant work, and recalls on one

occasion noting some ranuscripts of RIllA in STORM's house.

She recalled having met hin previously and had STORM arrange

for her to meet him again ai her residence.

She stated she

met with him briefly on one occasion at STORM's residence, but

did not actually see hin again until she broke up with Lio

TANENBAUM in 1966.

On the above instance, IANNENBAUM stated she had a

chance meeting with RIMA on the

University of Chicago campus

8

55100 DocId: 32989553 Page 136

---

## Page 137

DN 47-3190

3

where she had been sceking ant work at the press offica,

and in conversation with him at that tine deiernined that

they were

neighbors in that she

resided at 5135 Kimbark

Street and

he resided in

the 5600 block of Kinbark Street.

Thereafter, she stated RIHA would visit her rosidence on

occasion for dinner, and eventually in the sunner of 1967

they made tentative

PLans to marry.

his position at the University of

and in dugust, 1967, he moved to 1155 - 6th Street, Boulder,

colorado, where he had obtained a teaching position with the

mary chicalon street,

"Chicago have into time,

University of Colorado.

She followed him to Boulder in

October, 1967,

and commenced residing with him in a common-

law relationship at this address until Deconber, 1967, when

they broke up over the fact that he was not able to get along

with her two children who wore residing with then.

TANNENBAUM continued that she returned to Chicago

at this time, wore she remined until way, 1968, and then

came

back to

Colorado to establish residence in Denver where

she hoped to continue her profession as a graphic artist.

She stated she diû not resuce the conmon-law relationshid

with RillA upon her return; however, she stated she was still

emotionally involved with

RIHA and was considerably upset

when he marrind iAl RIllA, & much younger woman and

a parson

he had known only a short period of time prior to his marriage

to her.

TANNGNBAUM categorically denied she ever represented

herself as being connected in any way with the Armed Forces of

the United States or that she had ever tried to give anyone

the impression that she

was an employee of the United States

Government.

waS

a menber of Military intelligence, the

Immigration and vaturalization Service, the Central Intolligence

Agency, on the United States

Secret Service. She also stated

she had never attempted to give the impression that she had

ever been connected in any way with the Federal Bureau of

Investigation. She stated that RIHA has

many times in the past

jokingly rejerred to her as "Sarge" and "Colonel" when he

thought she was being too demanding of him, and

as

a result

of this tendency on his part other people began calling her by

these names, with the whole matter actually being interpreted

by her as a

joke.

9

IN 55100 DocTd:32989553

Page 137

---

## Page 138

DN 47-3190

TANNENBAUM continued that there is a magazine

entitled "i-Intelligence" to which she subscribes and sub-

mits articles.

She described this publication as being

that

of an organization calied "Mensa," which sie explained is

for people of superior intelligence.

She qualified member-

shaj in the organization by stating she had an I.Q. of 139

TANIIHBAUM advised she may have

been misunderstood by lic. CURALD CAPLAN, Boulder, Colorado,

the attorney for lANA Kiid, regarding certain statements

allegedly made by her that she was affiliated with Wilitary

She recalled a conversation in the office of

immigration status of lIANA RIHA

during which she told CapiAN she was with "M-I," a term

utilized to impross hin with her intelligence rather than

to assert affiliation with lilitary Intelligence.

TANNENBAUM also stated that in July, 1969, she made

tri2 by private plane to san antonio:

Texas, with

ZDENsK

CRAVERY, nepHeW Of THOLAS RItA, to vIsit relatives oF RIHA

She stated she made the trip at CERVENY's

insistence, principally because she would not allow hin to

utilize her

• automobile

Eon the trip as well as the fact that

since she felt she would eventually probably lave to pay for

this toin anyway: she might just as well go along for the ride.

TANNENBAUII advised that when she called the Judson Flying

Sanvice

in Longuont, Colorado, to arrange for this trip,

had not made any staterent that she was in any way connected

with iny branch of the United States Covernment.

She denied

raking any statements whatsoever to the pilot of the airplune

concerning her arrillation with the Government, and statec

chat when sno annived back in Denver she paid the pilot with

a $330 check drawn on the first National Bank, Boulder, Colorado,

which had been previously signed by THOMAS RIllA for her con-

venience. She denied that she made any representations when

presenting this check to the pilot of the airplane, and insisted

that as

far as she knew RIHA had sufficient funds in the bank

with which to cover the cost of the flight.

At this point, TAiNENBAUM stated she was tired of

being made a fool of by.

the false allegations that she had been

impersonating military and Government personnel, and did not

desire to discuss the matter further.

10

HIH

55100 DooId:32989553 Page 138

---

## Page 139

Am.-.

DIN 47-3190

5

TANNENBAUM advised she wished to go on record with

the Fbi that the disappearance of Molas siA from Boulder,

Colorado, on lanch 15, 1309, had nothing to io with her past

association with him,

and could only offer the opinion that

he decided to cbruvily icave Boulder que to marital difficulties

and nurerous porschal clashes with other members in the

Lepartuent of mistory at the university of Colorado.

statea she has recoived sevoral long distance telephone calls

fron KIriA since his disappearance, but did not know from what

location they

cinnated as

he refused to divulge his where-

abouts.

Sue ulso statay that in August, 1969, he called hor

from Stapleton International Airpori in

Denver and she met

him there for a short period of time; however, he refused to

tell her nis

destination on where he had been

between that

time and March 15, 1963.

She stated the conversation was

strictly

parsohal..

TANNENBAUM stated the last tire she reccived

any written concunication fron RITA was in Novenber, 1959,

which connunication she recalls was postnarked toronto, Canada.

She also stated she received a islephone call from him just

before Christnas, 1969, for the purpose of extending Christnas

greetings.

ccording to JAiNGNBAUM, the call cane fron a pay

telephone from an unknown location.

She continued that the notes she received from RIHA

were removed from her residence in Denver, Colorado, on

January 23, 1970, by detectives of the Boulder, Colorado Police

Departuent on the

basis of a search warrant: however, she stated

, has advised her that he has a

obtained through independent investigation.

She pointed out

she 1s certain millA wild again return to the Boulder area.

The following descriptive data was obtained concerning

TANNENBAUM through interviow and observation:

Race:

Sex:

Date or 31rch:

Place of Birth:

neight:

Weignt:

Eyes:

Hair:

White

Female

March 30, 1931

Chicago,

Illinois

5'7"

170 pounds

Brown

Brown/ gray

11

HH 55100 DocId: 32989553 Page 139

---

## Page 140

DN 47-3190

Address:

Occupation:

Relatives:

Military Service:

Education:

Status of Health:

248 Logan Street, Denver:

Colorado.

raphIc Anjiri

ather - JOSEPH J. PORES.

(Deceased)

Mother ~ MARGARET JOSEPHINE

FOREST, age 69

salva, Illinois.

Brother - PETER FOREST, age

35, 420 Oakland Street,

lowe City, Jowa

Brother - CHARLES ANDREW FOREST.

age 34, Sandia, New

Mexico.

States employed

as mathematician, U. S.

Atomic Energy Commission.

None

St. Anthony Grade School,

St. Louls, Missouri;

attended St. Rlizabeth

Academy, St. Louis, Missouri

where completed tench grade;

received high school divlona

while incarcerated in Illinois

State Reformatory for Wonen.

Received psychiatric treatnent

141468 Xa5ue 2 1519g orch.

ILLInOlS, 1956

12

NH 55100 DocId: 32989553

Page 140

---

## Page 141

RE: GALXA TANNENBAUM

Mc. James R. Richards, Assistant United States

Attorney, Denver, Colorado, was contacted on February 6,

1970 and furnished results

of complete interviews of persons

contacted in this investigation.

Mr. Richards stated

lannenbaum apparently did not obtain anything of value as

result of hes false representations.

He also noted there was

no indication that persons to whom these false representations

had been made relied upon them or acted directly as a result

of her false claims. Mr. Richards stated he did not feel the

actions of Mrs. Tannenbaum constituted

a prosecutable violation

of the Federal Impersonation Statute, and added that the matter

did not appear to be one that had prosecutive merit.

This document contains neither recommendations

nos conclusions of the FBI. It is the property

of the FBI and is loaned to your agency; it and

its contents are not to be distributed

outside

your agency.

-13÷

WH 55100 DocId:32989553 Page 1tt

---

## Page 142

UNITED STACES DEPIRTHENT OF IUSTICE

FEDERIL BUREAU OF INTESTIGATION

In limple, Please Refer io

File: No.

18218 Federal Building

Denver, Colorado 80202

Fabzuary 12, 1970

lire Janes 1. Treece

United States Attorey

United States Courthouse

Lenver: Colorado

80202

Attontion: Mr. James R. Richards

Assistant U.S. Attorney

Re: Calya Tannenbaun

Impersonation Matter

Dear Sir:

nel

On February 6, 1970, Special Agent Morrill R. Srith

contactod Assistant United States Attorney Janes R. Richards

and discussed in detail resulis of investiration concucica by

him cararding allegations of false staterents made by captioned

individual in clairing to be associated with various Feicral

ging tory

oil inning A reat sand turalization.

express

wil

As a rasult of these discussions, Mr. Richards

declined prosecution of Tannenbaun, noting

that

she had

approval

mason arisiin, rc Commuice.

upperently never obtainod anything of value and that persons

to vhon such clairs were nade amarently did not raly upon haras

lalse representations.

kir. Richards stated that he did not

This document is prepared in response

feel

Tannenbaun's actions constituted & prosecutable violation coc

of the Federal Impersonation Statute and stated the matter wast:

one which did noi appear to have prosecutive merit.

A copy of a letterhead memorandum roflceting results

of interviews of individuals contacted in this investigation

§ "s

is being enclosed for the completion of your file in this

natter.

No further investigation is contemplated by this

office regarding Tannenbaum.

NOT RECORDCO

Very truly yours, 10 FEB 16 1970

not for dissemi

SCOTT J. WERNER

Special Agent in Charge

Enclosure 1

MH 55100 DocId: 32989553 Page 142

---

## Page 143

eir de water if annot hierien

Transmit the following in

Vic

AIRTEL

FBI

Daie: 7/9/70

(Type in plaintext or codel

(Priority)

Mur.

AEr.

My.

1N.4097

Criban "

- 1/

rel? .

=75°

FAr.

SIr-

Tr.

Mr.

Mr. EnT

Faie Paria

Miss Paras

Diss Cani-

dissemi-

proceedings by

person

This document is preparei in response to your request and is not for

official

is limited to

be disclosed to unauthorized

FBI .

Its use

not

of the

nation outsit. you Connoree.

wid the content.may

approval

express

your Commitice

nel without the

TO:

DIRECTOR, FBI

FROM: SAC, DENVER (47-3190)

GALYA TANNENBAUM, aka

IMPERSONATION

00: Denver

Re Denver. letter 2/12/70, and letterhead

memorandum enclosure thereto.

Referenced communication sets forth background

investigation conducted by the Denver Division concerning

TANNENBAUM.

Enclosed is a newspaper clipping which appeared

on page 58 of today's edition of the Rocky Mountain News,

a Denver local newspaper.

The article is captioned "GALYA. She Talked to

Church Statues."

It sets forth testimony given by one

DI. JOHN MACDONALD, a psychiatrist, at a sanity hearing

involving TANNENBAUM, which hearing is being held in

Boulder District Court before Judge JOHN BARNARD without

a jury.

Dr. MACDONALD was testifying concerning the re-

suits of his mental examination of TANNENBAUM.

According to the article Doti

MACDONALD set

forth

various allegations and claims

which Mrs.

#TANNENBAUM has

made to him, including a claim that she worked for the FBI.

This claim. by TANNENBAUM of Bureau employment is

absolutely untrue.

* JUL 11 1970

e-Bureau (Enc-1)2

Denver indiges negative concerning ReADONAlDe:

2-Denver (1-47-3190UNE

JEM: hg

(1-110544151

Rihad

pril

QIU 211900

1H 5510p 0 ede 132989553 Pade

- Sent

oPer

F. 19

---

## Page 144

DN 47-3190

Upon reading the enclosed article ASAC JOHN E.

MORLEY inmediately contacted the SRA in Boulder, Colorado

and instructed him to contact judge BARNARD today and advise

him that not only had Mrs. TANNENBAUM never worked for the

FBl, but she has never in

any way whatsoever beer associated

with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

That information was given to Mrs. ESTHER DONNELLEY,

Judge BARNARD's secretary, this morning since Judge BARNARD

was again in court hearing the sanity matter involving Mrs.

TANNENBAUM.

When contaded by the Bureau Agent Mrs. DONNELLEY

stated when the Judge heard that comment of alleged Bureau

employment by Mrs. TANNENBAUM he immediately discounted it

knowing it was absolutely untrue.

Mrs. DONNELLEY stated she would bring the FBI

refutation of this comment to the Judge's attention at the

first recess in court.

Various criminal proceedings are pending against

Mrs. TANNENBAUM in the Denver-Boulder area, and they are

being held in abeyance, pending the outcome of her current

sanity trial.

2

HH 55100 DocId: 32989553

Page 144

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## Page 145

FDAOS (30v. 7-16-631

(Mount Clipping in Space Below)

Gilys: She talked

do churah sialues

BY BARBARA BRONAR

Rocky Mountain News Writer

Mrs. Galya Tannenbaum claimed statnes in a Cath-

olie church talked to her, a Denver psychiairist festi

fied Wednesday.

"I fell it really hagioned.

Dr. John Alacdonald. Colorado!

Psychopathic Hospital forensi

psychiatry director, queted Nits

'Cannenbaum.

"I

felt I belonged to some.

thing.

At home, ererything var

wrong.

•There, people liked me."

!. :

Macdonald,

however, said the

stocky 39-year-old woman frien

of missing University of Color:-

do professor: is%. Thomas Rina is

legally sane.

But, Alacdonald testified in re-

sponse lo a question by de ense

bawver

John Kokish, had Mies.!

Mannenbaum

•been

charged

with killing someone.' he coul:t

have found her legally insane.

'Relates to need'

"I would bare to know the cite

misin me to scente

cumstances,"

Macdonald said.!

Mrs. Calys Tamenbaum

"If it relates to her need to hold

on to her man I would sar, ves.

iny Nihe's name to a $330

check.

"In other words it it were:

someone

had

rejected

Wins.

her?"

Kokish asked.

"I would say, yes, possibly." airline service last July 30 for a

the psychiatrist said. (Macdon-

flight to San Antonio, Tex. aitel

ald said Mrs. Tennenbaum toid Riha was first missed March 14

him she lived with Riha

for a 11969.

time, and was upset by his sud-

Macionald - testifving. io:

den marriage.")

ight hours-said Mrs. Tannen

Tannenbaum, however. baum made one claim after an-

Genda

grei-haired mother ot

is undergoing

is sanity

trial on her plea of innocent concentration

oly reason of insanity to forg-

World War II.

NN 55100 DocId:32989553 Page 145

FIC CHART

(Indicate page, name of

newspaper, oily and stale.)

58￾

The Rocky Mtn. News

Denver, Colorado

Date: 7=9=70

Edition: Home

Author: Barbara Browne

Editor: Jack Foster

Gayla Tannenbaum;

aka,

• Imp.

Character:

or

Classification: 47-3190

Submitting Office: Denver

[ Being Investigated

---

## Page 146

alleged proficiency with weap.

"St one timo sha said sho

Macdonake said.

Nas 18011

another plenet,"

them: That she could shont

Mardonald said.

on the ning with a ritle,

Macdonald suid there "can ta"

"She talked about kling Rus no quastion

but that JIrs. Tan-

isians, and said she ran assem-inenbaum is a very sick wem-

(Mredonald also said, to hisifather (a Chicago sign painter) ble

gun behind her back,"ian."

tro leatgo, NIrs. Tannenbaum alwho died in 7953.

1: 31e nd Chicago, had never left!

Macdonaid

said.

"She

also!

Nevertheless,

he

said, she is

Mrs. Tenuenbaum claimed to: claims to be very familiar with not lagally insane in that sha is

11a1.5.1

have had an unhaypr chilinolia, 'di namite.

so deranged as not in be

E da mas a colonel in some in

which she was told her par-

intolence service, who helped ents wanted a bos, wes fre-dangerous

"She said Sir would do ver fable to tell the fillerunce be

and w10n4,

a i citizens out of Czechostova- quently beaten and as locked over Loveland Pass at a loi al

the difference. to

kia to Western countries.

'in the basement.

Ois. Tannenbaum used the!

titude so 'pictures' could be tak-frain from wrongdoing.

manes of both Col. Zacarora-,

Married musician

The sanity case is being trod

after a Russian balierina-and

Because of this she said she!

Friend of Joe's

to Boulder Dist. Judge John

Col. Tannenbaum.)

¡fiyed it a world of "illusion.'

• she was an associate of the When

All's.

Tannenbaum

Barnard without a jury.

also

she was 16, she said, she; claimed to be a friend of Joe Ba-

•Cosia Vostra

and went to din-;married a dance band leader nanss.

a gangland figure, Gov.

nors "with the family."

who later joined the Air Force. John Lore,

It. Gor. Dlark Ho-

"She said she went through al

Durins this marriage. Bolling|gan and the late U.S. Sen. Frer~

ceremony and promised not to Air Force Base Hospital rec-ett Dirisen.

the code," Macdonald ords, introduced by Kolish state

Nirs. Tannenbaum claimed the

saia. "se said she'd probably Jirs.

I linenbaum apparently:

statues in church talked to her

he killed for talking abuct the sufferad

"cancersion

when she was 26 or 27 vears old.

Ition" in which she was unable to

torped what she thought was a her husbard might leave her.

indo a lake in an oil drum,

She was pregnant with her

Macdonald said. She also

first child at the time.

told bian she knew about arother!

JIacdonald said AIrs. Tannen-

ganglond killing.

Morever,

Jirs. Tansenbaum

bauen suifered from feelings of!

'dependener. One of her reasons!

also claimed to have worked for for becuming pregnant, he said.

the FIBI.

was that this would help her to

'Pollution plun'

hold her men.

"She said she's written in the

NIrs. Tannenbaum was twice

CIl and the

Coimission and the Pentagon

Atomic Enery Commonam

married

and had a

relationship, Mac-

about a plan she worked out to donaid said.

use Cobalt 60 to clean un polli-

Drug overdoses

tion in the Chicago area," Mac-

Hospital records. produced hy

indicate JIrs.

Cuba for the government," Mac-¡hospitals

donald said. "She admitted tell-' state;

ing other people about doing from

(A TV shows morphine.

Jirs. Tannenhaum admitted

"During her life, she says,

tling elaborate lies to some she's had very few friends,

people, but claimed some of land

the only person

she can

lor nild stories sere true.

her

attorney,

she heard voices Mr. Kokish,"

Macdonald said

"since are S" Macdonald said.!

'Cannenbaum

made

"She said she often talked to her sereral claims concerning an

HH 55100 DooId:32989553 Page 146

..3

---

## Page 147

0-19 •Rev. 2-2-71)

Figure in2 Colorado Mysteries an Apparent

Tr

•Suicide

Special to Tre Jer Yee% T.mes

in her suicide note and a let-

DENVER,

Warch

ter to her lawyer, John Kokish

of Denver, airs.

Tannenbaum

Gloria Tannenbaum, the con- drain orested her innocence

teal figure in two

unsolved in

the

disappearance

of

Colorado masteries,

has dee Thomas Ria,

Dr.

10, and the deaths

sane, apparently a suicide.

of cistav F. Ingwersen, 78, and

Nirs. Tannenbaum, 39 years

airs. Barbara Lgdert, ol.

cha, onue regarded as a surpect deleter to ter alish baid,

in tro poisoning duans and in

you this. I didn't doi

the disappearance of a initer. Tony or Gus or Baro in. 1 went

sity ci Colorado professor of

Russian history, died Sunday at then. "'ith

hurt over losing;

Colorado State Hospital in

Ur. Riha, who liver near the

¡university campus in

Thie hossital authorities con- disaupeared

Bolider,

March 14,

1969,

fired today, after carlier seriard Mrs. Tannenbaum was sub-

nials, that a suicide note had sequ.ntly

charged in

bpon found in a pocket of Mirs. Boulder and

Denver

li2

both

'Tannenbaum's dress.

four,

separate felonies involving the

Protests iler Innocence

Gisposal of his property.

As a result of one of thosel

Ahhough an amonsy report chares,

will

available

untr

that she had forged

Thursday, the cause of loath

Dr.

Riha's name 1o

a $300:

was believed to have icon cya.

check,

Airs. Tannenbaum was

found by a

Boukder District'

ere, the poison trat klied two court jury to be legally insane

o1 Kirs

Tannenbaum's neigh-

and was ordered contined.

bors in Dent: in 101r.

The

woman,

who

onCe

Search Is Unsuccessêul

claimed to be a generai doing. In the following months, the

intelligence work and braged police in the Denvar Roulder

of ier friendships in infueatral area made a wide

search for

plaras, gave some of her pos his indy.

They

looked into

sessions to feilow patients and spandoned

mous:ton

mine

write farewell letters to friends, lants and along isolated ronds,

and family before she died

rand dug up the basement ofi

an East Denver home once'oc-

cupied by Airs. Tannenbaum.

plac

+51 47-5415419

never boom

soning deaths, no evidence was

developed

that

could

support,

charges against sirs.

Tannen-l

Mr. Kokish said here today

that

a grand jury

should

be

askerl to investigate how Mrs.

Trinnenbaum

obtained the foi-

$(91

that killed

her.

He

said

tr.at the grand jury should id'so

itrestigate complaints made to

him in

letters from Mrs.

Tan-

nenbaum

that

she

nad

been!

mistreated and persecuted by

the

nospital siami

M!.

Kokish

said

that

his!

client

WaS

apparently

looked

upon at Puppio

"as a kind of

the witch of the ward."s

He quoted her final letter to?

hitt

as

saying,

"Bverything)

that has made

me feel

good)

about muself has

been

Inken)

away. Life is very cheap."

sile

105-737256

Tolson -

Sullivan -

Mohe -1

Bishop :

reunan,. C.D.

Callahtni -

Casper

Conrad

Dalbey

Felt

Gale

Rosen

Tavel

Walters

Soyars -

Tele. Room.

Hólmes _

The Washington Post

Times Herald.

The Washington Daily News -

The Evening Star (Washington)

The Sunday Star (Washinglon)

Daily News (New York) _

Sunday News (New York) -

New York Post -

The New York Times -

The Daily World _

The New Leader

The Wall Street Journal -

The National Observer _

People's World -

3.11!1

WHEN

799=

NOT RECORSEB

87 : MAR 89 1071

HH

55100

DocId: 32989453

147

---

## Page 148

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF MUSTICE

FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATIO!

IDENTIFICATION DIVISION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20537

,11-18-75 392 CAG

The following FBi record, NUMBER

581 500 A

, is furnished FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY.

Information shown on this Identification Record represents data furnished FBI by fingerprint contributors.

WHERE DISPOSITION IS NOT SHOWN OR FURTHER EXPLANATION OF CHARGE OR DISPOSITION. IS

DESIRED, COMMUNICATE WITH AGENCY CONTRIBUTING THOSE FINGERPRINTS.

CONTRIBUTOR OF

FINGERPRINTS

NÄME AND NUMBER

ARRESTED OR

RECEIVED

CHARGE

DISPOSITION

SO :

San Antonio TX

Gloria Ann

Mc Pherson

11/14/50

forg gov't checks

USSS

San Antonio TX

Cloria Ann

McPherson

J-3-15-1082

11/14/50

mail theft

forg & pass gov't

chk ($336) -

sent to 1 yr &

1 day susp for

3 yrs & placed

on prob for 3

yrs under

supervision

warr

DWP 3 yrs prob

SO

Clayton MO

PD.

Chgo IL

PD

Chgo IL

PD

Chgo IL

Cook Co Jail

Chgo IL

Cook Co Jail

Chgo IL

SRef for Women

Dwight IL

Gloria Ann

4/29/54

Mc Pherson

5288

Gloria Me Pherson 9/2/58

P File

Gloria McPherson 9/2/58

E 43193

Gloria Fores

E 43193

5/27/60

Gloria Forest

252549

5/28/60

Gloria McPherson 9/26/60

259721

Gloria Ann

McPherson

3843

10/21/60

forg

not given

embz (1)

forg (2)

OM FP (checks)

277-38

forgery

forg (2M)

embz (1M)

9 mos H of C

17/27/60 sent to

H of C

sent to pent y

10/21/60

11 - 5 yrs (CC)

12/21/62 par

to Chgo IL

• 16/25/64 disch

expiration of

parole

nation outside your

Commises.

yor Commisice and the content man not be disclosed io unauchorized person

nel without the express approval of the FBI

55100 DocId:32989553

Page 148

---

## Page 149

UNTED STATES DEPARTMENT OF

FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATIC

TICE

;11-18-75 392. CAG

IDENTIFICATION DIVISION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20537

The following FBI record, NUMBER

581 500 A

, is furnished FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY.

Information shown on this Identification Record represents data furnished FBI by fingerprint contributors.

WHERE DISPOSITION IS NOT SHOWN OR FURTHER EXPLANATION. OF CHARGE OR

• DISPOSITION: IS

DESIRED, COMMUNICATE WITH AGENCY CONTRIBUTING THOSE FINGERPRINTS.

CONTRIBUTOR OF

ARRESTED OR

NAME AND NUMBER

FINGERPRINTS

RECEIVED

CHARGE

DISPOSITION

PD

Denver CO

Cayla Ann

Tannenbaum

162895

10/27/69

inv forg

PD

Denver CO

Galya Ann

Tannenbaum

162895

12/5/69

PD

Boulder CO

Calya Ann

Tannenbaum

20534

1/23/70

SC

Boulder CO

Galya Ann

Tannenbaum

11371

1/23/70

PD

Denver Co

Gayla Ann

Tannenbaum

162895

1/23/70

SO

Boulder CO

Calya Ann

Tannenbaum

11724

3/12/70

SO

Golden CO

Gayla Ann

Tannenbaum

23024

3/20/70

Dept of Security

SHosp

Pueblo CO

Galya Tannenbaum 7/17/70

54609

SO

Littleton CO

Calya Ann

Tannenbaum

364517

12/7/70

CC Wrt #23327

S-check

forgery

forgery

hid fug det

forgery

Wrnt: Hab Corp

mental patient

hold for Denver

rel to SO

Boulder CO

HH 55100 DocId:32989553 Page 149

---

## Page 150

aily

y of Colorado, Boulder

Boulder, Colorado.

Monday, April 14, 1969

Volume 17. Number 116

HISTORY PROF MISSING. A MONTH

Riha's Absence Mysterious

BY DAVID M. GAON

that he

would inform

certain

"leave without pay," according t

Copyrighe, 1969 by The Colorado Daily'

people

of

his

whereabouts.

William

Briggs,

dean

of

The month long absense of Russian History Professor Thomas

Meanwhile a chock by the Daily of

College

of

th:

Arts and Sciences

Riha is shrouded in mystery-including a report from an official of the

friends and associates shows that

Briggs said that April 10 he wintr

Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)

that Riha is "safe" but his

one

has received

any

to Riha at a forwarding addres

information about his

provided by the Boulder Pos

whereabouts cannot be divulged.

after a quarrel with his wife at his

Riha

disappeared during the

disappearance.

home. Ile was last seen in Boulder

O n

weekend

of March 15, one week

April 9.

Montreal

March 14 at a dinner party at the

information reported an unlisted

home of Mr. and Mrs.

Kenneth

telephone number for a Thomas

Sorenson.

Mrs.

Sorenson

is a

Riha. A second check April 12

student of Riha's.

shows only an unlisted number

The

exact

circumstances

for an O. Riha in Montreal.

surrounding his disappearance are

During the week of April 6 Riha

unknown.

gave his nephew "Zdenk Cervny of

INTELLIGENCE

Several

Riha's

associales

the

same

address as

Mrs.

A check of the Brooklyn, New

York address

the home uf relatives of Mrs

Hanna Riha. Mrs. Riha, W'o is

staying at the Brooklyn address."

said that she has not heard fres

her husband since she left in

home carly March 9. Briges has

not received a reply to his reques:

Tannenbaum

the

power

with

of:

suspect

he

is

involved

attorney to sell his house in

intelligence ofticials

in

this

country.

Boulder.

C'ervily" said he has

retained

Wheeler Realty in

colleague in the history

Boulder to handle the trarsaction,

departmen!

who asked that his

name

3nd

neighbors report

be

withheid said

lic

that

furniture has been removed from

contacted

last week

once of ecclash would thi

tie house during the past week.

TELÈGRAM

him only that R.lo was sale and

Riha's

had ief voluntanly.

Hopkiis.

5 * 9275)

Richard E

Terrace

President Joseph

Boulder,

reported

PI.,

Sinley sad Tuesday be was toil

releeram from Riba in late March

by reliable sources mn Washington

adrasing him that it a later date lie

Mia Kaho Wes sale but Sadley was

sould be divised as to why he

The

exact

nature

of

Sir

Tannenbaum's relationshup wit

Riha has caused great concern in

friends

and colleagues of

missing

40 year old natte

Czechoslovakia.

Several times during the pe

several months dirs. Tannenter:

has represented herself

35

Colonel

Tonnenbaum of Minter

Intelligence

10

the laur

involrod

in

the

divor

proceedings of Mr. ind Mrs. Rica

unable do loars: the crrcumstances

¿sappeared. ¡lophins lyis reccived

surrounding has asappearance or

his

whercabouts.

no further information.

On April Il Joyce Lebra. an

Sinley would not release

the

issocials professor dl history ai

niemey of his source.

thie

Universily.

suid

sie

ind

Since March 15 Riha, Who uas

several other friends anempled iu

in

the

midst

divorce

file a missina persons roport for

roiceone shen he asappeared

Riko. She said shie was mimmed

a cooled a momiler of poopis

by Patrolman Donald Mas sitio

Geraid Caplan, 3445 17115.

Boulder. who is the attorney in.

Mrs. Riha in divores proccodi:

hegun February 7, sud that Siss

Tannenbaum

visited Ins

carly in Murch in his request a

that the slie ideninied lierself a

Colonei

Tannentsum

in the metropontar Denser area.

Boulder Ponce Department laier

Galya Tansenbam of 245 Logm

tie same day that

us far as lite

Si. In Deniser

said she has had

Bunder Poles Depalment sas

kya phone

conversations sti

concerned Ruba was sale and had

Riha.

Faren bie

41:0

neen treated a week carker. Aips

devribed dead an a longine

friend

of clas

letten

true:

stened

Hin

sith

mustmarks

in Chicago

and

Montreal, Canada

To last letter

Has dated April & and was from

Montreal. She said he sold her

it iserra

Police

Department.

Friesen wis

unavalable for commient.

Pending

word irom Riha, the

University

has placed him oi

105-78256

Tile 5-Jik

579991

15571

NH 55100 | DocId:32989553 Page 150

---

## Page 151

riho missing..

(continued from page 1)

Investigation (FBI) about Rihais

military intelligence and piomised disappearance. Briggs and Miss

to present her credentials at a Lebra

received no reply. Caplan

declined to devulge the nature of

provided, according to Caplan.

his reply,

and referred all

Hopkins, Riha's attorney, said

questions to the Boulder Police

he had a phone conversation with

a woman who identified herself as

Contacted by the Daily on April

Colonel Tannenbaum of military

Scott Werner, FBI

intelligence but has never met her

Chief in Denver, said it is FBI

personally or been provided with policy not to reveal whether an

proof of any connection with mrs.

investigation is in progress or any

details surrounding a case. He said

intelligence in this country.

that this should not be taken as an

Briggs, Miss Lebra and Caplan

admission that a case is or is not

contacted the Federal Bureau of under investigation.

L MY 55100 DocId:32989553 Page 151

---

## Page 152

]

G.W. Abernathy

SiC, benver

Director, FBI (105-78256)

TRONAE ALIA

I5 • CE

4/16/69

79/

Enclosed is a cozy of a lettor dated 4/7,69 audrossed

to Mr: Isthan 2. Lonvin, Cuiet, Forein

Agents Rceistration

Scetion,

repartnent or sustice,

and

the

annoture of Bionhen Visoner-Golati on the stationery of the

University of Colorado.

¿aso onclosed is a copy of

Daniel 3. Griktin dated 6/31/00 at Boston concerning

sitoject,

Nethan B. Acariag

now deceased, according to Futiles

interviewed Fischer-Culoth

in 195d in conncotion with i natter

1s Trich

Fischer-Calati ms to testify.

Tho cholocures are

turnished for your assistance in the event any information is

crought to your attension concerning the rather in the

Lector.

discher-Oniatr

prior Burcen authosity;

o ride on not be i

enclosed

should not be intervicued without

however, in the

excht he contacts your.

offies, any intoration pitored

should be accopted and furnished

to the

Bureau.

Enclosures - 2

NAILED 24

6 1969

APRI

olson

cLoach -

chi ..

ishop -

cilanen.

WA:cik. This document is prepared in response to your request and is not for dissemi-

(1)

nation cutsias your Committee.

I's use is limited to official proceedings bu

!"your Comme"-e and the content may not be disclosed to unauthorized person-

SITE:

nel without the express approval of the FBI.

The enclosed letter was furnished by Mr. James i.

SeIdon, JI. of the Department. Buttles disclose that at one

JEK ÄCt 6

i copy of the enclosed

Subject is a u.s.

citizen who has spent time in the past in Czechoslovakia and

in Russia.

There is no information in the enclosed letter which

would indicate that the Bureau should make any inquiries concern-

13:8

subject.

Bufiles contain no information which would

indicate that subject could be involuntarily leaving the u.s.

as

indicated in the enclosed letter.

REC 14

3=9n -

MY BEASURE

40. /on 4-3 APR2 2 1969,

. MAIL ROOM LI

HH

_55100 DocId: 32989553

88 APR 1'7 1969

TELETYPE UNIT L

Page 152

---

## Page 153

NIVERSITY OF COLORADO

BOULDER, CULORADO 80302

ARTIGAT DI HISTORY

April 7,1969

Racier..

Nathan B. Lenvir, Chief

Forcign Agents Registration Section

Deyarchent o1 Justice

Hashington, D.C.

Dear Hir. Lenvin:

I. should like to call to your attention the fact that one

of our colleagues here, Profossor Thoras Riha, disappeared

mysteriously three weeks ago. Miba, a native

slovakia but naturalized clüizen of the United states, bas

bech in this country for over 20 years.

in the Unitoi States and has taught at the University of

Chicago betore Joining une faculty of the University of

Colorado in 196%.

I am calling these deteils to your attention because

according to intornation nade available by the aininistration

of the

University of Colorado, Riha has decidea to return

to czechsolovakia. He is allegedly avaiting permission fron

Prague in Mew York at this time.

Should

that be indeed the case, there is evidence to assume

that his action is not voluntary. Loreover, certain actions

taken by the administration ray

actually contribute to his

apparent ascision.

In any event, it is incumbent upon me

to noity you of these events to

prevent either the involunt

ary return to czechosiovakia of an American specialist on

:i.'

Kussian ailalts or the voluntary "professional suicide"

that he may

comnit under trying circumstances.

I

an confident that the Department of Justice will vant

look into these natters while there is time.

With kind

regaras,

to

nel without the express approval of

your Coma.

e at the content may not

nation atsi"s "or Committee.

be disclosed to urauthorized person

limited to offinal noceedings by

This document is prepared in response to your request and is not for dissemi-

7- 32-0

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

27

APR

1969

Sincerely yours,

R.A.0

19 to 170 11

sai see 05-78-457

IK. 55100 DocId: 32989552 Page.157

---

## Page 154

F17--203 15-12 85.

FEDERA

Reporting

Office

BOSTON

TITLE OF CASE

CHANGED

THOMAS RAdA, aka Thomas Andrew

Charles' Rih& •

SOVIET INTELLIGENCE SERVICES

RECRUITMENT OF STUDENTS

BUREAU OF INVEST

GATION

COMER NTAL

office

of Urigin

DitC

Investigative perlod

BOSTON

AUG 3 1 19506/6-8/21/60

Report rade by

DANIEL J, GRIFFIN

CHARACTER OF CASE

IS • R

Typed

By:

bab

The title of this case is being marked changed to

set forth the subject's true name before it was legally changod

- at the time of his naturalization to THOMAS RIBA.

REFERENCE:

Wo lettes to Bureau dated April 5, 1960; Bulet to

Boston dated May 25, 1960; Bulet to WO dated May 12, 1960,

all captioned "Soviet Intelligence Services • Recruitment of

Studonts' "THOMAS RIFA, IS - R."

IS -P"; Boston letter to Bureau dated June 30, 1960,

entitled

ADMINISIR AT IVE

approved

Coples Esdo:

RIHA advised that he received a very short briefing

by the CIA

in Vienna,

Austria, before going to Russia and he

bas never been contacted subsequently by GIA.

The Bureau's jurisdiction and responsibilities in the

field of internal security and espionage was explained to RIHA .

be stated he would cooperate in every possible way.

Special Agent

Do not write in

In Charge

belon

5-78211-5

2

Bureau (RM)

Washington Field (Info) (RM)

New York (Info) (RM)

OT

Chicago

( Info) (RM)

*Boston

(205-5289)

I7 SEP 2

: 1960

MCT - 30

REG 90

pod, 10

AGENCY SA/C/RA eWskarty

REQ. REC'D

Xero t DIA

132172

Property of FBI

This

report

Tooled co you by the FBi,

ino ageno c 5 9 SEP 14$960

NAMONAL SECURITY INFORMATIO ESIde

. U.S. GOVERNHENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1956 0-385Jhauthorized Disclosure

Subject to Criminal Sanctions

IN 55100, DocId: 32989553 Page 154

BUMCNOCWOOAL

---

## Page 155

CONEAONTIAL

B9 105-5289 p

rs. Geneviere Bostick.

NAME

established source,

waS

contacted by SA DANIEL I. GRIFFIN on June 16, 1960.

Captain MATTHEW J. TOAFY, Harvard University Poli e

Department,

established source, was contacted by SA DANIEL J.

GRIFTIN on June 16, 1960.

This report is being classifled CONFIDENTIAL aS LE

discloses the Bureau?s

investigative Interest in the East

West Exchange Program which could be detrimental to the defense

interest of the nation.

RIHA has acceptea a position as Prolessor at chicago

University, Chicagos Inois,

• In this position wiTl have

no reason to institute contact with the scriets.

RIKA stated

that since his study in Moscow,

Russla,

the Soviets have not

contacted him. It is not belleved at this time that RIHA

possesses any double agent potential or that he should be

considered as a PSI.

one copy of this report is being furnished Washington

F1310

and New York Offices

as per instructions in referenced

Bulet dated April 5, 1960.

One copy of this report is being designated for Chicago

as subject will reside and work in that area.

The Boston Indices reflect in the report of SA (A)

Division,

sent 550 through the

NAME

"Czechoslovakian Funds,

Boston Division,

Czechoslovakia. During the interview of RIHA, he stated

this money was

sent to his sistor prior to his visit to

Czechoslovakla to be used by him if he needed it and if not,

ho would leave it with his sister.

COVER PAGE

---

## Page 156

"EU-204 (Rey. 3-3-59)

aNADENTIAL

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION

Copy to:

DANIEL J. GRIFFIN

Report of:

Date:

AUG 3 7 1960

Boston 105-5289

Field Office File # THOMAS RIHA

Title:

SOVIET INTELLIGENCE SERVICES -

RECRUITMENT OF STUDENTS

INTERNAL SECURIIY - R

Boston, Massachusetts

Office:

Bureau File #:

Character:

syndphlect attended Moscow University 1958-1959 as an exchange

suudent. Interview of subject set forth concerning his

activities while in Czechoslovakia and Moscow, Russia.

∞ 6∞

CONFIDENTIAL®

This document contatns neither recommendations nor conclusions of the FBI. It is the

property of the FBI and is loaned to

your agency: it and its contents are not to be distributed outside your agency.

HH 55100 DocId:32989553 Page 156

---

## Page 157

DETAILS:

A SOURCE AT

On June 16, 1960, [MISS GENEVIEVE BOSTWICE, Graduate

School of Arts and Sciences Harvard University, Cambridge,

Messachusetts, advised subject resides at 11 Dana Street,

Cambridge, Massachusetts.

His record revealed he was born

April 17, 1929, In Czechoslovakia. His home address was listed

es 5005 Rockledge Drivo, Riverside, Callfornia. Fe received an

A. B. Dogroe from the University of California in 1953 and an

Aó: Ma Degree from the same university in 1950.

At Harvard he

is majoring in history and attended 1957-1958 for a half year

and took one hall his course. In history in 1959-1960.

Ho was

granted a leave of absence for the Fall Term 1958-1959. Hls

record roveals. thet ho has passed his generai examination

January 30, 1900, in order

to proceed for his Ph. D. Degree..

The person

listed to contact in case of accident

contact has ca,

was Its.

RUTH COOK, Chaffoe School, Windsor, Connecticut.

captain MAlTHEW J. LOAN, Harvara University POliCe

Department, advised on June 16, 1960, that his files contain no

information concerning THOMAS RIHA, which would Indicate that no

complaints had been registered against him during his attendance

at Harvard.

On June 5, 1960, personnel, Office of the Massachusetts

conmissioner of Probation, suffolk County Courthouse, Boston,

Massachusetts, which is a central repository for all criminal

conviction secords in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, advised

they could locate no record in their files identifiable

with

THOMAS RIHA.

On June 6, 1960, personnel, Credit Bureau of Greater

soston, Inc., Il beacon Street, Boston, Massachusetts, advisec

hey could locate no recorâ concerning subject IHOMAS RIHA.

-2.

:

GET ACCAN

HH 55100 DocId: 32989553 Page 157

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## Page 158

FD-302 (Rov. 1-25-60)

FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIG

Date.

August 19, 1960

THOMAS RIHA, I1 Dana Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts,

furnished the following Information:

He was born in Czechoslovakia April 17, 1929. He

stated that his father VIRIOR RIHA died September 1958 and was

previously divorced from his mother Mrs. RUIF COOR, who presently

resides at Chaffee School, Windsor, Connecticut. He stated he

graduated ticm high school in Prague, Czechoslovakia, in 1946

and went to England where he attended the Czechoslovakian College

from 1946-1947.

He then came to the United States in 1947 and

attended the University of Callfornia at Berkeley 1947-1953 as

en undergraduate and graduate student.

While residing in Berkeley,

California, RIHA stated he was naturalized a United States citizen

in Oakland, California, December 19, 1952, at which time he legally

changed his name from THOMAS ANDREW CHARLES RIA tO THOMAS RIHA.

He then entered columbia University in 1953 and attended one

semester when he as drafted into the United States Army and served

He was stationed for five months at Fost Dis,

New Jersey, and the rest of his time was spent at Fort Bragg,

North

He received an honorable discharge in December 1955 as

a Spocialist 3rd Class,

RIHA stated that after his discharge from the United

States Army, la returned to Columbla University for a short period

and then returned to the University of California at Berkeley where

he received his Masteris Degree in August 1957. RIHA in the Fall

of 195? entered Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, to

work for his Ph. D. Degree. He

said he received a leave of

absence from June 1958 to September 1959 to study at Moscow

University, USSR. In Septenber 1959 he returned to Harvard and

will remain there until September 1960 when he will receive his

Ph. D. Degree.

RIHA stated that he has accepted a position

as Professor

at Chicago University, Chicago, Illinois, and will

assume his duties September 7, 1960. His address in

Chicago

will be 6007 Woodlawn Avenue, Chicago 37, Illinois.

RIRA stated that on June 15, 1958, he left the United

Siates to attend Moscow University, USSR, for one year.

arrived in Paris, France,

June 21,

1958,

and proceeded

Gechoslovakia to visit his father VIKTOR RIHA, 44 Rimsha

Street, Prague 12, Czechoslovakia, who was an

attorney until

his death in September 1958. He also visited his sister LUDMILA

On 8/11/60

_ at Cambridge, Massachusetts

_ File # BS 105-5289

L§AS MICHAEL J. MC DONAGE and DANIEL J. Dato dictatod 8/17/60

GRIFF IN/bab

This document contains neither recommendations nor conclusions of the F81. It ls the property of the FBI and is loaned to

your agency; it and Its contents are not to be distributed outside your agency.

HY 55100 DocId: 32989553 Page 158

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## Page 159

MELIA:

CERVENA and

husband /JIRI CERVANA who he stated has a minor

clerical position with some local company In Prague. He also

visited his uncle JANYRIHA (retired) in Roudnice, Czechoslovakia.

RIHA stated that when he arrived in Prague he was

assigned to stay at the Flora Hotel by the Housing Bureau for

Foreigners operated by the Czechoslovakian Government.

remained there for seven days before going to see his father

and sister.

RItA stated that while he was visiting wiih his father.

a Czechoslovakian man who identified himself as KARELY CHRPA from

the visa Department of the czechoslovakian Government and asked.

to look at RIHAis visa on the pretoxt that it was not in order.

RIHA stated

that arter

a review of his visa, everything was found

• to bo in order then CHRPA asked RIFA bis Impressions of Czechoslovak

and offered to take him on a sightseeing trip which RIRA refused.

According to RITA, CHRPA appeared at his fatheris home with his

automobile several timos during his stay and would wait outside

or just down the street for RIHA to come out and then would offer

to take RIMA wherever he was going. RIMA stated hA would always

reluse.

RIHA advisod that CHRPA

never asked him to do anything

of an intelligence nature and It appeared to RIHA that CARPA

was

trying to make a good will embassador out of him..1: for

Crechoslovakia.

RIHA stated he left Prague July 12, 1958, and spent tho

rest of the summer in Paris, France.

His address

In Paris was

Francis! I, 23 Rae-do conde, Paris 6, France.

RIHA stated he roceived a picture postcard from CHRPA

sinile In Paris; however,

he was never contacted by anyone while

(1n Paris and has never

seen CERPA again.

RIHA stated that he left Paris September 7, 1958, for

Vienna, Austria, where he stayed for approximately three or four

days and then departed by plane for Helsinki, Finland, and

Copenhagen, Denmark, where he stayed approximately three weeks

and then entered the USSR at Vyborg, Russia, September 27, 1958.1

-4-

55100 DooId:32989553

Page 159

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## Page 160

CORES MAL

--

RIFA stated that while in Helsinki he met MARK/MANCALI,

a Harvard University student, now in Japan.

RINA stated that

MANCALL was with him on his trip to Moscow; however, MANCALL left

him at Leningrad and he proceeded to Moscow.

HuHA stated that upon his

arrival at Moscow University

NIKIFOROV, Moscow State University:

policy that might come up during his stay at the university.

Approximately ten days after his arrival RIHA stated he mot his

advisor, EVGENII DEMIIR IEVICHCHERMENSKI, Professor of History..

RIRA sald that these two men are the only faculty members he

had any contact with while at the university.

According to

RIRA, his advisor Invited him to his home once and that this

social contact with NIKIFOROV.

the only social contact he had with him, and had absolutaly nofl

RiFA stated that his travelling companion around Moscow

waS DAVID MAC KENZIE, & student from Columbia University, now at

Princaton: University.,:

RIHA said that while he was in the university library

in Moscow one day, a Soviet Iriend and student casually

introduced

him to a Me. IURII' MIKHALKOV who told him he worked for the

International cormerce.

RIHA sald he was very suspicious of this

man as be had plenty of money and a car.

MIKHALKOV invited RIHA

to dinner which RIHA accepted.

According to RIHA, MIKHALKOV hired

a private room in a very expensive and exclusive hotel to have

dinner.

RIHA sald he was suspicious of him because of his wealth

and therefore never warmed up to MIKHALKOV during this visit.

HIhA stavod that their conversation was very general and that

MIKHALKOV made no requests of him whatsoever. RIHA stated that

this was the last time he saw MIKHALKOl.

RIHA advised that while doing research work in the Lenin

Ilbrary in Moscow, he met a girl employee NATASKA/MEYER whom he ...

dated from November to December 1958 until she told him not to

see her again because if she continued to see him she would be

expelled from her position.

RIHA stated in March 1958 he mot another girl LARISSA...

KUCHBERIA

• through an American student WALTER CLEMENS of Columbla

Gate MIAl

- 5 .

1H 55100 DocId:32989553 Page 160

---

## Page 161

CORDI SNIL

University who previously dated this girl until he left Russia

in March 1958. RIHA stated that he dated KUCHBERIA from March

unt1l he left Russia. RIHA said that he was suspicious of

LARISSA KUCHBERIA and therefore was very cautious in his

relations with her. However, KUCHBERIA never made any requests

of him to do anything of an intelligence nature.

However, he

said she constantly praised Czechoslovakia and pointed out its

advantages and attempted to interest RIHA In returning to his

native country. RIfA told hes many times he had no desire to

return to Czochoslovakia,

RIFA said that he has never heard from the two girls

he dated nor has he corresponded wich them.

RIHA left Odessa by boat and after travelling to various

I countries in Hurope, he departed fron Parls, France,

on August 20,

1959,

and arrived in the United States August 26, 1959. RIHA.

•statod that que to his being born in czechalovakia he was aware

I that attempts might be made on the part of officials of the

Soviet and Czechoslovakian Governments to attempt to induce

him to return or stay in Czechoslovakia and therefore he was

alext to recognize any such attempts.

He related that since his return to the United States

he has never been contacted in any manner whatsoever by a

Sovlet or Gzechoslovakian Government representative. Ho stated

that if such a contact is ever made, he would immediately contact

the FBI.

RIFA stated that he was proud of his American citizen-

ship and has no desire to return to his homeland for permanent

residence.

The following is a description of the subject as

obtained from Interview and observation:

Sex:

Male

Race:

White

Height:

588"

Weight:

148 pounds

Eyos:

Brown

Fair:

Black

Complexion:

Medium

Marital Status:

Single

Date of Birth:

Aps11 17, 1929,

Czechoslovakia

"'NADENTIAL

NW 55100 DocId: 32989553 Paye 161

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## Page 162

Form DJ-150

(1d. 4-26-65)

UNITED STATES G

MENT

Niemorandum

TO : Director, Federal Bureau

of Investigation

J. Walter Yeagley

Oxony: 2s51stant attorney General.

Internal Security Division

DATE:

SUBJECT:

Correspondence dated April 7, 1969,

from ProfesSOr

• Stephen Fischer-Galati

re"

Professor Thomas Riha

This is in further reference to our refeiral

of the captioned letter to you on April 9, 1969.

I am transmitting herewith a copy of our

reply in this matter for your information.

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

Koril 14. 1969

Enclosure

This document is prepared in response to your request and is not for dissemi-

nel without the express approval of the FBI.

REG 43

PR

195%

ENCLOSUNS

APR: 15.196%

105-

HH

55100

140105-78-36

DocId: 32989553

Page no? ')

BORN

sebasties,

PROC

.69"

---

## Page 163

Aps11 14. 10590

Hofcesor Stephen Fischer-Galati

Department of llistory

University of Colorads

Bouldor, Colorado 30302

Dear Professor Fischer-Galati:

I have your letter dated April 7, 1969, regarding

your concern over Proicssor thomas Riha.

This is to

advise you that your letter has boon directed to the

aypropriate governmental authoritics.

Since your letter was adascssed to Mi. Nathan B.

Ionvin, I thought you may be intorested in

and saddened to learn that Mr. Lonvin died lasc

October 25th.

Your interest in writing to us is appreciated.

Sincerely,

J. WALTER YANGIRY

Assistant ittorney General

Internal Security Division

By:

15.

JAMES I. WELDON, JR.

Chief, Registration Section

/

9

NH 55100 DocId: 32989553

Page 163

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## Page 164

1. 3-HOMAL FORM NO. 10

3010-105

MAY 1902 EDITION

GSA GEN. RIG. NO, 27

UNITED STALES GOVE TIENT

Memorandum

: Mr. D. J. Brennan, JIg

OM : S. J. Papich

BJECT :

THOMAS

'RIHA

INTERNAL SECURITY - CZECHOSLOVAKIA

DATE: April 1G, 1969

Tolson

DeLoach

Mohr

Bishop

Casper

Callotion.

Consed -

Felt -

Gale -

Rosen

Sullivan.

Tavel -

Trotter

Tele. Roo. -

Holmes -

Gandy

A. IS

JFK Act 6 (1)(B)

The subject has not left the United States. The

story or rumor indicating that he may have gone to Czechoslovakia

is without foundation.

Rina has been having difficulties from

his wife, and he recently "ran away frou her."

has also received information indicating that

the university

newspaper at the University of Colorado vill

be printing an article concerning the subject and will refer

to him as an undercover agent of

stated that

subject very definitely is not being utilized by

in any

capacity.

ACTION:

The above information is being directed to the

attention of the Research-Satellite Section.

1 - A. W. Graj (Vizas)

1 - Liaison

1 - S. j. Papich

Batt

SJP:clb

(4)

i 'si...

1018151254-8

APR 21 1969

et.ta.

-20-69

This document is prenared in response to your request and is no? for dissen

nation outside no. Committee.

your Commi' e aul the content may not be disclosed to ma troked person-

nel withot the express approval of the FBl.

105-72257

TH 55100 DoeId: 32999553 - Page 46006:

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## Page 165

son

oach

nop

per

chan

rad

-

1 - lic. Go V.

Abernathy

Em 18-069

SAC, Denver

Direecor, for

(105-78256) 4

I GIAS RITA

IS - CE

ReDulet 4-10 89.

On 4-15-00 CIA cüvired through liaison that the

subject had not Icit tlo Unitod States.

According, to CrA,

subject hns boen having difficulties with his wise and he

rocently "ran cuay fron hos."

tue Soony or runor Indording

the sibicct my have gone to Czechoslovakis is vithout

fourintion.

CiA hos also recoived information indiocting thai

the valveraity nonorabar at the iniversity of Coloraco vili

be wainting on craicle concerning this subject und vili reicr

to hin as an uncercover agont of CIA.

Cia los advised shot

tho subjec is not boing utilized by CIA in any capacity.

Any portinent intornation received concerning this

matter should ce forrarded to the Purcau by Lid and no investia

cation need be conducted by your office.

GWA : 10g

(4)

NOTE:

Subject is a professor at the University of Colorado.

The Departnent received a letter dated 4-7-09 which stated the

subject disappeared nysteriously three weeks ago.

The writer

of the letter vas concerned that subject might be involuntarily

leaving the United States for Czechoslovakia.

The above is

being furnished Denver for its information,

MAILED. 2

APR 1 8.1969

COMM-FBI

This document is prepared in response to your request and is not for dissemi-

ration ortoidn. rov Committee.

Its use is limited to official procedings by

vour. Comm', e and the content, may not be disclosca to unantiorized person-

Iel without the express approval of the Fel.

06, 12

---

## Page 166

... .

the following in

AIRTEL

IO:

FROM:

SUBJECT:

F BI

Date:

('l'ipe in plaintext or code)

• (Priority)

DIRECTOR, FBI (105-78256)

SAC, CHICAGO (205-8515)

THOMAS RINA, aka

IS - CZ

9/15/69

Inclosed for Denver is a copy of Boston repot

dated August 31, 1950, captioned, "THOMAS RIHA, aka

THOMAS

ANDREW CHARLES

RIHA • Soviet Intelligence Services -

Recruitment 61 studgats; IS - R."

SOURCE

who has furnished reliable information

in the past, furnished the following information to

SA GEORGE M.

WOODLEY on September 15, 1969. According

to the source it is rumored among the Czechs at the

University of Chicago (UC)

that THOlAS RIHA, & Protessor

at the University of Colorado, Bolder, Colorado, was

"either kidnapped by the Russians, or picked up by

• CIA or the FBI."

RIHA entered the United States in 1947 as a

student and has been in the United States since that time,

except for a period of one year (1958-1959) when he

studied at the University of Moscow, Noscow, Russia.

Some time in 1968, he headed a group of college

professors on a tour of the Soviet Union,

In the group

was one ANNA HRUSKA, a Czech girl, whom he married in

Bolder, Colorado, after returning

to the United States

from this trip.

The source does not know if ANNA HRUSKA

is an American citizen, an exchange student from Czecho-

slovakia or any background information concerning her.

aft

- Bureau (RM)

2

- Denver (Encl. 1) (RIi)

SEP za. 1969•

- NFO (info) (RM)

2 - Chicago

++8 41717039 2217

(1 = 134-2309)

This doement is menared in response to your squest und is nui for dissemi-

matron oural. 10ur Committee.

Its use is united to official proceedings by

Iour Commitse and the content may noi be disclosed to unantiorized person-

1:nr0ind:

í.

Bay without the exorgenapproval of the FEM. Per -

Special Agent in Charge

WW 55100 DocId: 32989553 Page 166

---

## Page 167

CG 105-8514

RIfs Studied at Harvard University, worked

at the University of Chiengo from 1960 - 1966, and

then went to the University of Colorado, Bolder,

Colorado, in the fall of 1906, where he presently has

a teaching contract.

It is rumored that RIH recently divorced

ANNA HRUSKA and disappeared from the University and

his apartment, leaving behind his clothes and

furniture.

According to the source, the University of

Colorado is unhappy

with RIll for walking out on his

teaching contract and has been attempting to locate

him without success.

The files of the Chicago Office, in addition

to the enclosed Boston xeport, contains a Department of

State Form (Request for security Information), which is

dated 2/5/53. This

form shows that Professor

RISA vaS

proposed for

academic exchange with Czechoslovakia by

the Inter University Conmittee on travel Grant that

University of Indiana, Bloomington, Indiana.

time, he was assistant proiessor of Modern Russian and

European History at the University of Chicago,

Chicago, Illinois.

He resided at 6007 South Woodlawn

Avenue,

Chicago, Illinois.

•, in Prague, Czechoslovakia.

Fe was born April 27, 1029,

It is not known whether or

not RIHA was accepted for this program.

In addition to the above, the Chicago files

contain a Department of State Form (Visa Action Request)

on behalf of JARMILA ZAKOVA, nee CERVENA, bOrn 4/14/3%, In

Prague, Czechoslovakia.

She was employed as a

clerk

by the film ana television Academy, Prague and desired

to visit her uncle, THOMAS RIHA, 5801 South Dorchester

Avenue, Chicago, Illinois,

for a

period of two months

in August, 1965.

It is believed

that this THOMAS RIB

is identical with the subject because the Dorchester

address is in close proximity to the UC.

- 2-

HW 55100 DooId:32989553 Page 167

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## Page 168

• CG 105-8544

LEADS

DENVER

Contact sources in the Czech community

for any information they may have regarding the

disappearance of THOMAS RIHA.

Check marriage and divorce records regarding

• THOMAS RIHA and ANNA HRUSKA.

•CHICAGO

AT CHICAGO, ILLINOIS. Will maintain contact

with sourcE

egurding the above matter.

1(667062-5)

3

HH 55100 DocId:32989553 Page 168

---

## Page 169

I - Iit. J. V. Reitiold

!

SAC, Chicaco

Director, FEl

(3.050 3534)

(30579256)

9/22/39

IS • Ci

1969

co

RoCGaintel 2/15/00u

Enclosed to Chicago are Bulete, dated 4/10/09 with

iCS

enclosue cia 4/10/52, which are scliverpianatory.

It could papoor the infornation obtained by SouRcE

is the sone zures which tas circulating in the Csoch coumuaity

during

Spoil, 2000%

Taicas additional pertinent infoznation 1 devolored,

no intostigatios seed

be conduciod by your orcadeS.

If sacational

portanont incomatica is aoca1rod coscorairo this nattoo, t

Lunaisaed to the buroa in a ior suitable for

Enclosures - 3

1 • LeaVer

Jr2: 133.1

(5)

ДОХЕ:

This document is prepared in response to your request and is not for dissemi-

nation asia, nor Committee.

I's use is limited to officio! procecaings by

' and thr content may not de disclosed to unauthorized person-

nel wittiout the express approval of the FBI.

Sulaject, a professor at the Univorsity of Colorado. vas

soporiod to have disappearod systeriongly see in april, 1000.

J2ixoo dicolosod that ai cre tine subject vas of soue interest

so Cid.

03 4/20/30,

cid auriced throurn livison that suoject

130 nOt

loft tas u.

S.. Acoording to Cli, subjcot had been having

cilizendty with his vite and he "ran audy joon bor."

CIA ACTIOCO

story or rencr incicating subjoct noy inve gone to Crochosloval

mes without foundatione

has obtainod

to viow of this,

Chionco being cunichod pertir at incornation devclosed in

April, 1909,

and untess raritional portinent intoration is

doped indication otherwic ricoco ind bonver being instructed

to conduct no lurther invostigations.

ail

" DOT 140

MAH. 1100!

THATYPE UNIT L

KH 55100. DocId: 32989553 *Page 16944

---

## Page 170

OFTIONAL FORM NO. 10

MiAS 180Z EDITION

GSA FPMR (51 CFR) 101-11.8

UNITED STATES GO

INMENT

Memorandum

TO

: DIRECTOR, FBI (105-78256)

FROM

SORIVE (205-1232)

SUBJEOT: THOMAS RIHA

IS"-CZ

DATE: 12/11/69

ReBulet 4/18/59.

TOOK CUTH

There is attached a letter dated 12/5/69,

signed by Mrs: RUTH ANN COOK concerning this subject.

Mrs. COOK indicates in this letter that the subject

Is her son and it would appear

he letter was possibly mailed from the envelope that

n switzerland

In accordance with ReBulet this letter is

being forwarded to the Bureau.

No reply has been made

to the letter by the Denver Office.

R2-Bureau (Enc-1)

ENCLOSURE

2-Denver((105-4151)

PEJOSTRE ATTACHED®

(1-47-3190)

SUW: ng

nel without the

sprouting slipior

Jinêo Daction

REC-1"

15-99256-11

smart 11169 and 932/62.08110

DEC 15 1969

Pete

roes

Dolt to the Burcaw

42414-1369

WW 558og DocIa: 35509153

BiBy U.S. Savings Bonds Regulaily on the Pagroll Savings Plan

Page 170

This document is prepared in response

your seces and is not for dissemi-

nation outsire your Committee.

ItS USe iS

limited, to

---

## Page 171

tara lito

Prissage Vicina

CH. 0014

M15. RUTH ANN COOK

05-78256-11

1969.

3, CERVENT

He is the an of mey neider sele an

Meling as ritzuet at Toniorite Area.

Won't you on died? wy

god.

(the ilese youy mus,

made

There?

1.4. Lind

at k of abrate Border

o/ 6 1e M. in that.

Y fant received ta-des a criesta

HH 55100 DocId: 32989553

Page 171

---

## Page 172

The fint muste

With cancer sine i46s and otillane

Thing but What my an afty some

stin an

teate wale

of this bride Alana

Have Hunter 24-

Oet.1968-diosseed Piled

He 1969) diet left the Lit-

But tes will and likiny in toes.

About 10 digs ays Freein

I lateland that sime fand play

Чаше - numely выше понал в

the name a

00p248 кyn, aloney.

17 55100 DocId: 32989553 Page 172

---

## Page 173

aho quodaian to

•De a queral in

renad forged

never of attorney and checks ant

befougings

TAS HE

that the polde

til

Abralder and

dear mid at give du tuneti

of the chase meatined Me. Keny.

father

Is leter

У про іс-,

nuette poe on bail of a chase s

of last aid of au old wen

raide i smile

this oo died of yu bey ofte

Mr. Werner

•HW 55100 DocId: 32989553

Page 173

---

## Page 174

to me ney don- wat the her

the PYA if tonin

tel

He was where he is of whethe

he has met

foul play at the hands

If this M4s.

retty in nell armed and albay,

carries a que:

All.

All this is perfeitty need-

tal to enri sage

o respectable middle

yes it at he ted with.

-

similar cinemantanes.

Y rimitive you to hele

as to my she's

we and adrice

there boats- and that there

do

Make you aù aban

7H 55100 DocId: 32989553 Page 174

---

## Page 175

TO

FROM :

111010180

/ERNMENT

Niemorandur

DINSCIOR, FUI (105-78256)

Sin, DUAVED (105-4151) (1)

DATE:

12/29/63

SUBJECT:

IS - CZ

He Bureau RS dated 12/19/63.

inclosed herewith is a letter of acknowledgonent

to subject's rothor Ars. RUTI!

As Cook, as per your request.

Also enclosed are 5 copies of a LIl which includes

Mro. COok's lotter to the Denver Difica of the FBI and 2

nerager articles dated 12/28/69 appearing in the "Denver

Foot"

newspaper pertaining to subject.

1X6.202 6/714.124 ite

IIA-25Te

', .

133 My

'.

-/

REC 36

Bureau (Encl. 6) (RA)

Denver

(1 - 105-4151)

11- 47-3190 - TAINENBAUK)

LDli/ s12

(4)

This document is prepared in response to your request and is not for dissemi-

Its use is limated, to pfricial proceedings by

'your Commi: e and the content may not be disclosed to unauthorized, person-

TH 55100

DocId: 32989552 Hage Alines Bonds Reonlarly on the Peroll Sawings Plan

---

## Page 176

In Reply, Please Refer to

File No.

UN

STATES DEPARTMENT OF •

FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION

TICE

18218 Federal Office Building

Denver, Colorado

80202

December 29, 1969

Ruth A. Cook

Mr's.

Casa Lido

Ruth Ann Cook

Brissago, Ticino CH-6614, Switzerland

Dear Mrs. Cook:

This is to acknowledge the receipt of your letter

dated December 5, 1969 concerning

the disappearance of your

son Thomas Riha.

Please be advised that the Federal Bureau of

Investigation has no jurisdiction in matters of this nature

and we are not able

to conduct an active investigation

concerning your son's disappearance.

At your request we will place a Missing Persons

Notice with our Identification Division in Washington, D. C.

If you desire us to do this, please advise.

Very truly yours,

SCOTT J. WERNER

Special Agent in Charge

CC Bureau (blind)

This document is prepared in response to your request and is not for dissemi-

nation artsin, your Committee.

Its use is limited to official procercings by

your Comerse

•e and the content may not be disclosca to unautiorized person-

nel without the express approval of the FBI.

105-78256-12

ENCLOSURA

H# 55100 DocId:32989553 Page 176

---

## Page 177

HD STATES DEPARTMENT ON JUSTICE

BEDERAL BUREAU OF IATESTIGATION

In Kepts, Please Refer to

File No.

Denver, Colorado

December 29, 1969

REG 36

Thonas

THOMAS RIVA

Also Known As

Andrew Charles Riha

On December

Its 1969, the Denver Office of the

Federal sureau of Investigation, Denver, Colorado, received a

letter from irs. Ruth Ann Cook, Casa Lido, Brissago, Ticino

CIl-6614, dated December. 5

addressed to Mr. Scott

Horner,

who is

the special Agent in change of the Denver

Federal Bureau of Investigation Office. This letter states

as follows:

"Dear Sir,

"Your name and address was given to me by

Denyer

tie is tho

working-as ingencer at Sansonite Kanuf.

"I write you on behalf of my son (the

above young man's uncle) Thoras A. C. Riha,

associate professor at U. of Coloracio, Boulder,

last of 6th Str. in that city.

"I just received to-day a descrition of.

the last encounters of my stepgrandson with my

son Thonas of the first months of this year.

As I have been sick with cancer since 1968 and

still am far from well, I was not told anything

but that my son after sone unpleasantness with

an irate uncle of his bride land truskova (wedding is

in Oct. 1968 - divorced filed in Jan. 1969) had

left the U.S.A. - but was well and living in Canada.

foul play was

Involvad in my son's aisappearance -

namely some wonan by the name of calia fannenbaum.

This document is prepared in response to-your request and is not for dissemi- *

nation prisin your Committee.

Its use is lined to official proceetings by

your Conni'e and the content may not b' disclosed to unautiorized person-

nel without the express approval of the FBI.

G0S: 23

HH

55100 DooId:32989553 Page 177

---

## Page 178

THOMAS RIMA

of 248 Logan, Denver, uno prolaims to be a general

in Army Intelligence, who had forged powers of

attorney anci

i checks and gotten hold of all the.

belongings of my son - who was not in Canada -

nobody knows where ne is and that the police in

Boulder and Denver will not give any information

about him to his friends or lawyer of the above

mentioned ir. Convary.

It appears from my brother's

letter that this drs.

Calla. Tannenbaum is currently

free on bail of a charre of lorgory of last will

of an old ran (her friend) who died of cyanide

poisoning.

"Dear in. Werner, I beg of you to tell me what

¿ shoula do to neln my son - who as the rumour

-worked for the Cis of which I nave no

knowledge and to tall ne also where ho is or

whether ne has met foul play at the nands of this

Mrs. Tannenbaum who apparently is well armed and

always carries a gun.

"All this is perfectly dreadful to envisage

for me, I

assure you.

I an of respectable middle-

class

and never had to do witn sinilar circumstances.

"I inolora you to haly me and advise me as to

my son's whereabouts - and

what I should do.

"Thank you in advance.

"/s/ Ruth A. Cook"

the "Denver Post"

newspaper published in Denver,

Colorado, contained tuo articles

in the Sunday edition

December

28, 1969 regarding Rina.

The first article

appeared on page l and is

captioned "Silence Shrouds Odd

Case Of lissing CU Professor".

The second article appeared

on page 36 and it is castioned "Frof. Riha's Disappearance

Shrouded in Mystery and Silence". A Xerox copy of each of

these articles is attached hercto.

This document contains neither recommendations

nor conclusions of the FBI.

It is the

property

of the FBI and is loaned to your

agency; it and its contents are not to be

alstributed outside your agency.

2%

HH 55100 DocId:32989553 Page 178

---

## Page 179

FD-3606R0V. 7-16-037

(Nicunt Clipping in Space Below)

: •

Silence Shrouds Odd Case

Of Missing CU Professor

More than nine months ago, a Crecho- even his mother ill Germany-say they

slovakian-born associate professor of Rus- • haven't heard from him.

sian history at the University of Colerado

And, if police do know some answers,.

faiica to appear to teach his classes..

hey arch't passing them, along. to. th

He still hasn't appearco:

missing professor's friends or relatives.

Police entered the case last April, via

Many of those friends are refugees who

fled io

a missing person report. Now,

though,

this "land of the free" from the

they say they aren't really interesied in

tyranny ol European countries. And they

• thie prolessor's disappearance.

sunder how a man can disappear, here

• in America.

Officers say they have been tola. by

icderal agencies that the missing pro-

Tacy remember a snowy night in

lessor is okay, that no foul play is in-

Boulder, when a sercaming, woman was

volved.

• carried from the professor's home.

They remember another • woman,

• But if he's alive, where is he?

ferred to by the professor as "Colonel,"

And sho are these icderal agents who

and they remember other things:

reporiedly know the secrels of the pic-

But they don't have the answers.. And

fessor's disappearance? Police reiuse to

that's what they want.

For the strange story of the professor

His friends say they don't know where who dropped from sight, turn to Page 36,

section E, of Sunday's Denver Post..

....

..HH 55100

DocId:32989553 Page 179

(Indicate page, name of

newspaper, city and state.)

1

The Denver Post

_ Denver, Colorado

Date:

12/28/69

Edition: Home

Author:

Editor: Palmer Hoyt

Title:

THOMAS RIHA

Character:

Cl. Iiication:

Subrating Ollie: Denver

[Being Investly 'ed B

---

## Page 180

PD-5S0 (R08. 7-16-63)

(Hiount Clipping in Space Below)

C.3D CU TEACHER

ul. Rha's Disappearar.ce

reuded in Mystery

(Indicate page, namo of

newspaper, city, and state.)

and Silenc

Is FRED CILLIES

Rut which agencies? No one

_nificers, examined the

enver Post Staff Writer

will say.

grounds and peered inrougn the i

Earlier on that strange

windows of the modest Riha

Early on the morning

March 17, Prof. Thomas Riha's

March morning — a Monday --

house at 1055 6th St. in Boul-

Pricicase stood

open amid

T'rof. Robert Skoüheim, who

der, where Riha had been liv-

shared the CU study with Riha,

ing alone since his estranged

sures and papers scailered on

received a telephone cail from

wife moved to a Boulder hotel

a desk in his study at the Uni-

a woman in Denver. She want

more than a week before. Po-

"sity cê Colorado.

ed to remind Riha about an im-

lice talked to neighbors and, ev-!

*is was unusual, for Riha

is lanown as an orderly and

portant appointment he had

idently finding nothing amiss,

that day with the U.S. Immigra-

ciganized man, one who didn't

tion Service in Denver.

leave things at loose ends.

Skotheir placed a memo tr

still was no information on

i the end of that we tree!

36 The Denver Post

- Venver, Colorado

Bus unusual things were oc-

this effect on Riha's desk anci

"Riha's whereabouts. But the ti-

Raving in the life of ina, 4o,

tle to his car had been assigned

respecied professor of Pous-

"in history at CU.

At noon, Riha failed to at-

tend a scheduled facully meet-

to a Denver couple. And a

• Ino most unusual of these

Boulder real estate firm had

received a letter authorizing

as that he was disappearing

cropping cut of sight from his

Later that afterncon, a wom-

Riha's nephew, Zdenek, Cerve

• an telephoned,

, telling a secre- my of Denver, to sell" the " Riha

Date:

12/28/69

wine, his university, his friends

tary. she wanted to pick up

home. On both documents was Edition::

Home

dese his relatives.

Riha's briefcase because the

Did he do this by his own i

the signature, Thomas Riha,

Author:,

professor had been taken to a

notarized in Denver. o..

choosing? Did he want to disap

Editor: Palmer Hoyt

hospital after being injured in a

far?

Cobo.

TIlle:

'Cr, did something else hap-.

NEVER APPEARED

THOMAS RIHA

" to Riha?

The woman never appeared?

is lia dead? Alive?

•all be is alive, where is he?

No hospital record for Riha has

Characior:

iseen found.

Wist is he doing?

i che concen for Riha rally

or :

"His-lery bufís would believe

Kat when a university profes-

began building when he failed

Classilication:

to meet his classes at CU on

Submitting Office:

Denver

or disappears, police would

irag gie for an answer to the

Tuesday, March 18. A worried

O Boing Investigated $

CU staff member notified Mrs.

acc. But if police have strug-

there is littie evidence of

Riha's attorney, who contacted

i in tie strange case of Riha. i

Boulder police.

Sa innina"

Taser Post roporter re-

..cd vague answers from offi-

w. There is talk of ther

arsis - unidentified - re-

r.r.?

¿ina to be "alive and

- sumewhere.*

MH 55100

DocId: 32989553

Page 180

---

## Page 181

tried jag;

THOMAS RIMA, PROFESSOR OF RUSSIAN HISTORY

"We've been told not to worry," Boulder officer says.

HH 55100

'At this same time,

Rita, mel Haca Hruskovn, 21

Riha's art works, appa.

ed atim Now Xord City suomy before

$19,603, known to have bacn injie

ok à group of proiersors

his house ina previous week,

our ot Russia in the cum-

rested in a workacom at the

mur di 1963. Or his return to the

Denver Art Muscum and were

United

States larg that sun-

yecorded officially as a giit 10

mer, Riha again : v Hana, in

the museum from a Denver

this country on a student visa

woman.

from her homeland in Czecho-

In the nest two months, most

slovakia. Riha,

then 35

also

of Riha's household possessions

was of Czech crigin, becoming

and the books and papers in his

a naturalized U.S. citizen and

office had been transferred to a

receiving his university educa-

house In Denver. His home in

tion in this country. -

Boulder had been sold. Letters

On Oci. 13, 1968, Hana

and

and checks appeared, signed

Thomas were marriod in a late

Thomas Rina. His credit card afternoon cererony at the Uni

was used for the purchase of tarian Church in Boulder. At c.

several

thousand dollars in

wedding reception that evening

merchandise in the Denver area.

at the Black Bear Inn in Lyons,

One of the typed letters, dated

Co:o.,

Thomas obviously

was

March

30 and signed with

overjoyed. Crossing his arms

Riha's name, was postmarked

and clasping them at the elbow

April & at Montreal,

Suchec.

as if rocking a cradie, he went

This letter was sent to a Boul-

around the room calling oil ex-

der insurance agency,

request-

uberantly that the marriage

ing cancellation of an insurance

was "for all life."

policy on Riha's Volkswagen,

Among the reception guests

which the writer said had been

was a Denver woman - re-

sold.

ferred to later by Rina as

But were the signatures really

"Colonel" - with whom Riha

those of Riha?

discussed at length the bringi 3)

PROPERTY QUESTION

of his nephew, Cerveny. 1.

It's the harding of Riha's this country. Cerveny then was!

property, including the works in Vienna after fleeing from,

of art,

that particularly bothers Prague in russian-occupied

the professor's friends and rela- Czechoslovakia.

tives, including his mother in ADMITTED TO U.S.

Gerinany. They claim he

About a month later, Cerveny

wouldn't give up some of his was admitted on temporary

possessions, that they were too status to the United States as a

dear to him.

Czech refugee, through ar

On Sept. 30, Riha was divorced rangements which Cerveny said

from his wiic, Hana, on her

were entirely normal and rou-

counterclaim of cruelty. Rina tine.

Vasn't in court. Before the di

Rina's plans for a marriage

force was grantca, Kha's attor- "for all life" didn't take rcot

hey questioned the authenticity Shattering for him and his wife

of letters he had been receiving

were events at their home carly

with Riha's signature.

The

on the morning of March 9.

lawyer urged a court clarifica-

At about 12:30 a.m., guests

tion of the attorney's respon- were leaving a party at the

sibilities toward Riha so that the

home of CU Professor Richard

professor's menti vant voltsit

and Nirs. Wilson, next do

to

"permanently and unjusity

the Rihas. One of the gu

"S,

sauzificed."

Professor Robert Hanson,

Mrs. Riha standing at a

rSi

floor window in her home

flailing her arms and cryi

for

help.

¡Snow was still on the gourd

a; Hanson raced to the Ri

house and pulled Mrs. Ra: u:

the window. & strong

, what he thought was i

form clung heavily is i

¡Riha.

With the aid of 1*

son look tho clot

- ...

---

## Page 182

i coned by all.

li rapart, the of

his version ot

To monad inot dom in front,

the Tine house and toid them

dis. Riha sid locken herself in

so? bodroes, tom wach sille!

ines were coming. When she

ind Rica throached to break

ie buc.com doer, the woman

sid. des. ran went to the

Trian nod scried screaming.

i: conversation, the ot

inosion site was inf

te fian saise that night as ?:

1020: in an citicial capacity

•i had somathing to do with!

mireration annerikes in

Denier. But she couldn't pro-

face any fontification.

! Funher, she iold police dars.

Kha wash': a U.S. citizen, that

or visa had capired and that

se immigralien authorities in

_over had been cailed.

Asica for her irenification,

'e woman suid it was in her

sor parted cuiside the Riha

•cuse. Dut she could produce

only an Ilinois driver's license.

•is the Wilson home, the offi-

NN 55100 DooId: 32989553

cers found aris. tha in an die Apparcally terrilica, ars...

d'ant traumatic state."

Riha took from her purse

Alice taking with Nirs. Rind,!

¡Regosin's business card ard

ilie nificers retted io he:

I Plesded for someone io call him.

Thc call was made, with dirs.

Lo ee, wiere fley ivand a jer calcia sobbing as sie told Rega-

several cici-socied

gausa pads in the baucovers in

jan siat had hoppened, Also

For borroom. Trese items later talking with kegosin during trie

were turned over to her Boui-

thalf-hour conversation were

Wilson, ilanson and Patroiman

der attorney, Gerald Caplan. •

Dorsey. Aiter the call was com-

"laving investigated this

pleted, police leil Nirs. Riha in

matter for over an hour and

ünding no evidence of joul

the custody of the Hansons. wino

look her bricily to the Riha

the oilicers said in their

home to get some of her

swe advised Airs. Riha

clothes. They then accompan-

to return homa, but assured her

fied her to the Bouiderado lis-

she did not have io."

tel, where she siayed until stie

A police check that same

left Boulder with her aunt

morning with the rational

April 5 for New York City.

Crime Information Center indi-

VISA NOL INVOLVED

cated Mrs. Riha wasn't among!

Recalling this middic-of-the-

1 Her husband's later diss?-

pearance was "scathing tri-

sual," Nirs. Mina said. "Be left

his shaving suit, his writing

stuff, even his suits). I've

not heard iron lira at. all

from the time he disappoared."i

Aroused froin sloey by a role-i

phone cail on ilic nishit of the

disturbance at the itha home

was join l trid, districi d

recior of the U.S: Immigration

and Naturalization Service

(INS) in Denver.

The call concerned the disi

turbance, Told said in a ra-:

cent interview.

"I don't recall who it came

from and what was said

The caller was informed dad

appropriale inquiries would ba:

persons in the United States il-fright telepione conversation,

legaily, the oilicers said.

Regosin said the trouble at the

CALLED NOPOW

Tiais was the substance of tauljRina home that night "had

On the nighi of Marcii 13.

officers' report, according to

"nothing to do with Mrs. Riha's!

Riha was in Denver and idla

Police Capi. Willard Spier of

phoned his negrow to coma

•Boulder, wro declined to per-

"There was nothing urgent

ard see him, Cavesy, Rha's

rait a Post reporter to examine: about her status, nothing press-

the repert. He relayed verbaky

oniy titose paris of the report

ng, no imminent deportation,"

nephew, said. This was ins dus:

time he saw his uncic, Cerveny

Regosin said.

*he considered pertinent, saying

Regosin said he was told b.

the rest consisied of "personal Airs. Rina during the telephone

On the night of Sunday,

coramanis of tic officers."

call that night that she had son?

/March 15, Corveny said, a Don-

CHOR SERONG

to bed and began to sense a

ver woman telephoned him

ether clingirs

strange odor. As it became.

and said Riha was gone and

cidn't. have a chance to taik to

to airs. Riha was so strong thit

s'ronger, she becaine very up

windows in the Wilson house

isel and started sercaming, think-

Lim. Corvany was told he

had to be opened, Mrs. Wilsching she was being overcome by

vould be icaring from Rine

some chemical.

and would get his uncle's por;

Ard Mrs. Wilson spoke of

In New York City, where she:

¡er of attorney. He aiso said he

is employed at a

angry voicus rising in the entry- Rina said recc.tly that the

bank, Mrs. was advised to say that no

knew where his uncle had gone

way to he: home as her hus-

ether in her room came from

Riha's leaving

band confronica Riha rio was tre vents or under tine bedroom

stemined from his impending

femarding that his wife be sent

¡back to his home.

¡ Riha's voice was "angry, kel-

ligerent and frightened" as he

told Wilson thai the woman

who had called police was

an intelligence agent of the U.S.

Army, that she was armed ari

the Wilsons were in dangt

they didn't « sturn his wife, Mrs.

Wilson said. Wilson firniy rc-

fused this demanci, orcering Ri-

ha out of his house shortly be

fore polics arrived.

In a 2 a.m. emorgency sole-

phone call made at the Wilsor

home, Mrs. Riha talked fill:

SIGNATURE IN DOCET

The signature, Thomas Ria,

appears on at least three docu

ments witnessed in Denver by

Swo notaries public aic his

disappcarance. Shown a sat ci

six photographs, anong whien

was a recent photo of Riha, tie

notaries couldn't pick out Rites:

as the person who signec the

papers.

Reccived in Boulder and.

•Denver ailer Riha's disappi

Janer, letters signed with is

=3

a contain glaring mi."

some awkward wait

morning with David Legosin,

tongurne friend and attor..uy .

New lvin tity.

Page 182

accurate addres:

nopter written end

nephew drei. wing

nicoties di min

---

## Page 183

i Co and:

cing his writ-!

Mama was ine,

.. aid timid treatises,

mare of the nuances

i raine tongue, as well as

Lish, Russian, Ger-

in be sadis tiently.

said there many perplex-

o.ricialdom

•i in leo interested in find-

cut lihat happency to Riha

his safoly or denials!

inowledge oi the mán.

Juicy a month after Riha

"Petred, Di. Joseph Smi-

i, then president of CU, said

• contacied "reliable sources"!

Mishngion and was told

•i Itha was saie, but was un-

in in leam where the proies-

was or the circumstances'

is disappearance.

"sis pest week, a CU spokes-!

• said there's been no

"wer inquiry about Rina &:

luvel of the university adi

i scation.

In Boulüer, Captain Spier

"y understanding is that

* disap.cared of his own ac-

•inor had lo-and there is

is wasting time looking for

i just as a missing person.

cre's so suspicion of foul play

i place."

sui police Lt. Ralph Ruzicka

•s in Boulder: "We've bee

" ry "an agency') not to

Zat when we talk to

kit the facts, they don't

mid. ip logically, and we get

indus again."

wed to identify the

my wich provided

ceo about Riha.

l Currony filed a missing

*is roport on his uncle Oct.

Bolider police had noth-

vidal on the Riha disap

ince in their files, Ruzicke.

- ShiT, Miiss Joyce Lebra,

cist? peciessor of history

•s lur about 1½

i Rha disappeared,

¡ i CU professors

wito sled out a iorm at

the Labra nome. Siss Lebra

said she has heard nothing fiom

Boulder police alter making

Denver Detec-

¿re Philip Vilialovos told hint

to has been informed that "re-

spousible persons" have said.

Rica is all right and that the

Donver Police Department isn't

able to proceed with the search

Denver police, Detective Jikei

Cervery to file a missing per-!

sons complaint on Riha Oct. 28;

with Boulder policc.

"The nest day," Allegretto

"Boulder police told us,

that, ne Til o, the to does :

abcul Riha, because they knew:

where he was and that he wag!

alive and well."

But tie FBI here insisis, it

hasa't jurisdiction in the case.

This was determined when two

inquiries were made as the re-

sult of anonymous phone calls

received here by the FBI April

i and again in Sepiember, John

?. Morley, assistant agent ini

Inquirics made by the FBI,

Morley said, were based on the!

fact that a man had been ic-

poried missing

"under unusuai

circumstances."

"We've placed no restrictions

on any other investigative agen-

cies in the area to determine if

there is any violation over

which they may have local in-

vestigative jurisdiction (in the

Riha case)," Morley said

"We know nothing about hin'

i (Riha)," a Central Intelligenc

agency (ClA) spokesman in

Denver said. "As far as we

know, Riha leit voluntarily. We:

have nothing to do with the man.

He has no contact with our

However, CU Professor Ste-

phen Fischer-Galati reported he

was told by the CIA early last

MY 55100

DocId: 32989553

Page 183

April that Runa was safe and/mother, Mirs. Ruth Ann Cori,

had left voluntarily. Fischer-

(scekig information aboli tus

Galati also said he wrote locison. 'Ine leitor was direcra

U.s. Justice Department April personally to scot werner, & Bl

7 and was toid "the matter haslagen in charge here. She hasn i

been referred to proper govern- heard from her son.

ment authorities.'

As they spolie warmly of

Riha just recently, his close

fic has reccived no roply to friends - many of them reic.

¿: Dec. 6 letter, directed to the geas irom Europe - scemed !

game department, Fischer-

to be trying to build with words

Galati said.

the image of the man they

Also disclaiming any knowl- wanted to see again:

eage of the Riha case is Todd,

"Riha felt positively more an

of the immigration service

.. as a Czech. He

have quite bitter memory as a

"I know nothing about Riha,"

youth of the German occupa-

tion (during World War II).

But a close friend of Riha's

Riha probably developed a deep

says he contacted the INS twice

sympathy for the Russian lib-

¡bout Riha-Once in May or

erators. But he missed the part

June, when he was told that Ri-

when the Communists take over

ja was alive; and the second

(because he nad come to inca

sime in the fall, when he asked

his home in the U.S. by this

whether Riha still were alive

and there was no answer.

simple a man, he could

this time, Riha's friend said, he

fit any place.

was told by the INS "not to be

"He was very illusionary

interested" in the Riha case.

an idealistic dreamer... & Ho-

U.S. Army Military Intelli-

eral-thinking man. But I de: _ he

gence "has never been official-

was a sympathizer of com-

ly involved in the Rina case,"

munism. He was a man who I

said Col. Lynn Fritchman, com-

adored everything that was tra

manding officer, U.S. Army Re-

ditionally rational.

gron 4, Military intelligence

"Riha was a very reliable

Group in Denver.

man. You could buila a cathe-

'Riha's iriends

don't.-knowld-al on his word."

what to believe--hoping

knother friend said of Rina:

vague assurances they have re-

He was an extremely ogen

Iceived are valid and that Riha

man. He made the impression

is alive and well. But they

of an absolutes free man .

¡don't know.

not scared of anything. He hat

MOTHER WRITES

made it in life. He was a to

Vany of them came to this professor in his line

country from totalitarian tyran- healthy ... a fantasti: cook.

nies in Europe, and they ask: His art pieces were valied in

"How can it happen, especially the thousands. He had a big li-

in this country, that a man can brary. He was a charming man.

disappear and nothing can be

"Riha was a nihilist, an aike-

known about him for almost alist who jus'; yearned for some

From Germany early this

Riha's friend paused, consid-

month came a letter written tolered, and then, quite simply,

the FBI in Denver by Riha's| added the one word, "God.".

---

## Page 184

MAY TROT LUTON®

GSA GEN. RIG. NO, 77

UNITED STATES GOVERAMENT

Memorandum

го

Ur. Do d. Brennan, digu

'ROM'

: So E. Papich

UBJECT: THOMAS MINA

INTERNAL SECURITY - CZECHOSLOVAKIA

DATE: 1/13/70

Tolion

Walt ric

Hoir -

Bistar -

Casper -

Callch sn

Conrad -

Felt _

Gole -

Rosen -

Sullivan -

Tavel -

Soyais

Tele. 700=

Hoimes -

Gan sy

the subject is not of operational interest to

that

Agency.

which could be characterized as a

that the subject was exporiencing narital difficulties

and had left his rife.

The Agancy does not have any infornation

concerning subject's present whereabouts.

ACTION:

The above information is being directed to the

attention of the sino-Satellite Section.

1 - lu. Gray (le. Redfiela)

-Licison

1 - It. Fapich

(4)

JFK Act 6 (1) (B)

R$0-35

15-92356-13

• JAN 14 1970

105-78256

This document is prenared in response to your request und is not for dissemi-

nation a tajre your Commit ee.

Its use is limited to off det morenings by

your Orin" e and the conteni may noi be disclosed to unarthorized person

nel without the express amproval of the

FBI.

59 JANT g 1970

Ww 55100 DacId: 32969553 page i84,

---

## Page 185

5010-106

OPTIONAL FORM

'87 EDITI

UNLIED STATES (ERNMENT

Memorandum

10

: Mr. W. C. Sullivan!

FROM : A. W. Gray?

I - Mr. DeLoach

1 - Mr. Bishop

1 - Mr. Mainfeldt

DATE: January 13, 1970

I - Mr. suLlivan

-Liaison

I - Mr. Gray

1 - Mr. Redfield

L

SUBJECT: THOMAS

RIHA

INFORMATION CONCERNING

(SINO-SATELLITE)

Fell -

Rosen.

Sullivan

Tavel -

Soyars

Tele. Room

Holmes -

Gandy.

Recommend attached letter be sent Attorney General (AG)

is not for dissemi-

pro cedings by

unautorized person

your request

I's use is limited to offira!

This document is prepred in response to

Committee.

content, may not be disclosed to

approval of

nation ouisirs,

your Commice

nel without

regarding letter 1/8/69 to him from Congressman Donald G. Brotzman,

Republican, Colorado, referred to us concerning disappearance of

subject. Also recommend representative of Mr. Bishop's office

personally apprise

e Congressman of facts. Brotzman, formerly

United States Attorney Denver, 1959-1962; relations cordial.

concerning subject's disappearance from Boulder, Colorado, 3/59.

Congressman requested intornation from AG by 1/Aeiãd)"

He noted Riha may have disappeared because of "donestic complica

tions."

He stated he asked Bureau for report as to what had been

done to locate subject. He wrote that Bureau advised, aside from

preliminary inquiries, no investigation conducted.

on 12/31/69

Mr. Bishop did advise Congressman's office FBI had conducted no

investigation of disappearance, since no indications of violation

of federal law in our

jurisciction.

Congressman stated during

course of, similar inquiries, CIA advised it had no jurisdiction

but understood FBI had looked into matter and night well know

whereabouts of subject and circumstances involved.

We did inquire

of CIA through Liaison on 4/15/69 to determine if they had any

interest in subject. They did not.

Subject, born 4/17/29, Prague, Czechoslovakia, entered

United States 1947; naturalized US citizen 12/52; served US Army

1953-1955; attended Moscow University 6/58-9/59; prior to dis

appearance was professoi of Russian history, University d Colorado,

Boulder. We havé no information concerning Riha's whereabouts

and have conducted no investigation to locate. CIA advised Liaison

1/13/70 Congressnan was told CIA was not investigating subject and

not using him in any capacity. CIA suggested he might check with

Iocal police and FBI, but did not tell him FBI was investigating.

RIC- 94

In 12/69 Denver received letter from subject's mother/

requesting

• information concerning son's disappearance ar Permean 107

Office replied this was matter not within jurisdiction of Bureau,

however, ofered if

she so desired to place his name on Bureau's

missing persons list. SAC, Denver, advised reply received from "

hothed 1/13/70 declining to have subject's name placed on list.

i a Enclosure,

10.8. '162:

JWR : km1

N 55100, Do 14: 32989553 Page 185

CONTINUED - OVER

---

## Page 186

Memorandum tu nr. W. C. Sullivan

RE: THOMAS RIHA

ACTION:

(1) That approval be grantod for attached letter to

AG providing him with these facts and advising him that a

representative of the Bureau will personally inform the

Congressman of them on 1/14/70.

(2) That a representative of Nr. Bishop's office

personally contact the Congressman and provide him with these

tacts.

INes

1-15=

5061

ninetic

5

invest we time uncle dese perio

- 2=

NH 55100 DocId:32989553 Page 186

---

## Page 187

FD-350 TRev. 1-16-031

(Mount Clipping in Space Below)

OU PROFESSOR'S FATE A MYSTERY

PAR 9

i robe widens

i ced tines i in laid is

S-CALD GILLILS

That o Pure Soul Writer

Lanner di Reles proparty alu

Denter Dist. Attr. Mike Me appeared, signed Thomas Riha, I quested to look into the aiscrep-

hievit said Wednesday his staff Sontref, Quebec, postmark.

hese letters have a ancies between official stat

is conducting an "extensive in-,

ments of federal agencies ar

restigation" into the mysterious

Inquiries at the national level apparently contradictory state

lisaprearance of Thomas Riha, are being made by Rep. Donald ments which persons interestec

university of Colorado profes- G. Brotzman. R-Colo. To daie.' in Riha received from these

sor. and is coordinating its ef. Brotzman said he has received agencies shortly after he disap-

torts with widening probes of responses from three agencies: ! peared.

the Denver and Boulder Police! -The FBI. which says it

Departments and the Boulder

district attorney.

At the renuest of The Denver

(inaicaie page, name of

newspaper, city and state.)

are being continued with fed- oliense is likely to have been weir

cral agencies in Washington. "intolred.' The agency did. how-

D.C.. and through Canadian im- erer. acknowledge it has re-

migration officials.

ceived

several inquiries about

RUSSIA. HISTORY

Riha.

Riha, 40, a highly respected

—The Central Intelligence

professor of Russian history,

'Agency (CIA), which said it

was officially listed as missing thinks the FBI might have some

March 17

when he failed to knowledge

2 The Denver Post

Denver, Colorado

of Riha's where-

appear at his office where his abouts. The ClA spokesman said

briefcase stood open amid

the agency considered the mat-

ooks and pavers on his desk. ter when it received inquirie:

On the same day, Riha's

last March and April and veri

prized

art works resied in a lied that Riha's disappearance

workroom at the Denver Art.

didn't have international impli-

Viuseum, the gift of a Denver cations

and "was a domestic

ivoman

who museum officials

matter, in terms of the Unitec

Date:

1-14-70

Edition: Home

Author:

Fred Gillies

Editor:

Palmer Hoyt

Title:

say didn't mention Riha as the States." Inquiries directed to the

THOMAS RIHA

owner of the art works.

CIA were turned over to the

Less • than two weeks

later, FBI, the spokesman added. He

the title to Riha's car had been

said the CIA has no direct

assigned to a Denver couple.

knowledge or reports of a rumor

And within two months of his which has come to its attention

, disappearance, his home in

saying that Riha is "somewhere

Boulder had been sold.

on the East Coast."

Character: IS - CZ

or

Classification: 105-4151

Submitting Office:

Denver

Being Investigated

MONTREAL POSTMARK

-The U.S. Army Intelligence

Denver and Boulder law en-

Command, which says it has no-

forcement authorities have in-

personal knowledge of the Riha

105.78256

dicated that much of their effort

case, no direct or indirect in-

volvement, nor any knowledge.

involves examination of the var-

Jous doc'iments involved in the

-of-facts surrounding Riha's dis

appearance.

Broizman said he is aring 105-73251

Tile 5-huk

HH 55100. DocTd: 32989553

Page 187

---

## Page 188

X116

The Attorney General

Director, FBI

DeLoach

1 - Mr. Bishop

January 14, 19%0

1 - Mr. Malifeldt

• Mx. Sullivan

- Liaison

- Mr. Gray

1

- Nr. Redfield

PHOBIAS RIIA

INTORMATION CONCERNING

023L

.....

on any

reference is made to letter dated January

1970, addressed to you from Congresman Donald G. Erotznan,

Colorado, a copy of which is attached with its enclosure.

The Congressman had asked for a reply by january 14, 1970.

On December 31, 1069,

pursuant to the Congressman's

inquiry, this bureau navised it. Robert Tonsing, his

administrative side, that the FBI had conducted

l'no investiga

tion concerning the

disappearanco in March, 1069, of Thomas

Rina, professor, University of Colorado, Coulder, Colorado,

since there vere

170

inuications of a violation of federal lar

within its jurisdiction.

This Curcau has no infornation

concerning Niha's whereabouts and has conducted no investiga

tion to locate bin.

on April 15,

1009, we did inquire of

the Central Intelligence Agency it

they had any interest in

nel without the express approval. of

Riha. They did not,

the

your comm. -e and the content may not

nation ontarle your Committee.

This document is

Its use

prepared in response to

IN December, 1069, our Denver Office received a

loiter fron Riha's mother requesting information concorning

FBI

Fer son's

disappearance.

She was advised this was a natter

not within the

jurisdiction of the FBI.

She was told, however,

what if she so desired his name would be placed on the rBI's

be cisclosed

Missing persons list. She replied on

| January 13, 1970, and

NOS.

eclined to have his name placed on the list.

The Central Intelligence Agency advised this Bureau

on january 13, 1070,

that Congressman Brotzman upon inquiry

01 them had been advisod that Agency was not investigating

• Riha

and not using hin in any capacity.

Central Intelligence Agency

to unauthorzed

had

suggested he check with the local police and the FBi but

lanated to official proceedings

ate not tall the Congreasnan the TBI vas investigating subjects.

by

not for dissemi-

A representative of the Bureau

will personally contact

Congressman Brotzman on January 14, 1970, and apprise him of

the above facts.

Enclosures - 2

JIR: ebp

MW 55100 ĐodHP82989653 Page 188

FE

NOTE PAGE

TWO

---

## Page 189

The Attorney General

• NOtE:

Sce menorandun A, W. Gray to Mr. W. C. Sullivan,

anted 1/13/70, captioned as above, prepared by Jwrikml,

Tho enclosures attached to the AG letter have

been Xeroxod since the orisinal lettor to the AG bore Bureau

arminiatrative narkings.

by SA San &. Papich.

JEK Act' 6 (1) (A)

HW 55100

DooId: 32989553

Page

189

---

## Page 190

(113)

200

COMMITT

INTERSTAILAN

(UMIALT

COULD INDEY 48 TOURS

SUUCOMAITTEC ON COMMUNIGATIONS

AND POWER

Mouse Bi stepresentatives

Washington, 12.C. 20515

January 8, 1970

OFFICE OF TI

RECEIVEL

Nu. Walters

Mra dohr-

Mr Bishop

sr. Cosper

Mr. Callahan

Mr. Conrad

Mr. Felt -

Mr. Gale

Mr. Rosen

Mr. Sulliv

Vir. Tave

Mr. Soyars

Pele. Room

Miss Holmes

Miss Gandy

Attorney General John N. Mitchell

Department of Justice

Constitution Avenue

Washington, D.C. 20530

JAN 121970

TITORNEY CENERA

Dear MI. Attorney General:

Enclosed is a photocopy of an article which was published'

by the Denver Post on December 28, 1969. I have been

requested by the Denver Post and friends of DI. Riha,

who is

a constituent of mine, to do everything possible

to assist in either locating

the Professor or in determin

ing additional facts about his disappearance.

nel without the

It seems to me that the interest of the nation in general

and the credibility of the FBI in particular is not well

served by the proliferation of a belief that Professor Riha

is the victim of some kind of international intrique, if

such is not the case.

and

Despite the implications found in the Denver Post article,

I think it is quite possible that Professor Riha left

In this spirit I last week asked the FBIlto provide me,

A FEDERAL BU. OF INY FIES

either

• formally or informally, with a report on what the

Bureau has done to locate Professor Riha? I waNin 21970

not

Last Friday that, aside from a file of inquiries made in

Professor Riha's behalf, the Bureau has not, lookea into

the matter and is not conducting inquiries

I

SO

info

orned

SEC 8• !!

the Denver post-gin: in

0F iNV

(tonever, in the course of similar inquiries to

Ather

federal agencies.

ÜEK Act 6 (1) (B)

This document is prepared in

!..,

and is not for dissemi-

afraint, nroceedings by

vicutiorized person-

Professor Riha and the circumstances behin

his unusual disappearance 5 ins

105-78956

IT JAN 19 1970

55160

DooId:32989553. Page 190

---

## Page 191

Attorney General Mitchell

January 8, 1970

Page

2

I now appeal to you to look into the matter and at least

provide me with

guidance.

I am convinced that the

speculation will only grow in intensity, and I can see

no good purpose

in hiding behind a jurisdictional facade

if the Professor's current status can be explained in a

straighttorward

manner.

Your response by Wednesday,

I January 14 would be deeply appreciated. :

very truly yours,

Donald G.J-Brotzman

Member of Congress

DGB/tja

Enclosure

MH 55100 DocId:32989553 Page 191

---

## Page 192

"THE DENVER

1038 Suck

-25

RESPECTED CU TEAC...

Prof. Riha's Disappearance

Shrouded in Mystery and Silence

By TIES MILLIES

Denver Post Staff Tiriter

Early on the morning of

March 17, Prof.

Thomas Riha's

briefcase

slood

open

amid

oolis and papers scattered on

be desk in his study at the lini.

versity of Colorado.

This was unusual, for Niha

was hnown as an orderly and

organized man, one who didn t

leave things at lesse ends.

But unusual tangs were i-

curring in the life of Roh. 10,

a respecied profussor of Rus-

sian history at CU.

The most unusual uf these

mas that be was disappanne

- dropping out of sight from his

home,

ius universsly, his frieruis

and his relatives.

Did be

do

this by his own

choosing? Did he want to disap-

pear?

Or, did something else hap

pen to Riha?

Is he dead? Alive?

If he is alive.

where is he"

What is he doing?

Musiery buffs would beliese

that when a university proles

....sor disappears, police would

struggle for an ansier to the

riddle. But if pohce have strug.

gled, there is little evidence of

it in the strange case of Riha.

VAGUE ANSWERS

A Denver Post reporter re

ceived vague answers from o'fi-

cors. There is tall: of other

agencies

- unidentified - re

porting Riha lo be

"alive and

well" - somexhere.

But which agencies? No one

will say

Earlier on that strange

March morning - a Monday -

Prof. Robert Skiotheim.

who

shared the CU study with Ritu

reccised a telephone call from

a woman in Denver. She want.

ed to remind Riha about an in.

portani appoinument he had

that day with the U.S. Immigra

tion Service in Denver.

Skotheim placed a memo u

his eflect on Riha's desk ano

left to meet his classes.

Al noon. Riha failed to at-

tend a scheduled faculty mers.

rainaned the

grounds and peered through the

windows of the modest Riha

house at 1055 6th St. in Bowl-

der, where Riha had been liv.

ing alone since his estrangeci

wife moved to a Bor'der holel

more than a week before. Po-

lice talked to neighbors and, ev-

idently linding nothing amiss,

500n left.

By the end of that week, there

still was no information on

Riha's whereabouts. But the ti

tie to his car had been assigned

t0 « Denver couple, Aud a

Boulder real estate firm had

received a letter authorizing

Riha's nephew. Idenek Cerve-

ny of Denver. to sell the Rilia

horne. On to'"

documents was

the signature. Thomas Rika

esotar nd in tapers.

11 thee canne tait annie nf

Rihas art works. appraised at

$19.6015, known to have been in

his house the previous weck,

rested in a workroom at the

Denver AMt Museum and were

recorded officially as a gift to

the museum

from a Denver

¡ woman.

In the next two months, most

rof Riha's household possessions

sand the becks and papers in his

office had been transferred 10 a

*house in Denver lis home in

Enukder had been sold. Loiters

ars, checks appeared,

signed

Thomas Riha.

His credit card

was used for the purchase of

several thousand dollars in

merchandise in the Denver area.

One of the typed letters, dated

liarch 30 and signed with

Riha's name.

was postmarked

Apr!! 8 at Montreal, Quebec

3us letter was sent to a Boul.

der insurance agency, request-

Lig cancellation of an insurance

unley on Rita's Volkswagen.

which the writer said had bees

But were the signatures realig

l'inse of Kiha?

"ROPERTY QUESTION

s dise handling of Rih.

sarty, including the win

THOMAS RIHA, PROFESSOR OF RUSSIAN HISTORY

"We ve been toid ros to were,

coulder cit.cer says.

Riha's briefcase because thi

professor had been laken to

hospital aller being injured in :

fall.

NEVER APPEARED

he Roman never appeare

o haspital record for Riha hi

been found.

The concern for Riha really

began building when he failed;

to nicet his classes at CU on

Tuesday, March 18. A worried

CU staff member notified Mrs.

Riha's allorney, who contacied

Boulder police.

swadnt give up soine of h

er a his that they wese it

inor:

HH 55100

DocId: 32989553 Page 192

---

## Page 193

slovakia.

then

39.

alsol

and

was

arms

icolo.,

overjoyed.

luberantly

"Colonel"

-

her vi

the Imnug

Eati

report.

morning

tine.

"for all life"

guests

rext door to

help.

'Riba.

With the ald of Wilson, Hai

son took the distraught woman

I to tha Wilson home.

of-

events:

When she

the bedroom

the woman

recalled.

Wilson

said.

home, Mrs.

Riha

took

Sin

half-hour

home to

clothes.

get

HH 55100 Do0Id:32989553 Page 193

wilson

house

as he

woman

was

firinly re-

Wilson

her

purse

Also

were

her aunt

visa status.

door.

stuff,

made."

said.

him.

and

the

divorce.

papers.

ird-the-

tion,

at the

As it became

up

came from

"He lelty

i

Todd, district di-

that

was told he

leaving

'Thomas Rina,

Shown a set of

among

which

ing

sor

milistration.

"says:

any place."

sard.

Aps,

"this report.

Riha is

for Rrha.

Allegretto

•said,

the

Russion.

Ger-l

each of

othcaaidom

or serials

crrcumstar.p

about Riha at

"We've been

Miss Lebra

encouraged

and that he was

---

## Page 194

FBI POSITION

But the FBI here

hisists it

hasn't jurisdiction in the case.

This was determined when two

inquiries were made as the re-

sult of anonymous phone calls

received here by the FI'. April

3 and again in September. John

F.

Morley, assistant agent in

charge, says.

Inquiries made by the FBI,

Morley said, were based on the

fact that a man had been re

ported missing "under unusual

circumstances."

"We've placed no restrictions

lon any other investigative agen-

¡cies in the area to determine it

there is any violation over

which they

may have local in-

vestigative jurisdiction in the

(Riha case)," Morley said.

• "We know nothing about hir

(Riha),"

a Central Inielligence

Agency (CIA) spokesman in

Denver said.

"As far as we

know.

Riha left voluntarily.

We

have nothing so do with the man

He has no comact with our

agency."

However,

C'!r Professor Sle

phen Fischer-isaiati reported he

was told by the CIA rarly last

¡April that Riha was safe and

had left voluntarily. Fischer-

Galati also said he wrote the

U.S. Justice Department April

7 and was told "the matter has

been referred to proper govern-

ment authorities.

NO REPLY

He has received no reply to

a Dec, 6 letter, directed to the

same

department, Fischer-

Galati said.

Also disclaiming any know%.

edge of the Riha case is Toda.

jot the immigration service

(INS) here.

"I know nothing about Riha,"

Todd said.

But a close friend of Rina's

says he contacted the INS twice

about Riha-once

in

May

or

June, when he was told that Ri-

'ha was alive; and the second

time in the fall, when he asked

whether Riha still were alive

land there

was no answer.

At

this time. Riha's frierd said, he

was told by the INS "not iu be

interested" in the Riha case.

U.S.

Army Military

Intelli-

gence "has never been official-

ly involved in

the Riha case."

said-Col. Lynn Fritchman, com-

manding officer, U.S. Army Re-

gron 4, Military Intelligence

Group in Denver.

Riha's friends don't know

, what to believe hoping

the

vague assurances they have re-

Iceived are valid and that Riha

is alive and well.

But they

nont клон

MOTHER WRITES

Many of them

came to this

country from totalitarian tyrar-

nies in Europe.

and they ask:

"How can it happen, especially

in this country, that a man can

disappear and nothing can he

known about him for almost a

year?"

From Germany

early this

month came a letter wrillen in

the FBI in

Denver by Kina:

НН 55100 DocId:32989553

Page 194

mother, Mrs. Ruth Ann Cook,

secking iniormation

about her

son. The lotter

was directed

personally to scol: Werner, FBI

agen in charge here. She hasn't

heard from her son.

As they spoke warmly of

Riha just recently, his ciose

friends - many of them refu.

gees from Europe

secmed

• to be trying to build with words

ithe image of the man they

wanted to see again:

"Riha felt positively more an

American.

. as a Czech. He

[have quite bitier memory as a

youth of the German occupa-

tion (during World War II).

Rina probably developed a derp

• sympathy for the Russian lib-

'eralors. But he missed the part

when the Communists take over

• (because he had come to make

his homie in the U.S. by this

time).

"So simple a man, he could

fit any place.

"He was very illusionary : ..

an idealistic dreamer

a lih.

¡eral-thinking man. But I deny to

was a sympathizer of com-

munism. He was a man who

adored everything that was tra

ditionally rational.

"Riha was a very reliable

, man. You could build a cathe-

¡Ural on his word."

( Another friend said of Riha:

"He was an extremely open

iman. He made the impression

of an absolutely free man ..

not scared of anything. He ha

made it in life. He was a top

professor in his line.

healthy . . . a jantastic conk.

His art pieces were valued in

the thousands. He had a big li-

brary. He was a charming man.

"Riha was a nihilist, an athe-

ist who just yearned for some

Kind of.

Riha's friend paused, consid-

ered, and then, quite simply,

added the one word, "God."

---

## Page 195

i.....

180-2168

Dewey Port.

Clay. -12/28

Rof Thoms Pila:

Bould a colo

_Un A Colorsle

dived in 314201204413

This document is prepared in response to your request and is not for dissemi-

•artains your Committee.

Its use is limited to offrial proceedings by.

•'?, the content may not be disclosed to unauthorized person-

nel without the express approval of the FBI .

Eir

MH 55100 DocId: 32989553

Page' 195

---

## Page 196

"...

185-78256

File choirs rie

have conductedro

weat 5 his

draperance -because

noclications

balatin 1 Fed

TTN125116

5

HW 55100 DocId:32989553

Page 196

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## Page 197

IROM

SU'RJECT:

OPSONAL FORM MO, 10

5310-106

HAT 1962 EDITION

GSA GEN. 210. 10. 27

UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT

Memorandum

Mr. Bishop

M.

A ones?

THOMAS RIHA

INFORMATION CONCERNING

(SINO-SATELLITE)

latron

DATE:

1/15/70

Arity

Rememo of 1/13/70 from Mr. Gray to Mr. Sullivan

wherein it was recommended and approved that Crime Records Division

orally advised Congressman Donald G. Brotzman (R-Colorado) that

we have conducted no investigation regarding subjects disappearance

and have no knowledge of his whereabouts.

Robert Tonsing, Administrative Assistant to Congress-

man Brotzman, was furnished this information orally on 1/14/70 by

Inspector Bowers in the Congressman's absence. Mr. Tonsing was!

most appreciative of our prompt handling of the matter and asked if 1

we would send the Congressman a letter confirming this information.

Enclosed is an appropriate letter.

RECOMMENDATION:

That the enclosed letter be sent.

Enclosure sat

I - Mr. DeLoach - Enclosure

1 - Mr. Bishop - Enclosure

1 - Mr. Sullivan - Enclosure

I - Mr. Gray - Enclosure

1 - Mr. Malmfeldt - Enclosure

1 - M. A. Jones - Enclosure

1 - Mr. Bowers - Enclosure

115-70

RES. SA

files

KE S 23 1979

1

DWB:mjl

Tigà document is prepared in response to

your request and is not for dissemi-

nation nitride your Committee.

Its use is limited to official proceedings by"

your Comin' 're and the conient may not be disclosed to unauthorinet person-

nel without the express approval of the FBI.

105 78294

5 8FEB 5

WW 55100 DoctaBly

lage 197

---

## Page 198

0377W

026L S

INVP

Ison

Louch

shop

shen

ontari

•li=

tes

it wen .

.!as, P009

cl: 405

HE WHOO

January 15, 1970

Ficnorable Donald G. Brotatan

Mouse ot Reprosontatives

Washington, D. C. 29515

Niy dear Congressinan:

Thie will contiran Information oraily fur-

nished on January isth to your Administrative Assistant,

Mr. Robert Tonsing, by my representative in response.

to your letter of Jamary oth which was referred to this

Bureau for haniling by the Attorney Goneral.

The FBI has conducted no investigation

concerning the disappearanco of D.. Thomas Ittia since

there is no indication of violation of any Voderal law

within our jurianiction. We have to knowlege concerning

Dr. Tha's whercabouts.

The Denver FDI Field Office has been

in contact with Dr. Nina'a mother and ofiered to place

& missing person notice concerning her son in doe

ot our identification civision. This ofier was declines.

Sincerely yours,

J, Edgar Hoover

nel without the

express approval of the ZBl

your Comms e and the content may nomes disclosed to unauthoried verson-

nation outgin

Моч!

Committee.

This document is prepared in response

"limited to offenic proceedings oy

conour request

and is not for dissemi-

1 - Denver Field Office

1 - Mr. DeLoach (detached)

1 - Mr. Malmfeldt (detached)

1 - Mr. Eishop (detached)

1 - M. A. Jones (detached)

1 - Mr. Sullivan (detached)

1 - Mir. Bowers (detached)

1 - Mi. Gray (detached)

REC- 9A.

NOTE: See M. A. Jones to Bishop memo dated 1/15/70, captioned "Thomgs

Riha, Information Concerning, (Sino-Satellite)."

/3

tax.

DWB:mjl .

(10)

HE JAN 29 :970

---

## Page 199

TO

OPTIONAL FORM NS. 10

MAY 1962, EDITION

OSA FPMA (A CFR) i01-11.5

•UNITED STATES GOTERNMENT

Memorandum

DIRECTOR, FBI (105-78256)

DATE:

1/15/70

SAC, DENVER (105-4151) (C)

THOMAS RIHA, aka.

IS - CZ

15843

Re Denver letter to the Bureau, dated 12/29/69.

Enclosed herewith is a letter of acknowledgement

to subject's mother, Dr. RUTH ANN COOK, to acknowledge

her letter of 1/11/70.

'Also enclosed are 5 copies of an LHM, which

sets out Mrs.

CoOK's letter to the Denver Office of

the FBI and

!

JFK Act 6 (1) (B)

22 Bureau (Enc." 6) (RM)

2 - Denver (1 - 105-4151)

(1-47-3190) (TANNENBAUM)

LDN/11d

(4)

¡'has document as prepared in response to your request and is not for dissemi

nation aisle, lour Committee.

Its use is limited to official procecaungs by

CO GO NEW 2H14 E

your Comnni'' e and the content may not be disclosed to unauthorized person

and By furthout the express approval of the FBI.

KEE SOON

DARN EVIN 2-28-70

ROW

PONW 0-146, 0-076, 5/31, 2=6

Did and

im

REC-6,

3 JAN Z9 1970

FEB 10

1970

HH 505400

-DENUER

by routing slipior

D info Dastion

date 2-28-70

baguelle

any 2 lines y

Pinacho: @30212

SINC

SATOLLITE

Re see

22610 310

Doofd: 3298

Savings Bonds Regularly on the Payroll Savings Plan

Page 199

---

## Page 200

In Reply, Please Refer to

File No.

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION

Denver, Colorado

January 15, 1970

THOMAS RIHA

Also Known As

Thomas Andrew Charles Riha

The following letter dated December 29, 1969,

sent by the Denver Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation

(IBI) to His. Ruth. Ann Cook. This communication acknowledged

the receipt of her letter dated December s, 1969, received by

the Denver Office on December 10, 1969, concerning the disap

pearance of her son Thomas Riha.

Mxs. Ruth Ann Cook

Casa Lido

Brissago, Ticino CH-6614, Switzerland

one mira!

Dear Mrs. Cook:

This is to acknowledge the receipt of your letter

dated December 5, 1969 concerning the disappearance of your

son Thonas Riba.

Please be advised that the Federal Bureau of

Investigation has no jurisdiction in matters of this nature

and me are not able to conduct an active investigation

concerning your son's disappearance.

At your request we will place a Missing Persons

Notice with our Identification Division in Washington, D. C.

If you desire us to do this, please advise.

Very truly yours,

SCOTT J. WERNER

Special Agent in Charge

This document is prepared in response

nation outside your Committee.

Its

your Committee and the content may

our request and, is not for dissemi-

limitat to mirial proceedings by

be

disclosed to unautiorized person

FBI

ENCLOSURE

NW 55100 DocId:32989553 Page 200

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## Page 201

Thomas Riha

On January 13, 1970, the Denver Office of the

Federal Bureau of Investigation received a letter from

Dr. Ruth Ann Cook, 6232 Neuenhain/Taunus, Sophienruke 14,

Deutschland, dated January Il, 1970, and addressed to

Mr. Scott J. Werner, Special

Agent in Charge of the

Denver Office of the

Federal Bureau of Investigation.

This letter states as follows:

"Frankfurt - (Illegible)

"General Hospital

"Jan. 1lth 1970

"Di. Ruth Ann COOK

"6232 Neuenhain/Taunus

"Sophienruhe 1'4

"Deutschland

"Dear Mr. Werner,

"Thank you so much for your kind

reply of Dec. 29th to my letter concerning

T. Riha's disappearance.

"Thank you also for your offer of

placing a Missing Persons Notice in Washington

D. C. for me.

"My sole concern is of course for my

son's safety and well being - but in view of

the information which has reached me recently

on rumors of my son's CIA work and some strange

happenings at his home in March 1969 i do

not

know whether it is in his best interest

that I should request such a Notice.

'I am very sick, Mr. Werner with

double pleurisy and have lost-since I wrote

you-due to my sickness one eye sight - having

only barely recovered after cancer.

"I wish I could talk to you and

ask your advice - in this grievous matter.

"Perhaps when I recover shall I

come to Denver to seek your counsel.

"Thank you once more

"/s/ Ruth Ann Cook.

-2 -

HH 55100 DocId: 32989553 Page 201

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## Page 202

'Thomas Riha

On January 15, 1970, the following communication

was sent by scott J. Werner,

Special Agent in Charge, Denver

FBI, to Dr. Ruth Ann Cock in response to the

above

letter:

DI. Ruth Ann Cook

6232

Neuenhain/ Taunus

Sophienruhe 14

Deutschland

Dear Mrs. Cook:

This will acknowledge receipt of your

letter of January I1, 1970.

Pursuant to the request in your letter

I will not place a stop notice with the federal

Bureau of Investigation Identification Division

in Washington, D. C., concerning your son Thomas

Riha.

The FBI is not permitted to provide counsel

to individuals regarding their problems and I would

suggest if you feel you need legal advice that you

contact an attorney for such advice.

very truly yours;

SCOTT J. WERNER,

Special Agent in Charge.

PROPERTY OF THE FBI

This document contains neither

recomnendations nor conclusions of

the FBI.

It is the property of the

FBI and is loaned to your agency; it

and its contents are not to be

aistributed outside your agency.

- 3%-

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## Page 203

FL:350

(Rev. 7-16-63)

1.15

(Mount Clipping in Space Below)

WOMAN CASUAL ABOUT MYSTERY

Missing CU Professerte

Return This Month,

Denverite Claims..

By FRED GILLIES

iciend of the Czechoslovakian-born pro-

Denter Post Staff Writer

fessor.

She sat across from her attorney in his

Draw Blank

downtown Denver office and spoke in an

She said Riha is in Montreal, Quebec,

cithand manner.

but she has no address for him. Riha has

"Tom (Riha) will be here sometime in

made all contacts with her and she

January," she said.

doesn't contact him directly, she added.

It seemed very matter-of-fact. even cas-

Canadian immigration officials in Den-

ual. And yet the Denver woman's remark

ver said this week they

were

unable,

came during the interview like a fitful

through their extensive contacts, to lo-

wind reiing the heavy air of mystery

which for 10 months has surrounded the

disappearance of Thomas Riha, professor

tan Riha in Montreal or any part be

of Russian history at the University of

* Montreal

telephone information said

Colorado.

there's no phone number listed there for

Riha vanished March 17, leaving

no

Thomas Riha. And officials at the Univer-

trail except what can be found in letters

sity of Montreal say they have no knowl-

and documents which have been appear-

edge of Riha.

ing from time to time. The authenticity

Mrs.

Tannenbaum said Riha

was in

of many of these papers has been ques-

Denver late in May and again last sum-

tioned by his attorneys.

mer, staying each time for only a day or

two.

Reports Conflict

The professor, Mrs. Tannenbaum said,

Riha's house, his car and his art works

came to her door at 2 a.m. one day in

have been disposed of, with what his

May with his flight bag in his hand. Dur-

friends call

"untimely

haste." Federal

ing his visits in May and late last sum-

agencies apparently have issued conflict-

mer, she said, Riha didn't contact any-

ing reports, at times saying they know

one else, including his close friends or his

nothing about Riha, and at other times

nephew, Zdenek Cerveny.

indicating they have knowledge of his

Riha had acted as a sponsor when Cer-

whereabouts.

veny came from Vienna to Boulder in

Denver and Boulder police

say

they

November 1968. as a refuge from Rus-

have been assured. by federal

agencies

sian-occupied Czechoslovakia.

that Riha is "alive and well." But they

decline to identify the agencies.

'To See Attorney'

The Denver woman, who has predicted

• Mrs. Tannenbaum said Riha will be com-

Riha's return here, apparently is the only

ing to Denver this month, mainly to assist

person in the Denver-Boulder area who

her in personal matters and to see the

has said she has heard from and seen

Boulder attorney involved in his divorce.

Riha since he was officially declared

Riha's visit here also will serve to clear

missing

under what

the FBI

here

up "all this innuendo," said Mrs. 'Tannen-

acknowledges were "unusual circum-

baum, alluding to what she said were im-

stances."

plications in the news media that Riha

"Tom (Riha) will write or cali me (be.-

might no longer be alive ard might be a

fore he comes to, Denver this month)."

victim of foul play.

Fid Mis Cast

•anenbaum. 218 Logan

With a ware of her hand, Mrs. Tamen-

i St., who described herself as a longtime

baum said she knows nothing ll Rica

File

HH 55100 DocId:32989553 Page 203

(Indicate page, nome of

newspaper, city and state.)

-

45 The denver Post

Denver, Colorado

Date:

1-18-70

Edition: Home

Author:

Fred Gillies

Editor:

Palmer

• Hoyt

Title:

Thomas Niha

Character:

of

Classification: 105-4151

Submitting Office: Denver

• Being Investigated

78254-35

105-78256

---

## Page 204

activitios in Montreal.

Also adding an air of mystery to Riha's Extensive Probe

"I don't know what he's doing; I never suiden departure was the discovery of betver Dist. Atty. Mike McKevitt and

asked him," she said. She added, how-

place setting on his kitchen table—a cereal his staff recently entered the investiga-

ever, that the professor must have some bowl,

dishes and silverware, ap- tion, saying an "extensive" probe is under

means of support because "he has money

for plane tickets."

parently set there for a breakfast he way. These efforts are being coordinated

with stepped-up probes of the Denver and

'A Perfectionist'

Friends of Riha saw this unused place Boulder police departments and the Boul-

When it was mentioned that Riha's setting, when they came to the Riha home der district attorney.

friends had described him as a perfec- March 16 and peered through the kitchen

Last week, McKevitt said he's been

tionist, Mrs. Tannenbaum smiled and re-

window, after Riha failed to pick them up

told by the Denver police-who he said re-

sponded quickly:

that day for a dinner engagement in

ceived their information from

Yes, she said. Riha was a perfectionist

tional sources"-that Riha is alive. Mc-

—in his leaving Boulder. Then she threw

Seen by Others

Kevitt declined to name the national

back her head and laughed with her

The place setting also was observed, the

whole being.

same day, by other friends who stopped

At the request of The Denver Post, in-

Riha left Boulder, Mrs. Tannenbaum

at the Riha house and got no response

quiries about Riha have been made at

said, "because things were pressing in on

when they knocked at the door.

the federal level by U. S. Rep. Donald G.

him"_at the university and at his home,

Close friends of the professor say it

Brotzman, R-Colo.

where he was living apart from his wife

was his custom, since he'd been living

during divorce proceedings.

'No Request'

Early in the interview, Mrs. Tannen-

alone, to set his place for breakfast the

The FBI in Washington told the congress-

night before.

man it hasn't, and won't, conduct an in-

laum disclaimed any knowledge of hiv

Could the place setting have been there

vestigation into Riha's disappearance, un-

Fiha left Boulder-whether by car, train

on Saturday, March 15, when friends

less someone comes forward to indicate

or plane. Later, she said, without elabo-

whoned Riha repeatedly, beginning at 8

that a federal offense is likely to be in-

ration, that she picked up Riha's car at

the Stapleton International Airport after

f.m. and continuing throughout the dey,

Riha left Boulder. Title to the car was

und got no answer? On the same day,

transferred April 1 to a Denver public

Riha failed to attend a meeting of history

school official and his wife. The notarized

professors in Denver-which he had noted

signature. Thomas Riha, was on the title

on his calendar pad.

Denver and Boulder law enforcement

Mrs. Tannenbaum said she has known

authorities are examining documents in-

FBI officials in Denver echo this state-

ment. They also decline to say if Scott

Werner, special agent in charge here,

has received a letter known to be have

been sent to him by Riha's mother in

Germany, seeking information about her

Riha since 1947, when her former hus-

volved in the transfer of Riha's house, his

who was then in the L.S. Army,

car and art works.

helped bring Riha from Europe to the

New Documents

United States. She also said she knew

New documents and letters are turning

Riha in Chicago, where Riha was on the

up with misspellings and awkward gram-

facuity at the University of Chicago from

matical expressions, similar to those found

1960 to 1967. when he came to CU.

in other letters, signed Thomas Rina or

Even as Airs. Tannenbaum was pre-

with other names.

dicting that Riha would be appearing in

Checks signed with Riha's name and

Denver, there were developments suggest-

purchases made with his credit card after

The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)

informed Brotzman that it thinks the FBI

might have some knowledge of Riha's

whereabouts. But the CIA spokesman not-

ed that the agency has verified that Riha's

disappearance doesn't have internationai

implications and was "a demestic mat-

ter, in terms of the United States."

The U.S. Army Intelligence Command

denies any knowledge or involsement in

ing that Rina had had no intention of

he disappeared also are being scrutinized.

leaving his Boulder home suddenly.

Notaries public who certified the Thom-

Calendar Notes

as Riha signature on some of these docu-

Found among Riha's

ments have been

shown a set of six

calendar pad. Notations in the two weeks

photographs, including one of Riha. But

before Riha disappeared include remind-

they haven't been able to pick out Riha

ers to write for tax forms and the time

as the man who signed the documents.

and place of appointments and dinner en-

Another Denver notary public who cer-

gagements. These entries, many of them

tified one of the Riha signatures said he

made in advance of the event. continue

was most anxious to talk with a Denver

through April 25. One of these entries, on

Post reporter about the Riha situation.

'Alive and Well'

But then there are conflicting reports

from persons of high integrity in the

Boulder and Denver communities. Tiese

pirsons say they contacted the U. S. It-

migration and

Naturalization Servicẻ,

FBI, CIA and "reliable sources" in Wash-

ington last spring and early last summer

and were told that Riha was "alive and

March 11. reads, "dinner Colonel." Riha

But the notary failed to keep his appoint-

had been known to refer to Mrs. Tannen-

ment with the reporter. When contacted

baum as colonel.

the notary reversed his

In the light of these conflicting reports.

position,

After examining these entries, friends

saying he had "nothing to offer." It was

John N. Mitchell, U. S. attorney general,

has asked the FBI to take another look at

this notary who made the certification on

and colleagues of Riha say the notations Riha's power of attorney, conveyed in a

the Riha situation.

"It seems to me," Brotzman wrote in

are very matter-of-fact and hardly appear Icter to a Boulder attorney last August. "part to Mitchell, "that the interest of the

to be those of a man who is contemplat-

ing a sudden departure from his

buts. BocId: 32989353- Page

00m901

nation in general, and the credibility of tie

---

## Page 205

FRI, in particular, is not well served by

the bedcovers in Mrs. Riha's bedroom

the proliteration of a belief that Prof. Rint were later turned over to her Boulder at-

is the victim of some kind of international

torney.

intrigue, if such is not the case."

At one point, Riha was chuffed by

Eerie Prologue

neighbors, sheliering his wife, when he de-

manded she be returned to his home.

Setting an cerie prologue for Riha's dis-

Just recently, a New York City attor-

appearance were crents at his home carly

ney and longtime triend of Nirs. Riha,

on the Sunday morning of March 9, about

said in

telephone conversation from

a week before he was declared missing.

New York,

""Thore tras nothing urgent

Emerging

Sport of the

from the Boulder police re-

about Mrs. Riha's visa status that night,

disturbance-only

parts

which have been made available to The

tithing pressing, no imminent depoita-

Denver Post are these highlights:

It was this allorncy whom Mrs. Riha

-NIrs. Hana Riba, then the professor's

telephoned the night of the disturbance,

wife, was pulled out of the bedroom win-

pleading for his assistance as she sobbed

, dow of her home by neighbors as a strong

out her story.

rodor of ether clung to her and she was

From New York City, where she's em-

screaming for help.

ployed in a bank, Mrs. Riha said recent-

-Police were called to the Riha home

iy that the ether in her room came from

by Mrs. Tarnenbaum,

who police

said

the vents or under the bedroom door. She

was in the house with Riha at the time

she began screaming when she

of the incidert.

feared she'd he overcome.

-Mrs.

'Pannenbaum met police in front

of the Riha house

and told them Mrs.

'Unusual'

Riha had locked herself in the bedroom,

She said her husband's later disan-

from which ether fumes were coming.

pearance was "something urusual," not-

'Screamed'

ing that "he left all his shaving stuff,

his writing stuft, even his suit (s)."

_When she and Riha threatened in

The search for Riha - spanning the

break the bedroom door,

nation, reaching to Canada and thrusting

baum said, Mrs. Riha went to the win-

into Europe - seems never-ending. One

dow and started screaming.

lead seems to spawn several others and

_Mrs. Tannenbaum told police Mrs.

much of the information ends up at what

Riha wasn't a U.S. citizen, her visa had

law authorities and interested persons

expired and the immigration authorities

term in their frustration "a blank wall."

Mr's. Tannenbeum has said the end of

Nirs. Riha was "in an evident trau the search will come here in Denver th

natic state" at the neighbors' home monti

where she had been taken.

There are many persons-law-enforce-

soake a de ether out several other ment officials, Riha's friends and col-

gauze pads found by police in cleagues — who hope Riha will indeer ap-

WH 55100 DocId: 32989553 Pade 205.

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## Page 206

THOMAS RIHA, UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO RUSSIAN HISTORY PROFESSOR

His" Teturn" will serve

to clear up "all this innuendo," his friendstard. :

11475540

99550

206

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## Page 207

0-19 (Rov. (-17-68)

Tolson -

DeL.oach -

Mohr

Profossor Vanishes at the University of Colorado

Conrad

Felt -

Gale

Rosen -

Sullivan

Tavel -

Trotter -

Tele. Room

Holmes -

Gandy

spee alta Tae devi dok I meR

BOULDER, Colo., Jan. 18

A Croch-reen associate profes

sor of mer Quesian histor

has disappeared from the Unt-

sersity of Cotorado campes.

Tinas Kina,

Ile left the marity abrades

look nouting

in and life a misterious trot.

in members icar thet Pro.

fo. or kiha may b. cead, polic:

inficials in Boulder and Denver

and the furmer president of tha

ani. croits, Dr.

Icseph Smiley,

all it...ist he ir alive

they have spoken

In issponsible persons in the

assurid them of the professor':

or privately,

Investigation,

Coatrol Tielf; cice Agency and

the Stie uterument all deny

case and supsi

iotal police matter.

Riha,

born

came to

191..

the tailed

tie became a!

Matatized

dit cara,

ceived his baciniors and pus-i

ton's degrees at the lniversity!

r? California

at Berkeley.

1082 he received a doctorate

iren Harvard Univetsity.

taught at the University

Clicago and at Marburg

University, in West Germany,

befoe moving to the Universicy

of Colorado in 1967.

Disappeared Suddenly

Professor

Riha

disappeared

so suddenly that,

though nor-

mally

a neat and precise man,

he left personal papers

tried on

his

university desk

where he had been preparing

his income tax.

one person has main-

SiRe

his

disappearance

the

weekend of Afarch 15-16. That

is Xirs. Galva Tannenbaum of

Denver, an ex-convict who says

she has spoken to him and that

he is in Montreal.

number

of

letters or'd

credit cards

signed

"Thom"s

Riha" hare

turned

UD,

nuch of his personal property

las been sold or given away.

AN 531@01 9001d: 32989553 Page 207

The will was witressed by

Mr. Cerveny, who later repudi-

alad

it is

Dentir

Prof. Thomas Rika

Airs. Galy:

probate

court.

Judgancht Sull Unpria

Another friend of Airs. Tan-

nenbaum's,

Mrs.

Barbara

Eg-

Richard E. Hopkins, of Boulder,

Following his disappeaLance,

bert, 51,

he is suspicious of thei

Nirs. Riha filed a counter-suit.

dium cyanide poisoning.

did Sept. lã ot so-

sanalures and the lotters.

She won it on Sopt. 30 and re-

Both dains

are

listed

as

Troush Mr. Hopkins has rf-1

caired a $5.000 judement.

Surpicious by the Denyer police

citro litters siraba dy "Thom-l

itor husband did not i ppear

and are under investigation.

don't know whater I've heardl

and the judgment is

• The Washington Post

Times Herald

the professor's ucphew, Zed-

The Washington Daily News

ut ihe University of Texas atl

•Dus Certony, of Lyons, Golo.,i

I'l Peso, said he was assured of

¡jeme to the United States from

The Evening Star (Washington)

we protessor's salety "bu whatl

Crechoslovakia following the

The Sunday Star (Washington)

I consider reliable sources in

Russian invasion in 1968.

Daily News (New York) _

"I reneat my real regret chat)

Following his uncle's disar-

Mr. Corvany. said

Sunday News (New York) -

I cant 2o beyond what I have,

tannenbaum

New York Post _

said," he said in a telephone in-

terview. "A confidence is still a!

through Professor Riha, called

The New York Times M. 2?

confidrace."

him and said it the professor

The Sun (Baltimore) _

would not be bock. He said she

Profossor Riha's former wife'

asked them to dispose of his

The Daily World

lives in Brooklyn. The former | personal effects.

The New Leader

Hana Fruskova was also born

In the following weeks the

in Czechoslovalad and is 15:

iprofrosor's car and house were

The Wall Street Journal -

vears younger than the pro-t

sold and his furniture and pa-

The National Observer -

People's World

time of his disap-

nonbaum's house in Denver. She

"traned over $18.000 worth of

Examiner (Washington)

from their home for a

she had been one this small art colicetion to the

'Conver Ari Museum.

Mrs. Tannenbaum, who spent

she fied loi more than two years in

him, with her clothes sieling' State Penitentiary at Dwight,

ciner, shouting she

Ill., after pleading

afraid acquaintances were try-

forgery and embezzlement in

1959,

presented

ing to kill her.

NIr. Cerveny

Iwith two pistols and said she

At the time, Professor Riha had was a brigadier general in mili-

alady filed divorce nagars to tary intellence.

NOT RECORDED

JAN 29 1970 !.

end their five-month marriagc.!

She

is now awaiting

trial

: Feb. 9 in Denver District Court

eit charges

of forging a will

followins the cath of Gustavl,

Ingwersen, is, a friend who

_ded of potassium cyanics pui-

Has Ton 16

---

## Page 208

-

A. W.

Gray

W.

Redfield

1/19/20

Jolson

Doroach

Welters

Kohi

Richop

Casper

Callahan

Conrad

SAC, Denver (1050/751)

Dircetor, FBI (105-78256)

THOMAS RITA

HECOEULANSCUS - IINTORMATRON CONCKTNING

AJEK Act 6 (1) (B)

Congreconn Donnid G. Broteman, Colorado, addressed.

a locter anted 1/4/10 to the Actoznoy Garoral (AG)

coquenting

incorRidon fron han concerning the dinoonearnee of subject.

Enclosed is one

copy ouch ot the Coriscoonan'n letter and

Eurcau lotior to üne AG untod 1/14/10 for yow intormation,.

Also enclosed for vour inforiation is one

Cuñets to WO

nel without the

3/22/C0 end to London 5/25/00,

Coston lester to the Director

dated 6/30/00; Ission report dried 3/31/c0, all pertaining

to subject.

tho above are being furnished for the completion

of your file.

On 1/13/70

that the sulje

25 n06 oi onerationsI

IntosCat

to that Agency.

With regard to

the subjoct's disappeararee?

noviced it did ruceive a repos

chich conld be chrunoterinod ro a nuros.

thot the subjcee ras

emperiencing nariinl ditticuliies and had left his wife.

The

the

Boney does not have any inforation concorning subjeet's

present mercabouts.

In subccquent communications concerning this natter

you should delete the character of iS • C& and use the charactes

your Commite and the content may not be disclosed

nation pors? to

This document

your Committee. -'s use

is prepared in response to

of this letter.

is limited to

Unless additional pertinent inforation is developed,

no investiration need be conducted by your o: fice.

tional norinont intormacion is received concorning this natter,

it should promptly be-furnished to the Burcau by LiM.

-=19

unaccriorated

official

0171, 19

Enclosures • 8

BEG 62

person-

JWR: sef

(4(5)

NOTE:

19 JAN 19 1970

not for dissemi-

MAILED, 3,

JAN 1 6 1970

COMM-FBI

Subject, a professor at the University of Colorado,

disappeared in march?

1559, 16 11rSt beang reported to us

• Apiil, 1959, Bufiles disclosed that at one time subject

NOTE CONTINUED PAGE TWO

---

## Page 209

lotter to SAC, Danver

DE: - TROIAS RIMA

305-70255

NOTE CONTENDED:

was

Di sone interent to CIA. On 1/15/60, CIA advised through

liaison

that suhject had not

left the U.s. and had been having

difficulty with his vize and "ran away from her." CIA advisod

indicating subject

may have

gone to C& was

witbout

foundation. In 12/69 Denver recoived a letter fron

subject's nother recuosting information concerning subjoot's

disappearance.

Denver replied this vas a matter not within

the juriodiction of the Bureau; however, offered if she so

dosired to place his name on the Bureau's missing persons

list.

Subject's mother replied to our Denvor Office on

1/13/70 declining to have subject's name placed on the list.

On 12/90/69 "The Denver Post,

ance of sunject.

et ter dated

" a daily newspaper in benver,

Colorado, published a lengthy article concerning the disappear

By letter dated 1/3/70 Congressman Broteman,

E-Colorado, also requested information concerning subject's

disappearance from the AG.

We have conducted no investigation

subjoci's disappearance since there are no indications of

a violation of fedoral law in our jurisdiction.

2

H# 55100

DocId: 32989553

Page 209

---

## Page 210

not to a

Transmit the following in

Via

AIRTEL

FBI

Date: 1/20/70

(I'ype in plaintext or code)

(Priority)

5971537

TO:

DIRECTOR, FBI

FROM: SAC, DENVER (105-4151)

THOMAS RIHA

MISCELLANEOUS - INFORMATION CONCERNING.

ReBulet 1/19/70.

This morning FRED 'GILLIES, reporter for the

"Denver Post," Denver daily newspaper, telephonically

contactud the Denver Office. (

(By way of background GILLIES has written

articles which have appeared in the "Denver Post" con-

cerning the so-called mysterious disappearance of THOMAS

RIHA.

RIHA, a naturalized American citizen of Czech birth,

was a History Professor at Colorado University in Boulder,

Colorado.

He disappeared in March, 1969.

Copies of those

articies have been furnished to the

• Bureau).

GILLIES SpOke tO ASAC JOHN E. MORLEY in the

without the express approval

absence of the SAC.

He said he had a copy of a letter which

the Bureau had written to the Honorable DONALD BROTZMAN

of

your commitire and the content may

- nation

outside your

Committee.

concerning

the RItA matter, which was a letter in reply

to an inquiry directed to the Bureau by BROTZMAN.

1 not be cisclosed to unauthorized person

It's use

This dosument is prepared in responso to

The Bureau had previously furnished the Denver

= Office a copy of its 1/15/70, letter to BROTZMAN, as well

a copy of

General, and those letters had

BROTZMAN's 1/8/70, letter to the Attorney

been read by MORLEY upon

receipt.

In order to confirm whether GILLIES did in fact

have a copy of the Bulet,

MORLEY asked him to read it.

GILLIES read the letter and there is no doubt it was

in fact a copy of the Bureau's

1/15/70, communication:

3-40

(@-Bureau (RM) (AM)

2-Denver (1-105-4151)

REC- 94

17

JEM: hg

71-47-3190 Galya Tannenbaum)

(4) 201

Apprayed:-

Sent

fits stink

M

Per -

Timin? to offarial proceedings by:

your roquest ane to at for dissem.

"ar

X100

---

## Page 211

DY 105-4151

GILLIES then told MORLEY the reason he was calling

to obrain the FBI's

comments in Denver concerning the

letter.

MoRLer advised Gluits the letter was very clear and

self-explanatory and no further comment was

necessary

l'he above is being brougnt. to the attention oi

cha Bureau for comnlation of their files and also so thi

Bureau will know a copy of their communication was forwarded

to GILLIES of the

"Denver Post" by BROTZMAN.

BROTZMAN, a current U. S. Republican Congressman

crom colorado, is

forner U.

S. Attorney here in Denver.

vocal indications are BROluMAN will run ron re-election this

year and the

"Denver Post" is the largest publication in

Colorado.

BROTZMAN

is a resident of Boulder, Colorado,

where he maintains a law practice.

RIHA, the subject of

his inquiry,

also a resident of boulder.

and, as indicated

above, associated with the Colorado University faculty there.

Denver is conducting no investigation in subject

matter.

The above is submitted for the Bureau's information.

-.

2

HH 55100

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---

## Page 212

!

(Mount Clipping in Space Below)

WORDS COME HESITANTLY

=.

Ding

Ex-Wife Fears

esing Professor Dead

ES FRED GILLIES

Copyright, 1979, The Denver Post, Ine.

The professor also had a strong attach-

NEW YORK - Her normally expres--

ment to his Boulder home and especiaily

sive eyes went suddenly dull as she sat

to his art works, Nirs. Riha said.

in the Czech restaurant on New York's

"His home," she said, "was like' a

East Side on this cold January night.

castle. He once said no one could thres

"I believe Thomas may not be alive -

him out of his home. It they would, he

he does not even write his mother," AIrs.

said he would be back in 24 hours. He

Hana Riha said.

never would have leit his job, his home,

his paintings. Not this way."

The words came hesitantis. and she

MIrs. Riha quickly dismissed the claims

stared fixedly at the door at the back of

of Mrs. Galya Tannenbaum of 248 Logan

the restaurant. This door. she later dis-

closed. has a special significance, for it

St.. Beaver,

was ryond this door. in the restaurant's

her Beaver, the has described,

gardar area, where she and Prof. Thomas

fessor.

Rika announced their engagement at a

Mirs.

Tannenbaum was jailed

small party with friends in August 1968.

early Saturday in Boulder after

she was charged Friday in Dis-

Strange Incidents

trict Court there with forging

Riha's name to a $330 check

Now, almost 1% years later, Mis. Riha

was talking with a newsman in the same

used to pay for a charter air-

restaurant about the many strange inci-

plane flight from Longmont to

dents surrounding the sudden disappear-

San Antonio, Tex., July 30. Lt.

ance March 17 of Riha, her former hus-

Ralph Ruzicka of the Boulder

band. When he vanished. the Czechosio-

Police Department said a search

vakian-born professor

was

an

asso-

of her residence Friday uncov-

ciate professor of Russian history at the

ered some books and letters al-

University of Colorado.

legedly belonging to Riha.

NIrs. Tannenbaum said in a

"No, no." Mirs. Riha said, shaking her

recent interview in The Denver

nead determinedly. "Thomas would not

Post that Riha had

visited her

do it this way - disappear so suddenly.

home twice after he disappeared

(If he were alive), he would conlact his

once in May and again last

mother, the university, his friends

summer. Each time, Mrs. Tan-

even me.

nenbaum said, Riha stayed only

"When he does not do this, I can only

for a day or so, not contacting

think he is not free to do

what he

any of his friends or colleagues

wants, I know Thomas; he is a responsi-

or his nephew, Zdenek Cerveny.

"ble man."

"This is not like Tom," MiS

Mrs. Riha insisted that the hasty dis-

Riha said. She pictured her o

posal of Riha's property after he dis-

ner husband as a man whoen

appeared wasn't at all in keeping with

joyed contacts with his friends!

his outlook and attitudes. Riha's house

and students.

and car were sold, and his art works

Mrs. Riha also was

openly

were donated to the Denver Art Museum.

skeptical of Mrs. Tannenbaum's

Documents conneried with these trans..

announcement that Riha would

fers - along_'wil clecks issued; and ; be coming sometime this month

credit card purchases made in his name

to Denver from Montreal, Can-

— are being scrutinized by Denver ant ada, where Mrs. Tannenbaum

HH 55100 DocId: 32989553 Page 212

(Indicale poge, noe of

newspaper, city and state-)

I Denvar Post

Denver, Colorado

Date:

Edition:

Author:

Editor:

Title:

Thomas Riha

1-25-70

Hcme

Fred Gillies

Palmer Heyt

Character:

of

Classification:

105-4151

Submitting Office: Denver

Being Investigated

725-2

NOT RECORDaD:

145 FEB

9

1970

605-182563

hile 5 jur

---

## Page 213

55100

said Riha has been staying.

Initer States from Vienn&..hodroom,

locking tindad.

Rina cited the where he had fled trom Com lAlter a while, she became aware

protessor's failure to contact his munist-occupied Czechislovakia. of a strong odor coming through

mother and friends as the fuel

Corsony was admitted to the a furnace vent in the wall. She

for the growing fear that sume- 'nited Stares early in November began to feel dizzy and closed

thing has happened to Riha.

Mrs. Riha said. Of the same year.

the vent. She heard voices out-

N's. Riha said her own daysiside her bedroom and

called

"loved his work, his writing.

last February

out,

"What are you trying to

Not for the name it got him. about the time her husband

do?" The voices

on the other

but because he was this way. filed for a divorce. She began side of the door were those of

she also said Riha spent

receiving strange telephone

her husband and Mrs. Tannen-

much time outside his classes (calls. she said. even as she and baum.

working with his sludents at his Rina continued to live at their Then there was a kissing

study on the CU campus and: Boulder home. Thesr calls came, sound, and strong fumes, simi-

at all hours of the day or night. lar to those she detected earlier,

"He was popular with the stu-land there never was any con- began

to

wait

under

the

bed-

dents," she said, "He liked Boul' versation on the other end of room door.

der; there was no reason for

kim to leave. This was his lite.", "And ishe some

She became dizzy and opened'

time, Mrs.

a bedroom window, broke the

Mrs. Rina said she "can't re- Riha said, she had been under screen and called for help.

member' whether she declined; steady pressure from AIrs. Tan-| Prof. Robert Hanson, a neigh-

to have Blouder police file a nenbaum to sign some papers

bor, ran to her assistance and

missing person report on Riha! which she was

told had some- pulled her out the window.

shortly after he disappeared,

thing to do with her immigra-

With the help of another

while the couple was in the

ition status as an alien from

neighbor, Prof. Richard Wil-

midst of divorce proceedings., Czechoslovakia. Mrs. Riha said son, she was taken to the Wil-

(4 divorce decree was granted she never was told of the exact son home. From here she tele-

her counter claim of cruelty by nature of these papers.

phoned her attorney in New

Boulder District Court Sept. 30,,

This past week, Mrs. Riha's York. Afterward she went with

attorney in New York con-

Mr. and irs. Hanson back to

"I kept thinking Thomas was

firmed that he had steadily ad- the

Riha house.

in hiding, because of the di-

Here

she

rised Mrs. Riha not to sign any packed some of her clothes and

vorce, and that he will be back,"

document unless it was ap-

then went with the Hansons to

she said. She became convinced

proved by him or her attorney the Boulderado Hotel.

She

that. Riha truly was missing, she, in Boulder.

stayed

at the hotel

until

she

said, then she read the Dac. 28

In a telephone conversation leit April 5 for New York City.

article in The Denver Post not- March &, the attorney said he, Boulder police said in their

ing that Riha's art works had'

informed Nirs. Tannenbaum of

report of the incident that Mrs.

been donated

the Denver, the arvice he had given Mrs.

Tannenbaum met them in front

Art Museum.

of the Riha house and told them

"His hone was a museum,"

The next morning, at about

virs. Riha had locked herself in

she said. She recalled that Riha, 12:30 a.m.,

was the bedroom, from which ether

assisted by her father who was! pulled out a window in her

fumes were coming. When she

then visiting in Boulder, refin-j home as she screamed for help, and Riha threatened to break

ished many of Riha's art works

and a strong odoï of ether clung the bedroom door, Mrs. Tannen-

in January 1969. This was less: to her body and nightelothes.

baum said, Mrs. Riha went to

than three months before Rihaj

Boulder police say they were the window and started scream-

called to the Riha house by;

ling.

"Thomas was so happy (with

the refinished art works) — he

Irs. Tannenbaum to invest,

Boulder police reported that

Mrs. Tannenbaum told police

was like a child," Mrs. Riha

gate the incident. Mrs. 'Tannin- Mrs. Riha wasn't a eitizen, her

And friends of Riha said he

baum was in the house with. visa had expired and the im-

Riha at the time, police said.

was immensely happy at the

In New York this past week, called.

migration authorities had been

Mi's. Riha gave this version of

marriage to Hana on Oct. 13, events:

said they found Mrs.

1968, in Boulder.

"in an evident traumatic

It was at the wedding recep at about 10 p.m. Saturday,

She had returned to the house! state" at the Wilson home,

tion that Rika first met Mis. March 8. Most of that day shel where she had been taken.

Tannenbaum, Mrs. Riha said

Riha and Mrs.

'had stayed at the Boulderadol

A jar of ether and several

tho wasn't among the invited

Tannenbaum, Hotel in Boulder, renting a

auze pads round by police i

Ithe bed covers of Ars. Riha':

guests at the reception, spote nenbaum.

room to avoid secing Mrs. Tan-i bedroom were later tured over

"a fairly long time" in a room

The house was dark when shel

to her Boulder attorncy. Mrs.

near the main festivities, friends entered, but she saw the study! Tha has said she doesn't know

reported. Their discussion, it is door close slowly and hea

said, rentered on ways to bring whispers from inside the room.

how the jar and pads got" into

find » riephew, Cerveny, to the she immediately went to her

DocId: 32989553

---

## Page 214

A U.S. Immigration and Na- (Conk, is known to have written way he picked some wild flow-

uralization Service (INS) ofti-'carly in December to Scott

ers and presented them to his

cial in Denver said recently

werner, FBl special agent in

Mrs. Tannenbaum has no

offi- charge

at Denver. seeking in-

lecalling this time, Mts.

cial connection with INS.

formation about her son. Dr.

Riha was pensive. Her glance

The weck after the incident at "Cook reportedly is quite ill, aft

the Riha home seemed unevent.!

once again went to the door at

er undergoing two major opera-

the back of the Crech restau-

ful for Riba - he met his

i tions.

rant here. Then she smiled

classes,

attended

a depart- I

Incuiries about Riha are be-

mental mesting and counseled "ing continued by the Denver

wanly and said:

"For him, life was like a

his students. A note on his cal- Post, contacting federal agen-

endar pad Tuesday,

March 11. cies; US. Rep. Donald G. Brotzz wower THe anso alive so

indicated he was to have din-! man; R-Colo.,

and Canadian

ner with the "Colonel." Riha

l immigration officials.

was often known to have used!

Denver Dist. Atty. Mike Mc-*

that name when speaking of

Kevitt said he has been

con-

Mrs. Tannenbaum.

ducting an "extensive investiga-

LAST SEEN

tion" of Riha's absence and re-

Riha was seen up to about

lated matters. This investiga-

12:30 a.m.. Saturday, March 15.

tion, McKevilt noted, is being

when he left a family party at al coordinated with probes of the

friend's home in Boulder. No

one except Mrs. Tannenbaum

has come forth to say he has

seen the professor since that

Riha was officially declared

misspellings and awkward

missing Monday, March 17,

when his briefcase was found'

ters and documents signed

open amid books and papers on

his desk in his CU study where

he had failed to appear all day.

Federal agencies apparenly ' These papers aren't genuine,

have issued conflicting repor's she said.

I telling some persons they

know nothing about Riha and language,

she insisted. "He

telling others they have knowl would not write in this way."

edge of his whereabouts.

Denver and Boulder police

say they've been told by fed- all things.

"Everything must

eral agencies that Riha is

be in its place."

, "alive and well.". But they de DEEPER BASIS

cline to identify the agencies.

But there seems to be a deep-

This past week, J. Edgar

Hoover, chief of the FBI, said the fears expressed bỹ Mrs.

Denver FBI field office"

"has been in con- hoppier time with Riha.

tact with Dr. Riha's mother (in

Germany) and offered to place

a missing person

cerning her son in the flies of tended in Boulder shortly after

our identification division, This

they were married. Riha want-

offer was declined."

HH 55100

DooId: 32989553

Pane 214

---

## Page 215

, 1

PROF. THOMAS RIHA

Fussy about the language.

MRS. GALYA TANNENBAUM

MRS. HANA RIMA

Claims he visited twice.

"He is a responsibie-mtirt"

HH 55100/ RecId: 32989553

Paue: 215.

---

## Page 216

(Mount Clipping in Space Below)

Riha's nephew fears

Mr.

Trison.

Mr. Deleach.

Mr. Walters

Mr. Mohr..

Mr. Bishop.

Mr. Casper..

JIr. Cal'anan.

AIr. Conrad.

Mr. Felt.

Air. Gale..

Mr. Rosen.

Mr. Sull-vary

Mir. Tavel

it's

Tele. Rooms.

Mis. HExes

Aliss Gandy.

missing scholar dead

BI RINKEY JOHNSON

(indicate page,

ame o

ewspaper, city and state.

Rocky Mountain News Writer

Tier's tras a tensive relationship with the

His nepheir looked

at the last three

group,

he explained

as he sipped coffee in a

comfortable Lyons restaurant.

paragraphs of the newspaper story sun-

'Tannenhaum presented herself as some-

day and nodded in

agreement.

thing she was not," Cerveny stated.

araid Rose is right," was the young

Met before wedding

man's solemn remark. "My uncle's body:

"She met Thomas early in October, 1965, at

is probably somewhere in the moun

a party about two weeks before he was married

to his former wife.

The speaker was Zdenek Cerveny, nephews' of

"As far as our friends could tell, it was the

15185796

Dr. Thomas Riha, the missing

University of

first time they had met. If they had met before

Colorado Russian

history professor who disap.

Tannenbaum says, they certainly

peared March

17, 1969,

and who, in recent

weeks, has become the subject of renewed in-

vestigations to discover his hereabouts.

I think after that she went inte Thomas

"Rose," a name she picked in order to re-

ast to find out about him so she could talk.

main anonymous, is a Denver clairvoyant who,

The introduction at the wedding party in the

in the Sunday article in the Rocky Mountain

Black Bear Inn in Lyons was arranged by a

5 Rocky Mountain Newa

-Denver, Colorado

News, said the

missing Boulder man is dead

Boulder lawyer who knew Riha wanted to get

aid that his body is in the mountains, next to a

his nephew to America.

colve.

Cervens was in Vienna after leaving Prague,

Cervens is a dark-haired, handsome

man

following the Russian invasion.

like his 10-sear-oid uncle. The Czechoslorakian

Francesca Stein, tho

immigrant came to the United States in Novem-

owns the Black Bear Inn with her husband

ber, 1983. to work in Denver, then Lyons. Colo.

Speaking splendid English. Cerveny, abou:,

34, falked about the involved case that has beer;

clouded and perhaps stifled by reports from

Denver and Boulder law enforcement authori-:

ties that certain federal agencies have stated

Riha is "alive and well."

Unnamed L'.S. agencies

The local law offices have declined to identi-

fy the U.S. agencies, but they are believed to be

the Federal Bureau of Investigation and

Central Intelligence Agency.

Much of the speculation about Riha's wel-

fare in the last two weeks comes from Mrs.

Galva Tannenbaum, 248 Logan St., who claims

close frienaship with the professor. She insists

he has visited her twice since his unannounced

reparture in March. He is in Montreal, Quebec,

/Canada, she said.

Mrs.

Tannenbaum, who

has

substituted!

"Galya," a Russian name.

for the

"Gloria" 7.

found on earlier records, claims to have knowng

Riha since about 1949 when he emigrated from

Czechoslovakia.

She has pleaded innocent by reason of insan-

its on a charge of forging a will of another

acquaintance and was arrested Saturday on a

charge

she signed Riha's name to a check

sept.

30.

Cerveny adamantly disputes lhe claims Mrs.

Tannenhaum has made about her association

with Riha and with his group of friends, largely

porsons of Caech ancestry who have selled jn

Submitted the papers

"Tannenbaum apparently took the papers,

wrote approved by the Colonel' on the bottom

space to imoress our friends."

said Cerveny

then took the napers and submitted them'

regular immigration channels after clipping oft

her officious notation.

"IT'hen regular approval came for my immi-

gration, she simply told my uncie's friends that

it was her work that got it through quickly.

"But I had suspicions even on the flight over

1/27/70

Home

Author: Rykken Johnson

Editor: Jack Foster

Title:

THOMAS RIHA

here when I found the length of procedures for

the other passengers were about the same as

"My uncle had told me I would be met 'by a

rich and powerful person' when I got to Denver;

"That person was Tannenbaum,"

Cervens said,

Tannenbaum

iwore a gun in a shoulder holster and told hinl

Character:

or

Classification: 105-4151

Submitting Office: Denver

Being Investigated B

"corporation,"

*Tannenbaum's

word for what Cervany inter

preted to imply a secretive government agen-

thinks his uncle, a respected schol-

ar, believed Mrs. Tannenhaum's inferences that

"rich and powerful"' individual, but

all she had to show "was an old lllinois driver's

license." Piha mar even have believed she was

endaued with powers similar to those of an TroPER MiNOT RMCOSSHO

Curtain country secret police agent.

: 95 FEB

9

10,70

the Denver-Boulder-area .^

#:: 410557875641

HH 55100

DooId: 32989553

Page 216

---

## Page 217

"at imony with a romm-

Sion fee other affair. Hanlal i:

nurd be too 1 dead 16.

Came so Riha House

its uncle toid him Mrs. Tannenbaum came

to the Riha house on March $, 1909, with papers

she said concerned Airs. Riha's status as an im-

migrant. Plana Riha, now living in New York

City, is also a native Czechoslovakian.

Cerveny said it was Airs. Tannenbaum's in-

tention to

remove Mrs. Riha from the house

that night. He said his uncle had taken a gun

away from Mrs. Tannenbaum, but she persisier

in warting Ilana Riha to accompany ner. C.S.

Ingration authoritics say Mis.

Tannenbaum

has never belonged to their burcau.

A nearly hysterical AIrs. Riha escaped front'

her bedroom window with the aid of a few

neighbors. Fumes of ether were smelled inside

the house. Cerveny stated his uncle told him.

the ether belonged to MIrs. Tannenbaum.

The nephew described the marriage between

Hana and Riha as a frustrated one from its

inception Oct. 13, 196S. Flana was much younger,

acout 26. Riha's s0th birthday took place shortly

after his disappearance.

She was not the housekeeper Riha apparently

had expected, Cerveny said. Hana smoked and

had a casual attitude

toward the

language

classes Riha had arranged for her to learn bel-

ter

There also were arguments the

nephew said

ther

code 0raaee

as august, les, jury in

ithe parvious mur li

Tis dae told fock, and the intending

¡the marital proltones. A dirorce

i colebraiol again dur

Was granted Sept. 30.

ta carly

Oclober social

Curreny tells that Airs. 'Pan-sons in Lyons.

lionbaum maintained a

also caine to knovi

Tarnenbaum.

irked me to join the 'corpuri?-

come toltion' I would be vamahe ly;

and i cause i know Russian she said,

in on Thomas when he Cerveny semembers.

is there had

"She would stay and talk for

bern attempts to have the

women verify her claims, Cer-

might have had other things to

veny caid she would laugh and

berame evasive.

• The young engineer scoffed at!

She once told Cerveny she had

Jrs. Tannenbaum's Cescription

"cornections" with the Denver

Modd war II.

police and would "fix" a ticiet

he gut fur going through a ston

'Riha, half Jewish, was not

abandoned as a rartime waif in

She did. According to Cer-

veny, airs. Tannenbaum simply

paid

the $25 violation

and told

him the matter "had been taken

But Cerveny went through ar

baum also contends. Instead, al- with the points lost from the

ticket

Mrs.

Tannenbaum

"Fixed." is in danger of receiv-

periodically had to report his ac-ing & court subpoenn, he said.

Churtered plute

cording to the nephew.

Cerveny was with Virs. Tan-

nenbaum on the privatey chart-

developed in

ered airplane flight to San Anto

nio, Tex., for which the woman

or okay her the soner op ceremy rate the trolene.

ion sent troops into transitiona

came after he decided to drive

Czechosiovakia, the young mai

to San Antonio to see Czechesis-

vakian friends there. lie did nit

Cerveny feels that Riha would

want to use his smail auto fca

not have left Boulder

the planned road trip and asked

conferring with

other friends AIrs.

Tannenbaum if he

and if he were living, he would

borrow her larger automobile,

attempt to communicate with

the services of which she had of-

theirs. Tanenbaun has said

fered on previous eccasions.

No, Mrs. Tannenbaum told

Certers, she would not lend

tho car to him. She had to use

it for something importont in

Denver during the next few

he ages ato ratant hose

But, better yet, she would use

her position to have him flown

to Texas, Cerveny was told.

Like many naturalized Ameri-

aliens in the United coulin't fly us (Cerseny ansh

States, Riha enjoyed companion

friend) on a military plane, 'fol:

ship with persons from the ol

obvious reasons, but she would

eserve companionship and con

Ceiveny said his unidentified

idence to a single person and to friend did not want to use Vir

invitation, but!

after viewing the advantageous

cconomics of the offer and JIrs.

Tannenbaum's insistence, they

through acquaint-

HH 55100

DocId: 32989553

Flying service

The party, with Urs. Tannen-

Thaum once again self-inserter

Couple introduce tore man once again, is tel

Page 217 arare thut Rina might be inter- Collins dying service on Jay 30!

---

## Page 218

for wait antonio. Jits Tanen-

baum reiurnea with the piane

the nest day and reportedly paid

$330 for the charter with a check

signed

isith Thornas

Riha's

Because oi insullicient funds,

the check was not accepted at

the bank and the owner of the

'flying service found Cerveny at

the Black Bear Inn.

cheer ay

said he took thyl

with several pay,

ments, repaid the flying service

"He said he didn"

tant to make money off ine, so

that's all lie took."

? But then Jirs. 'Fennenbaum

pleaded innocent and later in-

nocent by reason of insanity to

forging

the

will of ihe late

Gustar Frederich Ingwersen,

her acquaintance,

who died

June

38.

ingwersen was a

Czech and a friend of Riha. He

died of cyanide poisoning.

"It swas then

came as then a he chearses

the Fort ali senatide sere:

"and

should be done." Cerveny said.

Another acquaintance of Jirs.

Tannenbaum,

Tan enham, to he crane!

poisoning was Mrs. Barbara Eg-

Czech, too, she died

HH 55100 DocId: 32989553

Page 218

---

## Page 219

1 - Sir. DeLoacia

REl: +31 05-78256-29

March 19, 1970

1 - Hx. Bishop

1 - Mr. Rosen

Dr. Stephen Fischer Galati

I = Mr. Sullivan

•I - Liaison

Director

Center for Last, European Affairs

1 - bir.

Gray

1 - Mr. Redfield

University of Colorado

Boulder, Colorado

80302

Dear Dr. Fischer-Galati:

Your letter of February 18, 1970, to the

Vice President concerning the disappearance of

Professor Thomas Rihe has been referred to the rSX

for reply.

e2600ns

aZEP

bison

aL,oach

siters.

phr

shop

asper

allahan

onrad

alt.

alc

bsen

ellivan

avel

ayars

ele. Room -

olmes

andy

The

concern you expressed in soliciting the

Vico President's assistance for & careful investigation

resolution of the case is understandable.

nel witlout the express approval of

Based on the information which has been reported

us concerning Professor Riha's disapposranco, the FEE

Ins conducted no investigation.

There is no indication of

= a violation of Federal law within the FBI's jurisdiction.

Mbreover, the ISI has no information regarding Professor

Riha's whereabouts.

As you are probably avare, Professor Riha's

nother inquired of this Bureau in December, 1969, concern

ing her son's whereabouse.

She was informed that we had

no intornation in this regard.

Professor Riha's nother

was asked'if she desired a missing persons notice be placed

in the files of the FBI Identification Division. Our offer

was declined.

the

your Commute and the content may not

nation oilsie your Committee.

Its use

FBI

be disclosed

limited to

This document is prepared in response to your request

You have furnished information that local authori

ties

are currently conducting investigation into Professor

In the absence of information indicate

ing & Federal law within ite Jurisdiction has been violated,

the FBI cannot conduct investigation into the disappearance

unauthorized

ciferial

and

2s

of Professor Rih&.

10578256

person

pioreedings

not for

dissemi-

JHR:EbP LET

(9)

if Je vil

adu

Hes

SEE NOTE PAGE TWO -

5 6APR-

8 1970

: UNIT

1H 55100

DocId: 32989553

Page

219

---

## Page 220

Dr. Stephen Fischer-Galat1

While I am certain the Vice President would

like to be of more assistance to you in this maiter and

appreciates your concert for your colleague, in the

absence of information indicating federal interest or

a violation o1 Federal statutes, this matter appears to

be one solely within the investigative province of

authorities in your area.

Siacerely yours,

J. Edgar Hoover

lote

Above letter written pursuant to referral from

the Office of the Vice President. Xerox copy of the original

referral and its enclosures being returned with the copy

of the letter to the Vice President.

Riha, Czechoslovak-born, naturalized, former pro-

fessor of Russian history at Colorado University, departed

from Denver area March, 1969, without notifying friends!

associates, or his estranged

wife. His disappearance has

been glamorized in recent months by energetic Denver reporter

and spiced up with

references to a mysterious paramour

under whose influence Riha had fallen.

Fischer-Galati, according to Bufiles, was deferred

in World War II for psychoneurosis, anxiety type.

He reportedly

advised State Department in 1950 he was a close friend of

the Director's, an untrue statement.

SENSITIVE SOURCE INFORMATION

He communicated with Justice Department 4/7/69

concerning Riha's disappearance.

Justice acknowledged his

letter. Fischer-Galati has been mentioned in several press

steng in the Riha case as an acquaintance and University

associate. He is a professor of history, Colorado University.

Salutation of Dr. taken from established reference book.

Copy of letter being sent to The Vice President's Offee by Liaison.

CC BEING SENT DENVER OFFICE

in 2e o

H# 55100 DocId:32989553 Page 220

---

## Page 221

:

Dr. Stephen Fischer-Galati.

While I am certain the Vice President would

Ilke to ho of more assistance to you in this matter and

apprecintes your concern for your colleague, in the

absence of information indicating Federal interest or

a violation of federal statutes, this matter appears

be one solely within the investigative province of .

authorities in your area.

sincerely yours,

J. Edgar Hoover

Note:

Above letter written pursuant to referral from

the Office of the Vice President. Xerox copy of the original

referral and its enclosures being returned with the copy

of the letter to the Vice president.

Czechoslovak-born, naturalized, former pro-

sessor of Russian history at Colorado University, departed

from Denver area March, 1969, without notifying friends,

associates, or his estranged

wife. His disappearance has

been glamorized in recent months by energetic Denver reporter

and spiced up with

references to a mysterious paramour

under whose influence Riha had fallen.

Fischer-Galati, according to Bufiles, was deferred

in

World War II for psychoneurosis, anxiety type.

He reportedly

advised State Department in 1950 he was a close friend of

the Director's, an untrue statement. He has been in periodic

routine contact in the past with the Romanian Embassy and

contacts not of known security significance.

He was born in

Romania.

In 1956 CIA advised Fischer-Galati was of interest

to and used

to a limited degree by that agency since the

early 1950s.

He communicated with Justice Department 4/7/69

concerning Riha's disappearance. Justice acknowledged his

letter.

Fischer-Galati has been mentioned in several press

items in the Riha case as an acquaintance and University

associate.

He is a professor of history, Colorado University.

Salutation of Dr. taken from established reference book.

Copy of letter being sent to The Vice President's Pffee by Liaison.

CC BEING SENT DENVER OFFICE

55100 DocId: 32989553 Page 221

---

## Page 222

FICE OF THE VICE PRESID.

REFERRAL

The Honorable J. Edgar Hoover

To:

Director, Federal Bureau of

Investigation

U.S. Department of Justice

Washington, Do Cr 20530

Dato:

March 16, 1970

Mr.

Mr. Cid!.

Mr.

Comrad

Mr. Polt..

Mr. R:

Mr. Silis

ACTION REQUESTED

Mr. Sigars.

Tele. Room

Miss Huires

Draft ruply for:

Miss Gandy.

Vice President's signature.

Undersigned's signature.

THOMAS

RistA

NOTE

___ Memorandum for use as enclosure to

reply.

_ Direct reply.

. Furnish information copy.

Prompt action is essential.

If more than 48 hours' delay is encour tered,

please telephone the undersigned immediately.

Suitable acknowledgment or other

appropriate handling.

Furnish copy of reply, it any.

Basic correspondence should be returned when

draft reply, memorandum, or comment is re;

quested.

- For your information.

For comment.

\REMARKS:

Is document as prepered in response to your request and is not for dissemi...:

nation orsi?: mone Committee.

I's use is limitel to official procecdings by

your Commie cal the content may not be disclosed to unauthorized person.=

nel without the express approval of the FBI.

Ili:

Description:

To:

"From:

Date:

Subject:

!i •

- Letter:

Telegram; Other:

The Vice President

REC: +505-78256-24

Mi. Stephen Fischer-Galati, Univ.

of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado

February 18, 1970

Investigation Into Disappearance of Professor ThomasaRila

!!:

80 MAR 25 1970

1:

MAR 1'2

ERICLOSURE

116-9

COPY LETS FOR ME. 20E5ON

GAL:gYj

(Department or Agency copy)

HH 55100

DooId:32989553

Page 222

IB1S 61161 :

105-78256

---

## Page 223

CENTER FOR EAST EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

• i=.

UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO

BOULDER, COLORADO 80302

STEPHEN

BIIN REMINIT

FISCHER-GALATI

February 18, 1970

The Honorable Spiro T. Agnew

Vice President of the United States

The White House

Washington, D.C.

Dear Mr. Vice President:

In the hope that you have read the accounts of the

disappearancs of Professor Thomas

• Riha and the mysterious

circumstances surrowning the investigation of that dis

appearance by the proper

authorities, local and federal,

I am taking the liberty of enclosing

.. copy of the latest

relevant account. from The Denver Post.

As a trustes of the Thomas Riha Fund, I should Iike

to solicit your assistance in securing a careful. in-

vestigaiion and meaningíul resolution of the case.

failure of the local authorities and of the University

of colorado to conduct

a proper investigation at the

time oi Paofessor Riha's disappearance in March 1909 is

reflective on the lack of concern and bureaucratic inepti

nel without the express amproval

ness which has been so rightly criticized by you in recent

your Commate aud the content may

Commitee.

Imonths.

In an age of repudiation oi the fundaental mozal

values which hare historically dillorentiaved democratic

trom totalluerian, bureaucratic sociatias, it seens

imperative that the truty be uncovered. no

matter what the

of the FBI

embarassment to chose who

failed to fulfill their moral

and even legal obligations.

This doment is prepared in response to your request

Professor Riha's case is particularly relevant in

that respect since he wes a refugee iron communist CzechO-

slovalia.

It would be a sad connentary irdeed on our

democratic society if ne vere to be the victin of bureau-

not be disclosed to uriaw?

cratic nogligonce or of tactics identified with the regine

which he escaped:

I would de based to send you all materials pertinent

to the case, saould that be required, to facilluate the

and

mocecdings by

not for dissemi-

honorable rosoluation of the case of Processor Riha.

105-762560

ENCLOSURE

ReSpectfully yours,

WW 55100 DocId: 32989553 Page 223

Didacion

---

## Page 224

D00RTH 20M211

^5 1707)

..c..

".3

At.dtn

??!.'

1:8H 10:211

mee doret61, co 19

".Srin.

1, Exaiaa

12?6"

in =n:

ge2, tiei onad ey ".a

vE.

HH 55100 DooId:32989553

Page 224

105-75256mnii

FE ANIRY

---

## Page 225

CENTER FOR EAST EUROPEAN A

UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO

BOULDER, COLORADO 80302

'AIRS

March 25, 1970

u. tagar hoover

Director

Federal Bureau of Investigation

United States Department of Justice

Washington, D.C. 20535

g'p

Dear Mr. Hoover:

Thank you very much for your letter of March 19, 1870

with reference to the disappearance of Professor Thomas Riha.

Since I am not aware of the extent of the jurisdiction

of the federal Bureau of Investigation, 1 am unable to provide

any information which will allow investigation of the dis

appearance by the FBI. The only basis which may permit action

by the FBI appears to be Professor Riha's status as a recipient

of funds from the Office of Education of the Denartment of

Health, Education and Welfare under the provisions of the

National Defense

Education Act at the time of his disappearance

in March 1959•

Whether the receipt of monies from a Federal

agency constitutes a legal relationship with the Federal

Government which would fall within the jurisdiction of such

Federal agencies as the FBI is unknown to me but, conceivably,

it would provide a rationale for participation in the case by

the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

33

EXP.

34 - MAR 2 8 1970

Yours sincerely,

tephen tricker

Stephen Fischer-Galati

Director

3/31/20

vil.

dato 4/6/.72

KEC-35

This document is prepared in response to your request and is not for dissemi-

-109-7824-39

nation o'sire your Committee.

Its use is limited to official proceeings 2u

your Corrie and the content mas not be disclosed to inauthorized person

nel without the express approval of the FBI .

НН 55100 Do0Id:32989553

Page 225

SINO STALLITE

---

## Page 226

REC-35

105-78256-36

March 31, 1970

1 - Mr. DeLoach

Bishop

- Mr. Rosen

poil

* Mr. Sullivan

pot.

- Liaison

. - He • Gray

1 - ir. Redfield

ZZ 037.VIN

0L0:

Dc. Stephen|Fischer-Galati

Director

Center for East European

Affaire

University of Colorado

Boulder, Colorado

80302

Dear Di. Fischer-Galati:

=:

Reference is made to your letter dated March

: 25,

1970, concerning the disappearance of Professos Thomas

Riha•

The information you furnished has been carefully

reviewed. Based upon the avallable facts,

there is no

indication of & violation os any Tederal

statutes over

which this Bureau has jurisdiction. Therefore, I am unable

be of assistance to you.

Sincerely yours,

J. Edgar Hooves

I'his document is

prepared in response to

your request

nation orisis, 'our Committee.

Its use

limited to

and is

not for dissemi-

offirich?

macectings by

your Commi: e and the content may not be disclosed to

unsethorized person-

nel without the

express approval of the

FBI

SENTECT 07.4002

JWR ebp

(9)

NOTE:

Riha, Czechoslovak-born, naturalized, former

professor of Russian history at Colorado University, departed

Denver area March, 1969,

without notifying iriends,

associates

or his estranged wife.

His disappearance has been glamorized

in recent nonths by energetic Denver reporter and spiced up

with references to a mysterious paramour under whose influence

•Riha had

farlen.

olson

eLoach

alters -

ohr

ishop

asper

allanan

onrad

alt

cle

illivan

avel

pyars

ele. Room —

olmes -

andy

Fischer-Galati previously wrote to the Vice President

concerning the disappearance of Riha, which letter was referred

to the Bureau for reply.

He was informed the FBI had conducted

no investigation concerning the disappearance of Riha; had no

information

regarding his whereabouts and there was no indication

of a violation of Federay law within the ISI's jurisdiction& Our

reply to the infornation in his, current letter was coordinated with

Accounting and Frauds Sechion, Ceneral Investigative Division.

B APR 10-19 KM

NOTE CONTINUED PAGE 2

0

IN 55100 DocId:32989553

Page 226

---

## Page 227

Di. Stophen Fischer- Galati

NOTE CONTINUND:

Fischer- Galati is a

prosessor of history,

Colorado University. Balutation of Dr. taken from

estabLiShed rEsOronce book.

According

• to Rufilés,

Fischei Calatl was deferrod in World Mar It for

psychoneurosis,

anxiety type.

lie reportedly advised

State Departmont in 1950 ho war a else triend of the

Director's, an untrue statement.

SENSITIVE

SOURCE MATERIAL

175.8

DOX'N IP ROMANIE.

SENSITIVE

soURcE

MATERIAL

Es communicatod

Justice

Department 4/7/C9 concerning Riha's

acknowledged his letter.

disappearance

Justice

Ke has

been nentioned in soveral

press itens in the Riha case as an acquaintance and University

associate.

I tent contre Come the cata

2

H# 55100 DocId:32989553 Page 227

---

## Page 228

Dr. Stephen Flecher- Galati.

NORE CONTINUED:

Fischer-Calatl is s professor of history,

Coloraão University.

Salutntion of Di, taien fron

established ralerance book.

According to Buttleo,

Fischer- Calati was deferred in World War II for

psychoneurosis, anxiety type.

He reportedly advised

State Department an 1950 he was a close friend of the

Director's,

an untrue statement.

He has been in periodic

routine contact in the past with the Romanian Embassy

and contacis not of known security signilicance..

He was

born in Romania.

In 1966 CIA advised Fischer-Galati was

of interest to and used to & limited degree by that Ageney

since the early 1950's.

fe communicated with Justice

Department 4/1/69 concerning Riha's disappearance.

Justica

acknowledged his letter.

has been mentioned in several

press items in the Riha case as an acquaintance and university

associate.

HH 55100 DocId:32989553 Page 228

---

## Page 229

"On 3/30/10, Fred Schmidt, Director of Security,

HEW, advised SA Hengemuhle, Bureau liaison, that the

Institute of International

Studies, Office of Education,

contributes funds to an Eastern European (Slavic) Program

at the University of Colorado. Approximately 50% of the

cost of the program is paid by OE with the University

contributing

the balance.

Thomas Riha was one of the

instructors hired by the

University under this program.

His salary would be paid by the University and he receives

no funds directly from.OE and 0E has no control over his

employment.

He is not a federal

employee.

JWR"

1H 55100 DocId: 32989553

Page 229

---

## Page 230

0-19 (Rev. 11-3-69)

Tolson

DeLoad

Waltets

Mohr -

Bishop

Casper -

Callahan

Conrad

Felt -

Gale

Rosen

Sullivan

Tavel

Soyars

Tele. Room

Holmes -

Gandy

Suon Story

•The Strange

Case of the

i Missing

Professor

• ....

A women friend insiors he is alive,

bur & distries attorney doesn't think

so as he seoks the trun in a more of

for ones ond awo strange deaths

The Washington Post

Times Herald _

The Washington Daily News.

The Evening Star (Washington) .

The Sunday Star (Washington)

Daily News (New York) -

Sunday News (New York) _5.

New York Post _

The New York Times

The Sun (Baltimore).

The Daily World_

The New Leader

The K'all Street Joumal

The National Observer.

People's Horid

Examiner (Washington)

MAY 3

1970

Date

IN 55100 /DocId: 32989553

Pa

ve

230

103.91÷54e-34

---

## Page 231

By.

KERMIT JAEDIKER

IN

MILE-HIGH DENVER,

eco:

nomic and cultural capital of the

Rockies, investigators are work-

ing to unravel a mystery that at

times has book

fartisti.

an i coe than a littie frightening.

Its conral timoe is Gira Tannen-

baum,

hearrset.

domineering

woman of 30 who had three friends

who, to put it mildr, were awfully

The ill-starred three were:

• Thomas Riha, 10,

& Czechoslova-

kian-born associate professor of Russian

histors at the University of Colorado in

nearby Boulder. He vanished in March,

1969. amid a spate of rumors hinting at

espionage. Denver District

Attorney Mike

Mcheritt says today he

"grave doubts" that Riha is alive.

• Gustav Friedrich Ingwerson, a 78-

year-old plastics

engineer.

He died last

June from cyanide prisoning. Galva

is

charged with forgery in connection with

his will, which made her a beneficiary.

• JIrs. Barbara Egbert, a 51-year-old

divorcee who was found dead last Sep-

tember in her

Denver apartment.

Her

death. ton. was attributed to cyanide. A

typewritten suicide note was found, but

NicKevitt says it's a fake.

According

to the district attorney,

both known deaths are suspected of be-

ing

homicides.

Galya's

lawyer,

•John

Kokish, admits the police wanted to ques-

tion her about them but "I told her not

tn open her mouth." Galva took his ad-

Ordinarily, she's quite a talker.

For months, a fascinating aura

international spying clung to

still hangs over it, although it

lacks official corroboration. A contrib-

factor undoubtedly

was Galva's

claim, to a number of persons in the

that she was a colonel in

U.S. Military Intelligence.

Galya's attorney says that just isn't

brute Calya is

and Intelligence

perhaps only in jest, as The Colonel. Just

before he disappeared, Riha himself, who

reportedly knew her very, very well, was

Colonel in a notation on his calendar.

Logic itself militates strongly against

the posaicity that Galya was atforticer

in the American intelligence. She was a

free-laner commercial artist rofes-

as good a cover for a spy as any,

but it she went around bra easing ne

was an intelligence

officer, that auto-

matically blew her cover.

The Colonel stuff asido,

there have

serious questions a

whether

Rita himself may have dabbled in secret

in liane

Iron

eats, cann

to the 1'8. in

1947

became

a

naturalled

citizer.

studied hard and received bihelors and

marters

degrees

at

the University ni

rama, to say nothine ol a doctorate

from

Harvard.

a TAUGHT at the University of thi

cago, at Marburg University in West

Germany and then joines the faculty of

the University of Colorado. He'd been

around a lot,

geographicaly

speaking,

had professorial pals all over the coun-

try and, what's more, was a leading

authority on Russian history.

In addition, he had made at least two

visits to Moscow. He went there in 1958-

to attend Moscow University as an

exchange student and he revisted alos-

as a guide for a touring

of college professors.

One report has it that he told friends

in Denver that he was once anurced

nia tie aroscow subway: by a man who

asked it he would do intelligence work.

But ira fold the story jokingly, the im-

plication of the joke being that just about

every American

tourist in Russia was

open to approach by Soviet agents seek-

ing spy recruits.

Galva has hinted that Riha had worked

for Uncle Sam, which proves nothing.

Still another source, completely without

official support, says he was connected

with an American espionage outfit.

espionage,"

out , enit in washington, the

• "I don't suspect

Intelligence

•Bureau of Investigation

Department have all denied knowledge of

the Riha case. But even bereft of the

cloak-and-dagger angle, the case has its

moments, thanks largely to Galya.

"A fascinating, brilliant person with

say's District Attorney

- MeKevitt in speaking of her.

and perhaps

the most

terrifying of a cluster of strange events

tied in

Galya occurred March 9,

1969, a Sunday, at Prof. Riha's ranch-

style home on a picturesque hill slove in

the university town of Boulder, 20 miles

from Denver.

Riha's 25-vear-old wife, Hana, stood

screaming at a bedroom window of the

house.

by

She was heiped out the window

neighbors.

About her was a strong

odor of ether.

Boulder poilce were summoned to the

seene, by none other than Galya,

who

was in the house.

So was Riha. Galya,

clearly a tols charge ee, met the cops

Hh, 55100 Docid: 32989553

Page

231

Riha had locked herself in the bedroom,

that'

Tung fumes

inside the room and that JIrs. Rina flel

screaming to

and

the

'he

window

when

Galre

professor chreatened to break-

the bedroom door open.

Mrs. Rha's siory contacts sharpe

with Galya's version. She insising thos

this paler cine

that she

ол у карї :

• 7101

wren

she feared the anestarte to dand Overdona

perpolice made a search and trans a fer

of ethrr and severa eirr-soned

Silkie

Riha's

was not expiained.

Galya coolly told investigators that

Mrs. Riha, a Czechoslovakian, was not &

U.S. citizen and that immigration au-

thorities had been called because her visa

had expired. However, a New York at

torney and longtime friend of Mrs. Riha

declared that "there

was nothing urgent

about Airs. Riha's visa status that night,

nothing pressing, no imminent deporta-

IVURS. RIHA phone her attorney friend

that very night and

sobbingly told her

story and pleaded for his help. Eventual-

Iy she mored east to Brooks prin

obtaining

a Job in

a New York bank.

Riha

had already filed divorce proceedings to

end his five-month marriage

he disapyeared,

his wife flied a counter

won it. She also won a $5.000

When District Attorney McKevitt was

asked about the ether business, he hinted

it may have been "an attempt to scare.

"thought process of a mixed-up mind."

Galva's presence in the household may

be explained by the fact that she and the

professor had been friends for some time

-perhaps even more than friends.

authoritative source quotes Gaira as hav-

ing said she lived with Riha for about

two

and a half months prior to his

marriage.

The police report on the ether episode

described the

chunky,

160-pound

Galva

as

"the fullback type." What drew the

rather good-looking professor to her is a

puzzler. Probably the attraction of op-

posites.

Te was known to be quiet and soft-

spoken, given to scholarly pursuics ond

---

## Page 232

to writinsShe has been descrihed as

Her first name indicars Frora".

even savic origt,

but actualit, acortey

Kerish says. she nas

Jamie mes Gloria Forest.

St las been directed see. A dum joars

ago. accoring in Kosit. she Grued in

• Me Tog

thice chidren

and she won it. Later, she

changed her name legally to Galya Tan-

Kokish says her mother lives in Gal-

va, Ill., and suggests Mrs. Tannenbaum

the word Galva." It

certainly more exotic than Gloria.

disappeared. He was

to have attended a meeting of history

professors in Denver on

Saturday, and. characteristically method-

ical, had noted this on his calendar pad.

Ile failed to show up at the meeting.

Friends repeatedly phoned the house

that day and got no answer. Next day, a

of acquaintances,

to have picked up for a dinner engage-

ment, called at the house, rang the door-

bell, got no answer and peerrd through

They could see the kitchen table and

on it & place setting consisting of a ce-

parently it had been set for a breakfast

Riha never ate.

Investigating police discovered that

while Riha was a man known for preci-

and neatness, his personal papers

were rather wildly scattered across his

desk, where he had been preparing his

was his calendar pad bearing the March

11 entry: "dinner Colonel." This was be-

lieved to refer to Galya.

The mystery of his disappearance al-

that the quiet professor of Russian his-

Inly might

actually

be

a pedagogic

James Bond

Close

friends expressed

fears

he

might be dead. But a university official

announced reassuringly that he had re-

reived a report-fron

"reliable sources"

in Washington--that Riha

was

"alive

ond well" Later, however, McKevitt said

alive-and-well

conclusion

sprang

from a misunderstanding and termed the

report "an honest mistake."

Rep. Donald G. .

Brotzman (R-Col.),

according to his administrative assistant,

Pobert Tonsing,

"made inquiries to Mili-

Eary Intelligence, the CIA and the fBI

received unqualified negative re-

loraig credence 10 supportions about

apptrach of lart summer.

the Affaire Tarter com is a

shing man. Iewerson wis foand dead

Jare To on his herce d: 1401

Denver. Death was at first attributed to

a heari attack, but an autopsy showed

traces of mercuric cyanide.

As an engineer, says Kokish, Ingwer-

cyanide in mineral assaying.

The district attorney's office developed

an interest in

police were intrigued to learn that Galya

knew Ingerson,

who was a widower.

She told the cops they had picnicked to-

gether and even talked marriage.

Interestingly enough, Ingwerson also

knew Prof. Riha. Indeed. during a clean-

of Ingwerson's home last December,

Ingwerson's son,

Doraid, found Riha's

wedding ring.

next development came when

Galya was arrested on a charge of hav-

ng forged, in part at least, the ingwer

son will and presented it in Denver Pro-

bate Court with aller-d intent to defraud

Donald Ingwerson of Denver

Esther Footo of Colorado Springs.

Astorey Mckevitt sail Tug wus a

suit hadeo middle saa

i..e

ments rearcher Galva's render intre it

2.40

Logan St. In

-hey

Ed a pose can de le sad dar

had a

- ! i.". i

sorned with chemicals

that connec-

tion:.

Riha, in lawyer Kokish's office.

She declared unequivocally that Riha

was still alive. She said, in fact,

had visited her in Denver twice since his

disappearance, once in May and later in

the summer. She said he was living in

although she had no address

Montreal T don't know what he's doing?

she added. "I never asked him."

She said he left Boulder

things were pressing in on him" both at

the university and in his household, the

latter an apparent reference to his di-

vorce proceedings. She insisted she didn't

know how he left Boulder, but in the next

breath admitted she picked up his car at

Stapleton International Airport after his

OLICE quoted Mrs. Foote as saying

Galya asked her to witness the docu-

ment, but Mrs. Foote said she didn't sign

When the interviewer remarked that

"perfectionist,"

Galya said sardonically, yes, he was a

perfectionist - in leaving Boulder. She

it and that the witness' signature on it

Before closing

the intervier,

was a forgery of hei name. Under the

made a prediction:

"Tom [Riha] will be

terms of the will, Galya was left 100

here some time in January." The seeress

shares of stock. The will was drawn up

13 days before Ingw-rson's death.

things that didn't show up in her crystal

Galya denied the forgery, but author-

materialized in January.

ities were unimpressed. After all, she

nothing of februa, and they were all

had dabbled in forgery before. She had

on the wrong side for Galva.

an arrest record dating back to 1950

was accused of forgery

when she was taken into custody in San

warranty deed in the sale of Prof. Riha's

Antonio,

Tex.,

On

government

a charge of forging

home, forgery of a deed of trust linked

checks.

She

was

later

with the house,

sentenced to a year and a day for mail

name to a $330 check to finance a char-

theft, but was placed on probation.

for herself and

In 1960, she was sentenced in Illinois

companions last July 30 to San Anterin

to nine months for getting money

false pretenses with a check. Later the

She was also charged with forgery in

the transfer of the title to Riha's car,

same year she drew 1 to 5 vears in a

sold for $1,250 to Anthony J. Stone.

women's reformatory on two charges of

school principal. Stone said he

forgery and one of embezzlement.

bought the car Apil 1. which woull be

In the midst of the Ingwerson inquiry

about two weeks after Riha's disapnear-

came the revelation that an investigation

ance, with a check payable to Riha.

was under way into the death of a third

It was further disclosed that Galya,

most unfortunate friend of Galva-Mis.

in a burst of generosity, coated a large

Ogbert.

She was found dead in her flat

part of Riha's

at 1330 Race St. on Sent, 13-gnd, Districe.

appraised value of more 112+2 $11,000,

TH 55100 DocId:32989553 Page 232

---

## Page 233

CC 2909498968426-191999

6..30

+ 81995s% 1+433 1 405580 +457 st+ n910

to the Denver

Art

Muscun. Galya

claimed Riha left the

collection in her

custody.

From Riha's ex-wife in New York

came a

statement that

the professor

"may

not be

alive-he

does not

even

write his mother." Riha's mother died in

Germany in February.

ind

Riha failed

to show up for the funera!.

Gaiya, facing

trial

on the forgery

raps, pleaded innocent by reason of in-

sanity and was lodged in Colorado Psy-

chiatric Hospital,

where

t750

state-ap-

pointed psychiatrists examined her. They

reported her legally sane.

However, Kokish sail,

one

"hedged &

bit" and indicated

she

had

a

"severe

personality disorder"

and it was further

suggested she might be "a pachological

liar." Kokish obtained permission to have

a third psychiatrist examine her and it is

expected a sanity trial will be conducted.

probably in June.

yEs though, two doetors had reported

in & manner highly unfavorable to the

defense, Galya's say at Colorado Psy-

chiatric was not entirely unproductive.

Between talks

with the doctors,

she

whiled

away the hours by taking a fling

at fine art.

The pictures

she turned

out tere

considered good enough to be exhibited

in the highly prestigious Miller Stock-

man Galleries. They consisted of water

colors and acrylics, a paint that looks •

like oil paint but dries faster.

Denver Post art critic Rena Andrews

riewed

them

and

reported

that

the

acrylics were close to the works of the

German

expressiorists but that Galya

The arist societie tenni

The artist had

in

that it appeared she

ran

a comb

through the paint, leaving ridges, but

for all that she seemed to have genuine

talent.

The

exhibit

drew

wide

interest,

partly, to be sure, because of the notor-

iety surroundino

the artist and,

at $40

chrow,

the paintings were reported

selling

well. Indeed, the gallery has re-

quested that Galva

turn

in some more

paintings with the hint that the price

may be unped.

This leads to the reasonable conclu-

sion

that if Galya

beats

the

charges

against her, she may be launched on a

new career, porhaps eren more lucrative

forgery--and

that forget and certainly lot less

ra..

=*:

it's atten dari dadada a

Prof. Thomas Riha's disappearance more than a year ago from his home (below)

in Boulder, Colo,, produced a flurry of rumors that he was involved in

international espionage.

tria

ITY

55100 Docid: 32989553 Page 233

---

## Page 234

Colorful, domineering and falented

Galya Tannenbaum is shown confer-

ring with her attorney, John Kokish

(e) between hearings on charges

of forging the missing Prof. Riha's

name to papers disposing of his Trume

HH 55100 Do0Id:32989553 Page 234

---

## Page 235

In her spare time, she dab

bled at paintings (Al, some of which

were shown in a Denver

Wolor to Congressman Donald Broty.

To cloa

and-dagger activities in Wachingtor

gue caceived negative replies from

• CIA.

and U.S. Military

Intelligence.

NH 55100 DocId:32989553 Page 235

---

## Page 236

BOULDER. COLORADO

INTER FOR SLAVIC AND EAST EUROPEAN STUDIES

FFICE OF THE DIRECTOR

March 5, 1971

J. Edgar Hoover

Director

Federal Bureau of Investigation

United States Department of Justice

Washington, D.C. 20535

Dear. Mr. Hoover:

I am aware of the position of the FBI with respect to

Professor Riha's disapnearance; nevertheless, I am sending you

a letter addressed to me which

was sent fron Cincinnati,

a few days 280.

cation was sent through the United States mails from a place other

than. Boulder it falls within the jurisdiction of the FBI.

I do not necessarily envisage the enclosed letter as a

throat: However, I cannot exclude that possibility and it is

cantee so su writing to you again sit thia time.

as well as for the obvious implication of the

Yours sincerely,

Director

MCK-CA

EX-103

37

SFG: m]

MAR 15 1971

EH03A TAKEN

•-- 01s00e

This document is prepared in response to

your recriest and is not for dissemi-

nation outside your Committee.

Its use 2s

limited

procedings by

your Commiltee and the content may not

disclosed to unauthorized person-

the

express

approval of the

FBI

ENCLOSURE

NW 55100' DocId: 32989553 Paye 236

---

## Page 237

Dre Stophen Mischer-Galati

NONE CONTITUED:

rischei-Galati previously wrote to the Vice President

concerning the disappearance of niha, which lotter was reicried

to the lureau los roply.

Is was informed the IDI hnd conductod

no invostigation concorning the disapncarance of Riha; had no

information regarding his vorcabouts: and thore was no indication

of a violation oi loderal lar vithin the aDI's jurisdiction.

Fischer-Galati is a professor of history, Colorado

Univorsity.

Salutation

0d Di, taken from estabiished roscrence

"book.

lecording to Bufiles, Fischer-Galati was doterred in

World War iI for poychoncurosis, ansioty type.

He reportedly

advised Siate Dopartnont in 2000 he was a close friond of the

Director's, an latrue staterent.

SENSITIVE SOURCE INFORMATION

Be cormunicated with dustice Depprimont 4/7/69 con-

cornias liha's

disappearance.

justice acinowierged his lctter.

Ile has boch mentioned in several pross iions in the lina case

an acquaintance and University associate.

• 2 m

ENCLOSURE

HP 55100 DocId: 39989553 Page 237 g

- code a

---

## Page 238

IR.

tephen Fischer

Jati

NOtT

CONTINUED:

Fischer-Galati previously wrote to the Vice President

concerning the disappearance of Riha, which locter vas reterred

to the Bureau for reply.

He was informed the FBI had conducted

no investigation concerning the disappearance of Riha; had no

information regarding his worcabouts. und there was no indication

of a violation of Federal low within the BI's jurisdiction.

Fischer-Galati is a professor of history, Colorado

University.

Salutation of Dr, taken from established reference

book.

According to Bufiles, Fischer-Galati vas deferred in

Vorld ar II for psychoneurosis, anxiety type.

lie reportedly

advised State Department in 1050 he was a close friend of the

Dirccios's, an untrue statement.

ile has been in periodic

routine contact in the past with the konanian Envassy and

contacto not of known security signiiicance.

Ile was bock in

Ronania.

In 1965 CIA advised

Wischer-Galati was of interest

to and used to a limited degree by that Agency since the early

1950s.

Ie communicated with Justice Dopariment 4/7/69 con-

corning Biha's disappearance.

justice acknowledged his

Zetter.

He has beon mentioned in several press items in the Riha case

as an acquaintance and University associate.

02 m

ENCLOSURE

IN 55100 Docit:32989553

Page 238-

---

## Page 239

(Mount Clipping in Space Below)

i had titant a ini

BY ALLY CONNINGHAN

Rocks Mountain Ness Writer

CHIC.:G( - Her name is neither

Gala nor Tanncabaum,

according to

isasp whe kness the enigmatis Denver

woman when she lived in Chicago in

130 195o and 19C0s.

B.:

Mri. Gloria Ann Forest Mc-

Pherse Scimo's use of an exotic as

stame? name is in keeping: they say,

in an ibelong flair for playing mys.

roles and weaving webs of pact

Trun dad part fantasy.

ies. scimo-or Tannenbaum, if you

scop: the name by which she is better

3r0k 11 Dunrei-remains the key fig-

tie in a nuit-faceted Colorado mys-

-21Ÿ.

The most perplexing facei, with-

cabl, is the question of what hap-

7ied a Di. Inomas Mina, the Czech-

coma: ociate proiessor of Russian his

or was disangeared from tie Univer-

syri Colorario and seemingly from th

net: the corth last March.

The Denver woman, who was arrest-

=à by Soakder police last Friday and

arge with forging Riha's name to a

-caus iast July, says she is one of a

ery to plopie, if not the only one,

130: ::0ra lau carrers. She also insists

no is idio and well. Many poopie are

willing to agree with the first statement,

Caso

but there is controversy on the second

point.

Probably no one in Chicago knows

where Thomas Riha is. But few people

here whose lives have cossed paths

with Gloria Forest-or McPherson, or

whatever name she might have used at'

times-are likely to forget it.

She has acquired a reputation for

making an imprint on people. Usuaily,

it seems, the imprint has been a painful

Not surprisingly, some of those who

have thus feir her impact are reticent to

talli acout it. But from those who will

talk, this much has emerged about the

remarkable life of the former Gloria

Ann Forest:

© She was born in Chicago March

30, 1931, the only daughter of an interior

• decorator, the late Joseph Eorest.

had two brothers.

she

* She spent part of her childhood in:

. Galva, M., near Galena in northern Mi-

nois. It is interesting to note that when

one adds a small line to the "V" in Gal-

one comes up writh Galva, the name

she chose to assume later. in life.

« She attended a parochial school in

St. Louis,

IIo., and dropped out of a

Catholic high school there, but got a

e pege, name o1

1 Rocky Mountain Ne

- Lenver, Colorado

Date:

Edition:

Author:

Editor:

1/28/70

Home

Alan Cunninghai

Jack Foster

THOMAS RIHA

Character:

or

Classification: 105-4151

Submitting Office:

Denver

( Being investigated

B

781

NOT RECORDED

145

FEB

9 1970

50FED 1 2 1970

sile 5:14r4 105-78256

IT 55100 DocId:32989553 Page 239

---

## Page 240

miah, school certificate when she was 20.

Sho never received a college degrec, a.

though she later claimed to have a

1'h.l.

• Site has been wed twice, although

she claims a third marriage, to Chicago

artist Leo Tannenbaum. She was en-

gaged to be married in 1965 to Tanen-

baum (whose name is spelled different-

ly from that she now uses), but acturily

sas not divorced from her second hus

band, Charles R. Scimo, until 1953.

More interesting than these biograph-

ical tidbits, however, are reports that

Ji's, Scimo worked her way through a

ceries of bookkeeping jobs in Chicago, a

Missouri

city

and elsewhere,

winding up in jall several ties and

once for a three-year term in the state

pris in Dwight, Ill.

Still more fascinating, the 3Rvoar-

old Denver woman is said to have posed

as an expert on virtually everything

trom geology to acronautical engineer-

ing to medicine, even though she had

only a smattering of expertise in any

field except, perhaps, that of influenc-

ing people to her own advantage.

Once, she claimed to have invented a

system by which in-flight airplane colli-

sions would be avoided, using the rapul-

sion principle of magnets whose like

poles are placed next to each other. And

only last week, she claimed in an inter-

view with the News that she had derel-

open a cobalt process for detoxilying

Ariny chemical and biological materi-

als and had built what she termed, a

"I2-bank laser."

lost remarkable of all, perhaps -vario

Scimo is reported to hare

inkl acquaintances here in the 1960s.

One was that her true name was Gaiva Zak-

harovna, and that she was the daughter of a

The other, which required

NIrs. Scimo to do something fer women ever da

she swas older than she reaily

was - made it appear she had suffered extreme

tures as a prisoner of the Nazis during Morid,

In fact, say those who knew her in Chicago.

(loria Forest AlePherson Scimo never has beerf

last of the United States.

She was in grade,

stool in Galva and St. Louis during the war

Chartered arplane flight

Pacher this woek, Longmont pilol Robert

Cines lold the iow's about other extraordinary

ei ims made be "Galva Tannenbaum" whon ha

Fer her, another woman and Riha's nophcw,

Zrodk Corvony, to San Antonio, Tes., on a

disarerod flight last Juis 30. (It was m paring

top thit flight that she allegediy vassed the

river is stileh led to her most recent arrest

55100. DorId: 32989553

Page 240

traines renoried,

I the haste ersanon, waist ruge

the soctor ferviee, and had personally boen te-

spotshid for bringing

ker two fellow passen-

gers from

the soviet Union.

She added

that

sure sorricos sore a regular part of her vori.

Into, Gaines said he learned Certeny bad

first planned lo cairo to San Antonio, where he

med the soond

woman were coing to risitar

zech doin latily, hut had been persuaded by t

Tana bed??

1o

fly instead, Cerveny,

Gaines copezied,

agreed to change his plans in

the Told that the E.S. government was paving

for toe slight.

It sas not Gloria

Scimo's first trip to San

Antonio, cither. Records here snow that she re

coired

a sispended year-and-a-day sentence

from a federal judge there in Novembr 1950,

after being convicted of theft and forgery of a

government check. She also was put on threc-

year probation.

In 1954, the then-MIrs. McPherson was ac-

cused of embezzlerent and forgery while work.

ing for the mayor of eliston, Jo. An accoun

"ant's report purported to show that Mis. Mic-

Pherson's endorsement had appeared on 11 un

authorized eily checks, totaling $6,060.

The mayor, who was in the midst of an elec.

tion campaign, declined to press charges

Probation violator

Similar

accusations

led

to her leaving a

bookkeening job with a Chicago hospital in 1957

and an advertising firm here in 1953. In the lat-

ter case, she pleaded guilly to embezzlement

and losery of checks tutaling $16.000. She was

placed on three-year probation.

Arrested once more in 1900 on chargea of

forgery and receiving stolen properts, sir was

sent to prison as a probation violator. She was

paroled into the custody of a rabbi in 1962, aîter

reportedly persuading him she was Jewish.

She moved to Colorado in 1967, more than a

year after her second divorce-and afler her

encounter with Ico Tanenbaum. She

was part of a mutual agreement with Tom

runom she terms 2 close friend of 28

wears' duration, to start their lives anew it

i Boulder.

But on this point, yet one more facet i

¿ "Galja

Tannenbaumm's"

fascinating storics

seems to come under question.

Tenenbaum discussed his own painiul rela-

tionship with her during a conversation in the

Chicago suburb of Iransion. He recalled that

Galya had made a specialty of working her way

into people's lives, and of conspicuously drop

ping the names of virtually everyone she knew

to each of the others at trequent intervals.

Yet throughout the time he knew her, Tanen.

baum said, he could never recall having heard

her mention the name of Thomas Riha- sho

was at that very time teaching on the nearby

cämeus of the Universily of Chicago n

---

## Page 241

* FD-350 (FEV.

7-16-63)

M8. 11018022..

Ale. Dolench

Mr.

Mr. Ashr

(Mount Clipping in Space Below)

Insanity plea will be entered

for Mrs. Tannenbsum

BY RIKKON JOHNSON

by Boulder officials on the check charges and

Rocky Mountain News Writer

has not been able to begin the tests.

The lawyer for Mrs. Galya Tannen-

A hearing on the findings of the tests will be

baum said T'uesday an insanity plea of

held Feb. 25 in Judge Kingsley's court.

innocent will be presented during a ted.

In asking for the reduction, Kokish was de-

s preliminary hearing in soulder Dis-

nied a request for Mrs. Tannenbaum's release

trict Court on charges against her of

on her own recognizance. An objection came

allegedly.

forging the

name ot br.

Asst. Dist. Atly.

Robert M. Jenkins of

Themas Riha to & check.

Boulder. Jenkins said his office wanted a waiv-

Mrs. Tannenbaum,

er of extradition and the responsibility of bail to

ceived a reduction in the $2,520 bond set after

exist during Mrs. Tannenbaum's release.

her arrest last seek for allegedly forging the

Koliah said the woman is "destitute except

name of the missing University of Colorado pro-

for personal property" He asked for the "one

fessor to a check last July 30.•

Mys Tannenbaum, about 50, is a key figure

weck af federa" for Mrs. Tannenbain"l get

hor affairs in shave.

*in a swirl of discussion and speculation over the

"She would like to get her children (she has

health and location of Riha.

a three-year-ol

daughter

and a 10-year-old

He is the associate professor of Russian his-

som) to a daughter in Chicago," Kokish told the

judge.

tory who disappeared from CU Marcli 17, 1969.

She has claimed to be the Czechoslovakian na-

Judge Ashton then asked if JIrs. Tannen

baum were planning to Icare the state.

tive's confidant and has said' Riha wili soon re-

under any circumstances,"

turn to the Denver arca. Other Persons fear

Kokish

replied Kokish.

continued that JIrs. Tannenbaum

Riha is dead.

also would like to put her furniture into storage

Bail was reduced to 51,000 by Boulder Dist.

and liquidate her assets. He said his client's

Judge Howard O. Ashton after receiving à mo

lastorst is secking to evict Irs. Tannenbaum

tion filed by John Kokish, a lawyer from Denver

from her residence.

who is representing Mrs. Tannenbaum

s~ Tarnetbaunt luntarily-signed the

iskin also asked the band to he itemen

waiver after Ashton and Kokish explained it to

rary: one, lasting untl feb. a, to allow Mrs.

he Kokish said he hoped the bail money could

Tannenbaum to arrange her personal afiairs.

be raised by IT'ednesday.

The lawyer said the free time is necessary

Durins the hearing,

JIr's. Tarnenbaum spoke

because extensive litigation in this case and

in a low, almost inaulible voice. She wore a sol

others is expected.

id black dress with • bright, luminescent, red-

dish scarf and loafers.

Mrs. Tannenbaum picaded innocent by reâ-

JIrs. Tannenbaum sa., she had been a resi-

son of insanity last Thursday t, a charge of for-

gery involving the will of another acquainlance

Lout vi Duner intermittently since 1961 and

of hers, the Jale Gustav Frederick Ingwersen,

continuou ly during the last three years.

of 1431 Forest St., who died june 18, 1969.

She was free on $1,500 bail is the alleged will

forgery case after being ordered by Denver

Dist. Court Judge Robert 'I. Kingsley to take

psychiatric tests. However,

sile was arrested

as beney police and charged saturday

AT"

?:.

Tele. 1.-

11..10?3

Miss Gaudy.

(Indicate page, name of

newspaper, city and state.)

Regis

5 Rocky Mountain News

Denver, Colorado

Date:

1/28/70

Edition:

Home

Author:

Rykken Johnson

Editor:

Jack Foster

Title:

THOMAS RIHA;

GALYAFTANNENBAUN

Character:

stresses 917 1450

matA

or

Classification:

Submitting Office:

Being Investigated

105-4151

47-3190

Denver

B

i.

5729999

classes +5321394993)

55100 DocId: 32989553

Page 241

---

## Page 242

43.545-49

Mrs.

Galya.

Tannenbaum,

left,

selt-pro.

claimed confidante of missing Universily of

Colorado professor Thomas Riha, appeared in

•Boukler District Court Tuesday. She was ne.

companied by attorney John Kokish of Den-

ROCKY MOUNTAIN NEWS PHOTO BY HOWARD BROCK

ver. The court accepted a motion to reduce

the Denver woman's

bond from se.50n to

$1,000. She is being held on charges of alleg-

edly

signing the Russian history scholar's

name to a check after he vanished.

IW 55100 DocId: 32989553 Page 212

---

## Page 243

MYSTERIES

Tom Col and the Colonel

She called him "fon Cal," she ex-

Dains cosly, because

"he carned it."

He called her "Colonel," she says, "be-

cause sometimes ! get a little bossy. It

was just a joke. More

serious is the

fact that

"Tom Cal." or Thomas Riha,

40, associate professor of Russian his-

tory at the University of Colorado, has

been missing since March. Only the

•Colonel"-- virs. Giaiya Tannenbaum, a

prison alumna

Will a knack for forg-

ery aud a yen for mystery--clams to

have seen him? since.

When Kiha vanished, he left a four-

bedroom house full of furniture.

a col-

lection of religious statuary, a kitchen

table set for breakfast and a pending di-

vorce action. Denver police received as-

surances that Rina was "alive and well"

and that no investigation was necessary.

That word ostensibly came from Cov-

ernment agents.

but federal odicials in

Denver and Washingion now deny any

involvement in the case.

Ether Smell. Friends and associates

in Coloradio continue io wonder if the

professor is indeed alive and well. The

Crochosiovak-kor

icicher

first

missed of march is. when lie iailed 1o

shes us for classi a the unirmaly.

Toen Riha's property Logan lo be soki

it ilis chi:

be Riha's was on the the arignorant.

Tas herise los dill.

Side sof the pre-

fessor pager and tartare seer sent

Tannentaunis

hostse

inal shie

raid Ris dates in th

Kussion Chili rion.

m 1261,

are noised lilis.

ver addie the pictors

flies hous

received a number of latters in kit's

name, but he sirports that

neither the

signatures los th

Prancer belong in

his client.

One of the low things that is clear is

that Rile Comppeared

her tir after his

wife Blaa.

35.

lier!

their house.

clothes smelling of

her

cthier.

someone was trying

10

d!.

crying

that

her

in. At

that time. Riha and

Hana

hid sued

each other foi digorce. A $5.000 jug-

ment was

heally

but

only after Riha had vanished

Mrs. Tannenbaum, S8. says that she

met Riha when heavas a professor at

the University 05

born Gloria Ana

Chicago.

was

Forest and was mar-

ried and divorced twice.

A third mar

riage, she says. gave her the name of

Tannenbaum. She was twice imprisoned

in Illinois for forgery and embezzlement.

The Colonel apparenily followed

her

friend to Boulder, and the two remained

close--so close that Riha's attorney

clains to have seen an !OU that Riha

gave to Galya, which specified cancel-

lation in the event of their marriage.

The two remained friends after Riha's

marriage to Hana, and Cia was pres-

ent the night that Mana ran soreaming

from the house. Galia alone claims 10

know Riha's whereabouts. "He is some-

where between Montreal and Toronto.

she icid TiME Correspondent Champ

Clark, "a summer-resori sort of place.

Galya has had other interesting but

ww sio: bot d555 Pare 203 / 12

i friend a der Carlor to de:".

a Do to inventor pointer and 1rd.

l dice do potassium commidle :

sonin. angerone will lott less in

ramily lian coperled. He dil ter.

ment of personal prescieo.

a cuckon click, a color 1li

dren. Chira is nos charged boo do:

police winh forgine that will she!'

eel not guite by remon of insanity.

Strangely, one wither do Inger.

vill

Wis

Zucnick

Cerony.

Kiha's nephew. Cerony in sorter is

nessing the will. He also sris that Ci.:

insinucied him: to help cispose of kin

property after his disappearance.

now believes that his undie is

dc..

And it was Cerveny wlie filed the or

oficial complaint in the Riha case-:

lated missing-persons report la 6:

tober. Another minor beneficiary ai

werson's will. Barbara

Eber.

friend of Galya's. died list Soptembs:

also of cyanide poisoning.

Bed Check. Denver police last tea.

arrested the Colonel and charged i::

with forging Riha's name in a bad che:.

The check

was payment tor a piar:

that she had chartered for Cever iri

a Colorado Mying service. The c':!

pilot says Galya claimed to be a Sec::

Service agent hiring the plane lor i:

citizens of the Soviet Linion.

Did Thomas Riha vani h--as the Ce.

onel clammer-simply to scare no ta

bias with a wing witt? l penta

seliterl

the

"federal agencies"

siopped a police investigation last ye.-

Denver District Attornes Junes D...

Kevitt intends to find out. "This one.

says the D.A. now, "is righi out of Ag-

atha Christie.""!

TIME MAGAZINE

February 9, 1970

47-54543

---

## Page 244

on the set

OPTIONAL FORM NO. 10

MAY 19SZ EDITIO'

CiSA FOMA (11 CF1) 101-11.6

UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT

Memorandum

DIRECTOR, FBI

SAC, DENVER (47-3190) (C)

GALYA TANNENBAUM, aka

IMPERSONATION

00: Denver

DATE:

2/12/70

Re Denver airtel to Bureau 1/22/70.

Enclosed for the Bureau are five copies of a letter

head memorandum reflecting additional investigation conducted

regarding captioned matter.

nel

espress

your comni: se and the

nation ovisite,

I'nis.

Fox information of the Bureau, subject TANNENBAUM is

presently undergoing psychiatric examination and evaluation at

the Colorado State Hospital, Denver, Colorado.

As previously

noted, subject has been charged in Denver District Court in the

vithout the

1969 forgery of the will of a deceased individual, and she is

presently

on $1500 bond on this charge. TANNENBAUM is also free

on $1,000 bond in connection with charges filed in Boulder

District Court where she is alleged to have forged the name

THOMAS RIHA to a $330 check.

This forgery allegedly occurred

in July, 1969, some four and a half months after the mysterious

disappearance of THOMAS RIHA, Professor of History, University

of coloxado, about which the Bureau has been previously furnished

newspaper clippings and detailed information.

All persons interviewed in this investigation were

content may not

Committee.

Its use

specifically advised by interviewing Agents that the purpose

of

this investigation was to ascertain whether GALYA TANNENBAUM

FBI

2S

document is prepared in response to your

had in any way violated federal statutes concerning impersona

"tion:

Interviewees were specifically advised investigation was

not in any way connected with the disappearance of THOMAS RIHA,

be disclosed

limited to

a currently missing Assistant Professor of History at the University

¿"of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado

REG- 114

4:54541

official

This statement was made to interviewees because the

Denver Office has received inquiries by news media concerning

¿RIHA's disappearance and

they have been specifically advised

MersOn-

proceccuras

request and is not for

dissemi-

•MRS: pr

(3)

WE NO FEB IG 1970

47-54547

12 cuiras Plai

HH 55100 DooId:32989553 Page 244

---

## Page 245

197/stratortot 440231465078 tears rant d

DN 47-3290

there is no evidence relating to his disappearance showing any

violation of Federal law over

which this Bureau has jurisdiction.

The circumstances of his disappearance

suggest a missing person

situation and that investigation is being handled by the Boulder

Police Department.

Because of the close personal relationship between

TANNENBAUM and RIHA, It would be possible, without the above

statenent by Interviewing Agents, that Interviewees could gain

the impression the FBl is Investigating the disappearance 11

stead of the impersonation of a Federal officer by TANNENBAUM.

Pursuant to current Bureau instructions, this office

is not and has not conducted any investigation concerning RIHA.

Interviews of additional sources in captioned natter

have been for the purpose of clarifying additional statements

allegedly made by subject TANNeNBAUM regarding her afrillation

wich Inmigration and Naturalization Service, U.S. Arny ano

Military Intelligence.

In this connection all

• logical sources

have been interviowed and the results of these interviews dis

cussed exhaustively with the Assistant U.S. Attorney in Denver,

Colorado, having jurisdiction in this matter, and prosecution

has been declined. The Assistant U. S. Atiorney in Denver does

not feel there is

any possibility of prosecuting subject

TANNENBAUM regarding these false statements under the Federal

Impersonation Statute.

In view of this tact, no further investi

gation is contemplated by the Denver Office in this matter.

- 2-

iN 55100Do01d:32989553 Pade 245

---

## Page 246

It was a rest said

In Kepts, Please Refer 10

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESCIGATION

Denver, Colorado

February 12, 1970

GALYA TANNENBAUM

IMPERSONATION MATTER

Robert Duane Gaines,

Pilot, Judson Flying Service,

Longmont, Colorado, was interviewed at Font Worth, Texas, on

January 27, 1970, and stated Galya Tannenbaum had telephoned

him at the Longmont Airport in July, 1969, inquiring about the

price of chartering an airplane to fly to San Antonio, Texas,

and back.

Gaines stated Tannenbaum told him over the

telephone

that she was a Secret Service Agent with the Central Intelligence

Agency (CIA). She also stated she worked closely with the Federal

Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Gaines stated he had quoted a

price of $330 for the round trip charter.

Gaines stated that

Tannenbaum called him later and accepted his offer. He stated

he subsequently picked up Tannenbaum and one Zenek Cerveny at

Stapleton Airport, Denver, and flew them to San

Antonio, texas.

Gaines stated that during

the trip to San Antonio and back

Tannenbaum talked at great length about her affiliations with

various Government agencies, including the Secret Service and

CIA.

Gaines stated Tannenbaum told him that the Government

would pay for her trip.to San Antonio; however, when they

arrived back at Stapleton Airport in Denver, Tannenbaum pre-

sented him with a check which she took from her purse and which

was completely filled out in the sum of $330. The check was

already signed with the maker's name Thomas Riha.

Gaines stated that at no time did he actually believe

that Galya Tannenbaum was affiliated with the Secret Service,

CIA, or any other Government agency. He said that her state-

ments to this effect did not influence him either in providing

the air transportation or in accepting the Riha check in pay-

ment. He said that he would have handled the transaction in

exactly the same manner regardless of statements made by her

This document is prepared in response to your request and is not for dissemi-

nation artside, your Committee.

Its use is limited to official proceedinas bu

your Curani re and the content man noi ? disclosed to muctionizes person.

no witton ine express approval of the FRI.

55100 DocId: 32989553 Page 246

---

## Page 247

RE: GALYA TANNENBAUM

Paul Morris, Attorney, Woolworth Building, Boulder,

Colorado, advised on January 28, 1970 that Galya l'annenbaum

had been

introduced to him in June, 1968 by another Boulder

attorney, Dennis Blewitt. At this

time he stated Blewitt and

others were interested in the Lake Valley Home Owners Associan

tion and were attempting to secure financing of a one million

dollar ($1,000,000) loan. Morris stated

that Tannenbaun had

indicated to Blewitt that she could obtain such a loan for the

Association and as a result certain payments were made to her

that she would be able to secure the loan through the federal

Housing Adninistration (FHA) and that she seemed to be quite

well informed on financial matters.

He recalled that during

the summer ot 1968 Tannenbaum had been successiu in obtaining

a preliminary approval of an FHA loan for the Association;

however, it was

never

• finalized.

Morris stated that several months after the FHA

negotiations fell through he had occasion to contact Tannenbaum

further and at this time Tannenbaum made representations to

him that she was

a Colonel in the United States Military

Intelligence and had connections with the office of the United

States Inmigration and Naturalization Service (INS). Morris

stated although he was somewhat skeptical concerning

Tannenbaum's military connections, she did appear well versed

in immigration matters.

He stated, however, at no time during

his dealings with her had she ever obtained

anything from him

or through him as a result of her representations.

Dennis Blewitt, Attorney, 1966 13th Street, Boulder,

Colorado, was interviewed on February 3, 1970 and furnished

substantially the same information as attorney Morris con

cerning Tannenbaum's affiliation with the Lake Valley Home

Owners Association and Tannenbaum's efforts to obtain an FHA

loan for this association. Blewitt stated after it became

apparent Tannenbaum could not secure the loan from the FHA

she was advised by the Association that her services were no

longer required.

He recalled at this time that Tannenbaum

on one occasion

had claimed affiliation in some manner with

Military Intelligence and on another occasion had stated she

instructor at the United States Air force Academy,

Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Blewitt stated by this time as

a result of his

associations with Tannenbaum, he had formed

the personal opinion that Tannenbaum was not

a truthful person

-2-

1 95108

Dage 217-

---

## Page 248

RE: GALYA TANNENBAUM

and that he had not actually believed she had any affiliation

with such military agencies of the United States Government.

Mrs. Francisca Stein, owner of the Black Bear Inn,

Lyons, Colorado, advised on January 21, 1970 that she had met

Galya Tannenbaun through her attorney, Paul

Morris, Boulder,

Colorado, and had

seen her on several

occasions when lannenbaum

visited the Black Bear Inn.

Mrs. Stein stated Tannenbaum had

been introduced to her by Morris as one who might be able to

assist her in getting wdenek Cerveny, a nephew of Thomas Riha,

admitted into the United States. Mrs. Stein said that on one

occasion Tannenbaum made a statement to her that she was a

Colonel in the Military Intelligence and was soon to be pro-

moted to the rank of General.

that she at one time had belonged to an extermination group

which killed people.

Mrs. Stein said in view of this and

other similar wild

statenents made by Tannenbaum, she soon

formed the opinion that Tannenbaum was not a truthful indivi

dual and did not believe any statements made by her.

Mrs. Hana Riha, wife of Thomas Riha, was interviewed

at the residence of Rose

Grossman, 240

East 18th Street

Brooklyn, New York, on January 28, 1970. Mrs. Riha advísed

that she

had first

met Galya Tannenbaum on the occasion of

her marriage October 13, 1968 to Thomas Riha.

She said follow-

her marriage to Riha, Tannenbaum had visited at their

residence in Boulder approximately twice a week until February,

1969.

On several of these occasions Tannenbaum made statements

to Mrs. Riha indicating she was working for the United States

Army and expected to be promoted to the rank of General. Mrs.

Riha said that Tannenbaum also claimed to have connections

with the Immigration and Naturalization Service but was not

specific as to the nature of her affiliation.

Tannenbaum

claimed to have lived in Russia during World

War Il.

Riha said that she became tired of Mrs. Tannenbaum's inces-

sant talking and had as little to do with her as possible.

Mr. Zdenek Cerveny, a nephew of Thomas Riha, was

interviewed at the Black Bear Inn, Lyons, Colorado, on

January

21, 1970 and advised that

he has known Galy, Tannenbaum

since his

arrival in the United

• States from Czechoslovakia.

He stated Mes. Tannenbaum met him at the bus depot in Denver

upon his arrival November 16, 1968.

She drove him to the

residence of his uncle, Thomas Riha, 1055 6th Street, Boulder.

- 3-

HH 55100 DooId:32989553

Page 248

---

## Page 249

RE: GALYA TANNENBAUM

Mr. Cerveny said that he had been told by his uncle, Thomas

Kiha, that lirs. Tannenbaum was a very important person and

had been influential in getting him into the United States.

He said he resided with Thomas

Riha and wife Hana until January 8,

1969 and during this period Mrs. Tannenbaum had visited in the

Rina house on many occasions.

made numerous statements claiming to be either an officer in

Military Intelligence or influential with authorities of the

United States Immigration and Naturalization Service and had

indicated on one occasion that if he did not behave, she would

have him sent back to Czechoslovakia.

Cerveny

stated Tannenbaum accompanied him to the

Federal Building in Denver once when he had to go to the office

of the Immigration and Naturalization Service.

He said that

Tannenbaum refused to go with him into the office, however,

and remained outside. Cerveny advised that at no

time did

Tannenbaum ever obtain anything from him as a result of her

representations of affiliation with governmental agencies.

Rose Grossman, 240 East 18th Street, Brooklyn, New

York, advised on January 27, 1970. that she had attended

the

wedding of Thomas Riha and wife Hana in Colorado in October,

1968.

She stated she is an aunt of Hana Riha. At the wedding

Grossman

said she heard of Mrs.

Tannenbaum but did not

actually meet her.

She said the first she had spoken to Mrs.

Tannenbaum had been by telephone from New York about March,

Later she said she went to Boulder, Colorado, and Mrs.

status.

Mrs. Tannenbaum claimed to have influential friends

at the Immigration and Naturalization Service.

She

also told

Mrs. Grossman she was a Colonel in the Pentagon Military

Intelligence, Washington, D. C.

Mrs. Grossman said her hus

and, who had accompanied her to Boulder, asked Mrs. Tannenbaum

if she worked for the Military Intelligence in Washington, and

Mrs. Tannenbaum said that a smart person would not ask such

questions.

According to Mrs. Grossman, this conversation left

her with the impression that Tannenbaum had some type of con-

nection with the United States Government; however, she

never

exhibited any identification as such.

-4-

55100. DocId: 32989553 Page 219

---

## Page 250

RE: GALYA TANNENBAUM

Vaclav Havlicek, owner of a business known as Fasco,

located in the Denver Merchandise Mart, Denver, Colorado, ad-

vised on January 23, 1970 that he

had met Galya Tannenbaum on

two occasions through Thomas Riha, a personal friend.

Havlicek

said that Riha on a number of occasions had referred to Mrs.

Tannenbaum as the "Colonel"

and had indicated she had influ

ential Government connections.

He stated, however

Carnenbaum had naver nade any such statements to hun that Mrs.

had no knowledge of her ever having claimed to be affiliated

with an agency of the United States Government.

Stephen Fischer-Galati, Professor, Depantment

History, University of Colorado,

Boulder, Colorado, advised

on January 26, 1970 that he

met Galya Tannenbaum

in May,

1969, when he began making inquiries of individuals he had

reason to believe might have information concerning the dis-

appearance of Professor Thomas

He said that Mrs.

Tannenbaum had told him she had known Thomas Riha for many

years and had indicated to him that she helped Riha cone to

the United States and gave no further explanation. Fischer-

Galati advised that he had heard from unrecalled sources that

Tannenbaum claimed to be a Colonel in Military Intelligence.

He said after several conversations with her; however, he

became convinced she was not connected with any type intelli-

gence work and was not connected with Eastern European history.

He stated Tannenbaum was extremely careful in her conversations

with him and made no statements concerning affiliation with any

intelligence or governmental agency.

David Regosin, Attorney, 30 Broad Street, New York,

New York, advised on January 23,

1970 that he is attorney for

Rose Grossman and has also represented Hana Riha.

Mr. Regosin

stated his only contact with Galya Tannenbaum had been on or

about March 8, 1969 when he received a telephone call, allegedly

from Mrs. Tannenbaum, who said she was

calling from Colorado.

Mr. Regosin said this person indicated she was taking care of

the immigration problems of Hana Riha and she was not "going

out on a limb any more. " Tannenbaum during this conversation

appeared to be screaming and hysterical. Mr. Regosin stated

she did not directly represent to Mr. Regosin that she was an

officer or employee of the United States Government.

Mr. Bill Wade, Chief Underwriter,

Federal Housing

Administration (FHA), Denver, Colorado, advised on February 2,

1970 that Galya Tannenbaum came to his

office in the sumner of

1968 in an effort to obtain a one million dollar ($1,000,000)

development loan for the Lake Valley Estates of Boulder.

After

reviewing the material furnished by Mrs. Tannenbaum, Mr. Wade

17171

55100 DacId:32939553 Page 250.

-5-

---

## Page 251

RU: GALYA TANNENBAUM

stated the financial structure of the Lake Valley Estates was

not sufficient to grant such a loan.

Mr. Wade stated that

Tannenbaum made a trip to Washington, D. C., in January, 1969,

and registered a formal complaint against the Denver FHA

Office.

She also wrote a letter of

complaint to FHA in

Washington making complaints against FHA personnel in Denver.

Mr. Wade advised that at no time did Tannenbaum ever represent

herself to him as an employee of the United States Government,

either

in a civil or military capacity.

John L. Todd, District Director, United States

Immigration and Naturalization Service, Lieutenant Colonel

Lynn B. Iritchman, Commanding Officer, Region IV, 113th

Military Intelligence, and Paul S. Rundle, Special. Agent in

Charge, United States

secret Service, New

Custom House

Building, all of Denver,

Colorado, were contacted and advised

that there is no information in records of their respective

offices indicating that Galya Tannenbaum is or has ever been

affiliated with their respective organizations.

Galya Tannenbaum was interviewed at Boulder County

Jail, Boulder, Colorado, January 28, 1970 and results of that

Interview are

set forth on FD-302, copy of which is attached

hereto.

-5-

HH 55100

DocId: 32989553

Page 251

---

## Page 252

• ID-302 (Rov. 4-15-64)

FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION

Dote

February 3, 1970

GALYA TANNENBAUM was interviewed at the Boulder

County Jail, Boulder. Coloraco.

She was advised of the

identitios of Special Agents HURRILL R. SHITTi and J. HALE

MC MENAMIN. after which it was explained to her that the

purpose of the interview was to elicit information concerning

allegations that sne was in violation of the Federal Extortion

Statute.

She was

orally advised of her rights by Special Agent

MC MENAMIlY and waived these rights, as shown on an executed

Waiver of Rights form.

By way of background information, TANNENIAUM advised

that the name GALYA TANNENBAUM is a name she has chosen for her

self, and that the name has been legally affirmed in the County

Court of Cook County, Chicago, Illinois.

She stated the name

derives from a ballet dancer whom she admired by the name of

GALYA ZAKHAROVNA and a former conmon-law husband, LEO TANENBAUM.

She noted she still occasionally utilizes the name GALYA

ZAKHAROViA, and explained that she spells the name "TANNENBAUM"

slightly different fron that of LEO TANENBAUM to avoid any

implication that she was ever legally married to him.

TANNENBAUll stated she was born GLORIA ANN FOREST in

Chicago, Illinois, on Manch 30, 1931, to dostril o. FoREst, now

deceased, and MARGARET JOSEPÜINE DAHLGREN FOREST,

currently resides in Galva, Illinois.

age 69, who

She advised she married

ROBERI STUART MC PHERSON on August 15, 1947, in Alton, Illinois,

when she was 1? years of age, and MC PHERSON

at that tine was a

member of the United States Army Band Corps as a Staff Sargeant.

of this marriage.

stated DEBORAH ANN was adopted by Mrs.

MARGARET THEILE,

an aunt by marriage of her brother, PETER

FOREST.

She explained the child was adopted after she had

commenced serving a two-year sentence in the Illinois State

Reiornatory, dwight, Illinois, in 19b0, pointing out that

she

had been previously divorced from MC PHERSON in St. Louis

County, Missouri, in 1954.

on 1/28/70 a Boulder, Colosado

_ File# Denver 47-3190

SA'S MERRILL R. SMITH and

by_

J. MALE MC MENAMIN THINE

-

Dato dictatod 1/29/70

This documont contains neither recommendations nor conclusions of the Fil. it is the property of the F8l and is lounod to your agency:

it and its contonts are not to be distribulod outside your agency.

1H 55108 FocFt:32980559 Bage 252.

---

## Page 253

DN 47-3190

2

Prior to this adoption in 1960, TANNENBAUM advised.

she marnied CHARLES RUSSELL SCINO:

graphic artist, on

November 20

Illinois.

Their divorce became

one child, JAilS DAVID

SCITO, was born of this marriase on Hoverbes 3, 1959. lie

presently resides with her in Denver, Colorado.

According to TANENBAUll. the present whereabouts of

MC PiERSON and SChio are unknown to her.

TANNENBAUM advised she commenced living with LIO

TANGIBAUM in & comon-law relationship in 1964 at 5135 kenwood

Streat, Chicago, Illinois.

Sue stated TANBNBAUM is approximate-

Ly 48 years of age and a graphic artist in the lincoln lover

75 B.

racker Drive, Chicago, Illinois.

She stated

REBECCA EVA TANENSAUM Was born of this union on

Fahrary 12,

1966, and currently resides with her in Denver. TANNENBAUM

stated she and LiO ceased their relationship in approximately

May, 1966.

With regard to her relationship with THOllAS RINA.

TANNENDAUM stated

she first mot him in the Washington, D.C.

in approxirately 1949 when her husband, ROBERT MC PiERSON,

cationed at polling Air Force Base: "lashingion, D.C.

She

recalled that her nusband lad not RINA while he wos

in the Aruy

under circustances she either does not know or doos

not recall; and know him only slinhily as a visitor in their

home on a ich occasions.

She continued that the next time she

met him was while he was teaching at the University of chicago

in 1961 or 1962. She recalled she was sharing a house with a

wolan nared PHYLIS KAPLAY, and they lived next door to a woman

named JULIE Sion, whoa she describad as a lesbian employed as

the Advertisig Director of the university of Chicago Press.

She advised she had occasion to contact STORM from time to

time seeking free-lance graphic art work, and racalls on one

occasion noting some ranuscripts of RIHA in STORM's house.

She recalled having Let him previously and had STONi arrange

for her to reet him

again at her residence.

She stated she

net with him briefly on one occasion at STORM's residence, but

did not actually see him again until she broke up with LED

CANENBAUM in 1966.

On the above instance, TANNENBAUM stated she had a

chince meeting with RIrA on the University of Chicago campus

8

HH 55100 DooId:32989553

Page 253

---

## Page 254

DN 47-3190

3

where she had been seeking art work at the press office,

and in conversation with him at that time determined that

they were

neighbors in

that she resided at 5135 Kindark

Street and he resided in

the 5000 block of Kunbark Street.

Thereafter, she stated RItA would visit her residence on

occasion for dinner, and eventually in the sumner of 1967

they made tentative

his position at the University of. Chicago

Universim re chicago atavove this time,

and in August, 1967, he moved to 1155 - oth Street, Boulder,

Colorado, where he had obtained a teaching position with the

University of Colorado.

She followed him to Boulder in

October, 1967, and commenced residing with him in a common-

law relationship at this address until December, 1967, when

they broke up over the fact that he was not able to get along

with her two children who were residing with then,

TANNENDAUM continued that she returned to Chicago

at this time, where she remained until

came back to

colorado testablish residence in Denven there

she hoped to continue her profession as a graphic antist.

She stated she did not resume the common-law relationship

with RillA upon her return; hovever, she stated she was still

emotionally involved with

RInA and was considerably upset

when he narried liANA RIA, a much younger woman and a person

he had known only i short period of time prior to his marriage

to her.

TANNENBAUM categorically denied she ever represented

herself as

being connected in

any way with the Armed Forces of

the United States of that she had ever tried to give anyone

the impression that she

Government.

was an employee of the United States

specifically

anyone she

was

States

Immigration and aturalization service, the Central Intelligence

agency, on the united States secret Service.

She also stated

she had never attempted to give the impression that she had

ever

been connected in any way with the Federal Bureau of

Investigation.

She stated that RIllA has many times in the past

jokingly referred to her as "Sarge" and "Colonel" when he

thought she was being too demanding of him, and as

3. result

of this tendency on his part other people began calling her by

these names, with the whole matter actually being interpreted

by her as a

joke.

9

HH 55100 DooId:32989553 Page 254

---

## Page 255

DN 47-3190

TANNENSAUM continued that there is a magazine

entitled "M-Intelligence" to which she subscribes and sub

mits articles.

She described this publication as being that

of an organization called "lensa," which she explained is

for people of superior intelligence.

She qualified member-

, in the organization by stating

she had an 1.Q. of 153

on a Stanford-Binet scale.

L'ANTENBAUM advised she may have

been misunderstood by li. GERALD CAPLAN, Boulder, Colorado,

the attorney for HANA RiA, regarding certain statements

allegedly made by her that she was affiliated with Military

Intelligence.

She recalled a conversation in the office of

Mr. CAPLN concerning the immigration

status of lIANA RIIIA

during which she told

CAPLAN she was with "M-I," a term

utilized to impress him with her intelligence rather than

to assert affiliation with Military Intelligence.

TANNENBAUH also stated that in July, 1969, she made

a trip by private plane to son Antonio, Texas,

ZDENCK

CERVENt, nephew od InOhAS RIliA, to visit relatives or RInA

and CERVENY.

She stated she made the trip at CERVENY'S

insistence, principally bocuuse she would not allow him to

utilize her autonobile for the trip as well as the fact that

since she felt she would cventually probably have to pay for

this trip anyway: she might just as well go along for the ride.

TANNENBAUM advIsed that when she called the Judson Flying

Service in Longnont, Colorado, to arrange for this trip,

had not made any statement that she was

in any way connected

with any branch of the Unitcd States Government.

She denied

making any statements whatsoever to the pilot of the airplane

concerning her atlallation with the covernment, and statec

that when she arrived back in Denver she paid the pilot with

a $330 check drawn on the first Mational Bank, Boulder, Colorado,

which had been previously signed by THOMAS RIMA for her con-

venience.

She denied

that she made any representations

presenting this check io the pilot of the airplane

and insisted

that as far as she knew RIHA had sufficient funds in the bank

with which to cover the cost of the flignt.

At this point, PAINENBAUM

stated she was tired of

being made a fool of by the false allegations that she had been

impersonating military and Government personnel, and did not

desire to discuss the matter further.

HIT

55100 DooId:32989553 Page 255

10

---

## Page 256

DI 47-31.90

5

TANNEN avioad she wished to go on record with

the fBI flut the cassppearance of TONAS RIA from Boulders

colorado. on laned lo, 1909, bad nothing to do with

her past.

and colla only offer the opinion that

ne decidso to abruptly leave soulier due to marital difficulties

Deputal clashes with other members in the

Department of History at the University of Colorado.

stated sue has caroivod several long distance telephone calls

from RId since his disappcarance, but did not know from what

location they encnatod as

no refused to divulge his wnere-

aboute.

Sio also tated that in August, 1989, he called hor

from Stupicion International Airport in Denver and she met

him there for a mont period of time: however, he refused to

tell her nis destination or where he had been

between that

tige and arch 15, 1969.

She stated the conversation was

strictly

personal

TANNENCAUM stated the last tine she received

any writt'n comtrication from RIllA was in November, 1969.

which co: munication

sile recalls was poscmarked toronto,

Canada.

She also stated

she maceived a telephone call from him ust

before Christmas: 1969, Eur ine purpose of extending Christmas

greetings.

According to TA. BIBAUl, the call came from a pay

telophons fron ay uncnown location.

She continued that the notes she received from RIlIA

were perioved fro. her residence in Denver, Colorado, on

January 23, 1970, by detectives of the Boulder, Colorado Police

Department

on the

257h, ba detectives on

basis of & search warrant; however, she stated

that her attorney, JOIN KOKISI, has advised her that he has a

specific

address

Coi RINA in his possussion which he has

obtained through independent investigation.

She pointed out

she is certain Riid will aguin return to the Boulder area.

The following descriptive data wüs obtained concerning

TANNENBAUK through interviow and observation:

Race:

Sex:

Date of Birth:

Place of Birth:

Height:

Weight:

dyes:

Hair:

White

Female

March 30, 1931

Chicago, Illinois

5'711

170 pounds

Brown

Brown/ gray

11

IT 55100 DocId: 32989553 Page 256

---

## Page 257

.......

DN 47-3190

6

Address:

Occupation:

Relatives:

Military Service:

Education:

Status of health:

12

MH 55100 DocId: 32989553

Page 257

248 Logan Street, Denver,

Colosado.

Graphic Artist

Father - JOSEPH J. FOREST

(Deceased)

Mother - MARGARET JOSEPHINE

FOREST, age 09.

•Galva, Illinois.

Brother - PETER FORLSI, age

35, 420 Oakland Street,

Iowa City, Lowa.

Brother - CHARLES ANDREW

FOREST:

age 34, Sandia, New

Mexico.

States employed

as mathematician, U. s.

Atomic Energy Commission.

None

St. Anthony Grade School,

St. Louis, Missouri;

attended St. Elizabeth

Academy, St. Louis, Missouri

where

completed tenth grace:

received nigh school diploma

while incarcerated in Illinois

State Reformatory for women.

Received

psychiatric treatnent

from Dr. ERIC SACHS, 30 orth

Michigan Avenue -

Chicago,

Illinois, 1956

1959.

---

## Page 258

RE:

GALYA TANNENBAUM

Mr. James R. Richards, Assistant United States

Attorney, Denver, Colorado, was

contacted on February 6,

1970 and

furnished results

of complete interviews of persons

contacted in this investigation.

Mr. Richards stated

Tannenbaum apparently did not obtain

anything of value as a

result of her

false representations. He also noted there was

no indication that persons to whom these false representations

had been made relied upon them on acted directly as a result

of her false claims.

Mr. Richards stated he did not feel the

actions of Mrs. Tannenbaum constituted a prosecutable violation

of the Federal Impersonation Statute, and added that the matter

did not appear to be one that had prosecutive merit.

This docunent contains neither recommendations

nor conclusions of the

It is the property

of the FBI and is loaned to your agency; it and

its contents are not to ba distributed outside

he are no to , c

your agency.

-13%-

HR 55100 D00Id: 32909553

-Page 258.

---

## Page 259

ENITED STATES DEPARTMRNT OF JUSTICE

FEDERAL BUREAU OF ITESTIGATION

li Replo, Please Refer 10

File No.

18218 Federal Building

DeRver,

Colorado 80202

February 12, 1970

IT. JADES L. INCECC

Inlied States Aitorney

United Stotes Courchouse

Denver, Colorado

8020%

Attention: Mr. James

• R, Richards

Assistant U. S. Attornev

Re: Calya Tannenhaum

Inpersonation Matter

Dear Sir:

on Ferruary 5, 1910, SpeCIal Agent Merrill R. Snich

contactud Assistant Unitod States

Attorney Janes R. Richards

and discused in datail results of investiration conducted by

hin recording allegations of false

stateronts made by captioned

incividual in claiming

to be

associated with various Federal

agencies, including military Intelligence, Secret Service,

Cenirel Intelligence Agency and Innigration and Naturalization

Servica.

nel without the express approval of

your Corni

As a result of these discussions, Mr. Richards

declined prosecution of Tannenbaul, noting

that she had

apparently never obtainad anything of value and that tersons

to rhon such claims were made apparently diù not rely upon her

false rapresentations. ho. Richards stated that he did not

feel t'annenbaunis accions

constituted a prosecutable violation

of the Federal. Inpersonation Statute and stated the matter was

one which did not appear to have prosecutive merit.

A copy of a lotterhead memorandum reflecting results

of intorviers of individuals contacted in this investigation

is being, enclosed fon the completion of your file in this

matter.

the

''''s and the content may not be disclosed to

nation otside y'our Committee.

Its use is limited to

This document is prepared in response to your request and is

unauthorized person-

official proceedings by

not for dissemi-

No further investigation is contemplated by this

office regarding Tannenbaum.

NOT RECORDEB

Very truly yours, io FEB 16 1970

SCOTT J. WERNER

Special Agent in Charge

Enclosure

H# 55100

CoOl: 32989553

Page 259

---

## Page 260

1/1536 (ReY. 5-22-641

11273.

"..

Transmit the following in

Via

MIRTEL

F BI

Dale: 7/9/70

('lype in plointext or codes

(Priority)

in a cop

7.

dissemi-

This document is repared in response to your request and is not for

proccedings

nation a gia

your Commit'ce uni the content may not be disilosed to uncuthorized person

approval of the FBI.

nel without the express

TO:

DIRECIOR, FBI

FROM: SAC, DENVER (47-3190)

GATYA TANETRAUM, aka

IMPERSCHATIOY

00: Denver

Re Denver letter 2/12/70, and letterhead

memorandun enclosure thereto.

Referenced communication sets forth background

investipation conducted by the Denver Division concerning

TANNENBAUM.

Enclosed is a newspaper clipping which appeared

on page 53 of today's edition of the Rocky Mountain News,

a Denver local newspader.

The article is captioned "GALYA. She Talked to

Church Statues." It sets forth testimony given by one

DI. JOHN MACDONALD, a psychiatrist, at a sanity hearing

Involving TANNENBAUM, which hearing is being, held i

Boulder District Court before Judge JOHN BARiIARD without

a jury.

_ Do. MACDONALD was testifying concerning the ra-

sults of his mental examination of TAllibliBAUM.

According to the article I di

CDONALD set forth

various allegations and claims which irs.

TANNENBAUM has

made to him, including a claim that she worked for the raI.

This claim by TANVENBAUM of Bureau employment i

absolutely untrue.

8 JUL 11 1970

2-Bureau

Denver indiges negative concerning DE CEAsa

a (End-1)

2-Denver 11-47-951219

J711:hg

(1-1057

151 Riha)

:1.15

AFFIOVPJ:

HH 55100 D0010:32989553

_ Sent .

_M ; Per -

---

## Page 261

DN 47-3190

Upon reading the enclosed article ASAC JOHN E.

MORLEY immediately contacted the SRi in Boulder, Colorado

instructed him to contact Judge BARIARS today and advise

him that not only had yrs. TANNENBAUM never worked for the

IBl, but she has

never in

any way whatsoever been associated

with the

Federal Bureau of Investigation.

That information was given to Mrs. ESTHER DONNELLEY,

Judge BARNARD's secretary, this morning since Judge BAKvARD

was again in court hearing the sanity matter involving Mrs.

TANNENBAUM.

When contaded by the Bureau Agent Mrs. DONNELLEY

stated when the Judge heard that comment of alleged Bureau

employment by trs. TANNENBAUll he inmediately discounted it

knowing it was

absolutely untrue.

first recess in court.

sure to done would brinthe at the

Various criminal proceedings are pending against

Mrs. TAUNENBAUM in the Denver-Boulder area, and they are

beins held in abeyance, pending the outcome of her current

sanity trial.

...

2

HW 55100

DocId: 32989553

Page 261

!

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## Page 262

(92356 1 458-7-16-631

(Mount Clipping in Space Below)

• 13

BY BARBARA BRONTE

Nonly Mountain Neis Writer

"'rs. (alya Tenurabaum oimed: 'atues in a Cath-

olio church talked to ber, a

1 Dearer paychiatrist testi-

tind Weanesday:

"I sole it realis homienol"

Dr. John Macdonald, Colorado

Psycopathic Hospital oronsi

psychiatry director, quoted di

l'annonbaum.

"I foll I belonged to soro.

thins At lome, everything ra

Wron'T.

"There, people liked ao."

Tracronald, however, said the

stocky 3a-year-old momon frion :

of missing University o. Colo

d' pressor Dr. Thoras Riha l

War. Modonald to 10ed 1. 10

ses to a question oy de cos

Icer doin Kokin. 1a

* 3л

law jound her levatus ins.ne.

Polates to nepil

"I sold have to loos the s

Macdonall sid.

"Ji se solates to hor cood to sola

on to her man I would say, yos."

"In other words if it were

had rejected

ine mine's name to a 8930

her?" Kokish asked.

Nes. Tannenbaum is accused

of giving the check to a charter

be psochiatrist said. Macdon-tight to San Anionio

ald said AIrs. Tennonbaura told Rina was first missed arch 14

him she lived with Rina for a 1932.

tiate, and was upset hy his "sud-

Macdonald - testifying i or

den marriage."',

eight hours-said MIrs. Tannen

Tannenbaum, however. boum mado one claim atter an-

is not charged with muder. but other to him, stating

o Nazis implanted the fetus of

grey-haired mother of a monker inside her while shel

trial on her pee of innorant

contended she was in a German

* Is reason of insanity to forg. World Mar IT.

(Indicale page, name of

newspaper, city and state.)

_58

The Rocky Mth. News

Denver, Colorado

-

Date: 7 in 9 i 70

Edition: Home

Author: Barbara Browne

Editor: Jack roster

Title:

Gayla Tannenbaum:

aka, Imp.

Character:

or

Classification: 47-3190

Submitting Office: Denver

[ Being Investigated

55100 DorLd: 32989553

Page 262

ENCLOSURE

---

## Page 263

1e00 bread Tall deny.

Dra, Mood onald said, anions,

"hat she could

"At ons tino she said she

Macaonald said trune "son be"

"Slao rialood about killene Rus-no question

but that AIrs. Fan-

stans, ald said she can assem- nenbaum is

Mardonald also said. to hisi father (a Chicago sien painter)

& gun behind her back," lan."

Li saliao, Jirs. Tannenbaum, a'who died in 1959.

* Mr al Cutores, and never left, Mrs Tomentam claired to elins le be very facidar vies not Ingally insane in tar steis

'hare had an unkappy childholld, dynamite

"she was a colonel in some in which she was told her par-

intoiligence service, who helped

ents panted a box, was fre- dangerous

sne said sin would do veryiahte to tell the disterenre bo

sel citizens out of Czechoslova- quently beaten and was locked orce Loveland Pass at a low alikrowing the differonce, lu re

tit do so 'pictures' cold be tak-frain from wrongdoing.

Tannenbaum used the

mares of both Col. Rechris.

Married musician

The sanity case is being tir?

Boulder Dist.

Judge John

after a Russian ballenna-and

(ol. Tannenbaum.)

Because of this she said shie

Friend of Joe's

Barnard without a jury.

lived in & orld of "illusion.

o She was an associate of the When she wes 16, she said.

she claimod to be a friend of Jie Ba-

(Costa Nostra and went 10 din- married a dance band leader naras, a gangland ligura, Gov.

"with the family."

who later joined the Air Force. Join Inve, It, Gor. aark Mo-

"She said she went through a

During this terriage, Bolling

ran and the late U.S. Sen. Isrer-!

cereinony and promised not to Air

Base Hospital rec-

"ett Dirksen.

ords, in roduced by Kokish stale

is. Tennenbaum clanned the

"She said she'd probably airs.

Tannenbaum

tates in church talked to her

I lied for talking about the suftered a

when she was 26 or 27 years old.

tion" in which she was unahle to

Tunnenbaum said she more her leftleg - hospital of-

when someone fierals telt because she feared!

dropped what she thought was a her nusband might leave her.

birdy into a lake in an oi drum,

She was bregnant with her

Ja. Diacdonald said. She alon

tirs. child at tee time.

110 him she linew abs another:

Mcdonald said AIrs. Fanon-l

singland killing.

baum suitered from furlings oft

dependency. One of horreasons

ario animed to hare worked for

for becoming pregnant, ho said,

was that this would help her to

Pollution plan?

hold her nen.

"She said she's written to the formally married

Commission and the Pentagon

about a plan she worked out to donald said.

use Cobalt 60 10 clean up pollu-l

tir in the Chicago area," Mac-

Drug ocerdoses

Cuba for the sovernment," Mac- hospitals

donald said. "She admitted tell- state; in

Nrs. Tannenbaum admitted

"During her life,

telling elaborate lies to some

Drople, but claimed some of and the only person

Jer tild stories vere true.

"She

said

siere age 8," Miacdonald said."

l'annenbaun

She said she often talked to her several rains concinide

НН 55100 Do0Id:32989553

Page 263

---

## Page 264

0-19

(Rev. 2-2-71)

Figure in? Colorado Mysteries an Apparent

• Suicide

Farial to Then a York T.moa

In her suicide note and a let-

DENVER,

March

g-tirs. of Densor.

for to hei lowyer, Join Kokish

Mrs.

Tennenbaum

Sloria. Tannenbaum, the con- sonin protested her innocence

tral figure in two

unsolted in the

disappearance of Dr.

Colorado mysteres,

has der Thores Ria,

1), and the deaths

sane, apparently a suicide.

Of Cristar F. Inver-en, 78, and

Mrs. Tannenbaum, 39 years

"rs. Barbara Habort, 51.

The letter to Mr. Kolish said,

ole, once regarded as a suspect "It doesn't matter reailv, bue i

in two poisoning deaths und in fill tell you this. I didn't do!

tie disappearance of & Lniver-

Tom or Gus or Barb in. I went

sity of Colorado protessor of

with hurt over losing

Russian history, died Sunday et them."

tro Colorado State Hospital in

Dr. Riha, who lived near thel,

Pablo,

university campus in

Boulder,

The hospital authorities con- disappeared

March 14,

1969,

firmed today, after earlier de- and Airs. Dannenbaum was sub-

nials,

that a sricide note had scauently

Cirarged

heen found in a pocket of Mrs. Bouider

in

both

and

Denver in four;

Tannenbaum's dress.

¡sapatate felonies involving the

Intests ser Innocenca

disposal of his property.

Although an autopsy report

As a result of one of those!

arailable

unil

charges.

that she had forged

not

Thursday, the cause of deach

Dr.

Riha's name

to a $3001

check, Mrs. Tannunbaum vas:

we believed to have been eva-found he Boulder

a de, the poison teat kuled two cout jury to be legally insane

of Mrs.

Tannenbaum's neigh-

wars in Denver in 1969.

and was ordcied confined.

Ihe

woman,

wha

Search Is Unsuccessful

cinimed to be a general doingi

In the fullowing months,

the

intelligence work and bragged police in

the Denver-Boulder

of tier friendshios in influential

trea made a wide search

for

places, gave some of lor pir. his body.

They loosed

into

sessions to fellow palients and tandone

mountain

trine

vine farewell lettors to frienas salis and along iscidied ronds,

and family before she died.

and dig up the basement of

an East Denver home once'oc-!

cupied

*Irs. Tannenbaum.

ut the missing proiessor na

ever been found. In the poi-

soning deaths, no evidence was

devejoped

that

could

support

charges against AIrs. Tannen-!

baum.

Mr. Kokish said here today

that a grand fury

should be

asked

to investigate how Ali's.

Tonnenbaum obtained the gloi-

SCit

that kited her.

tie

said

that the grand jury should diso

inrestigate complaints made tol

him

in letters from

Mrs.

Tan-

nenbaum

that

she

had

been

mistreated and

the hospital start seculed by

Nr.

Kokisn

said that

his

client was

apparently

looked

jupon at Purblo

"as a kind uti

the witch of the ward."

hide quoted lier final letter to

saying,

"Everydaing)

that has made

me feel sedi

about myself has been

tiken!

away. Life is very cheap."

Tolson

Sullivan

Mohr -

Bishop

Bremian C.D.

Callahani

Casper

Conrad

Dalbey

Felt -

Gale

Rosen

Tavel

Walters

plas

so 47-545471

Soy ars

Навум Tandown

Tele. Room

Hólmes -

Gandy -

sirendans

The Washington Post

Times Herald

The Washington Daily News.

The Evening Star (Washington) .

The Sunday Star (Washingion)

Daily News (New York) .

Sunday News (New York) _

New York Post

The New York Times

The Daily World

The New Leader

The Wall Street Journal

The National Observer.

Peopic's World _

sile

105-73256

Date

3.11

•")

/4.i

?=.*.

-47; HAR

: 29 1271

1290

5ộ han

H# 55100 DOCId:32989553 Page 264

---

## Page 265

T=4 7Kev. 5-95/77

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATIC

IDENTIFICATION DIVISION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20537

11-18-75 392 CAG

The following FBI record, NUMBER

581 500 A

, is furnished FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY.

Information shown on this Identification Record represents data furnished FBI by fingerprint contributors.

WHERE DISPOSITION IS NOT SHOWN OR FURTHER EXPLANATION OF CHARGE OR DISPOSITION IS

DESIRED, COMMUNICATE WITH AGENCY CONTRIBUTING THOSE FINGERPRINTS.

CONTRIBUTOR OF

FINGERPRINTS

NAME AND NUMBER

ARRESTED OR

RECEIVED

CHARGE

DISPOSITION

SO

San Antonio TX

Gloria Ann

Mc Pherson

11/14/50

forg gov't checks

USSS

San Antonio TX

Gloria Ann

McPherson

J-3-15-1082

11/14/50

mail theft

forg & pass gov't

chk ($336).

sent to 1 yr &

1 day susp for

3 yrs & placed

on prob for 3

yrs under

supervision

warr

DWP 3 yrs prob

..

SO

Clayton MO

PD

Chgo IL :

PD

Chgo IL

PD

Chgo IL

Cook Co Jail

Chgo IL

Cook Co Jail

Chgo IL!

SRef for Women

Dwight IL

Gloria Ann

4/29/54

Mc Pherson

5288

Cloria McPherson 9/2/58

P File

Gloria McPherson 9/2/58

E 43193

Gloria Fores

E 43193

5/27/60

Gloria Forest

5/28/60

252549

Gloria McPherson 9/26/60

259721

Gloria Ann

McPherson

3843

10/21/60

forg

not given

embz (1)

forg (2)

OM FP (checks)

277-38

forgery

forg (2M)

embz (1M)

19 mos H of C

7/27/60 sent to

# of C

sent to pent'y

10/21/60

1 - 5 yrs (CC)

12/21/62 par

to Chgo IL

16/25/64 disch

expiration of

sent while on

parole

nel without the expross approval of the FBI.

WH: 55100 DocId: 32989553 Page 265

---

## Page 266

UNHED STATES DEPARTMENT OF

MUSTICE

FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATIO

,11-18-75 392 CAG

IDENTIFICATION DIVISION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20537

The following FBl record, NUMBER

581 500 A

, is furnished FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY.

Information shown on this Identification Record represents data furnished FBI by fingerprint contributors.

WHERE DISPOSITION IS NOT SHOWN OR FURTHER EXPLANATION OF CHARGE OR DISPOSITION IS

DESIRED, COMMUNICATE WITH AGENCY CONTRIBUTING THOSE FINGERPRINTS.

CONTRIBUTOR OF

FINGERPRINTS

NAME AND NUMBER

ARRESTED OI

RECEIVEL

CHARGE

DISPOSITION

PD

Denver CO

Gayla Ann

Tannenbaum

162895

10/27/69

inv forg

PD

Denver CO

Calya Ann

Tannenbaum

162895•

12/5/69

PD

Boulder CO

Calya Ann

Tannenbaum

20534

1/23/70

SO

Boulder CO

Galya Ann

Tannenbaum

11371

1/23/70

PD

Denver CO

Gayla Ann

Tannenbaum

162895

1/23/70

SO

Boulder CO

Galya Ann

Tannenbaum

11724

3/12/70

SO

Golden CO

Gayla Ann

Tannenbaum

23024

3/20/70

Dept of Security

SHosp

Pueblo CO

Galya Tannenbaum 7/17/70

54609

SO

Littleton CO

Calya Ann

Tannenbaum

364517

12/7/70

CC Wrt #23327

S-check •

forgery

forgery

hld fug det

forgery.

Wrnt: Hab Corp

mental patient

hold for Denver

rel to SO

Boulder CO

HH 55100 . DocId: 32989553

Page 266

---

## Page 267

ГD-350 (Pov. 1-16-63)

(Mount Clipping in Space Below)

Mr. Tolson...

M. Sulliran.

Mr. Alris ..

Mr.BrenpenCD\

alr. Callar an

Mr. Cas?.:

I 70y0y

SIx. Prit

Mr. G.:,

/ Mr. R

: 3:r.

: Afr. Walters.

":.s

Tele. Room.

1 Miss Molmes

Miss Gandy.

(Indicate page, name of

newspaper, city and state.)

70

.74,49.

10 ASHGH

013.5080220

Gorermnent officials in the

Soviet Union will be requested

to determine if Prof. Thomas.

Riha

Pon ine sate

said Monday.

"But I cannot promise

whether

any answer will be

givcn," said the assistant to Am.

rassador Anatoly Dobrynin a:

the Soviet Embassy in Washing

ton, D.C.

Speculation over Riha's where-

abouts was renewed after the

probable suicide March i of

Mrs. Gloria (Galya)

Tannen-'

baum at Colorado Siate Hospital

in Pueblo.

Before she lapsed into uncon-

sciousness from the effects of

cyanide poisening. Airs. Tannen-

baum reporterily said Riba "had

just mace it

to Russia atter

he vanished Sarch 17,

from Boulder.

1969,

The U. S. Siate Department

has said it has no information

suggesting Riha is in the Soviet

105-78256

3 The Denver Post

Denver, Color co

Date:

3-16-71

Edition: Home

Author:

Editor: Charles R. Fuxts:

TIe: MrS. Gloria

(Ca""?

Tannenbaum

Character:

or

Classification:

Submitting Office: Lenver

_ Being Investigated

1, 7115,

58APR2 -1971

dr: 39-51

anne saw +945791

NOT NORTD

891 AN. 51 071

+ 695734 50949746 KrIst:

Page 267

---

## Page 268

OPTONAT OR NO. 10

5010-106

GSA GEN

"EG.

NO. 27

UNITED STATES (C

/ERNMENT

Memorandum

Tulson -

tel.

I - Mr. A. Rosen

1 - Mr. D. J. Dalbey

TO

: Mr.

E.

S. Miller

DATE: 10/20/71

FROM

:V.

A. Branigan

1 - Mr. T. E. Bishop

1

E. S. Miller

1

Mx. W. A. Branigan

1 - Nr. W. R. Schlarman

SUBJECT: THOMAS RIHA

Callahan -

Casper.

Conrad

Dalbcy

Cleveland -

Ponder -

Bates -

Tavel -

Walters -

Soyars.

Tele. Room

Holmes _

Gandy ..

MISCELLANEOUS - INFORMATION CONCERNING

Letter received from Oren Jarinkes and Francis B.

Randall of New York City who described themselves as school

mates and friends of Professor Thomas Riha.

They referred

to an article which appeared in "The New York Times" on

Sunday, October 10; 1971, sating "The FBI learned that there

had been no foul play, that the professor had chosen to

leave for personal reasons."

They asked to be advised if

we could inform them if Riha is in fact alive and if they

can communicate with him. Recommend they be advised

conducted no investigation into Riha's disappearance.

Professor Riha is the Czech-born

naturalized US

citizen who was a former professor of Russian history at

Colorado University, Boulder, Colorado.

In March, 1969, he

departed the Denver

area without notifying friends, associatos

jor his

estranged wife. We did not conduct any investigation

into his disappearance since there was no evidence of a

violation of

a Federal law within our jurisdiction. Local

authorities in Denver did conduct an investigation into his

disappearance, however, to date his

whereabouts has not been

ascertained.

EX-102

REC 201

1:0.0821:.

New York,

Bureau files indicate Jarinkes, queensboro college,

professor, has previously been interviewed by us

regarding Soviet matter and was cooperative; however, while

in the US Army 1954-56 he received psychiatric treatment and

admitted "emotional pressure because of homosexual tendencies."

Randall is a professor at Sarah Lawrence College, New York.

He was interviewed by us in 1954 in connection with a student

trip to the Soviet Union and was cooperative 2968778

supported and participated in antidrait and anti-vietnam wax

activity.

16 OCT 26 1971

Enclosure +o45 103-9176

105-78256

1 - 134-16839 (Jarinkes)

1 - 105-30830

(Randall)

WRS

5-

Settle e

WRS :km1

(9) 1:1%

CONTINUED - OVER

Hil6 105-78256

This document is prepared in response to

your request

and is not for dissemi-

nation pitside your committee.

Its use is

temited to

proceedings by

your Commi. ce and the content may nöt be disclosed to unauthorized person.

nel without the

express. approval of

Page

---

## Page 269

torandum to Mr.

TIONAS RIHA

12-78256

E.

S. Millez

ACTION:

With your approval, the attached letter will be

sent to Jarinkes informing him and Randall

that we have not

conducted an investigation of Riha and suggesting that they

may desice to contact the District Attorney in Denver for

further intornation.

EM

H440FFS

DEM

-2-

HH 55100 DocId: 32989553

Page 269

---

## Page 270

EX 102

FEG-15

Ne, Cren Socickes

220 Raverside irive

Now soaks, lew York

39

Cocober 23, 1931

1 = 1ls. A. Rosen

Dalbey

-Hro

Bie.

B. Bishoy

E. S. Miller

0027

Wo A. Branigan

set

lic. W. &. Schlarnan

20025

!

son ---

M.. E.S.

rad,

bey

veland

dess

05.

ies

2. Room

105.

dy .

noñosunce is made to the lentor azan

Dis: Meanois Be Yondall and you dated cesolier 13,

1972.

tie a3R has nus conducted an investigation

concorning the disupporance of Proûcssor Phonas Riha

since thore is no indicasion of

a violacion ox any

padding Lay minute ous areisdiceron.

te have no

Inovlodge concerning Professor Libe's vlezcabouts.

ProScoser Riha's disanseaganes was the

nunjees of an investigation by {co33 outlosities

Donver, Colorudes and you nay desire to emitact the

Bistries Abaorney fu Lonver for intonation regarding

thio

MAILED. 7,

OCT 211971

Sincerely y0u2s,

J. Edgar Hoover

FBI

I = Denver (1054151) (Enclosure)

PinT

KOEE BOB SAC, DIENER:

Inclosed is one copy of referenced letter for your

information in the event you receive an inquiry from local

authorities in Donver relating to this natter.

FOX yOUS

indornation, Cureau files indicate Jarinkes is a Queensboro

Collore, New Yock, professor and has periously been juter

viewed by us regardine soviet marions and yas cooperative. Mo

Rowever, while in the US Army 1954-56 he received psychiatric..

205- 78256-

134-10339 (Jarinkes)

NOTE FOR SAC, DENVER,

CONTINUED PACE FRO

1 - 105-30830 (Randal])

Tas LET 2919/1

Eil

D

(21) :

SEE NOTE PAGE TWO

prince

MAIL ROOML

TELCTYPE UNITE

HW 55100

DocId: 32989553

Page.. 270.

This document is

nation

110210

prepared in response

yoUr

Comr.

air the content may not be disclosed to unauthorized me

express approval of the

issemi-

---

## Page 271

→+..

Mr. Oxen Jarinkee

NOTE FOR SAC, BORER

CONTINUED:

trentment and admitted "enotional pressure because of

homosoxual tondencien." Randoll is

& professOr at Sarah

Lawrence colore, don york, and was interriowed by us in

1951 in connection with a

student trip to the Soviet

Union and was cooperative.

In 1963 he supported and

participated in anticraft

and anti-Vietnan war activity.

NONE:

See nemorandun W. A. Branigan to lx. L. S. Miller

dated 10/20/71, captioned

thomas Riha, Miscellaneous

Information Concerning," prepared by Wius:ll.

TW 55100

DocId: 32989553

Page 271

---

## Page 272

Mr. Oren Jarinkes

Mr.

Francis B. Randall

425 Riverside DI.

New York, NY: 10025

Octo 13, 1971

'i??

• The Federal Bureau of Investigation

Washington, D.C.

Dear Sirs,

In The New York Times of this Sunday, October

10, a reporter makes

an extraordinary statement

about the disappearance of PEDi. THOMAS-RIHA from

the University

Of Colorado in March, 1969.

says, "The F.B.I. learned that there had

been no

foul play, that the professor had chosen to leave

for personal reasons."

We have been friends of Thomas Biha for many

Both of us went to school. with him, one

of us (Oren Jarinkes) served in the Army with him.

We appeal to you out of the strongest concern for

our friend whom we have thought dead for two years.

Can you tell us that Thomas Riha is indeed still

Is there anything that you can tell us

about him and his situation, consistent with your

professional discretion?

Can his friends help

him?

Can we communicate with him, through you

os in any other way? May we beg you to tell us

what you can about our friend, as soon as possible?

Thank you very much for anything

you can do!

Oren Jarinkes

EX-102:

REC-15

Franco

Kan sick

Francis B. Randall 1

B. OCT 22, 1971

39

+73579508685

55100 DooId:32989553 Page 272

This document is prepared in

resporase

your request and

not

for dissemi-

Conmittee.

USe

limite? in

africine?

nio centras or

vour Coma:'-a ail the content misunot

be disclosca

inütitorized person-

nel without the express approval of

the

---

## Page 273

1:8

5010-106

MAY 1947 114709і

11G. 110 27

UNTED STATES COb

Memorandum

Mr. W. R. Wannally'

• DATE: 2/26/74

0.

Cregar

Nicholas

Cregar

THOMAS RIHA

INTERNAL SECURITY - CZECH

JEK Act 6 (1) (B)

On 2/20/71

furnished

the following information.

telephonically

WHO

Recently

advised his

contact thut he had learned from a suB SoupcE

:who

in turn learned from a friend, not identified to

SOURCE

that the friend had

seen subject in Bratislava,

Czechoslovakia, in late 1973.

According to

the. SoUrcE had no additional

infornation regarding this

matter

and had failed to obtain

the identity of the friend of

his

Inasmuch as we do not have a current investigativa

interest in Riha, no further action is varranted in this

case.

ACTION:

:

Assoc. Dir...

Dop. 1D Ader.

Dep. AD lurr.

Asse. Due..

Admin.

Comp. Syar.

Exe. Aitors

Files & Con.

Gan Inv.

Inspaction

Insell.

Laboratory.

Plan, & Evni.

Spoc.inv.

Troiring..

Legal Coun.

Telephone Min.

Director See'r.

For information and record purposes.

WOC: ebc

(3)

sive

•

REGIO

-41°

1..

-

3 FER D997A

This document is prepared in response to your request and is not for dissemi-

nation outsid, your Committee.

Its use is limited to offirial proceedings bi

your Connie and the content may not be disclosed to unauthorized person

nel without the express approval of the FBI .

05MAR5 1974À

Nw 55100 DocId: 32989553

Page 273

---

## Page 274

OPTIONA FORAS NO, 10

5010-105

MAY 1952 IDITION

ESA GEN

REG. NO. 27

UNITED STATES GOÏ Ar

NMENT

Memorandum

Mr. W. R. Wannally

W.

Cregar

DATE: 2/26/74

1. - Mr. Nicholas

1 - Mr. Cregar

JEK Act 6 (1) (B)

THOMAS RINA

INTERNAL SECURITY • CZECH

Assoc. Die.- an

Dep. AD ida,

Dep. AD kr.

Ass1. Diri

Admen...

Comp. Syss.

Exs. Affairs

Files & Con..

Ger. Inv.

idens...._

inspoction.o-

Intoll. -

Laboratory

Plan. & Evan.

Spec. Inv._w...

Troining -..=

Legal Coun.-.=.

Telephono Ra...

Dircetor Sec's -

On 2/20/74

furnished the following

telephonically

information!

Recently Byrnes advised his

that he had learned from a former student who

in turn

learned from a friend, not identified to Professor

Byrnes,

that the friend had seen subject in Bratislava,

Czechoslovakia, in late 1973.

According to

the Professor had no additional

information regarding this

matter and had failed to obtain

the identity of the friend of his former student.

Inasmuch as we do not have a current investigative

interest in Riha, no further action is warranted in this

case.

ACTION:

For information and record purposes.

HOC :ebe

(3)

REG 19

-41°

MUTES NUNIOR KAISE

3 FED MANTA

5 SAAR 5

1974/7

HH 55100 DocId: 32989553

Page 274

---

## Page 275

UNE ED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION

IDENTIFICATION DIVISION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20537

NOV9, 1975

The following FBi record, NUMBER

237 764 H

, is furnished FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY.

Information shown on this identification Record represents data furnished FBI by fingerprint contributors.

WHERE DISPOSITION IS NOT SHOWN OR FURTHER EXPLANATION OF CHARGE OR DISPOSITION IS

DESIRED, COMMUNICATE WITH AGENCY CONTRIBUTING THOSE FINGERPRINTS.

CONTRISUTOR OF

FINGERBEINTS.

NAME AND NUMBER

ARRESTED OF

RECEIVED

CHARGE

DISPOSTTION

US ISMIIGRATION

TOMAS ANDRE

& NATURALIZATION

KAREL

SERVICE

RIHA

SAN FRANCISCO

#247 ₽ 23936

CALIF

10-17-52

(finger-

printed)

APPLICANT

FOR

NATURALIZATION

U.S. ARMY

New York

New Yörk

Thomas A.C.

Riha

#US 51 288 063

Enlisted

12-2-53

APPLICANT

FOR

U.S. ARMY

AC Of S G2

Department

of the Army

Washington DC

Thomas Riha

#A~3

(finger-

APPLICANT

printed)

1-13-54

This document is prepared in response to your request and as not for dissen-

nation outside your Commictee.

Its use is limiter to offial proceeaings by

your Commice and the content may not be disclised to unarthorized persus

nel without the express approval of the FBI .

Since neither fickerprints not a

identifying numbus which is irr

in our ties accortenied yi

FBi cannot guarance in acy!:.

that this materut doncerns !'

maiduel in whom you ar int

HH 55100 DocId: 32989553 Page 275

---

## Page 276

MITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATON

IDENTIFICATION DIVISION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20537

NOVS 1975

The follewing information from FBl record, NUMBER

is furnished FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

237 764 H

Description and Related Data:

Race:

White

Sex:

Male

Height: 70%

Weight: 127

Hair:

brown

Eyes: blue

Date and Place of Barth: 4217-1929

Czechoslovakia

(Prague)

Scars and Marks:

none listed

Address:

5085 Rockledge Drive Riverside, Calif. (1-13-54)

Occupation:

U.S. ARMY (1954)

Social Security Namuer: none listed

Since neither fingerprints net:

identifying number which is

in our files accompaniad you

FBi cannot guarantee in any

that this material concerns li:

kadividual in whorn you are intre in

HH 55100 DocId:32989553 Paye 276

---

## Page 277

INFORMATION RELATING TO GALYA TANNENBAUM

1H 55100 DocId: 32989553

Page 277

---

## Page 278

TO

FROM :

SUBJECT:

TURN NO. 10

LY Me THON

USA COME 141 CrA) 101-11.0

UNITED STATES LOVERNMENT

"Niemorandum

DIRICTOR, IBI

SAC, D TVER (47-3190)

(C)

GALVA 120201, aka

Galya idi

innerabain,

Julia Galya scorn Cannonbaun

00: Denver

DATE:

12/24/69

The above captioned individual was the subject

of an inpersonation case, trice declined by USA, Denver.

associated with the invostigation

are being

made available in the enclosed Lill in the event subsogaont

inquiries might be received at the Bureau regarding tbis

This document is prepared in response to your request and is not for dissemi.

nation artein yor Committee.

Its use is limited to official proceedings by

your Commi: 'ce and the content may not be disclosed to unauthorized person

nel without the express approval of the FBI .

N9-845147-1

SO ASA

- Bureau (Encs 4) /-3

- Denver

MRS/cal

(3)

144-55100.

---

## Page 279

UNITED STATES DEPARJMENT OF JUSTICE

FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION

In Repl, I'lease Riefer to

File: No.

Denver, Colorado

December 24, 1969

GALTA TAIIDIBAUM

ELEDESOBATZON

This investigation was opened after the

• telephone

call to the Denver office by the Colorado Univorsity

campus police:

Boulder,

Colorado, was reccived

advising

the Boulder Police Department had been called to the home

of a Frofossor Thenas Riha, a history professor, at che

afcrenentioned institution.

Intervier of Boulder Police

Peparinent Cificers disclosed they were called to Riha's

130n18;

1055 Sixth Streot, Boulder, Colorado, 12:30 a.n.

Merch

9, 1090, and subject enswered the door.

The call

was placed by

subjent Tannonbaun. Thoir investigation

disclosed Rika pas attenpting to obtain a divorce from

his wife flana and that subject Tannenbaum vas attempting

to get Mrs. Kiha to sign sore

papers.

They learned Hirs,

Riha had locised bersell in her bedroom which was on the

duin floor and hod been screaming out the window for help.

Results determined

she could have stepped from the room

withcut assistance and that her bedroom door had been

Looked fron the inside.

Also a snall bottle was found

under her bed covers which was subsequently determined

to be ether.

They also rocalled what appearod to be

Xerox copies of iumigration papers and kirs. Tannenbaun

advising that Hrs. Biha had out-stayed her visa.

Pannenbaud also used the telephone and clained to have

called the innigration authorities.

Captain Lovell Friesen, Boulder Police Department,

on April 14, 1909, advised their departnent did not open

a case on this matter inasnuch as they determined the

problem to be a civil natter.

Friesen pointed out that

Irs. Tannenbaun had been living with Mi. Riha before this

marriage, that Riha wanted to divorce his wife whom he

had married in the fall or 1968, and that Riba had leit

the city.

This document is prepared in response to your request and is not for dissemi-

nation outside your Committee.

Its use is limited to official proceedings by

your Commi!' e and the contert may not be disclosed to unauthorized person-

nel without the express approval of the FBI.

HH 55100 DocId:32989553 Page 279

---

## Page 280

GALIA TANHENBAUM

IMPERSONATION

Mes. Yeva Nyc of Boulder, Colorado, who described

hersolf as the only roal triond iirs. liba had in the

Boulder area furnished the following information:

She advised she wet Mrs. Riha the firat week in

November, 190u at a Boulder bezuty coliege.

Sha said

they became iciends and she was ofton invited to the lina

Sho also recalied that even at this early date

Ic. and irs. liha

had been narried for llttle over

a month, irs. Riha advised her husband had already

mentionce divorce.

She also recalled a nephew of hir

Riha's,

adener corveny, bad beon living with the couple.

She advised is.

had been in the country about three

years and had net Riha eithor tbrough nutual friends or

a rolativa of biha's.

She recalled numerous complaints

by Fiba

that his wife had no interest in his work, that

she was

a poor housekcopes, spent too nuch of his

money

and did not seen to "shape up" to what he expocted in a

wife.

Iye socalled that noon the end of january, 1960

Riha

callod hor to give her a message for Mana that he

intended to divorce her and would she find out what llana

intended to do.

She also recalled Hana mentioning Hrs.

Tannenbaun called ber often and

was & visitor at the

holise.

She recalled Mr. Riha roferred to l'annenbaum

as Colonel.

Iye recalled that both tannenbaum and Biha

were working on Riha's wife to set her to sign papers

which they indicated vere immigzation papers but may have

renily been connected with property settlements or

divorce papers.

Facts of this case were discussed with

the

U. S. Attornoy, Deaver,

Colorado, on lay 7, 1989, vho

advised he did not consider this

to be a true violation

and requested no further investigation be conducted.

Tannenbaun was contacted by Agents of the

Denver office and was severely admonished for giving

Do i say saves cone with the internal unratin

Materia evano service.

The above case was again opened after Mr.

I. W. Gillette, who was visiting in Boulder, Colorado,

2

HH 55100 DocId:32989553 Page 280

---

## Page 281

GALYA TANNAMBAURI

IIIPERSONATION

and subsequently located in Portage, Michigan, contactod

che Denver oifice or the loderal Bureau of investigation.

Gillette advised that Toonenonun had been

• dating a Gus

Ingvorses, no

was the cather-in-law of his daughter.

Tannenbaun had indicaied to ingrorsen she was connecied

with the D. i. Azuy intelligence and

was a full colonel

and indicated

to hin she

usurily traveled two oc three

tines a wock to unshington, D.O. in connection with ner

employment

and in the

near future was to bo made a

brigadier coneral.

Gilietta related he bolioved no one

acquainted ith tannenbaun believed her clains and that

nost persons who knew her bolieved her to be enotionally

unstable.

Also, an listher Foote of Colorado Springe,

Colorado, appeared in the Douver office and was subse-

gucatly

intorviewed.

Foote advised she net Pannonbaum

after she, foote, placed an ad in the "Denver Post"

soliciting

SON CHUC

tolling.

Foote advised she tutored

subject's children, ages & and 2, at the

subjoot's hone, 240 logan dicet,

Denver, Colonado.

Foote carised

she received two bad checks for this

work, one wai

a closed

accouns and the other was a

• non-sufficiont funde check.

Foote recalled the subject

incicated to

her she was

working for the U. S. Governnent

and was goin? to travet to Varmincton, D.C. and visit

the pontagon and also displayed

briescase with the word

"Ariay" on it.

she advised aubject nover displayed any

credentials and had obtained nothing of value trom her.

The facis of this case were discussed with

Assistant U.S. Attorney, Denver, Colorado, who advised

that inasmuch as Tannenbaun did not dioplay any

credentials and did not obinis anything of value, he

desirod no further investigation be conducted in

this

matter and

inasmuch

as fannenbaum had previously boen

adhonished, aid not desire to have her recontacted.

The Detroit office also advised that Gilletto

thought there vore nysterious circunstances surrounding

Ingvorsen's death by cyanide poisoning togethor with

the

fact that a will lad boch found naning the subject

as the chics beneficiary,

3

HH 55100 DocId:32989553 Page 281

!

---

## Page 282

GALZA TARNENSAUM

IMPERSONATION

On Bocember 12, 1303, Captain of Datectives

Willard

Londer, colorado torice Deparerone,

advised

rao.as tila.

Connorlo a profescor at the

University of Colorado (CU), was

seen in

Boulder

on larch 15,

1SCS.

opier advised that kihe had not been

carried as a piosing

pergon until October 45, 1569, when

Riha's

ucphew cienek vargony,

presently in Donver,

ColoradO,

inquired as to liho's whercabouts.

Riha was

described

by

spior as a person who was fluent in five

languages

in acicion to Laglich.

ioner advised chat

sone nave felt lina disappeared innonuch as he say have

been in some true of undercover work for an agency within

the United Statos Goveranent.

Epier advised Riha's

attorney who mandled his subsequent divorce was a Richard

Hopkins at Bouldor. Opier also advised that & luaber

of chociss bavo

boen cashed in lina's account at the

First lacicial Cauk vith no couplaints of forgery.

Spior aiso advised lannenbaun's name had appeared on the

wilis o1 & Bashor Sgherk and alco an lugwerson, whose

cerths had boen doscribed as suicidal and accidental,

respectivelys and are now being invostigated by the

Polico supartment. Both individuals had lived

in Denver.

Richard E.

Hopkins, Lawyer, 2014 fourteonth

Street,

Boulder', adviced is was 'laonas Riha's attorney

Io2 his

divorce

CrOM

his wite Rana.

The diverco was

granted

in Boulder County District

Court on September 26,

1969, bused on te grounds of nental cruolty.

Hopkins

advised

couple was married in the fall of 1960 and

the marriage "aid not seon to work out according to

Hopius advised Kiha was last soen in

Boulder on warch iD, 1969.

He advised he scceived a

ilennan on darch do, 1902, tron Chicago, advising that

a letter would be

sont intor expraining;

that friends

nay think he

should have consulted then before leaving

but dia not chink he necded pormission for what ras

nocessary and

to please subdue the

panic. the telegram

was signed T. lila.

Hopkins advised he received numerous

letters discussing

mortgase on the home to be sold,

bills of Riha's, various papers concerning his wife and

che use of the roturns on the sale of his house.

Hoptins

also advised

that kiha obtained his property thrown the

use o1 & 91,000, & percent loan iron Julia Calya Storm

Tannenbaun

flopkins advised that one of

the lottexs

reseived from Ilha

which ald had been nailed from Canada

was shown to his wite, liana at the divorce trial, and llana

clained the signature was not genuine. hopkins advised

55100 DooId: 32989553 Page 282

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## Page 283

GALIA TANNENBAUM

IMPRESONATION

Ot geescy" and that he does not know le lina is alive.

way he could dosccibe the whole affair was to call

Hopkins advisod he has talked with 'tannenbaum lour or

the colophone and bofore Riha's disappearance

hac been given a number to call for lannenbaum and board

talking in the background.

Hopkins also advised

Riba's icephew

had boon living with 'Iannonbaun in Ponver

for sono time.

lie describod Tannentaun as prcuasive,

domineerug, very carensive once anyone quescions

confidence in her, a raables and finally, as a neurotic.

By betrotic, he advised she

has aclusions of grandeur

of inportance, of her own ability end of official

capacitico.

Tannenbaur

ic advisod it was his opinion that if

wore ever taken to count and was pushed,

she could pload incanity with no dissiculty.

also advised Tannonbaum claims she knows the vhoreabouts

of Rina and has been in controt with bim.

made

available uccuments including a letter io the Benver

Art Museun, losing eleven itons valued fron $30 to

$6,000 which be assunes belonged to lisha, to be made

Eifts to ine public.

The Donver office has also been in receipt of

a letter from a lus. Much Anu Cook, indicating that

Niha is hor son, inquiring about his well being and

whorcabouts.

The lector was possibly mailed iron

Switzorland.

The following is a description of Galya

Tannenbaum:

Name

Aliases

Sex

Race

Date of birth

Place of birth

Height

Weight

Build

Eyes

Hair

Golya Tannenbaum

Galya Ann Tannenbau,

Julia Galya Btorm Tannenbaun

Tomale

White

March 30, 1030

rica, Incine

Illinois

165 pounds

Hcavy

Brown

Greying

5

NH 55100 DocId: 32989553 Page 283

---

## Page 284

".:?

GALYA CANNENUAUN

IMPERSONATION

Complosion

Address

Occupetion

Spoech

Driver's liconse

Ruddy

246 Logan Streot,

Denvei, Colorado

Public Relations

No particular eccent

Colorado B20052,

expires March 30, 1972

This document contains neither recommondations

nor conclusions of the fBI.

It is

the property of the

IBI

in loaned to jour agency:

it and its contents

not to he discributed quiside your agency.

G*

HH 55100 DocId: 32989553

Page 284

---

## Page 285

1/22/70

AIRTEL

TO:

FROM:

SUBJECT:

DIRECTOR, FBI

res?

SAC, DENVER' (42-3190). (P).

GALYA TANNENBAUM, aka

IMP

00: DENVER

Re, Bureau telephone call, 1/22/70.

'Enclosed for the Bureau are 5 copies of a Lill per-

taining to investigation conducted by the Denvor Office io

aate.

For the information of the Bureau, subjoet has heen.

charged in Distriet Court,

'Denver, Colorado, for forrory and

investigation is currently being conducted by the Bouldey

Colorado PD in an attempt to develop similar charges against

subject.

0n 1/21/70, Detective Captain WILLARD SPIER, Bouldez:

Colorado PD, advised

his department expected to complete a

forgery investigation arainst subject on 1/23/70 and attempt

to obtain a varrant

for her arrest.

He also stated that it is

the desire of his Department to obtain a search warrant for

her residence in Denver in an attempt to develop information

which may lead to the whereabouts of THOMAS RIjA.

Denver considers it advisable to hold a reintervien

with TANNENBAUM in abeyance until this action is completed

by the Boulder, Colorado PD.

For further information of the Bureau, this matter

was originally presented to the USA, Denvor, Colorado on 5/7/69

at which time he advised he did not consider the facts sufficient

Bureau

(Encl. 5)

Denver

{705-17521

(47-3103)

MRS/sip

{4)

S

This docment is prepared in response to your request and is not for dissemi-

nation nurside your. Commüttee.

Its use is limited to offirial proceedings by

vor Conni:

e ani the content may not be discloscú is una worized person-

nil wilmi lie express approval of the FBl.

HH 55100 DooId: 32989553

Page 285

.... ....

---

## Page 286

DN 47-3190

"to warrant prosecution under. the Federal Inpersonation

Statute.

• The case was reopened on the basis of subsequent

information furnished by Mr. L. W. GILLETTE, who was visiting

in Boulder,, Colorado, who contacted the Denver Office of

the Bl, at which time he furnished additional information

concerning representations made by TANNENBAUM concerning

affiliation with U.S. Army Intelligence.

The facts of this case were again discussed with the

USA's Office, Denver, Colorado, who

advised that inasmuch

as there was no evidence that TAWNENBAUM displayed credentials

: or obtained anything of value through her representations:

prosecution would not be authorized.

Investigation is being expeditiously conducted by

the Denver Office, at the conclusion of which the matter

will be again presented to the USA Denver, concerning othen

information received by the Denver Office

regarding

representations made by subject.

i...

NW 55100 DocId:32989553 Page 286

---

## Page 287

!:

DERAL BUREAU OF ISVESTIGTTION

tile Tu.

Denver, Coloradio

January 22, 1970

GALYA TANNENBAUM

HH

On March 9, 1969, the Boulder, Colonado Polies

Department mes summoned te the rosidence of Professori

thomas

X Riha, University of Colorado,

Street, Bouldor. The call to the Police Department had bee:

placed by captioned individual.. Investigation by the

Boulder,

Colorado Police Departnent disclosed thai Professor Rina vas

attempting to obtain a divorce from his wife Hana Riha and

that an altercation had taken place at this residencs between

Professor Fiha, his wife and Galya Tannenbaun.

It was Jearned

by the Boulder

Police Departnent that Professor Riha's wife

had locked herself in her bedroom, which was on the main floor

of their residences.

and had been

screaming out of the window

fo: help.

A small bottle was found under the bed covers of

her bed which was

subsequently determined to be ether.

Patrolman Douglas John Dorsey, Boulder, Colorado

Police Department, determined

during his investigation on

the

night of the altercation that Tannenbaum had been attempting

to have irs. Riha sign sone type of immigration papers and

she advised

Dorsey that she was

"doing a little

work for

immigration now

and then."

Officer Dorsey then asked

Tannenbaun for identification which she stated was located in

her car.

At no time did Tannenbaum ever explicity advise.

Dorsey that she was officially connected with the U.S.

Immigration and Naturalization Service, nor did she show

him any identification to this effact.

On April Ii, 1969, Mas. Yeva Permilla, Nye, 3635

Buckeye Court, Boulder,

Colorado, advised she was a

personal

friend of lírs. Hana Rina, having first met her as a fellow

student at a Boulder beauty college.

She stated sne was

often

invited io the

Riha home and that shortly after the

marriage of the Rihas in October, 1163, the couple was

considaring divorce.

sne recalled a nephew of Mir. Riha's,

111

Mcs. Riha had

Zaanek/Cenven bald been Living with the couple.

She advised

in the United States about three years

and

had met Riha either through mutual

friends or a

relative

This document is prepared in response to your request and is not for dissemi-

nation nuts: le your Commitice.

Its use is lenier, to offirial proceedings b

your conne and the content may not be disclosed to unauthorized persoir

nel without the express approval of the FBI.

551004000cId: 32989553 Page 287

1155+

Licatesal

---

## Page 288

GALYA TANNENBAUM

of Riha's.

She recalled numerous complaints by Riha that his

wife had no interest in his work as a professor at the

University of Colorado; that she was a poor housekeeper;

and that she spent too much of his money.

She stated that

the end oi January, 1959, Riha called hen to give her a

message lor hana inat ne intended to civorce ner and desired

that she determine from his wife what sha intended to do

about it.

She also recalled that Hana mentioned to her thai

Galya Tannenbaum called hor orien and näd been a Irequent

vision to the

housc.

She stated Mr. Riha referred io

Tannenbaun as "Colonel." She also recalled that both Tannenbaun

and Riha were attempting to have Hana sign some type of

imnigration papers, the importance of which was not known to

her.

On May I, 1969, Tannenbaum was contacted by Special

Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation

at her residence,

248 Logan Street, Denver, Colorado, during which she stated

she had never impersonated an officer of the U.S. Imnigratio

and Naturalization Service of implied to anyone that she was

in any way connected with this agency. She stated that she

assists immigrants on many occasions by filling out forms and

in other ways by helping them become adjusted to life in the

United States.

Tannenbaum was admonished for giving the

impression in

the past that she was connected with the U.S.

Bureau of Inmigration and Naturalization. Mrs. Tannenbaum

stated she did not wish any confusion to arise from any of

her actions and

sorry if any such confusion did result.

She stated she would make every effort in the future io see

that no misrepresentation was made by her which would cause

anyone to believe that she was in anytay connected with 'any

Federal agency or actively associated with the Immigration

Service.

In December 12, 1969, Esther R.Y Foote, 1209 South

vevada Avenue, Colorado Springs, Colorado, advised

she first

met

Galya lannenbaum as the result of an

ad Foote placed in

the "Denver Post" daily newspaper soliciting

her services as

a fortune teller.. She

stated

as a result of this meeting

with Tannenbaum she subsequently tutored two of Tannenbaum's

checks from Tannenbaum, one of which was a closed account and

2

IH 55100 DocId:32989553 Page 288

---

## Page 289

GALYA PANNENBAUM

the other an insufficient funds check. Foote recallca

Tannenbaum stating to her that she was working for the

United States Government and was going to travei to

Washington,

D. C. and visit the Pentagon. She also dis

played a briefcase with the word

"Army" on it.

She stated

Tannenbaum never displayed any credentials to her, nor did

she obtain anything of value.

On Decender 12, 1969, Captain of Detectives,

Willard spier:

that Thomas Riha,

Colorado,

advised Riha had not been reported by anyone to his Department

as a missing person until October 28, 1969, when Riha's

nephew Zdenek Cerveny filed such

a report with this Departnent.

Riha

was described by Captain Spier as a person who is fluent

in five languages in addition to English.

Spier advised

Riha's attorror who handled the divorce

proceedings between

piha and his wife Hana was Richard Hopkins in Boulder,

colorado.

Spier also advised Tannenbaum's

nanc had appeared

on: the wills of Bashor Eghert and on a will of a Gus Ingwersen,

whose deaths had been described

Dy authorities as suicidal

and accidental, respectively. He stated that both are now

being invéstigated by the Denver, Colorado Police Department,

On December 12, 1969, Mr. Richard E *Hopkins,

Attorney at Law, 2014

14th Street, Boulder, Colorado, advised

he

was Thomas Riha's attorney during the divorce proceedings.

between Riha and his wife Hana.

The divorce was granted in

Boulder, Colorado on September

26, 1969.

Hopkins advised

Riha was last

Illinois,

supposedly fron Rihe,

be sent at a later date explaining his disappearance.

stated in the telegram that friends might think he should have

an that thon, vi.

letter would

consultcd them before leaving, but he did not feel he needed

permission for what was necessary and requested Hopkins to

subaue the

panic.

The telegran

was signed Thomas Riha.

Hopkins advised that subsequent to the disappearance

of Riha he received letters from Riha or

at least signed with

a signature which appeared to be authentic, which discussed

sale of the couple's home in Boulder.

Hopkins also

advised that Riha had originally obtained the hone in Boulder

3

1H 55100 DocId:32989553 Page 289

---

## Page 290

GALYA TANNENSAUI

through the use of a $7,000.00 four percent loan fron Julia

Galya Stor: Tannenbaum.

He went on to state

that one of the

lettérs purportedly sent by Riha had been mailed from Canada,

which was shown to Hana Rina at the divorce hearing.

At this

time Hana stated that she did not consider the signature of

Riha appearing on this to be genuina..

Hopins stated thai subsequent to the disappearance

of Riha he had numerous telephone

conversations with l'annenbau

and on one occasion she indicated to him that she was connected

with the U. S. Army Intclligence Service and that she was a

full Colonel.

Hopkins advised that to his knowledge Iannenbaum

ai no time received anything of value from either of the

Rihas

as a result of any representations made by her concerning

anything a venue. ha

affiliation with einer the U. S. Imnigration Service or Army

Intelligence.

On January 16, 1970, Mr. Gerald AACaplan: Attorney

at Lar, Boulder, Colorado, advised he represented Hana Riha

in hes divorce proceeding

fron Thomas Riha.

He also represented

shes in connection with a deportation proceeding which the u.s.

Immigration and Naturalization Service was attempting to place

against her.

Caplan advised that on either February 11, 1969

o1 February 12, 1969, he met with lins. Galya Tannenbaum

office and as a result of this visit reduced the nesults of

vi sit reduce the count o

in his

her visit to memorandun which is attached hereto.

Mr. Caplan also stated that through interviews with

Mrs. Rha he had determined rrom her that Tannenbaum had also

represented herseli to Mrs. Riha on numerous occasions as a

member of Army Intelligence and also as some tyne of official

with the U. S. Inmigration and Naturalization Service.

The following descriptive data of Galya Tannenbaum

as set forth below was obtained through records of the Colorado

State Department of Motor Vehicles, Denven, Colorado, and

from the various

individuals contacted in this case:

NanA

Aliases

Sex

Race

Galya Tannenbaun

Galya Ann Tannenbaum.

Julia Galva Storm Tannenbaum

Female

White

HH 55100 DocId:32989553

Page 290

---

## Page 291

...

GALYA TANNENBAUM

Date of Birth

Place of Birth

Height

Height

Build

Eyes

Hain

Complexion

Address

Occupation

Speech

Driven's license

March 30, 1930

Chicago, Illinois

5'6"

165 pounds

Heavy

Brown

Greying

Ruddy

248 Logan Street,

Denver, Colorado

Public Relations

No particular accent

Colorado B29832,

expires March 30, 1972

The circumstances concerning alleged impersonation

representations made by Tannenbaum have been discussed with the

U.S, Attorney, Denver, Colorado.

Based upon details availabl,

the U.s. Attorney has

declined to authorized prosocution of

Tannenbaun for violation of the Federal Impersonation

Statute.

An official ot the bouldei, Colorado, Police Department advised

on 1/21/70, that his Deparinent expected to complete a forgery

investigation against Tannenbaum on 1/23/70 and attempt to

obtain a varrant for her axrest and a search warrant for hei

residence in Denvei in an attempt to develop information leading

to the whereabouts of Thomas Riha.

This document contains neither recommendations

nor conclusions of the FBI. It is the property

of the FBI and is loaned to your agency; it and

its -contents are not to be distributed

outside

your agency.

H# 55100 DocId:32989553 Page 291

---

## Page 292

MEMORANDUL'

irs. Cedesday,

dary 11, or Wednesday, Februar

12, !g, 1 met with

Gilya cannonbaud in my office at my request.

This visic was i!

connection

with the deportation and divorce matter in shich i was

representing irs. Mana

Riha.

It had been my understanding prior to this visit that Mrs. Riha was being

assisted by tirs. Tannenbaum with regard to her immigration status and other

matters.

Based upon my conversations with Mrs.. Riha and her aunt and uncle, "r

and Mrs. Grossman, prior to my visit with Mrs. Tannenbaum, Mrs. Tannenbaum was

apparently exerting a substantial amount of pressure on Mrs. Riha and had

indicated to them that she had some official position in the Government.

Tannenbaum, at the meeting in my office, told me that she was with

MI 4, which I asked her to explain.

She indicated that MI 4 was the Military

Intelligence

Division of the Army in this District.

she, further stated that

she had been

associated with Military Intelligence for 25 years and that becauss

of her connections in Military Intelligence she had many friends in the Justice

Department and in the Immigration service, whom she had been contacting in ar

effort to assist Mrs. Riha.

She further stated that she had

obtained Mirs. Rita's

immigration file and that at that time she had possession of the file. She

appeared to be knowledgeable concerning

the various immigration laws.

She stated

that there were certain documents which Hana must file. She also mentioned that

because her position in Military Intelligence enabled her to arrange for the

Postoffice Department to place an earlier postmark date on some correspondence

which Hana had filed after the time for filing the documents had expired.

I stated to her that I thought it was appropriate, in order to protect my

client, to ask her to produce certain credentials or identification.

She stated

she did noi have any identification with her, that she did have a plastic card

which identified her with Military Intelligence, and that she would see that i

received a proper identification card at our next meeting. We had no further

meetings and that was the only direct contact which i had with Mrs. lannenbalm

other than some telephone calls: which I believe preceded the office visit.

Sened Alplin

This document is prepared in response to your reavest and is not for dissemi-

nation outsite von committee.

Its use is limited to official proceerings br

your Commi're a'd the contant may not be disclosed to uncuthorized person

nel wit?out.the.cxpressi approval of the FBI .:

27003)

+ i/:3 1970

HH 55100 DocId:32989553 Page 292

1057825623

ENCLOSUIT

---

## Page 293

OPIIONAL FORM NO. 10

3010-108

L10r 1091

GSS-GEN. REG. NO 27

UÑITED STATES GOVERNMENT

Memorandum

: Mx. DeLoach

TO

DATE: January 27, 1970

Comrad

'e::

1

- Mr. DeLoach

FROM : A.

Rosen

= Mx. Rosen

— Mr. Malley

Tavel -

Sayer.

Tolo. Pom

3 т ій -

= Mr.

SUBJECT:

Sheoder

GALYA TANNENBAUM

IMPERSONATION

- Mr. Huppert

1

- Mr. Bishop

- Mr. Sullivan

is not for dissemi-

your request and

limited to ofrimal moceedings by

be disclosed io unauthorized person

Captioned subject has been under investigation by

Denver for possible violation of the Federal Impersonation Statute.

She has indicated connections with Immigration and Naturalization

Service as well as referring to herself

as a "Colonel" with

U. S. Army

Intelligence at various times. The U. S. Attorney,

Denver,

has thus

far declined to authorize prosecution, based upon.

subject's alleged misrepresentations. Additional investigation

being conducted by Denver to determine if Tannenbaum has, in fact,&

violated the Impersonation Statute.

This document is prepared in response

nation a'site your Committee.

c and the content may

approval of

express

your Cornni

the

nel without

Considerable interest in the subject has been generated

by the press because of her connection with Thomas Riha, former

professor of Russian history at the University of colorado, who

(disappeared in March, 1969. Riha, born in Prague, Czechoslovakian,

cane lo the United States in 1947

and became a naturalized citizen.

Investigation of the Tannenbaum Impersonation case has disclosed

3/9/69 because of

that Boulder, Colorado, wolice wore called to Riha's residence, bio"

a disturbance.

Tannenbaum was at the Riba

and police determined she had been tempting to get Hrs. Rihagio

sign some papers

relating to Thomas Riha's efforts to obtain d

divorce from Mrs. Riha.

Boulder,

Colorado, police authorities have

advised that Thomas Riha was last seen in Boulder on 3/15/69.l A

missing person report was not filed with the police until 10/98/69

when such a report was filed by Riha's nephew, Zdenek Cerveny.

Articles appearing in newspapers concerning this matter

have indicated that Galya Tannenbaun may have information concerning

the disappearance of Thomas Riha.

Basic facts were furnished to the

Attorney General by letter dated 1/14/70, prepared by the Domestic

Intelligence Division. The Crime Records Division has also advised

U. s.

Representative Donald Brotznan (Republican), Colorado, that

the FBI has conducted no investigation concerning Riha's disaypear-

ance.

It is anticipated that other inquiries may be received in vie

of the continuing interest in this matter by the

press.

JDH : dvj

(8)

•!::

1 - 105-73256 (Thomas Riha)

DL6L

- SEE -ACTION* OVER

1 FED $ 1970

5: F60::1000

HH 55100 DocId: 32989553

Page 293

---

## Page 294

ther

Rosen to DeLoach memorandum

RE: GALYA TANNUNBAUN

ACTION:

Above submitted lor information. Denver's investigation

of Tannenbaum under the Impersonation angle is being closely

followed. Any inquiries concerning her alleged knowledge of

Riha's disappearance will be appropriately handled.

- 2-

H# 55100 DooId: 32989553

Page 294

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