COORESPONDENCE FROM MR. GERHARD MERTINS

• Document Type: FOIA
• Collection: FOIA Collection
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 05838799
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 1
• Document Creation Date: March 9, 2023
• Document Release Date: May 10, 2021
• Case Number: F-2018-01201
• Publication Date: October 4, 1972

Approved for Release: 2021/02/09 C05838799
"iTh lilt I
LN)
4 October 1972
MEMORANDUM Director of Central Intelligence
- SUBJECT: Correspondence from Mr. Gerhard Me
1. On receipt of Merlins' first letter, I coordinated this
fully with NE, who were already familiar with the case in view of
the approaches We concluded it was unnecessary and
probably unwise to reply. At the same time, the FI Staff sent a
copy of the correspondence to the appropriate Army component in
the Department of Defense, recommending that they in turn advise
the Department of State. At the time. I did not think it was nece1seary
to report all this to you.
2. NE and I have reviewed the situation as a result of Meitins'
second letter. Basically, we would prefer not to reply, feeling that
Mertins will eventually become discouraged and give up. A second \
possibility would be for a brief note to go out to Merlins from your
staff--perhaps signed by �-merely saying that Merlins'
correspondence had been brought to the attention of the appropriate
authorities in Washington and that "the Director" did not plan to take
any further action. The letter would be written in such a manner as
to avoid your name.
Please advise your preference.
IC:BT:dm
Distribution:
Original - Addressee w/basic
1 - ER
1 - IC subject
0- IC chrono
(Signed), Bronson Tweedy
Bronson Tweedy
DiDC1i1C
(b)(3)
(b)(3)
(b)(3)
Approved for Release: 2021/02/09 C05838799