REPORT ON SPEAKING ENGAGEMENT AT UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI, 18 FEBRUARY 1976

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Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 
CIA-RDP86B00985R000400040036-6
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RIPPUB
Original Classification: 
K
Document Page Count: 
23
Document Creation Date: 
December 9, 2016
Document Release Date: 
January 2, 2001
Sequence Number: 
36
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Publication Date: 
February 25, 1976
Content Type: 
MF
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Approved For Release 2001/03/06 : CIA-RDP86B00985R000400040036-6 Approved For Release 2001/03/06 : CIA-RDP86B00985R000400040036-6 Approved For Release 2001/03/06 CIA-RDP86B009985R0000400040036-6 2S February 1976 MEMORANDUM FOR: The DDI The A/DCI SUBJECT: Report on Speaking Engagement at University of Cincinnati, 18 February 1976 1. At your joint request I made arrangements in January to speak at the University of Cincinnati Winter Quarter Red, White and Blue speakers series. Organizer for the event was, Chad Solomon, a student (senior, Political Science) who is President of the Student Program Board. We agreed on the date, that there would be no off campus advertising and that the press would not be invited to attend. We both understood that it would be impossible to prevent news reporting of the event if someone chose to do so. 2. When I arrived in Cincinnati I found that my appear- ance had been announced by a series of posters around campus. The campus newspaper had failed to run an announcement because of their decision not to publish on the Washington's Birthday holiday. In an effort to insure sufficient attendance at the meeting, Chad Solomon had told the city newspapers on 17 February (Enquirerand Post) that I was coming on 18 February. He hoped that students would see the article there, if not in the campus press. I do not believe the city papers ran the story, though Chad is trying to find out. The local media certainly.knew I was coming, however. 3. I was to speak to a group of 100-150 students in a lounge of the Student Union at U.C. at 1230. During lunch, Chad went to check the room to be certain that a microphone had been set up for me, and chairs for the audience. When he returned, he said that a television cameraman was there, reporters from at least one TV station, some radio stations, two newspapers, and the campus FM station that broadcasts throughout Cincinnati. (There were about eight microphones on the table.) I told Chad that I didn't want to turn the event into a press conference. He left the handling of the press to me. I called the A/DCI long distance to go on record with the problem, and proceeded to the meeting. 4. When I was introduced, I said that some weeks earlier I had been invited to talk on 18 February, that my speech would Approved For Release 2001/03/06 : CIA-RDP86B00985R000400040036-6 Approved For Rele 20W03/06 : CIA-RDP86B009WR00 00040036-6 -2- inadvertantly follow the President's by only a few hours, and that I did not believe it appropriate for me to appear to be interpreting either the President or Mr. Bush for the media. I had come to speak to students about intelligence in the foreign policy process. I did not wish to be recorded, but told the press they could stay if they wished. Only representatives from two newspapers, and one photographer, stayed. 5. I talked from a text and notes that I had prepared for the DDI to use at the Minority Employment Conference in October. It was a presentation that outlined how the community and the Agency are organized to do their work, and described the variety of services performed in a general way. I made regular reference to a copy of the 1947 Act. Based upon what the President had said the night before, I suggested general ways that the organization of the Intelligence Community might change. 6. I spoke from about 1245 until 1445, including a long period of questions from the crowd of about 100 people. I would class most of the questions as "fair with an edge." The representative of the Young Socialist Alliance (YSA) spoke on about three occasions during the question and answer session, but seemed unable to get the crowd interested in her approach ("the government, in all of its manifestations, does not serve the people's interest"). ?YSA had also passed out handbills in my honor (copy attached). 7. Among questioners, there was much interest in covert action, how it was approved/initiated, whether it was proper. There was concern that CIA had not adequately informed the Congress over the years, and that Congress had failed in its oversight function. Some wondered if Director Bush was too political to be DCI. There were questions and charges about assassination, including the Kennedy and King cases.. One fellow was critical of our "inability" to predict events when there was ample information (he had nearly been killed in the Tet offensive). A number of people asked how to get a job. 8. I went from this talk to a small (15) freshman honors class in Political Science. I spoke and answered questions for about an hour. They were interested in the Executive-Congressional aspects of foreign affairs and foreign intelligence. One student in the class was,.a cub reporter for the campus newspaper. He taped the session with my permission, though his machine malfunctioned throughout the hour. Approved ,For Release 2001/03/06 : CIA-RDP86B00985R000400040036-6 Approved For: ReleaW 20BW03/06 : CIA-RDP86BO099WOOW0040036-6 -3- He guaranteed that he would not write for the professional press, and the professor, Barbara Bardes, was sure to hold him to his pledge. She asked several questions to guide the group, and displayed a sophisticated understanding of the D.C. environment. 9. After dinner, I spoke for about two hours to a small (12-15) group of students from the Student Political Science Association. I was competing with a cross-town basketball rivalry, so attendance was low. This was a sound group of students. They asked the best questions of the day, zeroing in on some of the philosophical aspects of the conduct of foreign policy. They had neither more nor less concern about the proper role of intelligence than a group of 12-15 CIA professionals might have had. However they felt about intelligence as individuals, they each seemed to have a very realistic view of the world. 10. The series of talks was successful. The Agency received fairly broad exposure on campus and in a relaxed. way that did not indicate fear.or unwillingness to deal with either truth or allegations. Such appearances should be repeated whenever the opportunity arises. STATSPEC 11. I took along a number of unclassified reference aids (from CRS, OER, OPR, OGCR), and told the students that such al s are available for sale to the public. They were impressed. I left the pack, along with copies of the Bush and Colby confirmation hearings, with the Political Science Department. They will be loaned to any interested students (the library seemed to be low in the confidence of the students as a repository for anything to which they wished access). 12. If I have one strong impression from the trip, it is that most of the students -- the brightest, the leaders, the followers, the academic strugglers -- are basically suspicious of the government. Not so profound an observation, perhaps; yet, my own college generation was suspicious and cynical in a different way. Most of us "joined" the government or the corporations believing that our skepticism would be relieved by real experience. These students seem much more likely to enter the government or corporations because of their skepticism. They want to change things. They on't believe that real experience will disprove what they now Approved For Release 2001/03/06 : CIA-RDP86B00985R000400040036-6 ? Approved For-Releaat 209103/06: CIA-RDP86BO09 t00 0040036-6 _4_ "know." They are more polite than the kids of the sixties, and more whole. They seem determined that whatever "the system" is, it should stress pubfr responsibility. STATINTL Coordinator for Academic Relations Attachments: "CIA Threat" flier Base correspondence and notes One line from Cincinnati 11 p.m. news (channel 12, ABC) Approved .For Release 2001/03/06 : CIA-RDP86B00985R000400040036-6 d The speaker at this Wednesday' Reds White, and Blue series forum, will try to convince us that the crimes of the CIA are necessary for "upholding the rights of the free world" or are in the interest of "national security," Ass.asi.nation attempts, military and economic support tb right wing and fascist. governments, surveillance and vi.citi- mizat ,on of anti-war leaders, campus groups foreign students, Black organizations, women's liberation activists, and socialists have all been admitted to by the CIA. -ASSASINATION ATTEMPTS The CIA has admitted to attempting or having plotted the deaths of Salvadore Allende of Chile, Patrice Lumumba of the Congo? Trujillo of the Dominican Republic, Fidel Castro,. Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, and others. -SUPPORT TO DICTATORSHIPS Economic and military support have found their way to the Franco regime in Spain, Salazaar and Caetano in Portugal, the Shah of Trans Marcos in the Phillipines, Rhea in South Korea,'and Pinochet*s junta in Chile. -OPERATION CHAOS Surveillance and "disruption" tactics similar to the FBI's Cointeipro operations, used against a very wide variety of political activists, campus groups, foreign students, Black rganizations, and others. -COVERT OPERATIONS IN ANGOLA Recently, the CIA has been actively recruiting mercen rk to fight in Angola, and has been supplying armaments and napalm, at the expense of, not in the interests of, the Angolans, and the American peoples right to decide on our foreign policy.. The Young Socialist Alliance believes that the CIA should be abolished, and not replaced or "guided" by the congr or its "oversight" committee, or the president. It has been fully documented that the past six presidents, at feast, and congresses under them have been aware of, and gave approval if not the original orders, to carry out the illegal activities of this agency. Much of the documentation released, has been a result of the Political Rights Defense Fund suit, whose plaintiffs are the Young Socialist Alliance, Socialist Workers Party. and others. e defensee, of everyone's democratic rights is at stake in this case. The axis of this case is the questions Does the First Amendment protect the free speech of everyone Including those who actively oppose administration policy? If you are interested in finding-out more about this suit, fill out and mail the coupon at bottom, too S.A. Box 9340 TanSemann. Center MM' h94/M7OtheCl$ 1Z OO985R000400040036-6 C3 TkMA1 ee'Or ixd Forele see ' DP86 1 006r00040036-6 information ant more on the Socialist Workers Party Campaign. I want to join the YSA. _ $~_ 400040036-6 FIDF_NT7lL ` SYCRET i OFFICIAL ROLi I. G SLIP Approve: AD LarrJ~ s '~~(#06/p` T#.CIA-RDP86 TO,; Jan 19 7& A/DCI ROOM N BUILDING 1F04 gq REMARKS: .angus-a- , Per .our telecon, I will for, the Agency. You wl attend the letter in the flrst11 answer I prefer 18 'Feb.. instance. be all right. but 11 Feb would be xal}.,be down *o q soon. STATINTL FORM NO: ?r. i FEB 35 241 REPLACES FORM SED 5R000400040036-6 85R000400040036-6 Ap ved For Reese 2Q61/03/06: CIA-RDP86B09 65RE e40004003&-6 OFFICE OF STUDENT GROUPS AND UNIVERSITY PROGRAMS January 3, 1976 Mr. Angus Thuermer Assistant to the Director Central Intelligence Agency Washington, D.C. University of Cincinnati Cincinnati, Ohio 45221 The University of Cincinnati Student Speakers Bureau is planning its Red, White and Blue speakers series for Winter Quarter, 1976. The series, entitled "Poilitics, Policy and Power," is scheduled for Wednesdays at 2:30 PM throughout the months of January, February and March. We would be especially pleased to have a representative of the Central Intelligence Agency included in our series. The C.I.A. is an important and necessary Agency of our governement. At the present time, though, the Agency has come under sharp criticism and even Congressional attack for its operations. Allegations concerning covert activity both at home and abroad abound, with charges ranging from the equipping and controlling of private armies and involvement in political assassination to the charge that the Agency is a freewhelling and uncon- trolled force with secret directives and motives. I feel that it is now important for the Agency to re-educate the American people to the purpose and function of the ~~--' I would like to invite a representative of the C.I.A to campus, to discuss the role of the Agency in the frame- work of American government. This would possibly include an examination of the operations of the C.I.A. in foreign countries, a discussion of the Agency as an intelligence gatherer, and insight to the formation and implementation of Agency policy. A considerarion of the Agency as a tool in domestic and foreign policy and its role in our national security might also be discussed. An examination of the charges made against the C.I.A., and a rebuttal to them, would be in order, and is invited. Approved For Release 2001/03/06 : CIA-RDP86B00985R000400040036-6 'tF Rj~*qigeAQ01/03/06: CIA-RDP86BON85RQ00400040036-6 The format is as formal or informal as would be desired. We will be using a medium sized lounge for the presentation, and the expected audience size would range from 75 to 150 persons. The speaker might prepare a talk from 45 minutes to an hour in length, and would have approximately 30 minutes to answer general questions from the floor. Concerning the date of the C.I.A. presentation, I realize that the availability of representatives with the background and ability for such a presentation, and the desire to speak to a university audience, is not constant. The dates of February 11 and 18 are particularly convenient, if arrangements could be made for either. Other open dates remain if a highly qualified representative who you feel would best fit the bill is unavailable on those dates. With sufficient notice, I would be happy to fit the date to your convenience. Any special arrangements or suggestions for topic matter would be discussed gladly. I would be more than glad to answer any other questions or provide more infor- mation to you. I hope to hear from you soon so that I can work out any scheduling problems that might arise. Your cooperation will be greatly appreciated. Yours truly, Chad Solomon President Student Program Board CRS/bf Approved For Release 2001/03/06 : CIA-RDP86B00985R000400040036-6 ApfruRela Q~ CIA-RDP86B00 5 Approved For Release 2001/03/06 : CIA-RDP86B00985R000400040036-6 ilk "Ie) ("I")- a 400QI$0036-6 11 Approved For Release 2001/03/06 : CIA-RDP86B00985R000400040036-6 r Relea "0 I DP86q R NPI ApprovlrCr FIease 2001/03/06 : C*A-RD 86B00985R000400040036-6 e;vt J U. trh. dot~ e"kt :, e n It 4 t. 144 ?Vtt 41r i A- tu, /UY _.t lI i"`t // i b se 2091 /03/06 of DP86B00985R000400040036-6 ? .j m1t . Approved Forelea 4 'c) 06'FOC KDPO 000400040036-6 A VY'k A K, Approved For R gas 2~Q1/ 6? i P 8,68009840,`040036-6 Approved For Rele a 20? 03/06: CIA-RDP86BO09$ OUQ0004003 1S January 1976 Mr. Chad Solomon President, Student Program Board University of Cincinnati Cincinnati, Ohio 45221 Dear Mr. Solomon, Thank you for your letter of January 3. I am glad to tell you that one of our senior officers will be glad to appear. He suggests that he would prefer February 18 if that works out with you. If this is in order, please give me a call (703- 351-7676) or a note and I will have him get directly in touch with you. Sincerely, ist Angus MacLean Thuermer Assistant to the Director STATINTL Approved ,For Release 2001/03/06 : CIA-RDP86B00985R000400040036-6 Approved For Release 20W03/06 : CIA-RDP86B00A AA"0040036-6 STATINTL Media Coverage of at U. of Cincinnati, 18 Feb 76 1. On 18 February, the channel 12 11 p.m. news lead its story on the Ford reorganization of intelligence with this line (approximately): "President Ford announced further details of his plan STATINTL to reorganize U.S. foreign intelligence functions. Today, at the University of Cincinnati a said that the Ford recommendations meant that someone would be'accountable for covert action." 2. The 19 February Washington Star ran a picture with caption in its early edition. 3. Other clippings from the Cincinnati press may come in from the program organizer, Chad Soloman. Approved For Release 2001/03/06 : CIA-RDP86B00985R000400040036-6, STATINTL fib?. Rush, 0e 1/03/06 ; CIA-RDP86B0' W0040036- I w-)uld like to extend my graditude on behalf of all those people from the University of Cincinnati's Pol- itical Science Student Association who were able to talk with one of your members, . I have personally been interested in the agency for some time and although I am now presentiy_.attending the University of Cincinnati,, I was accepted to George Washington University. For fin- ancial reasons I was not able to attend, but I am famil- iar with the Washington area. Since I am not in the Wash ineton area I would appreciate any information you would be able to send me concerning apply'dation:.-for. )dLmployaerit and, if possible, could you inform me of the places in the Cincinnati area that do conduct interviews. Thank You. STATINTL Approved For Release 2001/03/06 : CIA-RDP86B00985R000400040036-6 STATI N" STATINTL Approved For Release 2001/03/06 : CIA-RDP86B00985R000400040036-6 Approved For Release 2001/03/06 : CIA-RDP86B00985R000400040036-6 Approved For Release 2001/03/06 : CIA-RDP86B00985R000400040036-6 STATINTL TRANSMITTAL SLIP 3E63 DATE 2 March 1976 Le OYM. FORM FEB55 241 BUILDI HQS . 0/DDI EXTENSION 6345 Approved For Release 2001/03/06 : CIA-RDP86B00985R000400040036-6 Approved For ReleasLN001 4D6 : CIA-RDP86BOO985MO Mr. George Bush Director of Central Intelligence Central Intelligence Acxency".., Washington,. D. C. 20505 W", 7.976 Whenever a person does a good job, it is my opinion that he should be commended for it. Recent! ,.an official of the Central Intl=lligence Agency,. , appeared at my school, the University of Cincinnati, on a speaking engagement,. Concerning that appearance, I can say only one word: excellent! STATINTL Mr. gave a very informative look into the structure STATINTL~0f the CIA and also answered every question put to him that he new something about. Many people were disappointed to hear that much of the Agencies effort goes into reading foriegn newspapers of plotting the overthrow of foriegn governments.J,Mr. STATINTL iiwsaid. the things that needed to be said, and went a long way in setting.the record straight. STATINTL Other than the Socialists and Communists on campus who corolain about everything, I heard no speak ill of or the information he conveyed. I think a lot of people probably went away from their.conversations feeling a little bit silly for having believed in some of the propaganda that has been cir- culating about the CIA for the past year or so. My only complaint is that more schools and people in general can not have the benefit of listening to and talking to somebody like I wish to.-thank you and the Agency for making STATINTL avaliable to speak in the manner that he did. You s oul be aware that you have a very fine employe in STATINTL, I ?rould also like to wish you all the luck and godspeed in STATINTL thel..orid in the task that confronts you. I am one American that fir,^ly believes in the need and neccessity for the CIA. I just hope this country will never have serious cause to regret the horrible emasculation process that has been performed on the CIA by Congress and the press, Sincerely yours, .Randall Fort University of Cincinnati. Political Science Major Approved For Release 2001/03/06 : CIA-RDP86B00985R00'0400040036}6 Approved . STATINTL STATINTL Approved 6'~:T~IDPB009 TO: ROOM NO. BUILDING 3E63 H s REMARKS: FROM : OOM O. l eleas "/R 106 : CIA- EYP009 5R000400040036-6 REPLACES FORM 36-8 (47) WHICH MAY BE USED. Approved For ReleaseV601/006 : CIA-RDP86B00985R@004OQD40036-6 Mr. Randall Fort 7525 Baywind Drive Cincinnati, Ohio 45242 3 March 1976 Dear Mr. Fort, Thank you ever so much for the nice letter Of 23 February addressed to Director Bush. STATINTL It is good to hear your report on -talk in Cincinnati. fie is highly regards here, as you can easily imagine, and we are glad to hear good things about hih from out in Ohio. Sincerely, cc: DDI/ DCI Angus MacLean Thueramer Assistant to the Director Approved For Release 2001/03/06 : CIA-RDP86B00985R000400040036-6 _ ilNCLASS11 }ED CC"' " 1DENT_ L:f SECRcT ,pproved For Release 001/M' /06 : CIA P ~B0098 90046 040036-6 EXE CUTIVE SECRETARIAT Routing Slip ACTION INFO DATE 3 S/MC 4 DDS&T DDI D/DCI/IC D/DCI/NI -) _ LC IG Comet D/ Pers D/S 17 18 Asst/ DC1 AO/DCI T. 19 L2?j Data / Executive Secretary f Date Approved For Release 2001/03/06 : CIA-RDP86B00985R000400040036-6