LETTER TO FRANK ABBOTT FROM STANSFIELD TURNER

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP05S00620R000100040077-3
• Release Decision: RIFPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: December 22, 2016
• Document Release Date: March 25, 2010
• Sequence Number: 77
• Publication Date: April 14, 1977
• Content Type: LETTER

Approved For Release 2010/03/25: CIA-RDP05S00620R000100040077-3
The Director of Central Intelligence
~ti'ashfigon. D. C. ZO~Oi
~ 4 APR i~77
Dear Dr. Abbott,
It is my pleasure to write you in support of the application
from Ambassador James B. Engle for the post of President of the
New Mexico Military Institute. I've known Jim Engle since 1947
when we were roommates at Oxford University. We have since then
been close personal and professional friends.
From this period of substantial observation of Jim Engle,
I can unhesitatingly recommend him for the post of President
of the New Mexico Military Institute. I do this with a particular
regard for the combination of his academic capabilities and his
potential for fitting in well with the military environment. On.
the latter score, I would note that during his prolonged duty in
the combat zone in Vietnam he has seen more service in military
combat than may arise for the professional military man. Beyond
that I have observed him in his present capacity as International
Affairs Advisor to one of the major U.S. military commanders, the
Commander in Chief in the Atlantic. His ability to understand
the military problem and the military outlook and to harmonize
with people of the military profession is in evidence to all
those around him.
Ever since I knew him as a Rhodes Scholar, Jim Engle has
personified the combination of serious but practical academic
endeavor. He has a keen mind that drives directly to the heart
of any problem. He has a fine sense of what learning is purely
academic for the sake of academicians and what can also be of
long-term value to students as they go out into the world of
business, government and military undertaking.
Finally let me say briefly but sincerely that I know of no
individual or family that has higher standards. or more cultural
refinement than the Engles. They would be a magnificent addition
Approved For Release 2010/03/25: CIA-RDP05S00620R000100040077-3
 Approved For Release 2010/03/25: CIA-RDP05S00620R000100040077-3
to any campus such as that of New Mexico Military Institute and
a great inspiration to the young men with whom they would be
associated. Having visited your campus in the past and having
known Colonel Ted Hunt, I can say with great confidence that
James Engle is ideally suited to the leadership of New Mexica
Military Institute.
I'd be most happy to attempt to provide any additional
information that you might desire.
STANSFIELD TURNER.
Admiral, U.S. Navy
Dr. Frank Abbott
Chairman
Selection Advisory Committee
New Mexico Military Institute
Roswell, New Mexico 88201
Approved For Release 2010/03/25: CIA-RDP05S00620R000100040077-3