ARRB REQUEST: CIA-IR-11: WARREN COMMISSION CRITICS
Originator: ARRB
From: ARRB
To: CIA/HRG
Document date: 12/18/1997
Document type: PAPER - TEXTUAL DOCUMENT

## Page 1

AAAAA

1104-10336-10010

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

Ne CIAIR-II

SINATI

c°

Assassination Records Review Board

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

(202) 724-0088 • Fax: (202) 724-0457

December 18, 1997

Mr. John Pereira

Chief

Historical Review Group

Center for the Study of Intelligence

CIA HAS NO OBJECTION TO

DECLASSIFICATION AND/OR

RELSASE OF CIA INFORMATION

IN THIS DOCUMENT

Je sero

Central Intelligence Agency

Washington, D.C. 02505

Re:

Status of CIA Responses to Assassination Records Review Board's Requests for

Additional Information and Records

Dear John:

I am writing to follow-up on our telephone call earlier today and to convey my serious

concern about the status of CIA's responses to the Review Board's requests for

additional information and records. Although CLA has completed its responses to

several requests, and many others have been answered in part, a significant number of

requests have not been answered - including some that were made more than two

years ago. On many occasions we have been assured that responses would be

forthcoming, only to have promised dates come and go without answers. It is now

extremely important that these requests be answered promptly so that we may conduct

a proper follow-up if necessary. The issues that we can now identify as being of the

highest priority are identified in the text below by double asterisks (**)' and we request

that they be answered within the next month. We request that the remaining requests

be answered by April 1, 1998.

The remainder of this letter is divided into two parts: first, a listing of the formal

requests for information and records, and second, a listing of the informal requests for

information and records. Please let me know if your understanding of any of the

following points differs from ours so that we can resolve any potential discrepancies.

'As identified more fully below, the issues are: CIA-1 Organizational Material,

CIA-6 Cables and Dispatches, CIA-13 Backchannel Communications, CIA-IR-03

HTLINGUAL Documents, CLA-IR-04 Disposition of Angleton Files, CIA-IR-07 Claude

Barnes Capehart, CLA-IR-15 Electronic "take" from Mexico City, CLA-IR-21 DRE

Monthly Operational Reports, CLA-IR-22 "A" Files on Clay Shaw and Jim Garrison.

BOARD MEMBERS: John R. Tunheim, Chair • Henry F. Graff • Kermit 1. Hall • William L. Joyce • Anna K. Nelson

---

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..

Mr. John Pereira

December 18, 1997

Page 8

CIA-IR-09 George Bush Computer Search.

The Review Board provided CIA with a copy of an FBI document, dated

November 29, 1963, prepared under the name of John Edgar Hoover, which

states: "The substance of the foregoing information on the assassination of

President Kennedy was orally furnished to Mr. George Bush of the Central

Intelligence Agency...." We have been informed that the DO has no record of a

"George Bush" being in the employ of CIA in 1963 with the exception of

Mr. George William Bush who has already given a sworn affidavit that he is not

the "George Bush" in question. It is our understanding that the CIA has

confirmed that the search query included George Herbert Walker Bush prior to

1970. CLA should determine whether George Herbert Walker Bush is the person

to whom the memorandum refers and should provide a definitive statement

regarding the scope of its search and the basis of its conclusion. Any and all

personnel files of George Herbert Walker Bush should be reviewed to determine

whether he had any affiliation with CIA during the 1963 period. Once the formal

statement is provided, this request will be complete.

CIA-IR-10 IG Reports.

CIA will determine whether the IG's office maintains an index or inventory of its

reports and determine whether the IG's office prepared a report on the handling

of Oswald. Since April 1997, CIA has had no response and no time frame for a

response.:

CLA-IR-11 Warren Commission Critics:

We are asking that CIA determine whether it possesses any files or records on

Warren Commission critics Edward J. Epstein, Josiah Thompson, Mark Lane,

Harold Weisberg, or Sylvia Meagher. The Review Board is not requesting

information per se regarding any FOIA requests by these individuals or any

Public Affairs news clippings? Since April 1997, CLA has had no response and

no time frame for a response.

¿To the extent that CIA possesses FOIA files or records on any of these

individuals, and to the extent that those records contain information that was not filed

with the courts, such records are being requested for review by the Review Board.

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-

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

06 February 1998

MEMORANDUM FOR:

J. Barry Harrelson

DCI /HRG

FROM:

Chiet, Chetevens

Office of Personnel Security

SUBJECT:

Records Search Request

Warren

Commission Critics

REFERENCE:

CIA-IR-11

1. In response to the referenced request, the Office

of Personnel Security's Management Data Program/Personnel

Security (MDP/PS) database was searched.

2 .

The searches undertaken were reasonably calculated

to retrieve all responsive documents.

Based upon the

information provided, the Office of Personnel Security has

located one (1) possible individual who may or may not meet

your requirements outlined in your referenced request.

Epstein, Edward J.

AIN 0 488 768

There was an impersonal folder regarding a Sylvia

Meagher and a 1968 Ramparts magazine article. This

information was destroyed under the Records Control Schedule

on 01 January 1994. Based upon the limited biographic

information, security records were not located for the

remaining individuals.

4.

This memorandum is provided for your information

and appropriate disposition.

Please direct any further

inquiries regarding this matter to W. Curtis Chaloner at

( 40552] (secure).

(w. Curtis Chaloner)

for

Linda

J. Stevens

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

---

## Page 4

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---

## Page 5

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'file

(sce requen file tu

tabs attachments

ADMINISTRATIVE- INTERNAL USE ONLY

11 February 1998

MEMORANDUM FOR:

J. Barry Harrelson

FROM:

SUBJECT:

Associate Information Review Officer, DDA

CIA-IR-11 - ARRB Request for Search on

Warren Commission Critics (DA/IRO No. 21)

1.

This is with reference to your 2 February 1998

memorandum (Tab A) and our subsequent telephone conversation

on 6 February wherein you requested that the Directorate of

Administration

(DA) search for files or records on Warren

Commission critics Edward J. Epstein, Josiah Thompson, Mark

Lane, Harold Weisberg, or Sylvia Meagher.

2.

Based upon the limited biographic information

provided on Subjects,

the Office of Personnel Security

(OPS), the Office of

Human Resource Management (HRM) and the

office of the Publication Review Board conducted thorough

searches. No records were located on Josiah Thompson or

Mark Lane. As you know, OPS located a file on Harold

Weisberg as a result of its search in response to CIA-IR-27

(DA/IRO NO. 14) .

At your request, on 6 February 1998 (Tab

B)

we requested that OPS make arrangements to have this file

reviewed by the ARRB to determine which documents are

Assassination Records.

Accordingly, OPS did not address the

Weisberg file in this CIA-IR-11 response.

As a result of DA's searches (Tab C) we located the

following files and/or information:

Edward J. Epstein - AIN 0 488 768 (found in OPS)

File found in PRB

Harold Weisberg - computer printout (attached)

found in HRM

Sylvia Meagher - OPS advised that there was an

impersonal folder regarding Subject and a 1968 Ramparts

Magazine article which were destroyed in accordance with the

Records Control Schedule on 1 Janaury 1994.

ADMINISTRATIVE - INTERNAL USE ONLY

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ADMINISTRATIVE - INTERNAL USE

• ONLY

4. Please let me know when you want me to request the

files on Edward Epstein from OPS

and PRB. Meanwhile, this

concludes DA action on CIA-IR-11. If you have any

questions, please feel free to

call me on 131201.

Attachments:

As

Stated

ADMINISTRATIVE - INTERNAL USE ONLY

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## Page 7

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ADMINISTRATIVE - INTERNAL USE ONLY

fil

From the Desk of Frieda P. Omasta

NOTE FOR:

FROM:

OFFICE:

DATE:

SUBJECT:

J. Barry Harrelson

Frieda P. Omasta

ADA/IRO

04/01/98 09:41:04 AM

CIA-IR-11 Warren Commission Critics (DA/RO No. 21)

Barry:

Per page 6 of ARRB's 5 March 1998 memorandum (attached), on 25 March, I asked PIRD to conduct a search and advise as to what

FOIA/PA cases they received from anyone for records on the following individuals:

Edward J. Epstein

Josiah Thompson

Mark Lane

Harold Weisberg

Sylvia Meagher

As a result of PIRD's search, they advised that there were two FBI referrals for records on Mark Lane (F-1993-01446 and

F. 1994-02092). I have requested that these files be retrieved from the Records Center for our review. There is no record of requests

received specifically for information on Epstein, Thompson, Weisberg or Meagher.

However, the search revealed three requests that mentioned Epstein's name in the subject line. The requests have been destroyed in

accordance with records control schedule approved by NARA as noted below. I have provided the subject as identified on computer

printout provided by PIRD:

a. F-1980-00168 (The Secret World of Lee Harvey Oswald by Edward J. Epstein all info - Cancelled 9/8/1087 & subsequently

destroyed)

b. F-1981-00894 (Correspondence bewteen IPD & Anthony Summers and/or Edward Jay Epstein - destroyed 8/5/1985)

c. F-1988-01338 (George de Mohrenschildt documents released to Edward J. Epstein - destroyed 7/6/1993)

The search revealed one request that mentioned Weisberg in the subject line. File destroyed as noted below. Once again, I have provided

subject as identified on computer printout.

a. F-1977-00383 (NIS referral • JFK and Oswald documents, 20 Oct 83 - this is identical to release made to Harold Weisberg also as

result of same NIS referral - destroyed 6/12/1997)

At your specific request, PIRD also conducted a search to determine what requests had been received FROM the individuals referred to

above on any subject. The results of their search revealed the following:

Edward J. Epstein - 10 FOlA requests received all of which have been destroyed in accordance with the records destruction schedule.

Josiah Thompson - no requests received

Mark Lane - 6 FOlA requests and 1 PA request (FBI REF) received. The records show that four of these requests have been destroyed

and that there is no data such as Job and Box number to indicate the

disposition of the remaining 3. However, I have been advised that since the remaining three are such old cases it is almost

certain that they have been destroyed as well. These three are identified below

together w/subject as provided by PIRD:

ADMINISTRATIVE - INTERNAL USE ONLY

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ADMINISTRATIVE - INTERNAL USE ONLY

3 CASES WITHOUT DATA TO VERIFY DESTRUCTION

a. F. 1975-00145 (JFK, Oswald, Ruby)

b. F-1975-02322 (Sam Giancona & surveillance)

c. F-1977-00136 (Additional Kennedy Assassination)

Harold Weisberg - 47 FOlA requests and 1 PA request (FBI COORD) received. Records show that 37 of these files have been destroyed

and that there is no data such as job and box number to indicate the disposition of 5. However, I have been advised that since these 5

cases are so old, it is almost certain that they have been destroyed as well. These 5 cases are identified below. Those 6 cases which

have not been destroyed are noted below together with subject line as provided on computer printout provided by PIRD.

5 CASES WITHOUT DATA TO VERIFY DESTRUCTION:

a. F-1975-04765 (No subject in MORI)

b. F-1975-06669 (Nosenko, Warren Commission)

c. F-1975-06838 (FDR)

d. F.1976-00105 (CIA Affidavits, Heike Case)

e. F-1979-01256 (Justice Referral.

6 CASES NOT DESTROYED

a. F.1979-01105 (Justice Referral - J.F. Kennedy)

b. F-1980-00321 (FBI Referral - CIA & FBI Docs)

c. F-1981-00023 (JFK Assassination - FBI REF NO. 2)

d. F-1981-00246 (JFK Assassination 2546 - JUSTICE)

e. F.1983-00125 (Yuri Nosenko)

f. F.1986-00440 (Info re: Yuri Nosenko)

Sylvia R. Meagher - 1 PA request which has been destroyed.

Frieda

CC:

Becky L. Rant

ADMINISTRATIVE - INTERNAL USE ONLY

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## Page 9

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...wise. disa. so 111s.

di,

Assassination Records Review Board

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

(202) 724-0088 • Fax: (202) 724-0457

11.w

March 5, 1998

Mr. J. Barry Harrelson

Chief, JFK Project

Historical Review Program

Office of Information Management

Central Intelligence Agency

Washington, D.C. 20505 -

Re:

Status of CIA Responses to Assassination Records Review Board's Requests for

Additional Information and Records

Dear Barry:

I am writing to update the Review Board's understanding of the status of CIA's

responses to our formal and informal requests for additional information and records

that have been requested pursuant to the Review Board's authority under Section

7()(1)(C)(ii)of the President John F. Kennedy Assassination Records Collection Act of

1992, 14 U.S.C. § 2107 (Supp. V 1994) 0FK Act).

We appreciate recent CIA efforts to respond to our outstanding requests. As we have

written in our formal requests and as we have said to you orally, you should interpret

our requests in the broadest reasonable sense. To the extent that you believe that a

request poses an unreasonable burden that we may not have anticipated, or to the

extent that you have suggestions to modify or to amend our requests in such a way as

to better reach our goals, you should not hesitate to make suggestions or seek

clarification. As has been noted in earlier letters, these requests will be incorporated

into the Agency's final compliance declaration. In requesting these materials, we are

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

copies be given to the Review Board. All outstanding ARRE requests for additional

information, both formal and informal, are scheduled to be completed by April 1, 1998.

As noted in your meeting with Michelle Combs on February 27, 1998, we recognize that

some requests, such as CIA-7, are ongoing and will continuc. In addition, the ARN has

formulated some new requests, CLA-IR-34 and IR-35, which shouid be completed as

quickly its possible.

The remainder of this letter is divided in the parts involving first, the formal requests

for intormation and records, ind second, the intormal requests for information and

resentiti

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## Page 10

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....

....

Mr. J. Barry Harrelson

March 5, 1998

Page 6

CIA-IR-09 George Bush Computer Search.

The CIA's response to this request has been received. This request is now

complete.

CIA-IR-10 IG Reports.

CIA will determine whether the IG's office maintains an index or inventory of its

reports and determine whether the IG's office prepared a report on the handling

of Oswald. Since April 1997, CIA has had no response and no time frame for a

response.

CLA-IR-11 Warren Commission Critics.

We are asking that CIA determine whether it possesses any files or records on

Warren Commission critics Edward J. Epstein, Josiah Thompson, Mark Lane,

Harold Weisberg, or Sylvia Meagher. The Review Board is not requesting

information per se regarding any FOLA requests by these individuals or any

Public Affairs news clippings.' Since April 1997, CIA has had no response and

no time frame for a response.

CIA-IR-12 Contacts with Journalists or Publishing Houses.

The Review Board seeks to determine to what extent, if any, CIA might have

attempted to influence any journalists or publishers regarding public discussion

of the assassination. This request, originally discussed in March 1997, was raised

at the DO follow-up briefing on April 1, 1997. CIA has had no response and no

time frame for a response.

CIA-IR-13 Office or Person Dealing with Organized Crime and Cuba.

120g8

The Review Board requested that CLA make a particular personnel file available.

The file was made available by ClA for revien. Documents in this file have been

marked for processing as assassination records. The Review' Board seeks

confirmation thai these documents have been placed in the review process. The

"Tis the exten that ClA pressesses Me lA files de decorde on any do these

individuals, and do the edend thilt those records comm mormation that wat mot filesd

with the court, such red are being requested los nerder by the dietirin disrel.

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UNCLASSIFIED

5 August

1998

TA0072

MEMORANDUM FOR:

FROM:

SUBJECT:

REFERENCE:

COESCTIONS

KAG BALARADED

2030

Chief, JFK Declassification

Project/HRP/OIM/DA

Fredrick C. Wickham, Jr.

Chief, External Support Group/IMS/DO

Central Intelligence Agency

DO Response to Informal Request CIA IR #11

Informal Request from ARRB Staff Circa

* April 1997 Requesting Information

Regarding "any files or records on Warren

Commission critics"

1. (U) This memorandum is in response to informal

request number 11 (CIA IR #11). from the staff of the

Assassination Records Review Board (ARRB).

The staff has

requested "any files or records on Warren Commission critics

Edward J. Epstein, Josiah Thompson, Mark Lane, Harold

Weisberg, or Sylvia Meagher."

**CIA-IR-11

2. (U) After a thorough search and review of the

Directorate of Operation's records systems, the following

information has been compiled on the five individuals cited

dulls cited

in reference.

At the direction of the ARRB staff, we did

not include material in response to FOIA requests

or in

Public Affairs news clippings.

a. Edward J. EPSTEIN - The DO has no identifiable

information on subject. Our search did surface the

name Edward Epstein; however, by using additional

biographical data known about subject, we were able to

dismiss these names as false "hits."

b. Josiah THOMPSON - Subject was of operational

interest to the DO circa 1962; therefore, a 201 file

does exist on this individual. The file

can be made

available for review by an appropriate member of the

ARRB

staff.

UNCLASSIFIED

---

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UNCLASSIFIED

SUBJECT: (U) Do Response to Informal Request CIA IR #11

c. Mark LANE - Our search produced references to

two documents:

(1) An Agency dispatch from Munich,

Germany dated 23 January 1970, and (2) An OGC letter

dated 29 March 1977. Both of these documents are

available for review. The OGC letter concerns a 1976

FOIA request -- Mark Lane was one of the individuals

requesting the FOIA action -- which involves two

dispatches dated 1967 and 1968. Because these two

documents are the subject of a FOIA request, they are

not included in this response.

d. Harold Weisberg - There is a 201 file on

subject which contains very limited information. This

file can be made available for review by an ARRB staff

member.

The DO retired records system, CARD, has a

reference to an Agency dispatch (EGBA+87605, 1969)

which indicates subject was in correspondence with

Julius Mader.

We have yet to locate a hard copy of

this document.

e. Sylvia Meagher - We found no DO information.

3. (U) In addition to the above records, our research

did surface a reference to a file titled "Garrison

Investigation of Kennedy Assassination" which was opened in

1969 and closed in 1996.

finite it ...

2

UNCLASSIFIED

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UNCLASSIFIED

SUBJECT: (U) Do Response to Informal Request CIA IR #11

IMS/ESG/HCS Eileen Wukitch) x316604mjk (5 August 1998)

Distribution:

Original

- Addressee

1 - C/IMS/ESG

1 - IMS/ESG/HCS

1 - IMS/ESG Chrono

3

UNCLASSIFIED

---

## Page 14

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CIA SPECIAL COLLECTIONS

RELEASE IN FULL

2000

13 August 1998

MEMORANDUM FOR: Laura Denk

Executive Director, ARRB

FROM;

J. Barry Harrelson

JFK Project Officer, HRP/OIM

SUBJECT:

Response to CIA-IR-11

1. The following is responsive to ARRB Request CIA-IR-

11, a request for files and records on Warren Commission

critics, Edward, J. Epstein, Mark Lane, Sylvia Meagher.

Josiah Thompson, and Harold Weisberg.

and fact, read one,

2.

The Agency has made a thorough search of its files

systems in an attempt to find files on these individuals.

At the request of ARRB staff, it did not include material

found in news clippings or responses to FOIA requests.

files

found have been

A11

reviewed, or made available for

review, by ARRB staff.

a. EPSTEIN, Edward J. --The DO found no files

identifiable with subject; a file was found on an individual

with the same name but, with research, it was determined

that the individual was not the Edward J. Epstein who is

subject of

the

this request.

DA searches found an Office

of

Security file and a Publications Review Board file on

subject, as well as three "hits" to records destroyed

pursuant to normal records destruction schedules. . The

destroyed records involved three Freedom of Information

requests that mention Epstein's name in the subject line.

None of the requests were for information on Epstein

b. LANE, Mark -- The DO search produced references

to two documents (1) An Agency dispatch dated 23 January

1970 and (2) an OGC letter dated 29 March 1977. DA searches

revealed six FOIA requests and one Public Affairs requests

from subject; all records concerning these have been

destroyed. No other files were found. An additional

reference to Mark Lane was found in a document from a

foreign government; that information has been processed for

release.

C. MEAGHER, Sylvia -- A reference to the fact

subject made a Privacy Act request was found. In addition,

the Office of Security found that it had, at one time, a

folder on subject and a 1968 Ramparts Magazine article.

Both subject's Privacy Act request and the Office of

Security folder have been destroyed pursuant to normal

record control schedules.

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## Page 15

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d. THOMPSON, Josiah -- The search revealed that

subject was of operational interest to the Do in 1962 and

there is a 201 file on him.

WEISBERG, Harold -- An OSS "Service History"

Form 1003a indicates subject worked for OSS from 15 January

to 30 September 1945, first as a consultant and then as a

research analyst. On the latter date he was transferred to

the State Department.

The search turned up a thin 201 file

on subject and a reference to the fact he corresponded with

one "Julius Mader." A notation was found which stated that

additional information on subject was contained within file

100-300-017 entitled "Garrison Investigation of Kennedy

Assassination;" this file is in the JEK microfilm collection

at Reel 25, Box 25.

An Office of Security file was also

found. Lastly, the search revealed that subject has made

over forty FOIA requests to the Agency.

This completes CIA action on referent request. If

you have any questions, please call me.

J.

Barry Harrelson

-

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## Page 16

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I UCLASSIFIED

SUBJECT: (Oprional)

ONLY

L CUNT "ENIIAL

ROUTING AND RECORD SHEET.

USELECI

Bruce L. Solie

Chief,

Security Analysis Group

TO: (Officer designation, room number, and

building)

DATE

RECEIVED

EXTENSION

7682

IFFICER"

NITIALS

FORWARDED

FILES

2.

NO.

DATE

3 October 1977

OMMENTS (Number eoch comment lo shom from uto

to vtrom.

rom a line across column after each comment

A copy of the attached

memorandum is being placed

in the following security

files:

James Angleton

#8683

Raymond Rocca

#16 791

David A. Murphy

#31 454

Richard Helms

# 7190

Tennent H. Bagley

#38 638

Donald Jameson

#43 840

:

In addition, a copy of

the attached memorandum has

also been forwarded to the

Chief, Clearance Division

for the security file of

the undersigned.

"Gue-side

Bruce L. Solie

11.

12.

13.

14.

APPROVED FOR RE EASE 1993

CIA MISTORICAL REV EW PROGRAM

=.

FORM

3-02

EDITION!

SECRET

-

/ i

CONFIDENTIAL

INTERNAL

JUSE ONLY

111

• UNCLASSIFIED

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## Page 17

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CONFIDENTIAL

26 September 1977

MEMORANDUM FOR:: Deputy Director of Security (PSI)

FROM:

• Bruce L. Solie

Chief, Security Analysis Group

SUBJECT:

EPSTEIN, Edward

#488 768

:.

= ::

22?:

.....

1. Gordon Stewart, forner Director of Personnel and

Inspector General, who retired circa 1971, telephoned the • ei:

undersigned at his

residence on the evening of 23 September

1977. -By way of background, Stewart, who was the IG in early

1968, was selected by the DCI to act in a "middle-man capacity"

in the controversy over the Nosenko case. Nosenko had. become

the responsibility of the Office of Security in October: 1967

at the direction of the DCI and it had becone quite apparent

that the Office of Security viewpoint concerning Nosenko was

in conflict, if not directly in opposition to the views.

expressed by the Chief and Deputy Chiefs of both the SR Divi-

sion and the CI Staff.'

The above officials, respectively,

were David Hurphy, H._Tennent Bagley. (Pete Bagley), James

Angleton

and Raymond Rocca.

2. Stewart advised the undersigned that an Edward

Epstein is writing a book on the Kennedy assassination.

Stewart inquired as to whether the undersigned was willing

to be interviewed concerning an area in which the undersigned

had particular knowledge (it was clear to the undersigned

that the reference was to Nosenko although name not mentioned).

The undersigned told Stewart that he was still enployed by the

Agency but, in any event, had no interest in contact with any

reporter.

Stewart indicated that he understood the attitude

of the undersigned and that it was not entirely unexpected..

The undersigned is of the opinion that Stewart was only relaying

a request or inquiry from Epstein who must have the nane of

the undersigned.

)

CONFIDENTIAL

EZ IMPDET

CL BY 007472

ARVADIES FOR KELEASE 1993

CIA MISTORICAL NEVIEW PROGRAM

---

## Page 18

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(

CONFIDENTIAL

3.

During the conversation, Stevart advised that Epstein,

in addition to Stewart, has interviewed the following:

Richard Helns

Janes Angleton

Raynond Rocca

Pete Bagley

Donald Jamison

(Stewart did not know if Epstein has contacted David Murphy.)

4.

In view of the individuals interviewed by Epstein,

it is presumed that the book by Epstein will have considerable

coverage of the past controversy over

the bona fides of Nosenko.

:5.

Stewart advised that he had little knowledge concerning

Edward Epstein but that Helms had a favorable opinion concerning

Epstein.

6.

Edward Epstein is undoubtedly identical. to Edward Jay

Epstein (OS 1488 768). There is no indication that Epstein

has

ever been used in any way by the Agency.

The security fle

was initiated in 1966 because of his authorship of articles

on the Warren Conmission.

Stewart remarked that he did not

believe Epstein, in his book, would naterially disagree with

the finding of the Warren Comnission.

This opinion may. not

be correct since Epstein has been quite critical of the Warren

Conmission and supportive to the "more than one assassin"!?:

theory.

Bruce I. Solie

GONFIBENTI

2

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## Page 19

13-00000

MEMORANDUM

September 12, 1998

CIA HIG NO OBJECTION TO

DRELASS RICARION AND/OR

MELANE OR ON INFORMATION

IN THIS COCUMENT®

To:

Laura Denk

Executive Director

Cc:

From:

Bob Skwirot

CIA Team Leader

Michelle Combs Michelle Comba

Associate Director for Research and Review

CLA-IR-11 Warren Commission Critics

Subject:

In an effort to determine whether the CIA opened or maintained files on Warren

Commission critics because they criticized the Warren Commission's work and

findings, the Review Board requested access to all extant records on Edward J. Epstein,

Josiah Thompson, Mark Lane, Harold Weisberg, or Sylvia Meagher. The Review Board

did not request information per se on Freedom of Information Act requests by these

individuals or any Public Affairs news clippings.

In response to the Review Board's Informal Request for Additional Records and

Information ClA-IR-16, the CIA provided the following files or information on the

requested individuals. Each file was examined by the Review Board staff and relevant

records were designated as assassination records for inclusion in the JFK Collection at.

the National Archives.

Edward J. Epstein: CIA located an Office of Security file and a Publications

Review Board file on Epstein as well as three indications of records destroyed under a

standard records destruction schedule. The destroyed records involved three Freedom

of Information Act requests. None of the requests were for information on Epstein. The

Review Board staff did not designate any additional records as assassination records.

Josiah Thompson: The CIA has a small 201 file on Thompson which indicates

that he was considered to be of possible operational interest to the Agency in 1962 while

he was living overseas. Interest was dropped, however, and Thompson never worked

for the CIA in any capacity. The Review Board staff did rot designate any additional

records as assassination records.

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## Page 20

13-00000

2

Mark Lane: The CIA did not open a 201 file on Lane. The Agency's records on

Lane consist of: a dispatch dated January 23, 1970, an Office of the General Counsel

letter dated March 29, 1977, six Freedom of Information Act requests, and one Public

Affairs request. These documents were not designated as assassination records. An

additional reference to Lane was found in a document from a foreign government. That

information was designated an assassination record and has been processed for release

to the jI*K Collection at the National Archives.

Harold Weisberg: CIA holds several files on Weisberg. An Office of Strategic

Services (OSS) history form 1003a indicates that he served in the OSS from January 15 to

September 30, 1945, first as a consultant and then as a research analyst, until he

transferred to the Department of State. CIA also holds an eight-page 201 file which

contains newspaper articles, one reference to the Garrison investigation, a reference to

the fact that Weisberg corresponded with "Julius Mader," and administration

documents.. This file is a part of the CIA sequestered collection and has been processed

for release to the JFK Collection at the National Archives. An Office of Security file on

Weisberg was reviewed by the Review Board staff and a small number of documents

were marked as assassination records. Finally, Agency records show Weisberg has

made more than 40 Freedom of Information Act requests.

Sylvia Meagher. CIA no longer has any records on Meagher. At one time the

Office of Security had a file on Meagher and a 1968 Ramparts Magazine article. A

reference to a Privacy Act request made by Meagher was also found. The Privacy Act

request and the Office of Security folder have been destroyed under normal record

control schedules.

e: \combs \cia-ir11.wpd

File 4.20.1 and 4.20.4

---