Agency: FBI
Originator: FBI
From: OBRIEN
To: MORRIS
Document date: 03/26/1996
Document type: PAPER-TEXTUAL DOCUMENT

## Page 1

JFK Assassination System

Identification Form

Agency Information

Date:

3/31/201

AGENCY: FBI

RECORD NUMBER :

124-10372-10280

RECORD SERIES:

HQ

AGENCY FILE NUMBER: 62C-HQ-1029205-1162

Document Information

ORIGINATOR: FBI

FROM:

TO :

TITLE:

OBRIEN

MORRIS

DATE :

PAGES:

SUBJECTS:

03/26/1996

11

JFKARCA OF 1992

DOCUMENT TYPE: PAPER, TEXTUAL DOCUMENT

CLASSIFICATION: Secret

RESTRICTIONS: 1B; 1C; 3; 4

CURRENT STATUS: Redact

DATE OF LAST REVIEW: 04/01/1999

OPENING CRITERIA: INDEFINITE

COMMENTS :

v9.1

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Page 1

125

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## Page 2

SECRET C

Memorandum

TO

Mrs. Morris

J. Kevin O'Brien

Subject

JEK TASK FORCE

Dep. Dir

Chief of

Staff

off. of Gen.

Counsel

Asst. Dir.:

Crim. Inv.

CJIS_

Finance

Info. Res.

Insp.

Lab.

Date 3/26/96

National Sec.

Personnel_

Training

Off. of EEOA

Off. of Public

& Cong.

Affs.

ATE INFORMATTON CONZAINED

Director's Office

HERBIN IS UNOZASSTZYED EXCEPT

NSORE SHOWN OTERONT S8-

PURPOSE: To advise that on or about 4/2/96, the

Assassination Records Review Board (ARRB) will advise us of their

determinations on 41 FBI documents, previously postponed

(redacted) to protect informants and foreign counterintelligence

(FCI) ' information to include sources, methods and foreign

relations; and to request Criminal Investigative Division (CID)

and National Security Division (NSD) to review the determinations

and provide their positions on the determinations, as to

appear. (U)

RECOMMENDATION: That CID and NSD addend this memorandum with

their positions as to appealing the ARRB decisions and so advise

the JFK Task Force (JEKTF) and the Office of the General Counsel

(OGC) bY 3/29/96. (U)

Cim. Int

Can. dus. Ine.

.. Into. Pies!

Craning

Clicost BED

Olrecto.....

Depuly Direcor

Finance

Gsh. Counsel

Ferseniel

Oles of Pustic &i

Cong. Rials

Enclosure

62-HQ-1029205

1 - Mr. Kennedy, Room 7142

1 - Mr. Collingwood, Room 7240

1 - Mr. R. Bucknam, Room 7176

1

- Mr. Shapiro, Room 7427

- Mr. P. Kelley, Room 7338

REASON 1.5

DECLASSIFY ON:

- Mr. Bryant, Room 7110

- Ms. Buckleitner, Room 4127

Mr. Loturco, Room 4026

Mr. Swanda, Room 4425

- Mr. Esposito, Room 7116

Mr. Divers, Room 4944

Classif

Led by

Reason

•1.5

Declass: AY

on

5668

d

X (1) (6)

Ms. Tucker, Room 4944

- Mr. O'Brien, Room 6296

- Mrs. Keeley, Room 6362

1

1 - Ms. Siford/Mrs. Leeper,

Mr. valentice, Poon +36526-441427203-1162

(CONTINUED - OVER)

DodE40353108184 pats

SECRET

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## Page 3

SECRET C

Memorandum from J. Kevin O'Brien to Mrs. Morris, dated 3/26/96

Re:

JFK Task Force

62-HQ-1029205

DETAILS: On or about 4/2/96, the ARRB will formally advise, by

letter to the Director, the determinations voted by

them on FBI

documents at meetings held 2/29 - 3/1/96 and 3/18 - 19/96.

The

ARRB letter will list determinations including the following

actions: the release of 44 potential criminal informant (PCI)

identities, the protection of seven PCIs,

the release of 20

potential security informant (PSI) identities, the release of 2

release of 11 Cuban sources, he protection of the technical CS_

surveillance on the Israeli Embassy, Washington, D.C. the

release of information from a technical surveillance

on the Cuban

Mission, the release of information from a technical surveillance

of a Polish diplomatic establishment, and the sustainment of all

information related to the "Soviet"

matters with a release date

of August, 1996.

Of the 41 documents, the FBI is in agreement

with the ARRB decision to sustain the postponements in 12

documents. 1%

A review of the ARRB decisions to date provides the

following observations:

a. individuals listed as PCIs in FBI documents for

which the FBI Headquarters

and field office confidential indices

are negative or a review of FBI records determines the PCI

deceased

without a potential threat to family members are

released; those PCIs that the FBI provides background for, but

can not determine if they are living or deceased, the ARRB is

deciding by birth date whether to release; and those PCIs the FBI

was able to establish as still living, and involved in criminal

activity are protected for 10 years;

b. individuals listed as PSIs are only protected if

they have provided life threatening intormation, those PsIs or

Sis providing intormation on communist party matters or anti

Castro matters have been released; the ARRB staff has suggested

that PSis or sis who were possibly double agents or working

closely with foreign establishments where a potential threat

could be perceived would be protected, but this situation has not

yet been tested;

c. Cuban sources are released, these individuals have

usually been listed with common names and are very difficult

searching and positively identifying;

d. sources of information, gambling informants, and

established sources follow the

same

guidelines as PCIs unless

developed into security sources. (U)

2

SECRET

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## Page 4

*SECRET

Memorandum from J. Kevin O'Brien to Mrs. Morris, dated 3/26/96

Re :

JFK Task Force

62-HQ-1029205

current meeting, which the FBI may wish to appeal, are summarized

as follows, by document number: (U)

meeting document number:

The 29 documents pertaining to the decisions from the

1. HQ 44-24016-166, NAR 124-10068-10015, is a

San Antonio teletype providing information gathered by canvassing

all informants.

The ARRB sustained the postponements for PCIs

Henry Carter and Phillip Bordonaro for 10 years.

The ARRB opened

the following PCIs: J. C. Stephenson, Vance F. Bordelon, Caesar

J. Ferris, Jack Patrick Hanratty, Robert S. Yarrington,

Vincent L. Locicero, Wade Hansen, Mary Halbouty, Marion C.

"Sonny" Pearson, J. H. "Dude" Stelfox, Leonard Simpson, Ralph

Greenwood Salter, Charles V. Flora, Barney Ham, and Jack

Marvin. (U)

2. HQ 44-24016-2NR583, NAR 124-10081-10196 and HQ 62-

109060-1996, NAR 124-10027-10077, is a report setting out the

negative contacts of the informants canvassed for the Albuquerque

office.

The ARRB voted to protect the numeric portion of the

symbol numbers for 10 years, but to open the names of the PCIs.

The PCIs are Ralph I. Trujillo, B. Howard Thorne, Edmond

Zufferey, E. L. Keith, and Kit Pettigrew. (U)

3. HQ 44-24016-643, NAR 124-10069-10021, is a

Philadelphia airtel providing information about the Fair Play for

Cuba Committee and Quebec-Washington-Guantanamo Walk for Peace.

The ARRB protected the numeric portion of the symbol numbers for

10 years, but opened the identity of PSI Silverio Hernandez. (U)

4. HQ 44-24016-672, NAR 124-10069-10060, is a

Milwaukee report setting out the negative contacts about Jack

Ruby.

The ARRB sustained the postponements for Don Christensen

and

David Kohler, but opened the identities of the other PCIs.

The PCIs are John Piscuine, Robert Pick, Anthony J. Bruno, Harry

W. Kaminsky, George Mehoves, James Lovelace, Sid Pierce, Charlene

Rossman, and Frank Russell. (U)

5.

HQ 44-24016-803, NAR 124-10072-10001, is a Dallas

report with information from a St. Louis office PCI.

The ARRB

voted to open this document in full releasing PCI William Frances

Lugar. (U)

6. HQ 105-82555-109, NAR 124-10035-10046, is a

Jacksonville report providing the results of their investigation.

The ARRB voted to protect the numeric portion of the symbol

numbers and the identity of PCI Andrew B. Jackson, Sr. for 10

years. (U)

3

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SECRET

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## Page 5

• SECRET

Memorandum from J. Kevin O'Brien to Mrs. Morris, dated 3/26/96

Re:

JFK Task Force

62-HQ-1029205

7.

HQ 105-82555-455, NAR 124-10035-10025, is a Dallas

report providing information to New Orleans for further

investigation.

The ARRB voted to open this document in tull.

This will identify the following Cuban sources; Ernesto Bascuas,

i he forgone cuban

Roberto Fernandez De Castro, Tina E. Herlinger, Mona Mac Murray,

Mario Lopez, Orlando Piedra, Josefa Soto, Frank Valle, Carmen

Rubio, Amparo Rocha Laredo and Anthony Molero. (U)

8. HQ 105-82555-512, NAR 124-10035-10104, is a LoS

Angeles report setting out their investigation. The ARRB voted

to open this document in full. This will release the identities

of the following PSIs: Flora Jean DiCarlo, Vincent J. DiCarlo,

Mattie Johnson, Carol Catalano, Ronald Bruce Sinclair, Dolores

Sanchez, Joseph Sanchez, Mrs. Benton M. Ferguson, Evangilina

Gonzalez, Charles E. Ball, Virginia Watts, Richard T. Taggart,

Carmen De Lara Taggart,

William F. Cochrane, Betty Maxine Cotman,

Jane Sanchez, Mrs. James Casto, and Howard G. Harrison. (U)

9. HQ 105-82555-569, NAR 124-10171-10000, is a

Milwaukee report providing the results of their investigation.

The ARRB voted to sustain the postponements of Don Christensen,

Andrew Curro and Samuel Botonis and the numeric portion of the

classified symbol numbers, but to open the identities of the

remaining PCIs.

The PCI identities released are John Piscuine,

Frank Wildman,

Harry Meiroff, Robert Pick, Frank Cicchini,

Margaret Hartman, Barnett Franks,

William Edward Conis, Gregory

Schleisman, and Lawrence Eaton. (U)

10. HQ 105-82555-581, NAR 124-10035-10054, is an

Oklahoma City report setting out the results of their

investigation.

The ARRB voted to open this document in full

revealing the

identities of Harvard Paul Williams (former

OC 279-S) and Lesley Arnold Renshaw (former CS OC 346-S) . (U)

11. HQ 105-82555-604, NAR 124-10023-10215, is a

Pittsburgh report providing the results of their investigation.

The ARRB voted to open this document in full releasing the

identity of PCI Carol A. Smith. (U)

12. HQ 105-82555-655, NAR 124-10035-10067, is a Miami

report setting out the results of their investigation.

The ARRB

voted to protect the numeric portion of the symbol number for 10

years, but opened the identity of PCI Carlos Acosta, Jr. (U)

13. HQ 105-82555-663, NAR 124-10035-10068, is

Milwaukee report submitting additional results of the

investigation.

The ARRB voted to sustain the postponement for

PCI David Kohler, but open the identity of

but open the

SECRET

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Co SECRET

Memorandum from J. Kevin O'Brien to Mrs. Morris, dated 3/26/96

Re:

JFK Task Force

62-HQ-1029205

21.

He +1-24016-131, NAR 124-10084-10088, 1s an airte.

from WMFO provides information from a technical surveillance on(S

he Israeli Embassy in Washington, D. C.

sustain the prefix, numeric, suffix and asterisk and the

additional identifying information until 2017.

The substitute

language to be used is

"source symbol number", "name and title",

"name", and "investigative interest". (.)

22. HQ 62-109060-1705, NAR 124-10027-10397, is a

teletype from New York providing information about Tass.

The

ARRB voted to sustain the prefix, numeric, suffix, and asterisk

until 2017. The remaining information in the first paragraph

they voted to release in August, 1996, although the JEKTF had

previously agreed to release that information. The substitute

language is "identifies source or method". (U)

23. DI 89-43-10556, NAR 124-10073-10489, is an airtel

from Dallas setting out a list of items being shipped to

Washington. The ARRB voted to sustain the postponement of

"RUSSIAN, FUNDS; IS-R" until August, 1996, when it will be open in

full. (9)(4)

24 - 25.

HQ 105-82555-521, NAR 124-10023-10217, and

HQ 105-82555-7NR782, NAR 124-10170-10017, are documents to and

from New York concerning checking money in the possession of Lee

Harvey Oswald when he was arrested.

The ARRB voted to sustain

these documents until August,

1996, when they are to be opened in

full releasing "by Soviets". AYU

26. HQ 62-109060-1593, NAR 124-10151-10140, is a

teletype from Boston reporting information on Joseph Mostecki.

The ARRB voted to sustain the postponement until August, 1996,

when the document will be opened in full releasing

, which refers to a mail cover on the Soviet

27.

HQ 62-109060-1739, NAR 124-10027-10405, is an

airtel from Tampa providing the results of an interview with

Robert Bruce Allen.

The ARRB voted to sustain the postponement

until August, 1996, when the document will be open in full

releasing "contact with the Cultural Attache, Russian

Embassy". ($)(u)

28. HQ 62-109060-2155, NAR 124-10027-10405, is an

internal memorandum

about comparing typewriting samples.

The

ARRB voted to sustain the postponements until August, 1996, when

the information will be open in full releasing "Soviet official"

and

"soviet officials in the U.S.". (sly

6

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SECRET

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## Page 7

SECRE

Memorandum dated 3/26/96 to Mrs. Morris from J. Kevin O'Brien

Re :

JFK Task Force

ADDENDUM: CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIVE DIVISION (CID), / 1A/96,

SLT:sIt

Reference 8/3/95 CID addendum to memorandum dated

7/28/95 to William E. Baugh, Jr. from John A. Hartingh, entitled

"JFK Task Force."

Based on the general rationale articulated in the

referenced addendum,

and that set forth below, the CID takes the

following position with regard to those proposed releases

relating to CID sources:

Tab 1)

a) PCI Jack Patrick Hanratty - Appeal - Although

the source is deceased, there is no information regarding the

existence of surviving

family members.

The source was used as a

top echelon informant for a five year period. Due to his access

to high levels within organized crime circles, and their known

penchant for violent retaliation, the CID cannot consider

supporting a disclosure of his assistance to the FBI - even as a ..

PCI - absent an effort to locate and contact survivors to

ascertain the potential impact of the proposed disclosure on

them.

Ferris, Robert S. Yarrington, J.H. Stelfox, Charles B. Flora,

Barney Ham, Ralph Greenwood Salter, Leonard Simpson, J. C.

Stephenson - Release - A good faith search of Bureau and public

records has revealed no data allowing the PCIs to be further

identified located, and advised of the proposed releases.

c) PCI Phil Bordonaro - Appeal Unless

Reassessment Following Ten Year Postponement Is Allowed - A ten

year extended postponement is insufficient if it mandates

automatic disclosure at the end of that period and would preclude

the FBI from contacting the PCI to re-assess the risks of

disclosure.

d) PCIs Vance F. Bordelon and Marion C. Pearson

Appeal - There is no information reflecting efforts to determine

the existence of surviving family members of these individuals.

Accordingly, the CID cannot consider supporting a disclosure of

the sources' assistance to the FBI - even as PCIs - absent an

effort to locate and contact survivors to ascertain the potential

impact of the proposed disclosure on them.

- 7 -

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SECRET

e) PCI Henry Carter - Appeal Unless Reassessment

Following Ten Year Postponement Is Allowed - A ten year extended

postponement is insufficient if it mandates automatic disclosure

at the end of that period and would preclude the FBI from

contacting the PCI to re-assess the risks of disclosure.

f) PCIs Vincent Locicero and Wade Hansen -

Appeal - There is no information regarding the existence of

surviving family members of these individuals - one of whom

was a

symboled source, and the other of whom provided information on a

number occasions. Accordingly, the CID cannot consider

supporting a disclosure of their assistance to the FBI - even as

PCIs - absent an effort to locate and contact survivors to

ascertain the potential impact of the proposed disclosure on

them.

Tab 2)

a) PCI E. L. Keith - Appeal - The source was

subsequently opened as a symboled source and utilized as such

for

a 5 year period. Although he/she deceased, there is no

information regarding the existence of surviving family members.

Accordingly, the CID cannot consider supporting a disclosure of

his assistance to the FBI - even as a PCI - absent an effort to

locate and contact survivors to ascertain the potential impact of

the proposed disclosure on them.

b) PCI Kit Pettigrew - Appeal - Records indicate

that

he is still alive. The CID cannot consider the releasing

his identity unless/until he is contacted and agrees to the

proposed disclosure.

c) PCIs B. Howard Thorne and Ralph T. Trujillo -

Release - A good faith

search of Bureau and public records has

revealed no data allowing the PCIs to be further identified

located, and advised of the proposed release.

d) PCI Edmond Zufferey - Appeal - It is unclear

as to whether this name has already been released. If no release

has occured,

the CID cannot consider a release, until he is

contacted and agrees to the proposed disclosure, or

until a good

faith search of Bureau and public records

has revealed that there

is no data allowing the him to be further identified located, and

advised of the proposed release.

Tab 3) PSI Sylverio Hernandez - Appeal - Unless a

determination regarding this source would more appropriately be

made by the NSD, the CID recommends an appeal inasmuch as the

source provided

long-term, albeit sporadic, assistance in highly

sensitive areas; was just closed in 1985,

and, apparently, is

still alive but has not yet been contacted to

ascertain the

impact of disclosure on him.

8-

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