</s>104-10164-10112 2025 RELEASE UNDER THE PRESIDENT JOHN F. KENNEDY ASSASSINATION RECORDS ACT OF 1992 CHARLES, CLEMARD JOSEPH. BANKER, PORT-AU-PRINCE. OFFICIAL USE ONLY CIA-P-162573

Summary  
The documents detail CIA and FBI intelligence reports on Clemard Joseph Charles, a Haitian banker and political figure, and his alleged involvement in plots against Haitian leaders, including President François Duvalier. Charles is described as a key player in financial dealings with U.S. entities, including interactions with U.S. officials during the 1960s–1970s. The records reference his claims of political ambitions, military alliances, and economic initiatives in Haiti. CIA monitoring of his activities includes financial transactions involving large sums (e.g., US$200,000), alleged attempts to destabilize Haitian governments, and interactions with U.S. embassy personnel. Some documents mention a "President-" referenced in May 1963, possibly alluding to JFK’s assassination, though no direct connection is established. Financial records include safe deposit box access at First National City Bank in New York, classified markings (e.g., UNCLASSIFIED, CONFIDENTIAL), and discussions of U.S.-Haitian diplomatic and military interactions. Redacted social security numbers are noted but not included.  

Key People  
- Clemard Joseph Charles: Haitian banker, claimed future president, involved in political plots against Duvalier.  
- François Duvalier: President of Haiti, central figure in political power struggles.  
- Louis A. Brun: U.S.-based Haitian businessman and financial associate of Charles.  
- Max Rowe: Financial associate of Charles, allegedly provided funds for his activities.  
- John Mere: UK Consul General in Haiti, mentioned in context of political figures.  
- Colonel Howard L. Burris: U.S. Army officer reportedly supportive of Charles’s coup plans.  
- Dorothy Watkacz: Army official involved in handling Charles’s correspondence.  
- Genevieve Alyse (Lusenic Contact Service): Intelligence liaison handling communications with Charles.  

Key Locations  
- Port-au-Prince, Haiti: Central location for Charles’s banking and political activities.  
- New York City, USA: Site of U.S. embassy interactions, financial dealings, and safe deposit box access.  
- Washington, D.C.: Headquarters for U.S. intelligence agencies (CIA, FBI) monitoring Haitian affairs.  
- Miami, Florida: Mentioned in context of financial transactions and business operations.  
- Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic: Reference to political rivalries and exile networks.  

Key Events  
- 1963: Alleged plot against a "President-" (possibly JFK) referenced in May 1963.  
- 1964: Charles released from prison in Haiti after being arrested in Port-au-Prince.  
- 1967: Military purges targeting Duvalier’s regime associates, including executions at Fort Dimanche.  
- 1968: CIA reports on Charles’s financial activities and alleged plans to overthrow Haitian leaders.  
- Financial transactions involving blank checks, Swiss bank accounts, and U.S. dollar dealings.  
- U.S. embassy requests for monitoring Charles’s movements and debriefing sources.  

Key Organizations  
- Central Intelligence Agency (CIA): Monitored Charles’s activities, financial dealings, and political maneuvers.  
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI): Assessed Charles’s coup plans and connections to Haitian military figures.  
- U.S. Department of State: Engaged in diplomatic and intelligence coordination with Haitian officials.  
- Haitian government and military forces: Key players in internal power struggles under Duvalier.  
- Commercial Bank of Haiti: Center of Charles’s financial operations.  
- Exile networks in the United States: Supported coup efforts against Duvalier.

JFK Declassified Files

104-10164-10112.pdf

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