HANDLING OF DEATH CASES

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP85-00375R000100120008-1
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 4
• Document Creation Date: December 12, 2016
• Document Release Date: February 14, 2002
• Sequence Number: 8
• Publication Date: June 24, 1963
• Content Type: DISP

25X1
25X1 A (a)
25X1 A
DISPATCH
CLASSIFICATIDN
PROCESSING
S
C RE T
ACTION
AC OM
i
i
OSED
PLISHED
TO
MARKED FOR INDEXING
Chief of Station,
NO INDEXING REQUIRED
INFO.
ONLY QUALIFIED
HEADQUARTERS DESK
copy: Chief of Station,
CAN JUDGE INDEXING
FROM
ABSTRACT
Chief, Benefits and Services Division
MICROFILM
SUBJECT
Handling of Death Cases
ACTION REQUIRED REFERENCES
(b)
(c)
4d)
to
(f}
(g)
25X1
1. Reference (a) asks why headquarters did not notify the I __1
family immediately of the death of The fact is that notification
was almost immediate, as related below, a fact which was reported to you in
reference (c). 25X1
2. Reference (b), the initial notification of this tragic death, was
received in the late evening of 27 May 1963. It is a long standing principle of our
handling of death cases that notification to next of kin be made by a personal
visit wherever possible. To accomplish this, we have been able to call upon the
in almost every
case over the years, been able to accomplish notification in that manner. 25X1A
Consequently, upon receipt of reference (b), our first reaction was to identify
immediately whether or not the capability existed to make notification in person.
Unfortunately, there was no one in the area of residence of the persons to be
notified who could make a personal visit that evening; therefore, we were fully
prepared, despite our normal reluctance to do so, to notify the individuals
specified in paragraph 2 of reference (b) by telephone. Since these individuals
were not identified in the cable as to relationship to and whetherx1A
not they were witting of KUBARK affiliation, some time was spent that same
evening in securing this information, information which should have been supplied
by the station in the same cable. Upon learning that both of these individuals
were elderly, and not knowing anything about their personal and medical situation,
it was our judgment, concurred in by KUCLUB and 0 not to make 25X1 A
telephone notification late that evening and we arranged for a personal visit the
(Continued) DATE TYPED DATE DISPATCHED
3 JULIO
_____ ________ 24Junel963
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CROSS REFERENCE TO DISPATCH SYMBOL AND NUMBER
Distribution: H
CLASSIFICATION
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Approved For Re as 2002/05/07 : CIA-RDP85-00375R0 01 0120008-1
 Approved For Reli?.asg 2002/05/07 : CIA-RDP85-00375R000109120008-1
CONTINUATION OF
DISPATCH
25X1A
next morning. We felt that we should not run the risk of creating some medical
crisis by telephonically informing a relative of the death of the son and assumed
that I himself would have preferred a notification in person rather
than by telephone. When this was discussed with I here at 25X1A
headquarters, he expressed complete agreement with the decision notwithstanding
the fact a newspaper reporter broke the news to the family at 2 o'clock in the
morning of the day we made official and personal notification.
3. Reference (e) obviously misled you to think that we had not yet made
a notification as initially requested. We wish to point out, however, that paragraph
3 of reference (e) was specifically addressed to our questions in paragraphs. 1 and
2 of that cable concerning the itinerary for the famil and travel data on the
remains because we had been in contact with the family and had 25X1 A
promised to keep them informed of the movement of both and his1 A
remains.
4. For your guidance in future cases, it is suggested that the first cable
notification of death of an employee or dependent supply the following information
whenever this is available:
a. Full name of the decedent. If a dependent, the full name of
employee parent.
b. Complete details of the circumstances of death. This is often
a critical point in our contact with next of kin. When we have little
information concerning details of the death, we are often put in an
embarrassing and emotional situation with the next of kin. The
station can be assured that headquarters will use discretion in
selecting portions of information that should or should not be
reported to the next of kin.
c. Full name and relationship to the employee of the next of kin
to be notified in this country. Included should be a statement as to
whether or not they are witting of the employee's true organization.
Also, if known, any personal circumstances of the next of kin
should be supplied in this first cable, such as age, emotional
stability, illnesses, etc. Such preliminary information will not
only ease our concern about notifying the next of kin, but will often
expedite this notification.
d. As soon as possible, information as to the plans of the family
for return to this country if that is contemplated.
e. Whenever known and as soon as possible, travel data concerning
the return of the remains.
5. For References provided details concerning the transship-
ment of the remains roxn to the final destination. In 25X1
those cables concern was expressed about whether or not arrangements for air
transshipment could be made. While we appreciate all of this extra effort by the
station to insure the safe and timely movement of remains, it was all unnecessary-
for this reason: This office, from the date of notification of the death of an
employee or dependent is in immediate touch with the
and its mortuary specialists and maintains
specific
constant liaison wait tem. en remains are coming back to this country
L
through military channels, it is only enough for the station to insure timely
movement to this country with as much advance notice to us as possible. From
that point forward, this office assumes the full responsibility for transshipment
(Continued)
FORM 53a
8-60
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Approved For Release 2002/05 0 - - -
 Approved For Release 2002/05/07 : CIA-RDP85-00375R000100120008-1
CONTINUATION OF
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25X1A
25X1A
of the remains to the final destination. Using the I --j case as an
example, it was not necessary for
evied our requirements on him for
air shipment of the remains from I I and for timely notice ST*
from San Francisco to the mortician and to the family. We were at the same time
in direct contact with d kept them in-
formed of the movement of the remains.
25X1A
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Approved For Release 2002/05/07 : CIA-RDP85-003
 STAT Approved For Release 2002/05/07 : CIA-RDP85-00375R000100120008-1
Approved For Release 2002/05/07 : CIA-RDP85-00375R000100120008-1