OS - JAMES KRONTHAL

• Document Type: FOIA
• Collection: FOIA Collection
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 06619064
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 1
• Document Creation Date: March 9, 2023
• Document Release Date: February 6, 2020
• Case Number: F-2013-01784
• Publication Date: March 31, 1953

Approved for Release: 2020/01/03 C06619064
Secrt Informat
31 March 1953
MTKORANDUM FOR THE RECORD
SUBJECT: James Kronthal.
1. Shortly before noon 31 March 1953 the Personnel Director received
a call from Colonel Edwards, Security Officer, CIA, advising that subject
individual had been found dead at his residence at about 10:30 AM the same
day. Colonel Edwards advised that an empty vial had been found by the body
and the presumption was that subject had taken poison.
2. Shortly after twelve noon the Personnel Director called Doctor
is subject's brother-in-law and he was called in preference
to subject's next of kin, his Mother, since it was understood the Mother
is in poor health, was told that subject had committed suicide.
The Personnel Director said he did not know the method used, but was sure
he had not shot himself. The Personnel Director also indicated that he did
not know the details at that time, was asked to break the news
to the subject's Mother. agreed to do this, but wanted his
wife, subject's sister, to be present at that time.
3. At 2:15 PM called back and talked to Mr. Claxon. He
said he had not talked with the Mother as yet and asked if there were any
other details. Er. Claxon promised to call him back and after talking with
Colonel Edwards he was Called back at 2:30 PM. was advised that
the presumption was that subject had committed :suicide by taking poison,
since an empty vial had been found by his bed...-,The.coroner must examine
to determine cause. The body is in the morgueand after autopsy will be
turned over to the undertaker of the family's choice.
(b)(6)
(b)(6)
(b)(6)
(b)(6)
(b)(6)
(b)(6)
(b)(6)
4. was further advised that Agency officials were working (b)(6)
closely with the Metropolitan Police and that as soon as the autopsy was
performed and the body released that someone from CIA would again be in
touch with him.
5. while Colonel Edwards had indicated that there had been a personal
note left for an acquaintance of subject, no mention was made of this to
since it presumably has no bearing on his family relationships.
(b)(6)
(b)(6)
(b)(6)
Approved for Release: 2020/01/03 C06619064