LETTER TO MR. JAY R. WATKINS FROM W. E. COLBY

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP80M00165A000500320001-4
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: December 15, 2016
• Document Release Date: December 22, 2003
• Sequence Number: 1
• Publication Date: November 1, 1974
• Content Type: LETTER

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1 NOV 1974
You raise a very fundamental question in your letter
of September 28th, and one which could take a volume to
answer. I believe, however, the basic answer is that
contained in the Pregident's press conference of 16 September
1974, in which he said "It's a recognized fact that histor-
ically, as well as presently, such actions are taken in the
best interests of the countries involved." In a world of
sovereign powers, we Americans must be informed of the
potential difficulties which we could face from other nations,
as some can present potential threats, and we must protect our-
selves against that danger. As for our covert operations,
these also fundamentally rest on our nation's sovereign rights,
and I believe recent votes in the Congress indi..that the
Congress also believes that the U. S. should note inhibited
from conducting such activities where necessary z
I hope this answers your questions.
WEC:jlp (1 Nov 1974)
Distribution:.
Original - Addressee
1 - DCI w/basic
1 - ER
Sincerely,
/s/. A E. Colby
W. E. Colby
Director
7/
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STAN
September 28, 1974
Mr. William E. Colby
Director of Central Intelligence Agency
Central Intelligence Agency
Langley, Virginia 22101
Dear Mr. Colby,
I would like to commend you on-an excellent presentation-
and response to the questions asked at the Congressional hearing.
with the events of recent weeks we have seen a great deal of
publicity on the C.I.A.,. its operations, and alleged involvement
in. Chile.
Being a part-time employee with the Agency and full-time
foreign service student at Georgetown University I have a concern
for the C.I.A. and its activities in other countries. In various
courses, from. theology to political courses,the? C.I.A. has been
mentioned in connection with Chile. In one political course my
professor mentioned involvement of the C.I.A.. in Chile as having
an"erosive" effeet upon our American culture and our concept of
its ideals.
Of course,.clandestine activities and covert operations abroad
cannot be admitted p.olitically. But in a very general sense, I
would like to know what justification or rationale we 'as Americans
have for getting ourselves involved overseas. An answer to this
would certainly provide me with a base from which to view our
actions abroad.
Your reply would be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
STAT
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