</s>204-10110-10245 2025 RELEASE UNDER THE PRESIDENT JOHN F. KENNEDY ASSASSINATION RECORDS ACT OF 1992 SECRET 2 MEMORANDIUM FOR: Chief, Support Branch DATE: 1 July 1963 FROM : Mr. Ramon R. Hart : Manuel F. ARTINE Ruesa SUBJECT #210 838 1. On 2nd June 1963, Mr. Charles Matt, SAS/MOB/FM, extension 6/68, was referred to me by me by the SAS Security Officer, Mr George Ladder, was visited me in Room 2 to be 21 to request some operational support beginning to July 1963. Mr. Matt advised that two leaders or were to join the CIA and other Government officials. That later date to confer with CIA and Cia and other government officials. including probably Robert F. Kennedy, the Attorney General, Concern- ing the new program for the excelles. 9/62 Mr.Matt explained that a covert site (502 92) located at 9/62 Alderhold Drive, Bethesda, Maryland, had recently been for these sensitive discussions that take place. Mr, Matt said that SAS is vitally interested in what these exiles may say to each place when the U.S. Government officials have departed after a day's in the house to monitor their comments. in the House to monitor them. 3. Matt said at the two men would arrive on 1 July and would be in Washington at the house for about a week or on ten days. DPS/105 The audio coverage was requested for this entire time. Mr Matt Also said that the house would be retained for several more months A.S./105 also said said that he would be retaining several more more months times in that period and that an audio surveillance several more be requested for these later visits also. The two men were captured Subject: Having been informed by Mr. Matt that the covert site is a private dwelling place in an expensive method, I assumed that there would only two methods of making an audio penetration of the premises: C/S/B W/S C/B/S W/R 3 C/S B/SW/R SECRET A&S A&T's PIRES ASTRUN D.C.A. Background Use Only Do Not Resurring

Summary  
This document details a 1963 U.S. government operation involving audio surveillance of a covert meeting site in Bethesda, Maryland. The operation was coordinated by Ramon R. Hart, with input from Charles Matt (SAS/MOB/FM) and others. A private residence at Alderhold Drive, Bethesda, was identified as the location for discussions between individuals linked to CIA and U.S. government officials, including potential involvement of Robert F. Kennedy. The surveillance plan involved installing a tape recorder and radio equipment in the house’s basement, with voice-operated relays and FM transmitters. Equipment procurement included two transmitters, batteries, and receivers, funded through Form #88 and coordinated with TSD (Technical Support Division). Testing occurred on June 29, 1963, after initial failures due to environmental factors. The setup was intended to monitor conversations at the site during July 1963.  

Key People  
- Ramon R. Hart: Coordinator of the surveillance operation.  
- Charles Matt: SAS/MOB/FM operative involved in planning the covert meetings.  
- George Ladner: Mentioned as a participant in a meeting with Halpern and others.  
- Fred C. Thomas, Jr.: Resident of the target house at Alderhold Drive, Bethesda.  
- John W. McBee: TSID official who facilitated equipment procurement.  
- Sam Halpern: SAS Executive Officer overseeing surveillance equipment.  

Key Locations  
- Alderhold Drive, Bethesda, Maryland: Private residence used for covert meetings.  
- Franconia Depot: Site where equipment was obtained or stored.  
- Headquarters Building (Langley): Location of some coordination activities.  

Key Events  
- June 25, 1963: Hart visited Fred C. Thomas to confirm the house’s suitability for surveillance.  
- June 29, 1963: Successful testing of the audio equipment at the target location.  
- July 1, 1963: Arrival of two individuals at the Bethesda residence, with planned surveillance during their stay.  

Key Organizations  
- SAS (Security Assistance): Involved in planning and executing the covert operations.  
- TSD (Technical Support Division): Provided technical expertise and equipment for the surveillance setup.  
- DFO (District Field Office): Coordinated installation and testing of the surveillance gear.  
- ISD (Intelligence Support Division): Facilitated communication and equipment procurement.

JFK Declassified Files

104-10110-10245.pdf

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