WATERGATE INCIDENT--STATUS REPORT (W/ATTACHMENTS)

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Collection: 
Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 
01482311
Release Decision: 
RIPPUB
Original Classification: 
U
Document Page Count: 
15
Document Creation Date: 
December 28, 2022
Document Release Date: 
August 7, 2017
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Case Number: 
F-2007-00094
Publication Date: 
June 26, 1972
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I � I 1.1:;.-..LASSi ED !NTERNApproved for Release: 2017/01/18 C014823111 L ;E WILY I I EJ CRET ... _ ROUTING AND RECORD SHEET SU3JECT: (Optional) 7144-P Illy (b)(3) FROM: Howard J. Osborn 1.1..../ Director of Security EXTENSION NO. DATE TO: (Officer designation, room number, oncl building) DATE OFFICER'S INITIALS COMMENTS (Number each comment to show from whom to whom. Draw a line across column after each comment.) :. RECEIVED FORWARDED 1 . s Deputy Director for Support - 1 - 3: For your information. 2. 3. Executive Director- Comptroller (...,(,e(,.,,, Coffey V _...... 4. (...,... ' , 5. .. 7. a. 10. 11. i 12. 13- 14. 15. / r 1 --r. n,yil y 3-6?. A 0)1:IONS SET I I CTET3E1 Pi TERN AL 1; r Al �../ Approved for Release: 2017/01/18 C01482311 1E1 ciA ss -iEi� firrinFT Approved for Release: 2017/01/18 C01482311 iDDis rut, L L 26 June 1972 MEMORANDUM FOR: Deputy Director for Support IExecutive Registry SUBJECT : Watergate Incident�Status Report 1. The attached status report represents a concise summary of the involvement of this Office thus far in protect- ing Agency equities arising from the "Watergate Incident." 2. We have been cooperating fully with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and have responded in writing to various requests from them for traces. These memoranda were cleared in advance with the Executive Director-Comptroller. 3. I believe that you may wish to forward the attached to Mr. Colby for his information. I believe he is faLiailiar with some of the material involved but may not know of the involve- ment of several current and former staff employees. Attachment owarci. J. Dorn Director of curity Approved for Release: 2017/01/18 C01482311 Approved for Release: 2017/01/18 C01482311 UIALi r g" ONLY I. ENTRY INTO DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS A. BACKGROUND Five men were a,xrested by the Washington Metropolitan Police at 2:10 a.. rn. on 17 June 1972, after having been clicovered breaking into the Democratic National Head- quarters at the Watergate in Washington, D. C. The five men had cameras and rather sophisticated bugging equip- ment. Although the suspects initially used aliases during the police interrogation, they were identified as Messrs. James Walter McCord, Jr.; Bernard L. Barker; Frank Anthony Sturgis; Eugenio Rolando Martinez Careaga; and Virgilio Ramon Gonzales -Rosabel. The Watergate incident has continued to receive extensive publicity, and there is suspicion that a sixth person was directly involved in the illegal entry. B. PRIMARY FIGURES 1. James Walter McCord, Jr. Mr. James W. McCord, Jr., a former Agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, served as a Staff Employee of the Agency from 22 August 1951 until his retirement on 31 August 1970. At the time of his retirement, he was a GS-15, Security Officer. He has since set up his private investigative organization known as McCord Associates, and in early 1972, he was named Security Coordinator for the National Committee for the Re-election of President Nixon. 2. Bernard L. Barker Mr. Bernard L. Barker, a former Captain in the U. S. Air Force, was born in Cuba of American-born parents, and he began cooperating with the Agency in 1959. He was hired on a contract basis in April 1960, and was used primarily to report on Cuban exile activities. Mr. Barker was terminated by the Agency on 31 July 1966, to accept employm nt in private industry. Approved for Release: 2017/01/18 C01482311 Approved for Release: 2017/01/18 C01482311 fVf.g 3. Frank Anthony Sturgis Mr. Frank Anthony Sturgis, who has used numerous aliases, formerly served in the U. S. Marine Corps and the U. S. Army in the 1940s. As of 1959, Mr. Sturgis was a:Captain in the Cuban Army, but later became disillusioned with Castro, became a soldier of fortune, and in 1961 headed an organization Called the International Anticommunist Brigade, which he claimed had 5, 000 members. Mr. Sturgis was never recruited by the Agency, but has been associated with Mr. Eugenio Rolando Martinez Careaga, an Agency contact since the 1960's. 4. Eugenio Rolando Martinez Careaga Mr. Eugenio Rolando Martinez Careaga, an American citizen of Cuban birth, was recruited by the Agency in 1961. The project to which he was assigned was terminated in 1969, and he has since been on a part- time retainer to report on the Cuban exile community, receiving $100. 00 a month. Prior to 1969, he received $8, 100. 00 per year for his full-time operational activity. It is to be noted that Mr. Martinez is a reS.1 estate partner of Mr. Bernard L. Barker. 5. Virgilio Ramon Gonzales -Rosabel Mr. Virgilio Ramon Gonzales-Rosabeli who has used various aliases, is not on record in WH Division/DDP, or any other component of the Agency. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has been advised that the Central Intelligence Agency has no record of Mr. Gonzales-Rosabel. C. THE WHITE HOUSE Everette Howard Hunt, Jr. Mr. Everette Howard Hunt, Jr., a former War Correspondent and free lance writer, was previously affiliated with the., Office of Strategic Services, and he was employed as an Agency Staff 11)0J Approved for Release: 2017/01/18 C01482311 Approved for Release: 2017/01/18 C01482311 ' cgi.? Y Employee from 8 November 1949 until his retirement on 30 April 1970, when he commenced private employ- ment with Robert R. Mullen and Company, a firm which has been utilized by the Agency for cover purposes. A news article of July 1971 indicated that Mr. Hunt joined the White House ,Staff as a Consultant to President Nixon preparatory to the President's visit to the Peoples Republic of China. Much of the recent publicity in-the case has focused on Mr. Hunt, who was interviewed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation on 17 June 1972. He admitted that he had written a check to Mr. McCord but invoked his Constitutional rights on all other questions. On the White House issue, previous reference was made to the employment of Mr. James W. McCord by the Committee for the Re-election of President Nixon. D. CURRENT AGENCY STAFF EMPLOYEES 1. James Corbin Fitchett James Corbin Fitchett entered on duty with the Agency in early 1952, and is currently a GS-13, Security Officer. His wife, Kathryn Fit9hett, is also an Office of Security employee. Scheduled to retire from the Agency on 30 June 1972, Mr. Fitchett made it known to Mr. McCord in May 1972, that he would be available to work with the Committee for the Re-election of President Nixon, and he was offered a position as a paid Security Officer. Mr. McCord initially wanted to utilize him as of 15 June 1972, but Mr. Fitchett requested a polygraph inter- view to substantiate his claim that he was not involved in the Watergate incident. Polygraph testing on 20 June 1972, was completely favorable. 2. Ralph Orlando True Ralph Orlando True entered on duty with the Agency on 1 Decem.be 1950, and is currently a GS-15, Secu- rity Officer. S eduled to retire from the Agency on 3 Approved for Release: 2017/01/18 C01482311 Approved for Release: 2017/01/18 C01482311 ' 3. L, A .A 30 June 1972, Mr. True planned on assuming a position with McCord Associates or an affiliate security unit. It has been established that Mr. True was in Mr. McCordIs office at the Com- mittee for the Re-election of President Nixon on 16 June 1972, the day before the Watergate incident. M. True denies any direct involve- ment in the case, entered on duty with the Agen.cy -in mid-1952, and is currently a GS-14, Operations Officer assigned to WH Division/DDP. He has been acquainted with Mr. Everette Howard Hunt, Jr., through the years, and he developed an acquaintance with Mr, James W. McCord, Jr., at Montgomery Community College in the fall of 1971, when Mr. McCord was teaching an industrial ity course at the educational institution. Mr. association with Mr. McCord developed through his interest in a young Chilean protege, Juan Rigoberto RUIZ Villegas, who formerly worked It is to be noted that Mr. arranged foat Juan RUIZ as an Villegas to acquire an office position at McCord Associates while the young Chilean continued to live in Mr. home, drive Mr. vehicle, and attend school. 4. Harry Thayer Mahoney Harry Thayer Mahoney entered on duty with the Agency on 30 March 1951, and is currently a GS-14, Operations Officer assigned to WH Division/DDP. Scheduled to retire from the Agency on 30 June 1972, Mr. Mahoney, a former polygraph examiner in the Office of Security, is acquainted with Messrs. Ralph 0. True and Everette Howard Hunt, Jr. The Office of Personnel Outplace- ment Assistance Branch referred Mr. Mahoney to Mr. McCord and he was interviewed for a position at his offices for the Committee for the Re-election. of ' President Nixon, r or about 10 May 1972, Mr. Mahoney was off,e,v d a position with McCord Associates. \Lit Approved for Release: 2017/01/18 C01482311 Approved for Release: 2011/01/18 C01482311 '!75 r 31.) McCord Associates has an approved job resume, but Mr. Mahoney has made no decision on taking the McCord offer. E. FORMER AGENCY STAFF EMPLOYEES 1. , Therese Mae Shea Mrs. Therese Mae Shea served as a GS-07, Staff Employee of the Agency from 15 June 1948 until her resignation from maternity leave on 20 April 1956. I-ler husband, William Francis Shea, was also with the Agency until February 1971. Mrs. Shea has been working as a secretary to Mr. James W. McCord at McCord Associates in Rockville, Maryland, and she quite naturally has extensive knowledge of Agency contacts with the private investigative firm. She knows Mr. , and is aware of his ties with .Juan Rigoberto RUIZ Villegas. 2. Dr. Edward Mansfield Gunn Dr. Edward M. Gunn served with the Agency from 13 June 1955 until 31 May 1971, and he was a GS-17, Deputy Director of Medical Services, at the time of� his retirement. Dr. Gunn was interviewed by an Office of Security representative on 19 June 1972, and discussed in some detail his involvement with the Institute for Protection and Safety Studies, Incorporated, which is affiliated with McCord Associates and occupies space in the same offices. Dr. Gunn last had direct personal contact with Mr. McCord on 21 'April 1972, and he denies having any knowledge of the Watergate incident. 3. Dr Jacob Victor Golder Dr. Jacob V. Golder, a former OSS employee, served with the Agency from 3 January 1955 until 16 April, 1971, and he was a GS-15, Chief of Psychological Services Staff/Office of Medical Services, at the time of 11:kli � I! 7 Approved for Release: 2017/01/18 C01482311 Approved for Release: 2017/01/18 C01482311 his retirement. He is still being utilized by the Agency on a contract basis at the SECRET level. Dr. Golder has not yet been interviewed (as of 23 June 1972) but indications are that his ties to Mr. McCord are similar to those of Dr. Gunn mainly through his participation as a Consultant- Instructor, at the Institute for Protection and Safety Studies, Incorporated. 4. William Francis Shea Williarri F. Shea served with the Agency from July 1951 until February 1971, and was a GS-14, Intelligence Officer with the Office of Strategic Research, DDI, at the time of his resignation. He had resigned in lieu of termination; and may not be too favorably disposed towards the Agency. As previously indicated, his wife, Therese Mae Shea, works as a secretary at McCord Associates. The Office of Personnel referred Mr. Shea to McCord Associates in 1971, and Dr. Edward M. Gunn indicated that Mr. Shea is affiliated with the Institute for Protection and Safety Studies, Inc. 5. Walter Edward Bra.yclen. Walter Edward Brayden served with the Agency from 2 February 1948 until 31 October 1969, and was a GS-13, Intelligence Officer, assigned to Operational Services/Central Cover Staff/DDP, at the time of his retirement. Mr. Brayden was interviewed by an Office of Security representative on 20 June 1972, when he indicated that he has been employed by McCord Associates in minor security duties during the last few months. In April 1972, he served as a guard for Mrs. Martha Mitchell on a trip to Chicago, and he expected to work on a security survey of the Hotel Fontainbleau in Miami in late June 1972. Approved for Release: 2017/01/18 C01482311 Approved for Release: 2017/01/18 C01482311 6. George Theodore Stanton George Theodore Stanton served with the Agency from 4 August 1947 to 8 January 1972, and was a GS-14, Operations Officer, assigned to the Counter Intelligence Staff/DDP, at the time of his retirement. Dr. Edward M. Gunn indicated that Mr. Stanton has been serving as a Consultant to the Institute for Protection of Safety Studies, Incorporated. 7. Louis Edgar Sherrard Louis Edgar Sherrard served with the Agency from 2 July 1952 until 31 January 1969, when he resigned. At the time of his resignation, he was a GS-13, Secu- rity Officer assigned to the Security Research Staff. Mr. Sherrardls employment background centers on industrial and. physical security, and he resigned from the Agency with the stated intention of taking a position with Bestlin.e Products, Incorporated, of 'San Jose, California. There have been recent "rumors" that Mr. Sherrard is in some way affiliated with McCord Associates, but there are no specifics on this. 8. Ross Ward Lambert Ross Ward Lambert, a former OSS employee, served with the Agency from 11 January 1965 to 9 August 1971, and was a GS-13, Contract Employee assigned to the Special Operations Division./DDP, at the time of his resignation. Mr. Lambert served extensively in Far East Division overseas posts, and there was a previous security interest in the case because of his daughter's involvement in activities of the Students for a Democratic Society (SDS). The Office of Personnel referred Mr. Lambert to McCord Associates but he took a job elsewhere. Approved for Release: 2017/01/18 C01482311 Approved for Release: 2017/01/18 C01482311 1 9. James Louis Baker James Louis Baker served with the Agency from 2 July 1952 until 24 June 1972, when his contract was allowed to expire. Mr. Baker, a GS-12, Operations Officer assigned to Special Operations DivisioniDDP, was in Saigon, South Vietnam, from April 1968 until 24 July 1971, when he was returned to Headquarters because of serious problems involving his wife. Divorce proceedings continued through early 1972, and his case has been monitored by the Office of Personnel. Subject was referred to McCord Associates by the Office of Personnel, but he acquired a position with the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, to be effective as of 26 June 1972. His application may possibly be on file at McCord Associates. F. OTHER CIA CONNECTIONS 1. Robert Foster Bennett Robert Foster Bennett, son of U.S. Senattr Wallace Bennett of Utah, is Director and Executive Vice- President of Robert R. Mullen and Company, which has been utilized by the Agency for commercial cover purposes. Mr. Bennett has been interviewed by members of the news media because of intense interest in Mr. Everette Howard Hunt, Jr., a former Agency Staff Employee working for the same firm. A Covert Security Approval was issued on 19 March 1971 for Mr. Benn.ett's use in providing cover for an Agency overseas asset. The Executive Director- Comptroller and the Director of Central Intelligence were advised at the time of the approval. Approved for Release: 2017/01/18 C01482311 Approved for Release: 2017/01/18 C01482311 2. Juan Rigoberto RUIZ Villeg,as Juan Ri qaberto P1117 Villegas was hired by Mr. as a Covert Asset in and continued to be used in from June 19t9 to June 1971. RUIZ came to the United States in August 1971, became something of a protege, and resided in Mr. home from 19 August 1971 to 21 April 1972. RUIZ attended Montgomery Community College, became acquainted with Mr. James W. McCord at that educational institution, and later acquired temporary (and illegal) employment at McCord Associates as a sort of caretaker. Mr. also assisted Mr. McCord in arranging for the ayment of RUIZ, a Chilean National, and Mr. at one point got RUIZ a part-time job with Mr. Glenn I. Sedam, Head of the District of Columbia Committee to Re-elect Richard Nixon. G. COVER ORGANIZATIONS 1. Robert R. Mullen and Company Robert R. Mullen and Company has been utilized by the Central Cover Staff since 1963, and since that time a total of eight people of the Mullen Company have been cleared or made witting of Agency ties. Mr. Mullen has provided sensitive cover support overseas for Agency employees and he was instrumental in the formation of the Cuban Freedom Committee. Mr. Edward Naeher, Mullen.'s Book- keeper and Accountant, is a retired CIA Finance Officer. As of I May 1970, Mr. Everette Howard Hunt, Jr., who had just retired from the Agency, became a legitimate employee of Mr. Mullen. He is aware of at least two present cover placements under Robert R. Mull n and Company. The Federal Bureau of Investigation vas informed of this Agency connection by memorandum ated 21 June 1972. 9 Approved for Release: 2017/01/18 C01482311 Approved for Release: 2017/01/18 C01482311 1 ;.! 2. Interprogres Interprogres is a new subsidiary of the Mullen Company formed in 1971, as a result of contacts developed at the Zagreb Trade Fair in Yugoslavia. It is a pilot operation aimed at expanding East- West comme'rcial relationships. At least two have tangential tasks of promoting the acceptance of this company as a Mullen subsidiary. The Federal Bureau of Investigation was advised of the Agency connection by memorandum dated 21 June 1972, which covered Robert R. Mullen and Company. 3. General Foods Corporation General Foods Corporation, headquartered in the White Plains, New York area, is a client of Robert R. Mullen and Company. The General Foods Corporation is providing cover support to. Over the years, because of person- nel changes, sixteen officials have been cleared on certain aspects of our interests, but they have not been informed of our use of Robert R. Mt41en and Company. The Federal Bureau of Investigation was informed of our ties to the General Foods Corporation by memorandum dated 21 June 1972. H. RELATED AGENCY CHECKS The Federal Bureau of Investigation and/or the news media have mentioned the following individuals or organizations in the course of the investigation of the Watergate incident. Agency records are either negative or contain no information directly pertinent to the Watergate incident: 1. Association of National Advertisers Association of National Advertisers was mentioned by the Federal Bureau of Investigation as having offices with Robert R. Mullen and Company. The Bureau was advised "no recordTM. tr,v1 v 11,11 A.f3 10 Approved for Release: 2017/01/18 C01482311 Approved for Release: 2017/01/18 C01482311 "CIF", without further details, was mentioned by the Federal Bureau of Investigation as having offices with Robert R. Mullen and Company. The Bureau Was advised "no record" on the basis of available information. 3. Arneritas, Incorporated Ameritas, Incorporated is said to be a Florida real esfate firm and several individuals listed employment with this organization when registering at the Watergate. The Bureau was advised no record". 4. George Leonard George Leonard, 1601 Washington Avenue, Kansas City, Kansas, registered at the Watergate. The Federal Bureau of Investigation was advised "not identifiable". 5. Edward Warner Edward Warner, 143 West 73rd Street, New York City, New York, registered at the Watergate. The Federal Bureau of Investigation was advised "not identifiable". The Federal Bureau of Investigation later listed the person as Edward L. Warren, of the same address, and we advised no record". The press has speculated that E. Warren." may be an alias of Mr. James W. McCord. 6. Paul Jose Piedra Paul Jose Piedra registered at the Watergate. The Federal Bureau of Investigation was advised "no record". 70 Joe Granada Joe Granada re ristered at the Watergate. The Federal Bureau of InveEfit "%ibiaiyt,nalS advised "no record". � 7,;1. N 4 Approved for Release: 2017/01/18 C01482311 Approved for Release: 2017/01/18 C01482311 L 8. Michael Douglas Caddy Michael Douglas Caddy (aka:. Douglas Caddy) is a lawyer with an office at 1250 Connecticut Avenue, Northwest, Washington, D. C. He is mentioned in the press as ;an attorney who was called into the case by the wife of Mr. Bernard L. Barker, one of the primary figures in the Watergate incident. - On 21 June 1972, the Federal Bureau of Investigation was advised that Caddy has never been employed by or associated with the Agency in any capacity. 9. McCord Associates No Agency file reference located on McCord Associates. 10. Institute for Protection and Safety Studies, Inc. Institute for Protection and Safety Studies, Inc. is affiliated indirectly with McCord Associates and has offices at the same Rockville, Maryland address. 11. Joseph A. Rafferty, Jr. Joseph A. Rafferty, Jr., a trial lawyer who was called into the case by Mr. Barker's attorney, Douglas Caddy. No record. 12. Miguel A. Suarez Miguel A. Suarez is mentioned in the press as a Cuban exile and lawyer and one of the "links to the Republican Party". He was listed by the press as a self-styled "Nixonian" who represented Florida's Cuban community in dealing with former GOP Governor Claude R. Kirk, Jr. He is listed as having an office with Mr. Barker at 955 First Street, Southwest, Miami, Florida, and is said to be a business partner of Mr. Barker. Allegedly the Federal Bureau of Investigation planned on interviewing him. He was of Agency interest between 1960 and 1965 in connection with ropaganda activities aimed toward Cuba. 0\1121 12 Approved for Release: 2017/01/18 C01482311 Approved for Release: 2017/01/18 C01482311 "t `s, r� � 4 L5 .j 13. Marie-Elene Barker Moffett Marie-Elene Barker Moffett is mentioned in the press as the daughter of Mr. Bernard L. Barker. Thought was given to releasing Mr. Barker to her custody. No/record. 142 Alberto Ca.rricarte Alberto Carricarte is mentioned in the press as the law partner of Miguel A. Suarez and Secretary of Ameritas, Incorporated. No record. 15. All State Investment Fund, S.A. , All State Investment Fund, S.A., is mentioned in the press as the parent company of Ameritas, Incorporated. It reportedly was established in Panama by Miguel A. Suare;-: to engage in real estate investment activities in the Caribbean area. No record I. BIOGRAPHIC SUMMARIES Complete biographic summaries have been prepared on those current Staff Employees, former Staff Employees, and Contract Personnel who were in any way connected with the Watergate incident, McCord Associates, the Institute for Protection and Safety Studies, Inc., or cover organizations. J. ADDENDUM Mr. Ralph Orlando True was interviewed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation on 23 June 1972, and he furnished a statement covering his association with Mr. James W. McCord and possible future employment by McCord Associates. The Bureau was following up on Mr. Truets Agency telephone extension. 13 Approved for Release: 2017/01/18 C01482311