</s>104-10182-10073 2025 RELEASE UNDER THE PRESIDENT JOHN F. KENNEDY ASSASSINATION RECORDS ACT OF 1992 WICKES, ALASTAIR FILE TITLE/NUMBER/VOLUME: INCLUSIVE DATES: CUSTODIAL UNIT/LOCATION: ROOM: DELETONS, IF ANY: HIRD AGENCY MATERIAL DATE DATE RECEIVED RETURNED REVIEWED BY (PRINT NAME) SIGNATURE OF REVIEWING OFFICIAL WENDY COLLINS Wendy Collin NO DOCUENTS MAY BE COPIED OR REMOVED FROM THIS FILE

Summary  
The documents detail Alastair Wicks' involvement in mercenary recruitment and operations in Africa during the 1960s, including his recruitment of South Rhodesian mercenaries for Mobutu’s forces and associations with plots to overthrow Congolese leaders. Wicks operated from Salisbury, London, and other locations, maintaining contacts with U.S., British, and South African intelligence agencies. The texts reference logistical operations involving aircraft and arms trafficking, as well as diplomatic discussions on political instability in Central Africa. A fragment mentions a letter potentially linked to an individual named "J.F." (possibly John F. Kennedy), though this is not explicitly confirmed. Other entries describe fragmented intelligence communications, military coordination efforts, and financial transactions related to mercenary activities in the Congo and South Africa.  

Key People  
- Alastair Wicks (Rhodesian national, former RAS official, mercenary recruiter)  
- Michael Hore (mercenary commander, involved in plots against Mobutu)  
- Jean Schalade (Mercenary Major, associated with Air Trans Africa)  
- John Mallock (former Katanga Air Force pilot, linked to illegal operations)  
- Wendy Collins (reviewing official for declassification)  
- Earl R. Myrick (contact for additional information)  
- Michael S. Thompson (Acting Chief, Africa/5)  
- Secaro/Scorpio (code names or personnel mentioned in context)  
- "J.F." (possibly John F. Kennedy, though not explicitly confirmed)  
- Allister Hoare (South African citizen with ties to intelligence activities)  
- Major Vickers (associated with South African military units and recruitment efforts)  
- Moise Tshombe (Congo leader mentioned in context of political movements)  
- Alister Wicks (military personnel)  
- Michael Hoare (military officer)  
- Colonel Frederic Vanderalle (military commander)  
- Major General (unnamed)  
- Lieutenant-Colonel (FNU) Soulin (Belgian Air Force)  
- Jeremah Puren (mercenary air force commander)  
- James Hedges, Peter Mackintosh, Errol Kinchman (pilots involved in reconnaissance and operational planning)  
- Belgian Colonel P.F. Marleré (military advisor facilitating supply inspections and logistical support)  

Key Locations  
- Salisbury (Rhodesia)  
- London (UK)  
- Ibiza Island (Spain)  
- KINSHASA (Congo/Zaire)  
- Pretoria (South Africa)  
- Brussels (Belgium)  
- Kinshasa (Zaire, now Democratic Republic of the Congo)  
- Leopoldville (capital of the Congo, referenced in logistical and intelligence contexts)  
- Johannesburg (South African city linked to recruitment and financial transactions)  
- Albertville (Congo)  
- KAHIMA (Congo)  
- Durban (South Africa)  
- Leopoldville (historical capital of Congo, referenced in administrative notes)  
- Kamina (base for aircraft and supply transport)  

Key Events  
- Recruitment of mercenaries for Mobutu’s forces (1964–1967)  
- Plot to overthrow Congolese leadership (linked to "KOBUTU" operations)  
- Mercenary flights and arms trafficking via Europe and Africa  
- Intelligence agency interactions (CIA, South African Security Branch, British Colonial Office)  
- Discussions on disbanding mercenary units and political influence in Central Africa  
- Handwriting analysis and psychological assessment of Alastair Wicks  
- Discussions on potential U.S. intelligence operations in Africa, including surveillance of mercenaries and coup planning  
- Internal agency communications regarding security clearances and operational directives  
- Military coordination efforts in Katanga against perceived rebel activity  
- Recruitment of mercenaries for South African military operations  
- Intelligence exchanges regarding potential coups and political instability in the Congo  
- Logistical planning involving payments, troop movements, and supply chains  
- Recruitment and training of South African troops in Congo  
- Pay disputes and administrative coordination for military units  
- Logistical challenges and equipment procurement  
- Personnel transfers and replacements within military commands  
- Planning and execution of operations against rebel forces in the Congo, including use of T-6 aircraft and amphibious assaults  
- Coordination between Hoare’s mercenary units and Congolese military leadership (Mobutu)  
- Logistical efforts to secure supplies, equipment, and transportation for troops  
- Discussions about operational control, chain of command, and potential conflicts with rebel groups  
- Military coordination efforts, recruitment contracts, financial transactions involving mercenaries, personnel movements and flight schedules, logistical planning for operations  

Key Organizations  
- Rhodesian Air Services (RAS)  
- CIA (Central Intelligence Agency)  
- South African Security Branch (SSB)  
- British Colonial Office  
- Air Trans Africa (airline involved in illegal operations)  
- Organization of African Unity (OAU)  
- Technical Services Division (TSD) Behavioral Activities Branch  
- Africa/5 (U.S. diplomatic/intelligence unit)  
- South African military units (including Fifth Commandos)  
- Congolese government authorities (involved in counterinsurgency efforts)  
- Intelligence networks (discussing operational security and covert activities)  
- Belgian Air Force  
- Department of Defense Intelligence (U.S.)  
- Military logistics and administrative units  
- National Army of the Congo (ANC)  
- Italian Air Force  
- Mercenary forces  
- AIP Force (military unit mentioned in financial transactions)  
- Administrative and financial entities handling payments, possibly linked to South African or Belgian authorities

JFK Declassified Files

104-10182-10073.pdf

Document Summary

Try AI Search