LETTER TO LT. GEN. VERNON A. WALTERS FROM TOM MOON

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP80R01731R001900060010-9
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 7
• Document Creation Date: December 14, 2016
• Document Release Date: July 25, 2003
• Sequence Number: 10
• Publication Date: August 25, 1975
• Content Type: LETTER

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Aug. 25, 1975
Lt. Gen. Vernon A. Walters, Deputy Director
Central Intelligence Agency
Langley, Virginia
Perhaps you are the man I should be contacting. I just read a local
newspaper article concerning your criticism of the massive attacks
being made on CIA.
For several weeks I have been hoping for some sort of a repl to my
correspondence which started with - then
to Dave Phillips and finally Bill Colby. A copy of that
last letter is enclosed which explains what I am trying to do.
I spent last weekend with Paul Weston and Jo Stafford, both of whom
have already read THE DEADLIEST COLONEL and who were most anxious to
help me in its promotion. Weston has already talked to both Johnny
Carson and Merv Griffin who have agreed to letting me appear on their
shows. I have yet to give a talk on my book that does not draw
questions from the audience about the CIA and its current bad press.
I have always clearly pointed out I know only what has been printed
but that the CIA side is not being presented and if it were there
would be quite a different picture to ponder. I have stated that
in any intelligence gathering there must be secrecy and in general
tried to explain the necessity for certain phases of CIA activities.
Rather than go on I think I will just let the enclosed material
speak for itself - except to say that time is of the essence. I am
convinced I can clear my appointments and do such a book in 3,0
straight working days. But the ball now rests in your court and
with this letter to you I rest my case. I can honestly say in this
case I am altruistic and continue pushing this because I feel it must
be done and I feel I occupy a unique position to do it. I can only
hope you concur.
STAT
STAT
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August 4, 1975
Mr. Wm. Colb,!, Director
C.I.A.
Langley, Virginia
Dear Mr. Colby.
The attached copies of letteral and Dave Phillips are
self explanatory. In a nutshell I want to write a book that will give
some true facts to counteract the anti.-CIA publicity now given daily
by the press.
I served in O.S.S. during WW II and just now have u book coming on the
market (Vantage Press) that took 5- years in research. A flyer gives
some of its hilites. I have been doing free lance writing for many
years and have contacts with some of the show biz people who are really
more disturbed about the bad publicity CIA is getting than you would
imagine.
Having lived a life apart from the intelligence community for nearly 30
years now and being comfortably ensconced in suburban, middle class
America I feel I have an approach different from many other writers.
I have invitations now to go to Japan to meet with officers of their
18th Div. whom we fought against in Burma - from one of our top Burmese
agents in Rangoon and others throughout the world. These came about
due to the extensive research on THE DEADLIEST COLONEL.
In my opinion timing is of the essence should such a book be done telling
the CIA side of the story. My approach might be spelled out more clearly
in the suggested title REVISITED". It should tell the
story of just what the domestic surveillance did uncover - the selection
and training of agents - internal controls and discipline - how bad press
has harmed your operations through diminished overseas contacts - a
minute examination of those groups constantly harassing the agency with
a study of their motives and track record - a close look at some of those
on the Congressional Committee to investigate CIA etc. I began collecting
major articles from Newsweek, U.S. News and Time in 1971 and have many
other articles from columnists that are both pro and con on the intelligence
community. My intent is not to put out a white-wash or even to sermonize
with "the end justifies the means" approach. Rather to report factually
in such a way that the public can draw its own conclusions. I still have
much faith in the overall public.
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Since my corn, letiug THE DiL.ADI,IEST COLONEL I have read books on the
top Russian a:3pioriago in Germany ("Direktor"); Israel's top agent in
the six day war ("The Champagne Spy") arid Germany's Gen. Gehlen ("The
General Was A Spy"). For the book itself I read over 24 other books
in research.
As time is of the essenca in my proposed "0TSTS.-C.I.A. REVISITED"
let me repeat my original thought - I believe I can do such a book in
30 straight working days. I can plug the book as I make appearances
for my book on Col. Eifler. I will have to find a publisher that can
give it immediate priority but do not think this an impossible task.
I propose this, not because I am pressed for a subject for another book
(I already have planned a biography of orchestra leader Carmen Dragon
as well as one on Paul Weston and Jo Stafford) but because I honestly
feel something like this m" t be done. As I have said to Ace Ellin -
if someone else is doing it then I will feel better. If not, I want to
do it. What do I want from you? Simply your agrgengent to let: , 4o it
and making someone available to give me facts aid figures inp-f+ ' a you
are wLJ i1ng.
It is my opinion I can be of far greater service remaining outside
Phillip's ARIO and writing this book. I know I would face questiobs
on TV shows of 'any ties' or 'connection' or 'influence' of CIA in
my writings and this way I can honestly say 'none'.
I am active in a cultural organization with the goal of establishing
a Music Center in Orange County. As such I have been in correspondence
with Peking, China and may even be traveling over there. I point this,
out ,just to show other activities within my background.
My home phone is I I and my office is 714 534 6250 should
someone from your organization wish to talk with me. If you think this
proposal of mine has merit I would be most pleased to discuss it in more
detail than I can include in this letter.
Thanks for your consideration.
Sincerely,
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 Vantage Press, Inc.
New York, New York
Copyright 1974
by Tom Moon Carl Eif ler
O.S.S. Colonel Carl F. Eifler, head of espionage and covert
operations in the far east during World War II. Labeled by many
as the deadliest of all O.S.S. agents his story includes:
....while acting as undercover Customs Agent in Tijuana his
discovery of a Japanese spy ring in 1934
....first knowledge that Mexico was part of the Axis with
Japanese promise to award them Calif., Arizona and New
Mexico at successful conclusion of the pending war
....given command of first OSS unit to go against the enemy -
just four months after Pearl Harbor
....battled for position in China against Gen. Tai Li, head of
dreaded Chinese Secret Police (the Blue Shirts)
....suffered major brain injury in heavy surf while putting agents
ashore in central Burma (all were captured and killed)
....clashed with British Gen. Orde Wingate over Eifler's execution
of natives. Wingate repeated his opinion in a letter which cost
Wingate command of the American Infantry later known as
Merrill's Marauders
....took assignment to assassinate Chiang Kai-shek to enable U.S.
backing of Mao Tse-tung. Prior to assassination he was called-
off by the originator of the idea
....supposedly relieved of orient command due to amnesia from brain
injury but given top secret assignment to enter Germany and
kidnap their top atom scientist. Plan aborted at last minute
as U.S. Manhattan Project gave us the secret first
....assigned to plan major revolution in Korea and penetrate Japan.
Establikhed secret camp for Korean agents on Catalina Island.
These men landed on Orange County coast in small OSS submarine
to carry out 'missions'. None were ever detected or caught
and no prior warning was given any American authority
....at end of war declared a vegetable due to constant pain and
ringing in ears. Amnesia rendered him unable to do anything
....through sheer inner strength and determination he entered college
and in 11 straight years received a Bachelor of Divinity and a
Ph. D. in Psychology with a 4.0 average
....retired June 1973 as Clinical Psychologist for State of Calif.
after illustrious career in U.S. Customs, U.S. Army, O.S.S.
and practice in Monterey County
To order please fill out and seXJ to:
STAT
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tv
STAT
Aug. 26, 1975
Lt. Gen. Vernon A. Walters, Deputy Director
Central Intelligence Agency
Washington, D.C. 20505
Yesterday I sent you a letter which will probably arrive about the
same time as this one. Just after I mailed it I received a letter
in reply from Mr. Angus Thuermer. A copy of his letter is attached
as well as mine in reply.
I think this about closes it, Gen. Walters. I had hoped to fill a
need but it evidently is already being filled by others - at least
I hope so.
I do want you to know my best wishes are with you all and if there
is any way I can be of assistance I will certainly do so.
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August 26, 1975
Mr. Angus MacLean Thuermer
Central Intelligence Agency
Washington, D.C. 20505
Thank you for your letter of August 20th which reached me today.
I am sure there are any given number of books on CIA in the works.
My only hope is that some of them are favorable and that they are
ones that the public will find of sufficient interest to buy and
read.
I'm afraid I did not make myself clear on the subjeat of someone
being made available to me to provide facts and figures. That
sounds presumptuous. I did not mean it to be so. I simply meant
someone who might grant me some time in an interview and answer
some basic questions. I would of course be willing to submit any
completed manuscript to you for your final approval in case T did
put in something you did not want printed.. My final interest does
not lie in just producing an 'interesting product'. I could. probably
do so by Joining in the current anti-CIA publicity but I did intend
doing something that I had hoped might be of benefit to the agency
and our country. I do not feel my opinions and past experiences
would be sufficient to generate a story. I would need more current
information.
If you feel I might not be worth the chance then I will drop my
idea but I do want to leave you with the thought that I am deeply
distressed over the current press attacks and will do whatever I
can in my appearances and talks to defend the need for secrecy
and support of all CIA operations.
Thanks for listening to me.
Sincerely,
Tom Moon
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WASHINGTON. P.C. 2015
OFFICE Of THE DIRECTOR
August 20, 1975
STAT
Dear Mr. Moon,
Thank you for your letter of August 4 addressed
to Mr. Colby.
A number of persons have booY, manuscripts in the
works, both ex-CIA and otherwise.
With Agency alumni, of course, we have the secrecy
agreement factor. They submit their manuscript for review
by us solely to assure that they have included no classified
information learned during the course of their employment
at the Agency.
It does not appear to be appropriate to make somebody
available to give you the "facts and figures" for your.
interesting project, but I am sure that with your wide
research, and contacts among old hands, you will be able
to produce an interesting pduct.
STAT
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