SETTLEMENT FOR FRANCIS GARY POWERS

• Document Type: FOIA
• Collection: FOIA Collection
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 03072202
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: December 28, 2022
• Document Release Date: August 31, 2017
• Case Number: F-2012-01678
• Publication Date: October 19, 1971

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Executive Reg-16117
OGC 71-1526 Wm/
19 October 1971 /121-$'
MEMORANDUM FOR: Acting Executive Director-Comptroller
SUBJECT : Settlement for Francis Gary Powers
1. This memorandum contains a recommendation submitted
for approval of the Acting Executive Director-Comptroller. Such
recommendation is contained in paragraph 6.
2. As you are aware, Francis Gary Powers has retained an
attorney to represent him in connection with his service with the Air
Force and CIA. The attorney addressed a letter to the President of
the United State,s under date of 31 August 1971. Since that letter was
not entirely clear as to what was desired, it was agreed that a rep-
resentative of the Air Force and John S. Warner, Deputy General
Counsel, CIA, would visit with the attorney to determine what was
being requested.
3. At that meeting the attorney indicated that Mr. Powers
would be satisfied if he were allowed credit for Air Force purposes
for the time he spent with the Agency which, in fact, was promised
him originally and reinstatement in the Air Force which in another
eight years would entitle him to a 20-year retirement.
4. The Air Force has determined that they cannot see their
way clear to restore him to active duty. In lieu thereof, a proposal
has been approved by Secretary of the Air Force Seamans and Secre-
tary of Defense Laird whereby a sum up to $250,000 would be offered
Powers in lieu of all claims. This sum would be placed in a trust to
be administered by a corporate trustee. The mechanics of the move-
ment of money and arrangements for the trust will be accomplished
by the Agency so that there will be no traceable record back to the
Government. Powers will be required to execute a full release and
discharge of all claims.
DD/S&T
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5. The Air Force offered the Agency the opportunity to par-
ticipate in supplying the necessary funds up to 50 percent. Mr. Carl
Duckett, in his meeting with you on 15 October 1971, advanced cogent
reasons for our so participating. As you informed Mr. Warner
orally on 15 October, the Director of Central Intelligence has approved
providing funds up to $125,000 for this purpose. The purpose of this
memorandum is to authorize the Office of Finance to advance $250,000
to Mr. John S. Warner so that if he can negotiate a settlement it can.
be consummated while the Air Force representative and Mr. Warner
are in Los Angeles on 26 and 27 October. The Office of Finance will
seek reimbursement from the Air Force of one-half of the final settle-
ment amount, including the necessary legal fees, in accordance with
their agreement.
6. Your authorization is requested for Office of Finance to
advance $250,000 for the above purposes.
LAWRENCE R. HOUSTON
General Counsel
CONCUR:
DDS&T
(stpned) John M. Clarke
D/PPB
Date
2 1 OCT 1971
The recommendation in paragraph 6 is approved.
21 OCT 1971
Date
Acting Executive Director-Co ptroller Date
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