(Sanitized) JACK ANDERSON (C)

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP95B00915R000500110010-4
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 5
• Document Creation Date: December 19, 2016
• Document Release Date: August 9, 2005
• Sequence Number: 10
• Publication Date: April 14, 1982
• Content Type: MF

ILLEGIB Approved For Release 2005/08/16 : CIA-RDP95B00915R000500110010-4
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2 4 APR 1982
MEMORANDUM FOR: Deputy Director of Central Intelligence
Executive Director
General Counsel
Deputy Director for Administration
Director. of Security
Jack Anderson (C)
1. In June 1979, a former CIA analyst told CIA and FBI
officials that a reporter working for Jack Anderson, Dale Van Atta,
was carrying in a briefcase a large number of highly classified
CIA documents. Van Atta had shown the documents to this
individual in order to learn what some of the code words meant
and to determine how valuable they were. The FBI and CIA were
also told that one of the National Intelligence Daily (NID)
reports still had copy number 18 on its cover. All the other
documents had the copy number removed. The Office of Security
traced the document and copy number 25X1
in'1976. (S),
who left the National Security Council Staff
was then interviewed by the FBI and polygraphed.
initially admitted very little, but when he was con-
ronte with his suspicious responses to some questions, he
admitted removing from the National Security Council (NSC) an
unknown number of classified CIA and Defense Intelligence Agency
(DIA) documents and storing them in his residence.
stated that he took the material home in order to assist in the
preparation of a book. (S)
3. Upon further questioning, denied providing any
classified information to Jack Anderson. He hinted that he and
his wife had experienced some marital difficulties in the fall of
1976 and that it was possible his wife, in a fit of anger, had
given the documents to The Washington Post. The FBI then inter-
viewed and asked if she would take a polygraph
examination. She reportedly refused and indicated she intended
to retain legal counsel. One FBI agent currently working on
unauthorized disclosure matters recalls that the FBI believed it
had a very strong case but that the _
Department of Justice refused to allow the FBI to continue the
case. (S)
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4. Based on the classified information Anderson has used in
his daily column in The Washington Post, his television commen-
taries on "Good Morning America," and his radio shows, the Office
of Security estimates Anderson has approximately 400 classified
documents. This total consists of approximately 200-300 copies
of the National Intelligence Daily (NID), numerous DIA Summaries,
Appraisals, and Weekly Summaries; several National Intelligence
Estimates; and at least 20 National Intelligence Bulletins. In
addition to the CIA and DIA information, Anderson also has many
National Security Decision Memoranda from the period 1969-1976 as
well as State Department. cables and Bureau of Intelligence and
Research reports. In general, most of the classified documents
in Anderson's possession are from the time period April 1975-
September 1976. As noted above, September 1976 is the date
Anderson allegedly received the classified documents under
discussion.. (S)
5. Judging from the speed with which Anderson is able to
include classified intelligence in his articles on current inter-
national events, it appears likely he has the NIDs organized in
an alphabetical country index. This facilitates the rapid
preparation of his column for the 970 newspapers that carry his
syndicated column each day. Based on this older classified.
information, Anderson has repeatedly told his readers that he has
a direct line into CIA at the highest levels. (S)
6. Beginning in July 1979, CIA General Counsel STAT
STAT I Irecommended to the Department of Justice (DOJ) that a
civil action, called a Writ of Replevin, be issued to Anderson
which would force him to give back to the Federal Government
classified government documents in his possession. Several
months later Attorney General Civiletti turned down the CIA
request for the replevin action. The issue remained dormant
within the DOJ until the change of administrations in January
STAT 1981. On 6 March 1981,1 again asked the DOJ to review
the replevin strategy. Mr. Mc ra and Mr. Williard agreed to
review the matter, and CIA then supplied data which showed the
number of documents believed to be in Anderson's possession. On
11 February 1982, Messrs. McGrath, Williard, and Richards of the
DOJ indicated they considered the replevin strategy to be the
best means available to retrieve CIA's classified documents from
Jack Anderson. General Counsel Stanley Sporkin suggested that
before proceeding against Mr. Anderson, further investigation
should be undertaken to trace the documents from the government
25X1 to the media. If this could be done, then
and only then would it be appropriate to involve Mr. Anderson in
legal proceedings. The Assistant Attorney General then wrote to
the Agency referencing the General Counsel's misgivings about the
advisability of initiating a lawsuit to recover the CIA docu-
ments. He stated before a final decision were made, the
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IS
Department wished to know Mr. Casey's views. The General Counsel
replied that the matter was being deferred at this time and that
Justice would be advised if a decision is made to proceed.
. Mr Approved For Release 2005/08/16 I NP95B00915R000500110010-4
 SECRET
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Distribution:,
Orig - Addressee
1 - DCI
1 - ExDilr
1 - ER
1 - DDA
1 OGC
Jack Anderson CC)
STAT OS/PSI./SAG
Retyped:
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