The Central Intelligence Agency was created in 1947 with the signing of the National Security Act by President Harry S. Truman. The act also created a Director of Central Intelligence (DCI) to serve as head of the United States intelligence community; act as the principal adviser to the President for intelligence matters related to the national security; and serve as head of the Central Intelligence Agency. The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 amended the National Security Act to provide for a Director of National Intelligence who would assume some of the roles formerly fulfilled by the DCI, with a separate Director of the Central Intelligence Agency.

Below you will find a collection of CIA agents and various personnel connected with the agency.

FBI Files

Abramson, Harold Alexander – [20 Pages, 9.9 MB] – Harold Alexander Abramson (November 27, 1899 – September 1980) was an American physician (allergist and pediatrician) noted as an early advocate of therapeutic LSD. He played a significant role in CIA’s MKULTRA program to investigate the military applications of LSD.

Angleton, James Jesus – FBI Release #1 – [347 Pages, 83.4 MB] Angleton, James Jesus – FBI Release #2 (Final) – [97 Pages, 7MB] – James Jesus Angleton (December 9, 1917 – May 11, 1987) was chief of CIA Counterintelligence from 1954 to 1975. His official position within the organization was “Associate Deputy Director of Operations for Counterintelligence (ADDOCI)”. Angleton was significantly involved in the U.S. response to the purported KGB defectors Anatoliy Golitsyn and Yuri Nosenko. Angleton later became convinced the CIA harbored a high-ranking mole, and engaged in an intensive search. Whether this was a highly destructive witch hunt or appropriate caution vindicated by later moles remains a subject of intense historical debate.

Bissell, Richard – FBI Release #1 – [36 Pages, 3MB]  Bissell, Richard – FBI Release #2 – [9 Pages, 3.5MB] – Richard Mervin Bissell Jr. (September 18, 1909 – February 7, 1994) was a Central Intelligence Agency officer responsible for major projects such as the U-2 spy plane and the Bay of Pigs Invasion.

Buckley, William Francis – William Francis Buckley (May 30, 1928 – June 3, 1985) was a United States Army officer and CIA station chief in Beirut from 1984 until 1985. His cover was as a Political Officer at the US Embassy.  He died on or around June 3, 1985—five months before the date claimed by his captors—while in the custody of Hezbollah. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery and is commemorated with a star on the Memorial Wall at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) headquarters in Langley, Virginia.

Colby, William – FBI Release #1 – [128 Pages, 8.7MB] – Colby, William – FBI Release #2 – [134 Pages, 9.5MB] – William Egan Colby (1920-1996) was an American intelligence officer and diplomat who served as the Director of Central Intelligence (DCI) from 1973 to 1976 during a transformative period for the U.S. intelligence community. A World War II veteran and Office of Strategic Services (OSS) operative, Colby had a long, varied career in the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), beginning in 1950. He was instrumental in controversial covert actions like the Phoenix Program during the Vietnam War, aimed at dismantling the Viet Cong’s infrastructure. As DCI, Colby faced a tumultuous time marked by increased scrutiny of CIA activities; he was a key figure during the Church Committee hearings of the 1970s, where he divulged classified information about the Agency’s questionable practices, leading to significant changes in oversight and control of American intelligence operations. His candid approach brought both commendation for transparency and criticism for revealing too much, the latter leading to his forced resignation in 1976.

Conein, Lucien – [45 Pages, 8.3MB] – Lt. Col. Lucien Emile Conein (born 29 November 1919, Paris, France – died 3 June 1998, Bethesda, Maryland) was a noted U.S. Army officer and OSS/CIA operative. Among other exploits, he was instrumental in the November 1963 coup against Ngô Đình Diệm that resulted in Diệm’s assassination, having served as Henry Cabot Lodge, Jr.’s liaison officer with the coup plotters and delivering $42,000 of the known cash disbursements.  He later ran secret operations for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Although the FBI said that additional possible records could exist, they claim they could not find/locate them.

Cameron, Donald Ewen – [21 Pages, 8.3MB] – Donald Ewen Cameron (24 December 1901 – 8 September 1967) — known as D. Ewen Cameron or Ewen Cameron — was a Scottish-born psychiatrist who served as President of the American Psychiatric Association (1952–1953), Canadian Psychiatric Association (1958-1959), American Psychopathological Association (1963), Society of Biological Psychiatry (1965) and World Psychiatric Association (1961-1966). In spite of his high professional reputation, he has been criticized for administering electroshock therapy and experimental drugs to patients without their informed consent. Some of this work took place in the context of the Project MKUltra mind control program.

Clarridge, Duane –  [17 Pages, 2.8MB] – Duane Ramsdell “Dewey” Clarridge (April 16, 1932 – April 9, 2016) was an American senior operations officer for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and supervisor for more than 30 years. Clarridge was the chief of the Latin American division from 1981 to 1987 and a key figure in the Iran-Contra Affair.

George, Clair– FBI Release #1 –  [64 Pages, 9MB] George, Clair – FBI Release #2 –  [64 Pages, 2.2MB] – Clair Elroy George (August 3, 1930 – August 11, 2011) was a prominent American intelligence officer in the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Over his three-decade career, he became known for his expertise in espionage and counterintelligence, holding several key positions, including Deputy Director for Operations. George played a pivotal role during the Cold War, overseeing clandestine operations globally. His career was marked by controversy during the Iran-Contra affair, where he was indicted for perjury and obstruction of justice, though later pardoned by President George H.W. Bush. Clair George’s legacy remains a significant chapter in the history of U.S. intelligence operations.

Gottlieb, Sidney – FBI Release #1 – [43 Pages, 15.4MB] – Sidney Gottlieb (born Joseph Scheider; August 3, 1918 – March 7, 1999) was an American chemist and spymaster best known for his involvement with the Central Intelligence Agency’s 1950s and ’60s assassination attempts and mind control program, known as Project MKUltra.

Harvey, William King – [376 Pages, 172 MB] – William King “Bill” Harvey (September 13, 1915 – June 9, 1976) was a Central Intelligence Agency officer, best known for his role in Operation Mongoose. He was known as “America’s James Bond”, a tag given to him by Edward Lansdale.

Helms, Richard – [342 Pages, 190 MB]  Helms, Richard – Letter stating additional FBI Records were destroyed – [2 Pages, 0.4MB]Richard McGarrah Helms (March 30, 1913 – October 23, 2002) served as the Director of Central Intelligence (DCI) from June 1966 to February 1973. Helms began intelligence work with the Office of Strategic Services during World War II. Following the 1947 creation of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) he rose in its ranks during the Truman, Eisenhower, and Kennedy administrations. Helms then served as DCI under Johnson, then Nixon.

Maheu, Robert – [1,151 Pages, 852MB] – (Note: This is a large file. It is recommended you right click and select “save as” instead of opening in a browser).   Robert Aime Maheu (October 30, 1917 – August 4, 2008) was an American businessman and lawyer, who worked for the FBI and CIA, and as the chief executive of Nevada operations for the industrialist Howard Hughes. Maheu said: “The CIA was my first steady client, giving me ‘cut-out’ assignments [those jobs in which the Agency could not officially be involved].”

Marchetti, Victor– [30 Pages, 2.2MB] – Victor Leo Marchetti, Jr. (December 23, 1929-October 19, 2018) was a special assistant to the Deputy Director of the Central Intelligence Agency who later became a prominent critic of the United States Intelligence Community and the Israel lobby in the United States.

McCone, John – [746 Pages, 46.4MB] – John Alexander McCone (January 4, 1902 – February 14, 1991) was an American businessman and politician who served as Director of Central Intelligence during the height of the Cold War.  After the disaster of the Bay of Pigs Invasion, president John F. Kennedy forced the resignation of the CIA director Allen Dulles and some of his staff. McCone replaced Dulles on November 29, 1961.

Millis, John I. – [184 Pages, 103MB] – John I. Millis was a former case officer with the Central Intelligence Agency who also served as the top staff member of the House Intelligence Committee.

Montgomery, Hugh – [746 Pages, 46.4MB] – Hugh Montgomery (November 29, 1923 – April 6, 2017) was a United States diplomat and intelligence officer. He served for 63 years with the Central Intelligence Agency and has been called one of the CIA’s founding fathers.

Paisley, John – [297 Pages, 183.3MB] – John Arthur Paisley (August 25, 1923 – September 24, 1978) was a former official of the Central Intelligence Agency.  Paisley served in the CIA from 1963 to 1974. During his career, he was heavily involved in Soviet operations. Paisley retired as deputy director in the Office of Strategic Research, the branch that monitored Soviet military movements and nuclear capabilities.

Shackley, Theodore “Ted” – [340 Pages, 96MB] – Theodore George “Ted” Shackley, Jr. (July 16, 1927 — December 9, 2002) was an American CIA officer involved in many important and controversial CIA operations during the 1960s and 1970s. He is one of the most decorated CIA officers. Due to his “light hair and mysterious ways”, Shackley was known to his colleagues as “the Blond Ghost”. Note: There are 1,092 (approximate) additional pages which will require $40 to get. Please CONTACT if you are interested in sponsoring the file.

Tofte, Hans – FBI Release #1 – [33 Pages, 3.4MB] Tofte, Hans – FBI Release #2 – [41 Pages, 5.4MB] – Hans V. Tofte (1911–1987) was a Danish-American intelligence officer who played a significant role in Allied and U.S. covert operations during and after World War II. Born in Copenhagen, he fled Nazi-occupied Europe and joined the British Special Operations Executive, training guerrilla fighters in Burma and China. He later served with the U.S. Office of Strategic Services (OSS) in Yugoslavia and Italy, where he supported resistance groups and earned the Legion of Merit. After the war, he joined the CIA and became known for bold paramilitary missions, including a 1951 operation that intercepted medical supplies bound for Chinese forces in Korea. Tofte was also involved in Cold War operations in Latin America, including the 1954 coup in Guatemala. His CIA career ended in 1966 amid controversy over classified documents found in his home. He retired with his pension and lived out his final years in New York, passing away in 1987.

White, George Hunter FBI Release #1 (to The Black Vault) – [53 Pages, 3.5MB]  White, George Hunter FBI Release #1 (third party requester, archived here for reference) – [19 Pages, 12.9MB]  White, George Hunter FBI Release #2 (third party requester, archived here for reference) – [31 Pages, 20.7MB] – George Hunter White was a CIA operative who had worked on the MKULTRA / Mind Control projects.  He was also heavily involved in the previous OSS “truth drug” experiments.

Wilson, Edwin Paul – [651 Pages, 304MB] – Edwin Paul Wilson (May 3, 1928 – September 10, 2012) was a former CIA and Office of Naval Intelligence officer who was convicted in 1983 of illegally selling weapons to Libya. It was later found that the United States Department of Justice and the CIA had covered up evidence in the case. Wilson’s convictions were overturned in 2003 and he was freed the following year.

The post FBI Files: Directors, Agents and Personnel of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) first appeared on The Black Vault.

The plan included various possible scenarios, such as staging attacks on American military installations in Guantanamo Bay, sinking boats carrying Cuban refugees, and orchestrating fake hijackings of civilian airliners. These incidents were to be designed in such a way that they would appear to be carried out by Cuban operatives. The hope was that these provocations would lead the American public and international community to support military action against Cuba. The operation’s proposals went as far as considering the possible loss of American lives, which would have been falsely blamed on the Cuban government to rally support for intervention.

Operation Northwoods was never approved, and President John F. Kennedy ultimately rejected the plan. The proposal was part of a broader effort by the U.S. government during the Cold War to contain the spread of communism, particularly in Latin America. This rejection is often viewed as a critical moment in Kennedy’s presidency, demonstrating his reluctance to escalate military conflict in Cuba, especially in the wake of the failed Bay of Pigs invasion the previous year.

The details of Operation Northwoods remained classified for decades until documents related to the operation were declassified in the 1990s. These revelations sparked widespread controversy and debate about the ethics of such proposals and the extent to which governments might go to achieve political or military objectives. While the operation was never carried out, its existence highlights the extreme measures considered during the Cold War and serves as a reminder of the lengths to which some officials were willing to go in the fight against communism.

Ultimately, the exposure of Operation Northwoods has contributed to ongoing discussions about the transparency and accountability of government actions, particularly in the context of military and intelligence operations. It remains a significant example of a covert plan that, had it been implemented, could have had far-reaching consequences for U.S.-Cuba relations and global perceptions of U.S. foreign policy during the Cold War era.

Document Archive

Central Intelligence Agency

 Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Records from the Foreign Broadcast Information Service (FBIS) [ 24 Pages, 2.92MB ]

 Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Denial After my Mandatory Declassification Review (MDR) [ 1 Page, 0.7MB ]

Joint Chiefs of Staff

 Justification for US Military Intervention in Cuba, 13 March 1962 [ 15 Pages, 2.92MB ]

 Report by the Department of Defense and the Joint Chiefs of Staff Representative of the Caribbean Study Group to the Joint Chiefs of Staff on CUBA PROJECT, 9 March 1962 [ 13 Pages, 2.5MB ]

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)

 Northwoods [181 Pages, 25.6MB ] – This, according to the National Archives, is the only document within their collections that deals with Operation Northwoods.  Special thanks to friend and fellow FOIA requester Michael Best for obtaining this document and notifying me about it.  He graciously created the searchable PDF for The Black Vault.

(The following document is ARCHIVED, but no longer relevant. The referenced document in this order form was received, and added above.)
 Northwoods – Original response to The Black Vault from NARA [ 7 Pages, 2.9MB ] 

The post Operation Northwoods first appeared on The Black Vault.

Operation 40 was a covert operation established by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in 1960 during the early years of the Cold War. The operation was initially conceived as a counterintelligence and counterinsurgency task force aimed at undermining communist influence in Latin America, particularly in Cuba. This operation was part of the broader U.S. strategy to contain the spread of communism in the Western Hemisphere, which was seen as a direct threat to U.S. national security.

Operation 40 was formed in response to the growing concern over Fidel Castro’s communist regime in Cuba, which had come to power in 1959. The operation was authorized by President Dwight D. Eisenhower and involved the recruitment of anti-Castro Cuban exiles, CIA operatives, and other U.S. intelligence personnel. The main objectives of Operation 40 were to gather intelligence, conduct sabotage, and carry out assassination missions against key figures within the Castro government.

Operation 40 played a significant role in the preparation for the Bay of Pigs invasion in April 1961. The operation was involved in intelligence-gathering missions, identifying targets for sabotage, and planning the assassination of Cuban leaders, including Fidel Castro. However, the Bay of Pigs invasion, which aimed to overthrow Castro, ended in failure, and the role of Operation 40 in this disaster has been a subject of considerable debate among historians.

Beyond Cuba, Operation 40 also conducted activities throughout Latin America, aiming to destabilize leftist movements and support pro-U.S. regimes. The operation’s activities included political assassinations, sabotage of infrastructure, and the dissemination of propaganda to undermine communist influence.

Operation 40 has been surrounded by controversy, particularly regarding its alleged involvement in assassinations and other covert actions that violated international law. Critics have argued that the operation represented an extreme approach to Cold War geopolitics, with little regard for the long-term consequences for the countries involved. The operation’s connection to various assassination plots, including those against Castro, has fueled numerous conspiracy theories over the years.

Operation 40 officially disbanded in the early 1960s, but its legacy lived on through other covert CIA operations during the Cold War. The operation is often cited as an example of the U.S. government’s willingness to engage in covert and sometimes morally questionable activities to achieve its strategic goals during this tense period in global history.

Document Archive

 Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Records on Operation 40 [7 Pages, 1.47MB] – Although the CIA released a few pages, they went on to state they would neither confirm nor deny any additional pages existed.  Why, after 50+ years, would they remain such a secret?

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Origins and Release

The Family Jewels documents were originally compiled in response to a 1973 request by then-CIA Director James Schlesinger, who wanted to know if there were any agency operations that might be considered illegal or improper. This internal investigation was prompted by the Watergate scandal and increasing public scrutiny of government agencies. The resulting reports were intended to be kept confidential, but they eventually became part of the public record due to the persistent efforts of journalists and researchers, along with Freedom of Information Act requests.

In 2007, under pressure from a lawsuit filed by the National Security Archive, the CIA finally declassified and released the Family Jewels. The release was significant, not only because it shed light on past abuses but also because it marked a rare instance of transparency for an agency known for its secrecy.

Assassination Plots

One of the most shocking revelations in the Family Jewels was the CIA’s involvement in plots to assassinate foreign leaders. The documents detail various attempts to eliminate Cuban leader Fidel Castro, including collaboration with the Mafia to poison him and plans to use exotic devices like exploding cigars. In one instance, the CIA even considered using a contaminated diving suit to kill Castro.

The agency’s involvement in assassination plots was not limited to Cuba. The documents also reveal efforts to target leaders in the Congo, the Dominican Republic, and other countries. These revelations raised significant ethical and legal questions about the extent to which the United States was willing to go to influence foreign governments and political outcomes.

Illegal Surveillance

The Family Jewels also uncovered extensive illegal surveillance operations conducted by the CIA within the United States. Despite its mandate to operate only outside U.S. borders, the agency engaged in domestic spying activities, including the monitoring of American journalists, political activists, and dissidents. Operation CHAOS, one of the programs detailed in the documents, aimed to uncover foreign influences on domestic protest movements during the 1960s and early 1970s. However, it quickly expanded to include broad surveillance of American citizens, violating their constitutional rights.

Human Experimentation

Perhaps the most disturbing revelations in the Family Jewels are related to the CIA’s human experimentation programs. The documents detail Project MK-Ultra, a clandestine program focused on mind control and behavioral modification. Under this program, the CIA conducted experiments on unknowing subjects, including administering LSD and other drugs, subjecting individuals to sensory deprivation, and using psychological manipulation techniques. These experiments were often conducted without the informed consent of the participants, leading to severe psychological and physical harm in many cases.

One of the most infamous incidents involved the death of Frank Olson, a CIA scientist who was secretly dosed with LSD and later fell to his death from a hotel window under suspicious circumstances. The Family Jewels documents shed light on the agency’s attempts to cover up the true nature of Olson’s death and the broader unethical practices of the MK-Ultra program.

Quotes and Reactions

The release of the Family Jewels prompted a wide range of reactions from government officials, historians, and the public. Then-CIA Director Michael Hayden stated, “The documents provide a view of a very different era and a very different agency,” acknowledging the mistakes of the past while emphasizing the CIA’s efforts to operate within legal and ethical boundaries in the present day.

Senator Edward Kennedy, who had been a vocal critic of the CIA’s practices, remarked, “The release of these documents underscores the necessity of vigilant oversight of our intelligence agencies to ensure they do not overstep their bounds.” The documents’ release also fueled calls for greater transparency and accountability in the intelligence community.

Legacy and Impact

The Family Jewels documents have had a lasting impact on the public’s perception of the CIA and its operations. They serve as a reminder of the potential for abuse of power within secretive government agencies and the importance of checks and balances to prevent such abuses. The revelations prompted legislative reforms, including the establishment of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, which were designed to provide oversight and accountability for the CIA and other intelligence agencies.

In the years since their release, the Family Jewels have become a crucial resource for historians, journalists, and researchers seeking to understand the complexities and ethical challenges of intelligence work. They provide a sobering account of the lengths to which the CIA went during the Cold War to achieve its objectives, often at the expense of legal and moral considerations.

Document Archive

Download the entire “Family Jewels” collection [702 Pages, 21.4MB]

Mandatory Declassification Review Request on First 11 Pages of “Family Jewels” collection [12 Pages, 3.5MB] – On March 22, 2018, I requested a Mandatory Declassification Review (MDR) on the first 11 pages of the Family Jewels document. I requested only the first 11 pages, due to the fact that the first item listen in the breakdown of projects and incidents outlined in the document, is entirely withheld. If anything in the first 11 pages would be unredacted and released, it would pave the way to request a full MDR of the document. However, they continue to deny the information, as of September 2019, when the CIA released the responsive records. The redactions were the same.

The post The “Family Jewels” Collection (CIA) first appeared on The Black Vault.

The Black Vault attempted to get a CIA document that has been shrouded in secrecy for decades further declassified. Although no redactions were lifted in the process, it revealed that even more information by the CIA is withheld on a UFO case that suggests a technology beyond known human capability at the time.

Originally disclosed in 1978, the “Information Report” originally classified “Confidential” has a subject header of “Unusual Flying Object Sightings and Attendant Scientific Activity”. It had multiple, but relatively minimal, redactions when the single page was originally released. In January 2020, The Black Vault filed a Mandatory Declassification Review (MDR) case, seeking to uncover more details and get those redactions lifted.

The document, identified as REPORT NO. 00-B-93674, details an intriguing account from a source in Hungary, who in the winter of 1955 received a letter mentioning the mysterious “flying saucers”. These objects, described as “very fast speeding flyers,” were estimated to be traveling at a speed of “12,000 kilometers per hour,” or in excess of 7,400 miles per hour.

Although the MDR was unsuccessful getting any previous redactions lifted, the case did reveal that there was more information than previously known. It brought to light the existence of two additional pages, and those were redacted in full. The deletions were made on the basis of Sections 3.3(h)(2) and 6.2(d) of Executive Order 13526. Section 3.3(h)(2) of Executive Order 13526 establishes procedures for the automatic declassification of information that is more than 25 years old, unless it falls under specific exemptions outlined in the order. Section 6.2(d) concerns the protection of information that, if disclosed, could reasonably be expected to cause identifiable or describable damage to national security or foreign relations. It allows for the continued classification of such information to prevent harm to the national security interests of the United States.

The revelation of these additional pages adds a new layer of mystery to the case. It raises questions about what further information might be contained within and why it is deemed so sensitive that it warrants complete redaction.

To put the reported speed of the flying objects into perspective, it is worth noting that the fastest aircraft in the world in November 1955 was the North American F-100C Super Sabre, which set a record on August 20, 1955, of 1,323 kilometers per hour, or 822.1 miles per hour.

The speed of 12,000 kilometers per hour (7,400+ miles per hour) mentioned in the CIA record far exceeds that, suggesting that the flying objects were of an extraordinary nature for the time they were seen. However, maybe they were not aircraft at all.

The CIA document did mention “rockets”, but it is unclear if the parenthetical was an attempt at an alternate translation by a CIA analyst, or if the word was truly relayed by the CIA’s source. However, to address the possibility these objects were, in fact, rockets; historical context is needed.

In 1955, the race for supremacy in rocket technology was in full swing, with both the United States and the Soviet Union pushing the boundaries of what was possible. While the exact speeds of rockets at that time are not well-documented, it is known that the era was marked by significant advancements in rocket propulsion and aerodynamics. The V-2 rocket, developed by Germany during World War II and later used by both the US and the USSR for research, could reach speeds of up to 5,760 km/hr or 3,580 MPH. However, it was the development of the intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) and the early space race that truly pushed rocket speeds to new heights. By the end of the 1950s, rockets were capable of reaching speeds that far exceeded those of any aircraft, laying the groundwork for the exploration of space and the eventual moon landing. While the reported speed of 12,000 kilometers per hour (approximately 7,456 miles per hour) for the unidentified flying objects in the CIA document was extraordinary for its time, it foreshadowed the incredible velocities that rockets would achieve in the years to come.

But is there a connection? The Redstone rocket, believed to be one of the faster rockets around the same time, still fell thousands of miles per hour short of the speed mentioned in the CIA document.

Was the source and information available in the report wrong or grossly exaggerated? If so, why is there a need for such excessive secrecy nearly 70 years after the event?

The MDR case was completed and the document released in January 2022, though was never posted on The Black Vault. It is one example of, literally, hundreds and hundreds of FOIA releases that have yet to be put online by The Black Vault simply due to a backlog and lack of time.

Since two years have no elapsed, a new MDR was filed by The Black Vault on March 12, 2024. Those results will be posted, when available.

Document Archive

CIA Document Talks About “Flying Saucers” Traveling 7,400+MPH in 1955; More Information Discovered Yet Withheld By Agency [4 Pages, 1.2MB]

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The post CIA Document Talks About “Flying Saucers” Traveling 7,400+MPH in 1955; More Information Discovered Yet Withheld By Agency first appeared on The Black Vault.

Key findings from the analysis include:

• The azimuthal angular field of view of the Luna-9 camera was determined to be 360 degrees, with a vertical angular field of view of 30 degrees.
• The tilt of the scanner rotation axis varied between 16 and 22.5 degrees during different transmissions.
• The axis of spacecraft movement was approximately 35 degrees relative to a prominent feature on the spacecraft.
• Dimensions of the Luna-9 capsule and various lunar surface features were estimated based on the analysis of the photography and ground photography from a Luna-9 exhibit.

The report also provides detailed technical explanations of the photogrammetric basis for the preliminary results, including calculations for the angular field of view, tilt values, axis of spacecraft movement, and dimensions of lunar surface features. The analysis was based on a combination of Luna-9 panoramas, ground photography, telemetry reports, and other sources.

Document Archive

Preliminary Analysis of Luna 9 Photography, June 1966 [14 Pages, 4.7MB]

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Although the declassification revealed very little new information, it did shed light on some articles related to interrogation that were used as reference material when the manual was written, prompting further requests by The Black Vault for various “Studies in Intelligence” documents. It appears they have likely been released through other FOIA requests, but requests have been filed to ensure they have been.

The KUBARK Counterintelligence Interrogation Manual provides a comprehensive guide on the interrogation process, focusing on psychological strategies rather than physical coercion. The manual covers various aspects, including the legal and policy considerations, the characteristics of the interrogator and the interrogatee, and different interrogation techniques.

The document emphasizes the importance of understanding the psychological state of the interrogation subject and how it affects brain function. It also discusses the use of drugs in interrogation, physiological responses as a means of evaluating information, the potential uses of hypnosis in interrogation, and the experimental investigation of interpersonal influence.

The July 1963 KUBARK Counterintelligence Interrogation Manual

Download July 1963 KUBARK Counterintelligence Interrogation Manual [132 Pages, 63.4MB]

The post The July 1963 KUBARK Counterintelligence Interrogation Manual first appeared on The Black Vault.

The document below titled “Controlled Offensive Behavior – USSR” from January 1972, released under the Freedom of Information Act, is a detailed account of Soviet research into human vulnerability, particularly in terms of incapacitating individuals or small groups. The report focuses on various methods used for influencing or altering human behavior, which includes extensive research by the Soviet scientific community in fields such as biophysics, psychology, physiology, and neuropsychiatry. This research has led to the exploration of techniques like biochemicals, sound, light, color, odors, sensory deprivation, sleep, electronic and magnetic fields, hypnosis, autosuggestion, and paranormal phenomena​​​​.

One of the alarming revelations from the report is the practice of “mental reorientation” of political dissenters in the USSR. This reorientation is executed through means such as confinements, isolation, and psychopharmaceutical administration, causing concern among the international psychiatric community. The report alleges that this treatment of individuals, deemed as insane, is actually a guise for physical and medical treatment under psychiatric care rehabilitation​​.

The report also delves into sensory deprivation techniques, which have been put to use on humans. These techniques, which include sensory isolation and increased confusion and disorientation, aim to lower morale, create anxiety, and induce states of suggestibility, leading to potential false confessions​​.

Additionally, the report provides detailed case histories of political detainees, shedding light on the procedures used in the Soviet Union from arrest to confession. These procedures typically involve the collaboration of the KGB, medical experts providing false diagnoses, and courts confirming these findings, leading to the detainees being sent to prison asylums until they are “cured,” which usually means a confession of mental aberration​​.

Furthermore, the report includes descriptions of conditions in Soviet psychiatric institutions, highlighting the use of powerful drugs as a form of punishment or manipulation. These drugs are reported to cause severe adverse reactions and, in some cases, lead to the reduction of individuals to a vegetative state​​.

While the Soviet government denied these charges, claiming that only those who committed socially dangerous acts or became ill during investigations were sent to psychiatric institutions, the report presents a different narrative. It argues that despite ideological resistance, Soviet behavior scientists possess the ability to combine various principles under a common group of laws, indicating a sophisticated level of research in the field​​.

In conclusion, the document reveals a complex and often disturbing picture of Soviet research and practices in human behavior manipulation, covering a broad spectrum of methods and applications, from psychiatric treatments to advanced studies in parapsychology and biocybernetics​​.

Document Archive

Stargate Collection: Controlled Offensive Behavior – USSR – 31 January 1972 [178 Pages, 8.67MB]

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Document Archive

Senator Dianne Feinstein Communications with the CIA [38 Pages, 9.5MB] – In this Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) release, documents were disclosed that shed light on the communications between the office of the late Senator Dianne Feinstein and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). The FOIA request, filed on March 14, 2014, sought to uncover communications from January 1, 2014, through circa March 2013. The CIA, after a comprehensive search, found seven documents, of which two were released in full and five with redactions due to FOIA exemptions.

A central theme in these documents is the respect for the Constitution’s separation of powers, as highlighted in a letter dated January 27, 2014, from the CIA Director. This letter acknowledges the critical importance of this principle for the effective functioning and oversight of government operations.

The correspondence also reveals concerns raised by Senator Feinstein regarding unauthorized searches conducted by the CIA. In a letter, Feinstein describes the CIA’s actions at an offsite facility assigned exclusively to the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence (SSCI) staff. These searches were to locate specific documents related to the CIA Detention and Interrogation Program. Feinstein underscored the potential constitutional issues arising from these unauthorized searches, indicating a possible breach of the separation of powers.

The matter escalated when Senator Feinstein, in a letter dated January 17, 2014, requested the CIA to suspend all searches of the Committee network. This request was subsequently agreed upon by the CIA, aligning with previous written agreements between the agency and the Committee.

Further emphasizing the seriousness of the issue, the SSCI, on March 13, 2014, voted to formally request detailed responses from the CIA regarding their search of the computer network at the CIA-leased facility. This was in the context of the Committee’s investigation into the CIA’s Detention and Interrogation Program.

Overall, the FOIA release provides a rare glimpse into the interactions between a key Senate oversight committee and the CIA. It highlights the complexities and sensitivities involved in maintaining legal and constitutional boundaries in the realm of intelligence and national security.

The post Senator Dianne Feinstein Communications with the CIA first appeared on The Black Vault.

The released documents include one that could be fully disclosed, while seven others were partially redacted based on various FOIA exemptions. These exemptions, specifically (b)(3), (b)(5), and (b)(6), pertain to information exempt from disclosure by statute, notably under the Central Intelligence Agency Act of 1949 and the National Security Act of 1947.

The case initially stemmed from Kinney’s request for information on James Harold Nichols, a former Office of Strategic Services (OSS) employee during World War II. Nichols’s personnel file was not among the 23,000 OSS personnel records released by the National Archives and Record Administration, leading Kinney to believe that many employment and personnel records of former OSS employees were still held by the CIA. The CIA, in response to Kinney’s request, declared, “We maintain a copy of the roster of OSS personnel. We checked the listing for Mr. Nichols’ name, and it did not appear on the roster”​​.

The CIA adopted a “neither confirm nor deny” stance regarding the existence or nonexistence of certain requested records. This approach, referred to as the Glomar response, is commonly used in cases where acknowledging the existence of records might reveal classified information. “The Agency refuses to confirm or deny maintaining records that would show a classified association with the CIA,” as per the documents​​.

This release of documents, while offering some transparency, underscores the complexities involved in accessing historical records tied to intelligence and national security.

Document Archive

CIA Releases Documents in Leslie G. Kinney v. CIA Freedom of Information Act Case [31 Pages, 6MB]

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The post CIA Releases Documents in Leslie G. Kinney v. CIA Freedom of Information Act Case first appeared on The Black Vault.

Background: In the early 1950s, a surge of UFO reports flooded into the U.S. Air Force’s Project Blue Book, which was responsible for investigating these sightings. These reports garnered significant public and media attention, leading to concerns within the U.S. government. Some officials were worried that potential enemies could exploit the UFO phenomenon, either by using the public’s fascination with UFOs as a psychological weapon or by saturating communication channels with false reports during a real attack. This led the CIA to convene a panel of experts to examine the UFO issue.

The Robertson Panel: Convened in January 1953, the panel was chaired by Dr. H.P. Robertson, a physicist from the California Institute of Technology, hence the name “Robertson Panel”. The group included various other scientists, including experts in astrophysics, radar, and atmospheric optics.

The panel’s primary task was to review the UFO reports collected by Project Blue Book and assess the potential threat these reports might pose to national security.

Key Findings and Conclusions of the Robertson Panel:

1. No Direct Threat: After examining the evidence, the Robertson Panel concluded that UFOs did not appear to pose any direct threat to national security.
2. Explanation for Sightings: The panel believed that most UFO sightings could be easily explained as misidentifications of natural phenomena, man-made objects, or other ordinary occurrences. They were of the opinion that if these explanations were promoted and publicized, the number of unexplained sightings would significantly decrease.
3. Potential Indirect Threat: The panel did, however, express concerns about the indirect effects of UFO reports. Specifically, they were concerned that the Soviets might try to exploit the public’s interest in UFOs for propaganda purposes or that a deluge of UFO reports might overwhelm military communication channels in the event of a real threat.
4. Recommendations: The Robertson Panel made several recommendations:
   • Public Education: The U.S. government should engage in a public education campaign to demystify and debunk UFOs. This would reduce the hysteria and public concern around the phenomenon.
   • Monitoring: The panel suggested monitoring civilian UFO groups since they might be prone to manipulation by foreign powers.
   • Limit Reporting: They recommended that the Air Force reduce the priority of Project Blue Book and make efforts to strip UFOs of their mysterious aura. This also included a recommendation to reclassify some UFO reports to reduce public access.
5. Limitation of Examination: It’s worth noting that the panel spent only a very limited amount of time examining the evidence (about 12 hours over several days), and they did not conduct field investigations or speak directly with many of the primary witnesses.

Aftermath and Criticism: The recommendations of the Robertson Panel were adopted by the CIA and other governmental agencies. As a result, Project Blue Book adopted a more skeptical approach to UFO reports, and efforts were made to debunk sightings publicly.

Over the years, the Robertson Panel has been a source of controversy among UFO researchers and enthusiasts. Critics argue that the panel’s approach was dismissive and that their conclusions were preordained. They believe that the panel was more interested in dismissing the UFO phenomenon rather than seriously investigating it.

Regardless of one’s stance on the matter, the Robertson Panel played a significant role in shaping the U.S. government’s public stance on UFOs for many years.

Document Archive

2013 CIA Release: The Robertson Panel Report, January 14 – 18, 1953 [28 Pages, 1.8MB]

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Archived Releases

2001 CIA Release: The Robertson Panel Report, January 14 – 18, 1953 [28 Pages, 1.8MB]

The post The Robertson Panel, The Scientific Advisory Panel on Unidentified Flying Objects Convened by the CIA first appeared on The Black Vault.

A 1955 memo has recently been further declassified by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), chronicling a unique event: the sighting of a “saucer-like” craft by a former U.S. Senator while in Russia during the height of the Cold War. The declassified top-secret memo, written by Herbert Scoville Jr., then-Assistant Director, Scientific Intelligence for the CIA, provides a fascinating account of former Senator Richard B. Russell‘s encounter with unknown objects seen by multiple witnesses.

The document was released after The Black Vault filed a Mandatory Declassification Review (MDR) case on January 6, 2020. The case took just over two years to review and declassify the two page memorandum, and despite the memo being released prior in redacted form in 1978, the memo has now been released, in full.

The memo is a record of an interview conducted with Senator Russell by Dr. Francis Clauser, a consultant with the Office of Scientific Intelligence, and Scoville himself, which took place on October 27, 1955. Russell’s observations are detailed and reveal a scenario that appears to remain unexplained after the Senator’s return to the United States.

“On an hour and one-half out of Baku,” the document states, “the subject [Russell] suddenly noticed a greenish-yellow ball rising rapidly.” Russell was quick to alert the rest of his party, exclaiming that he had just witnessed a “flying saucer.” Despite initial skepticism, the entire group soon became convinced after observing a second similar object ascending rapidly into the sky.

The two objects were initially spotted at considerable altitude, with no reference points to estimate their size or distance accurately. The objects gave the impression of “whirling” and followed a single trajectory without any visible breaks in their flight pattern. Strangely, no lights were associated with the objects – only a “yellowish glow.”

A crucial factor to consider is the testimony that the sighting took place while the party was traveling by train – a mode of transportation explicitly requested by Senator Russell. The document notes, “This tends to refute the theory that the train trip was arranged in order to stage the operation for Senator Russell’s benefit.”

In addition to his UFO sighting, Senator Russell also made a noteworthy observation during a motor trip between Moscow and Borodino. He reported seeing multiple caserns (military barracks) with personnel and radar installations, one with a “big egg beater object” around 20 feet away.

This incident was previously revealed within a October 15, 1955, “Current Intelligence Bulletin” released by the CIA, along with other files within Project Blue Book. Further information can be found on the Enigma Labs website.

Scoville concludes in the memo that Senator Russell’s testimony does not support the theory that the Russians have developed saucer-like or unconventional aircraft. He suggests the objects could have been “the exhausts of normal jet aircraft in a steep climb.” Yet, the nature of the sighting leaves open the possibility of more unusual explanations.

###

EDIT 7/11/23 – 8:00am: Additional context with previously released documents has been added to the article.

Document Archive

Top Secret CIA Memo Reveals Senator’s “Saucer-Like Craft” Sighting in 1955 [4 Pages, 0.5MB]

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The post Declassified Top Secret CIA Memo Reveals Senator’s “Saucer-Like” Craft Sighting in 1955 first appeared on The Black Vault.

In this undated document (circa late ’70s / ’80s?) from the CIA’s Stargate program collection, Dr. Hal Puthoff presents a rebuttal to James Randi’s book, “The Magic of Uri Geller.” It offers a “fact sheet” to correct the misconceptions and errors put forth by Randi in his book, while shedding light on the world of the Stargate program.

James Randi, also known as “The Amazing Randi,” was a renowned magician, escape artist, and skeptic. Throughout his career, he took a strong stance against pseudoscience, paranormal claims, and frauds. One of his most famous works is “The Magic of Uri Geller,” in which Randi criticized the alleged psychic abilities of Geller, an Israeli-British performer known for his spoon-bending demonstrations.

On the other hand, Dr. Hal Puthoff is an American physicist and parapsychologist who has been involved in various classified research programs, including the CIA’s Stargate program. He has a Ph.D. in electrical engineering from Stanford University and has made significant contributions to the field of remote viewing.

The Stargate program was a top-secret CIA project that aimed to investigate and harness psychic phenomena for intelligence-gathering purposes. Launched in the 1970s, the program explored the potential of remote viewing, a purported psychic ability to perceive information from distant locations without the use of the five traditional senses. Although the program was officially terminated in 1995, its legacy remains a topic of interest and intrigue.

In the document available below, Dr. Puthoff meticulously addresses each of Randi’s arguments against Geller’s psychic abilities, providing counter-evidence and insights. The fact sheet aims to set the record straight and reveal the truth behind the claims and counterclaims that surround Uri Geller’s abilities.

Document Archive

Stargate Collection: Hal Puthoff Responds to James Randi’s Book “The Magic of Uri Geller” [8 Pages, 0.7MB]

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The post Stargate Collection: Hal Puthoff Responds to James Randi’s Book “The Magic of Uri Geller” first appeared on The Black Vault.

The result was an MDR success, wherein the CIA released numerous pages, and lifted numerous redactions, on the record.

The document can be seen below.

Document Archive

Background on Six Subjects Suggested by Acting DDI, 7 August 1967 [89 Pages, 4.8MB]

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The post Background on Six Subjects Suggested by Acting DDI, 7 August 1967 first appeared on The Black Vault.

1. The guide emphasizes the importance of intelligence gathering and analysis for effective PSYOP, which includes understanding the enemy’s strengths and weaknesses, as well as the social and political environment in the area of operations.
2. The document explains that PSYOP should be tailored to the target audience, using cultural and linguistic nuances to maximize its impact.
3. It outlines various tactics, such as rumor campaigns, psychological pressure, and the use of mass communication channels to disseminate propaganda and control public opinion.
4. The guide highlights the importance of credibility and consistency in messaging to ensure the success of psychological operations.
5. It describes the role of armed propaganda teams in spreading the guerrilla movement’s message, winning the support of the local population, and conducting sabotage and intelligence activities.

The document offers valuable insights into the strategic use of psychological operations in guerrilla warfare, demonstrating their importance in shaping public opinion, controlling the narrative, and gaining support for the insurgency. By understanding and implementing these principles, one can gain a better understanding of the role of PSYOP in irregular warfare and the various tactics employed to achieve desired outcomes.

Document Archive

Psychological Operations in Guerrilla Warfare by Tayacán, Report dated October 18, 1984 [70 Pages, 4MB]

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Psychological Operations in Guerrilla Warfare Review Memorandum, dated 19 October 1984 [2 Pages, 0.8MB]

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The post Psychological Operations in Guerrilla Warfare by Tayacán, Report dated October 18, 1984 first appeared on The Black Vault.

One of the most notable conspiracy theories associated with Permindex is its alleged involvement in the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963. According to this theory, Permindex was a front organization for a group of international elites who sought to overthrow the US government and establish a new world order. Some have even suggested that Permindex was linked to the CIA or other intelligence agencies, and that its members had ties to organized crime.

While there is no concrete evidence to support these conspiracy theories, the fact remains that Permindex was a highly secretive and shadowy organization that operated outside the public eye. It was founded by a group of European businessmen, including Louis M. Bloomfield, a Canadian lawyer who had ties to the intelligence community. Bloomfield and others involved with Permindex were known to have connections to various political and military figures, including dictators and other authoritarian leaders.

Despite its murky origins and reputation, Permindex did operate as a legitimate business organization for a time, and it played a role in facilitating trade and commerce between Europe and other parts of the world. However, its association with various conspiracy theories and alleged illegal activities ultimately led to its downfall, and it was officially dissolved in the early 1970s.

Today, Permindex remains a subject of fascination for many conspiracy theorists and historians, who continue to speculate about its true purpose and activities. While the truth may never be fully known, the legacy of Permindex serves as a reminder of the often-shadowy world of international politics and commerce, and the potential for powerful individuals and organizations to operate beyond the reach of public scrutiny.

FBI Files on Permindex

FBI Files on Permindex [55 Pages, 3.2MB]

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The post Permindex – Front Organization for the CIA? first appeared on The Black Vault.

According to Wikipedia:

“William Francis Buckley (May 30, 1928 – June 3, 1985) was a United States Army officer, a Paramilitary Officer in Special Activities Division (renamed Special Activities Center in 2016[1]) and a CIA station chief in Beirut from 1984 until 1985. His cover was as a Political Officer at the US Embassy. He was kidnapped by the group Hezbollah in March 1984. He was held hostage and tortured by psychiatrist Aziz al-Abub. Hezbollah later claimed they executed him in October 1985, but another American hostage disputed that, believing that he died five months prior, in June. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery and is commemorated with a star on the Memorial Wall at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) headquarters in Langley, Virginia.”

Below you will find the investigation into files relating to Buckley.

Document Archive

Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Files

When seeking out files on Buckley from the CIA, many were already put online and into the CIA’s “Electronic Reading Room.” I amended my request for records NOT put online, therefore, not readily available to the public.

The result, was the following 1,040+ pages:

The Torture and Death of William Francis Buckley [1,042 Pages, 450MB] – PLEASE NOTE: This is a large file. It is recommended you right click, and press SAVE AS to your computer prior to opening.

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Files

Buckley, William Francis – FBI Release #1 – [32 Pages, 1.9MB]

Buckley, William Francis – FBI Release #2 – [248 Pages, 123MB]

The post The Torture and Death of William Francis Buckley first appeared on The Black Vault.

In May 2019, The Black Vault filed a Mandatory Declassification Review (MDR) case to get it reviewed and further released. It took until June of 2022 for the case to be completed, and as a result, numerous redactions were lifted and new information was revealed.

The document is available below.

Document Archive

Office of Logistics History, 1 July 1952 – 31 December 1956 [66 Pages, 12MB]

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The post Office of Logistics History, 1 July 1952 – 31 December 1956 first appeared on The Black Vault.

It was first released in 2009, with numerous redactions. But then in August 2019, The Black Vault filed a Mandatory Declassification Review (MDR) to get it reviewed. The result, as received in June of 2022, was that many redactions were lifted, but clearly, not all.

Document Archive

Soviet Forces for Intercontinental Attack, 26 October 1972 [99 Pages, 27MB]

The post Soviet Forces for Intercontinental Attack, 26 October 1972 first appeared on The Black Vault.

In this short episode, I breakdown a few documents likely related, describing UFO “material” years after the U.S. government / military’s investigation into UFOs known as Project Blue Book.

The documents show that within the walls of the CIA, despite the U.S. government’s public stance, officials and personnel continued to watch UFO developments. They even reference “material” and something “hand carried” to the office of one of the CIA scientists. What was it? A document? A post it note? Piece of wreckage?

Here’s a breakdown, along with what happened when The Black Vault tried to get both documents further declassified.

The Document

The post The CIA, UFOs and “Material” first appeared on The Black Vault.

This memorandum also outlined how they ultimately felt that Zechel may have fraudulently hoaxed CIA letters shown at the conference.

For many years, Zechel’s name was redacted. It wasn’t released until a 2017 MDR case by Jack Brewer brought it out.

In 2021, The Black Vault filed an additional MDR case to see if the final piece of the puzzle, the identity of the NSA employee who wrote the memo, could be revealed.

In a May 26, 2022 letter, though not sent to The Black Vault until a postmarked late July 2022 envelope was received, the NSA claims they “could not locate the original, unredacted copy” of the memo. What this means is that the NSA will never be able to disclose any still redacted information either now, or in the future.

This revelation now sits atop a growing number of UFO related documents that are “lost” and unable to be reviewed for further release. Some of those stories can be seen here and here.

Note: Although the NSA still redacts the name of who wrote the memo, the late Phil Klass wrote about this when the document got first released in 1997. He believed the author was MUFON board member Tom Deuley, who worked briefly for the NSA at the time. The newsletter can be found here, and the pertinent section is below:

Document Archive

NSA and a 1978 MUFON Conference: More Lost UFO Material [11 Pages, 4.8MB]

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The post The NSA and a 1978 MUFON Conference: More Lost UFO Material first appeared on The Black Vault.

More than two years later, sadly, no redactions were lifted, and it was released in the same state it was previously. That release is archived below.

Document Archive

NATO Intelligence-A Contradiction in Terms, 1984 [16 Pages, 8MB]

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The post NATO Intelligence-A Contradiction in Terms, 1984 first appeared on The Black Vault.

Document Archive

Soviet Quantum Field Theory, 4 May 1959 [112 Pages, 57.9MB]

The post Soviet Quantum Field Theory, 4 May 1959 first appeared on The Black Vault.

The following records were obtained from the CIA, and released in 2004. They were about the CIA’s museum.

Document Archive

CIA Museum Documents, Released 2004 [40 Pages, 29MB]

The post CIA Museum Documents, Released 2004 first appeared on The Black Vault.

Document Archive

Congressional Inquiry Concerning Possible KGB Involvement in Attempted Assassination of Pope John Paul, 1983-1984 [17 Pages, 7MB]

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The post Congressional Inquiry Concerning Possible KGB Involvement in Attempted Assassination of Pope John Paul, 1983-1984 first appeared on The Black Vault.