</s>104-10324-10002 2025 RELEASE UNDER THE PRESIDENT JOHN F. KENNEDY ASSASSINATION RECORDS ACT OF 1992 SECRET INTERVIEW WITH SAM HALPERN Ralph E. Weber 23 October 1987 30 October 1987 SECRET

Summary  
The text details Mr. Halpern’s recollections of CIA operations during the 1960s and early 1970s, focusing on intelligence activities related to Cuba, Vietnam, and domestic surveillance programs. He discusses JFK’s 1961 request for an assassination capability, which led to the creation of a covert unit under Dick Bissell, though no specific target was named. Halpern references ZR/RIFLE (a CIA operation against Fidel Castro) and LASH (LAMPIR), involving medical preparations for poison (Black Leaf-40). He also notes the involvement of the Mafia in Cuban operations and critiques the lack of transparency in CIA activities, including leaks to Congress and media. The Church Committee’s 1975 investigations into intelligence practices are highlighted as a response to these issues, with Halpern criticizing its handling of classified information.  

Key People  
- **John F. Kennedy (JFK)**: Requested an assassination capability in January 1961.  
- **Dick Bissell**: CIA official who oversaw the creation of the assassination capability.  
- **Bill Harvey**: Linked to Mafia operations and ZR/RIFLE.  
- **Frank Church**: Chairman of the Church Committee, criticized for leaking information to the media.  
- **Robert F. Kennedy**: Implied as a key figure in overseeing MONGOOSE operations.  
- **Seymour Hersh**: Journalist who exposed CIA activities through 1974 articles.  
- **Bill Colby**: CIA Director criticized for mishandling congressional interactions.  

Key Locations  
- **Cuba**: Target of ZR/RIFLE and MONGOOSE operations.  
- **Washington, D.C.**: Headquarters for CIA and congressional oversight activities.  
- **South Vietnam**: Context for discussions on military and intelligence priorities.  

Key Events  
- **JFK’s 1961 request for an assassination capability**: Led to the creation of a covert unit under Bissell.  
- **ZR/RIFLE operation against Castro**: Involving Mafia ties and medical preparations for poison.  
- **LASH (LAMPIR) operation**: Medical preparation of poison (Black Leaf-40).  
- **Church Committee investigations (1975)**: Focused on CIA activities, leaks, and congressional oversight.  
- **Leak to media**: Frank Church’s televised summaries of executive sessions led to unauthorized disclosure of witness identities.  

Key Organizations  
- **Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)**: Central to operations discussed, including assassination planning and drug experimentation.  
- **Church Committee**: Investigated CIA activities and leaks during the 1970s.  
- **U.S. Congress**: Highlighted as a key player in oversight and information control.

JFK Declassified Files

104-10324-10002.pdf

Document Summary

Try AI Search