</s>104-1031-10338 2025 RELEASE UNDER THE PRESIDENT JOHN F. KENNEDY ASSASSINATION RECORDS ACT OF 1992 Secret Memorandum For: John Pereira 26 February 1997 Memorandum For: Chief, Historical Review Group From: Barry Harrelson JFK Project Officer Subject: (U) CIA Employees Names in JFK Records Background: (AIOU) In March 1996, the ARRB agreed to protect the names of all Agency staff employees that appear in JFK documents until May 1997. The agreement reflected the Board, and that all Agency Staff employees that appeared in JFK review, and what it would take the time for the Agency to collect evidence to defend individual names. Attached to the release of CIA employee names and the Do's response to release of CIA employee names for the DOJ's response. Both memos assume a name-by-name approach and set categories and specific requirements for the release or protection of an indivocaches. Also attached for an analysis of the ARB and DO approaches. (AIOU) I do not know how prepared the DO is, but I suspect that there is still a significant amount of work to be done prior to the Board's meeting. I understand that many former employees have not responded to the DO's letter many that former employees are not responding to the Do's letter the DO is able to complete the research on all employees if protected to date, it is unlikely that they will be able to develop the type of evidence required by the Board to protect most individuals. Under the name-name-name Approach, we can expect a majority of the names to be released. Issue (AIOO) There is considerable concern among HRG reviews (ATOU) There are continued release of hundreds of Agency employees that the names has the potential to do unacceptable harm to US national security. The harm from release of a large number of names lies in the fact that it cannot be measured. This is due to the ripple effect that would occur measured, This is not due to a ripple effect for many liaison services. It undermines the basic concepts of cover for a claudestine service. CL By: CL Reason: 1.5 (C) 611637 DECL On: 1.5 C X1 DRV From: PER 9-87,COV 1.1.1-86 Secret

Summary  
The document outlines internal discussions between the CIA and the Assassination Records Review Board (ARRB) regarding the release of CIA employee names appearing in JFK assassination records. It details criteria for postponing name releases, including requirements for current cover status, potential harm to national security, or individual objections. Over 500 CIA employee names are noted as being subject to review by the ARRB in May 1997, with most having little connection to the JFK assassination. The Agency proposes a case-by-case approach, balancing public interest in historical transparency against risks to covert operations and national security. Recommendations include contacting former employees, using internal databases, and avoiding reliance on external entities like IRS or OPM due to cover risks. The ARRB is urged to reconsider its stance on releasing names tied to the JFK story unless sufficient evidence of harm is provided.  

Key People  
- **Barry Harrelson**: JFK Project Officer involved in coordinating with the ARRB.  
- **John Pereira**: Recipient of the initial memorandum.  
- **Fredrick C. Wickham, Jr.**: DO (Directorate of Operations) focal point for ARRB, proposing handling protocols for employee names.  
- **Linda OGC**: Likely involved in preparing memos for the Board.  
- **Gunn**: Reference to a memorandum outlining criteria for postponing name releases.  

Key Locations  
- **CIA Headquarters**: Central to discussions on cover mechanisms and operational security.  
- **ARRB Meetings**: Scheduled for May 1997, with potential implications for future reviews.  
- **Office of Personnel Security, Retirement Branch, Insurance Branch**: Internal systems used to locate former employees.  

Key Events  
- **March 1996 Agreement**: ARRB agreed to protect CIA employee names until May 1997, pending evidence of harm.  
- **May 1997 ARRB Meeting**: Critical deadline for reviewing over 500 names, with potential precedents for future releases.  
- **Proposed Name Release Criteria**: Includes assessing current cover status, operational risks, and individual objections to name disclosure.  

Key Organizations  
- **CIA (Central Intelligence Agency)**: Central to managing covert operations and protecting employee identities.  
- **ARRB (Assassination Records Review Board)**: Oversight body reviewing the release of JFK-related records.  
- **DO (Directorate of Operations)**: Responsible for handling employee names in JFK records, with internal protocols for review.  
- **IRS/OPM**: Considered for assistance in locating former employees but deemed risky due to cover implications.

JFK Declassified Files

104-10331-10338.pdf

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