UNOFFICIAL RELATIONSHIPS WITH FORMER AGENCY EMPLOYEES

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP84B00890R000400070041-4
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: December 15, 2016
• Document Release Date: August 28, 2003
• Sequence Number: 41
• Publication Date: June 24, 1981
• Content Type: MEMO

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MANAGEMENT HN
IJrOFFICIAL RELATIONSHIPS WITH FORMER AGENCY EMPLOYEES
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1. As you know, a major two-part article appeared in The
New York Times magazine concerning the criminal activities of
Messrs , two former Agency employees. The FBI
was first informed of these matters by the CIA immediately after
another former employee reported them to this Agency. This same
former employee, pursuant to advice given to him by the Office of
Security at the time, also reported these matters directly to the
FBI. This renewed publicity about the case will
unfortuntely once again focus. attention on the actions of former
emloyees and their apparent ability to trade on their contacts
with former colleagues still in CIA employ. This is especially
so in view of implied allegations in these recent articles that
such activities may still be taking place. Certainly, at a time
when. we are trying to put behind us the drumfire of criticism
about our past activities, this kind of case can only raise new
questions and alarms. I am resolved, and I seek your individual
commitment, to assure that these kinds of activities, 'reflected
by the I case do not recur.
2. I noted on a previous occasion that the actions of a few
can undermine the efforts and reputation of the many. It is
incumbent upon us, therefore, to be alert -to avoid actions, while
we are employed at the Agency, in our dealings with former
colleagues and in our post-Agency employment, which may reflect
adversely on the Agency. In this regard, it is useful to read
again the June 1977 comments and cautions of my predecessor:
it Recently, two employees were asked to leave the Agency
as a result of developments growing out of their unofficial
relationships with former employees. This,should serve as a
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reminder of the very real problems that can occasionally
arise in dealings with former employees. The Agency has been
characterized by strong bonds between its employees, and
these bonds often transcend the significant changes in status
that are brought about by retirement or resignation. It is
essential that current Agency employees realize that
--r--esigneess and retirees do indeed acquire a new status which
precludes the access and privileges associated with active
.service in the Agency. The vast majority of former employees
id
any
are well aware of their new status and scrupulously avo
situations which might cause problems for their former
colleagues. Unfortunately, a few former employees are
apparently willing, perhaps, without, realizing the potential
consequences, to exploit current employees in order to obtain
themselves .'~
Employees should be guided by the basic fact that a
former employee with no active official connection with the
Agency is not authorized continuing access to classified
information as a result of his former. association.. Moreover,
former employees are entitled to no more assistance or
service from the Agency than are any other citizens of our
country. For example, should a former employee embark upon a
second career which places him in a position of being a-
potential vendor of goods or services to the Agency, he must
be treated the same as and must compete with any other vendor
offering comparable goods or services. Given the. vast number
and types of situations that can arise in dealings with
former employees, it is not possible to cite all the examples
here. Agency employees must exercise-careful judgment at all
times to ensure that all unofficial relationships with former
employees 'are proper and above reproach. There are a few
basic questions which employees should ask. of themselves when
evaluating their unofficial relationships with former
employees. For example:
1.,
a. Am I being asked to provide Agency information
or other assistance for nonofficial purposes?
b. Am I being asked to participate in some non-
Agency activity to convey the impression that the Agency
is officially involved?
c. Would I conduct this relationship in the same
manner if the other party had not been previously
associated with the Agency?
d. Am I becoming involved in an activity which may
involve or create the appearance of a conflict of
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interest with my official Agency responsibilities? 11
'Employees preparing for a second career which will draw
upon skills and contacts developed. while with the Agency must
ask themselves the same kinds of questions. Upon retirement,
they must be fully reconciled to the fact that their former
Agency status must not be traded upon for preferential
treatment in dealings with CIA."
Employees who become involved in relationships with
former employees about which they have questions should seek
guidance promptly from their supervisors. If a supervisor
cannot answer the question with confidence, the employee
should be referred to the more specialized offices.- The
Administrative Law Division of the Office of General Counsel,
the Employee Activity Branch of the Office of Security, or
the Office of the Inspector General should be consulted for
assistance in this regard."
All of us value continuing relationships with our former
colleagues, and it is not the intent of this notice to
discourage such associations. Rather, this notice is
intended to point out that such asociations must be.conducted
in a manner which avoids actual or apparent improprieties --
improprieties which can cause serious harm both to the
individuals involved and to the Agency. I urge your personal
and thoughtful attention to this matter.''
3. I realize that the activities which are now reported in
the press occurred several years ago. Nevertheless, I must urge
you to continue to be sensitive to the points raised above and
request that you immediately bring to the attention of the
Inspector General any information which would indicate that
inappropriate actions are being carried out by any Agency
employee or that any former employee may be abusing his previous
relationship with the Agency. With your help, I am confident
that we can put this matter behind us, prevent activities of this
kind from recurring and continue to demonstrate the
professionalism, skill and dedication which is the hallmark of
Agency service.
William J. Casey
Director
DISTRIBUTION: ALL EMPLOYEES (1-6)
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