AN INTERVIEW WITH BINA KIYONAGA

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP90-00965R000403520002-9
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: December 22, 2016
• Document Release Date: February 27, 2012
• Sequence Number: 2
• Publication Date: March 8, 1985
• Content Type: OPEN SOURCE

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Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/02/28: CIA-RDP90-00965R000403520002-9
RADIO IV REPORTS, INC,
4701 WILLARD AVENUE, CHEVY CHASE, MARYLAND 20815 (301) 65e,-4068
FOR PUBLIC AFFAIRS STAFF
PROGRAM CBS Morning News STATION WDVM TV
CBS Network
DATE March 8, 1985 7:54 AM CITY Washington, DC
An Interview with Bina Kiyonaga
BILL KURTIS: We have a rare opportunity to spy into the
family life of a secret agent. Bina Kiyonaga has just published
a magazine memoir about her late husband's career with the CIA.
While Joe worked as a spy, she and her children had their own
roles to play in espionage.
Bina Kiyonaga is in our Washington Bureau this morning
to tell us about those days and about her husband's.
Good morning, Bina.
BINA KIYONAGA: Good morning.
KURTIS: Good to have you with us.
Why would -- I know you're speaking from the perspective
of a wife. Why would a man go into the CIA?
KIYONAGA: Well, Joe joined the CIA right at the
inception of the CIA in the late '40s. And I think he viewed it,
as most of his colleagues did, as a continuation of their
military service in World War II. They viewed it as being in
defense of their country. They were motivated by patriotism.
KURTIS: And probably hoping to see a little excitement
along the way.
KURTIS: You write in your article "I also learned to be
a spy before dinner parties." I'll let you finish that.
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/02/28: CIA-RDP90-00965R000403520002-9
 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/02/28: CIA-RDP90-00965R000403520002-9
KIYONAGA: Well, yes. Joe would have a list of the
guests if it were an embassy function or whatever. And he would
ask me to please zero in on various wives. He'd like to get to
know the husbands. I mean it's not unlike corporate wives,
diplomatic wives, whatever. And certainly I would try my very
best to become friendly with that particular wife, and that, in
turn, would lead to friendship of the husbands, possible al-
liances.
KURTIS: Did you uncover any secrets?
KIYONAGA: No.
KURTIS: Did all wives do this? Were they expected to
KIYONAGA: I have no idea. I have not checked with
other wives.
KURTIS: You say there were two types of bad wives.
What kind?
KIYONAGA: Ones who talked too much.
KURTIS: Too talkative, and....?
KIYONAGA: And the ones who -- well, let's talk about
the talkers....
KURTIS: All right. Well, what would be talking too
much? Give us an example.
KIYONAGA: Well, I remember one time I was hosting a
lunch with some of our wives, and Joe was chief of station then
in the country. And I had several of the subordinate wives in
for lunch. And over lunch I was shocked to hear one of them
casually drop word of a bugging operation that was going on. I'd
never heard of this operation. And I changed the subject. And I
didn't pick up the phone and call Joe. It was far too sensitive
a subject. But that night I spoke to him about it. He left the
house immediately, furious. He cancelled the operation.
KURTIS: What kind of reaction have you had to this
KIYONAGA: I've had very favorable reaction. I got some
bad press in the New York Post, quoting Director Casey as furious
with me.
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/02/28: CIA-RDP90-00965R000403520002-9
 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/02/28: CIA-RDP90-00965R000403520002-9
KIYONAGA: But I have no indication of that. I don't
know the gentleman. I've not heard from him or any one from the.
agency.
KURTIS: You don't consider yourself one of those
talkative wives.
KIYONAGA: No. You see, my Washingtonian piece was
history. That was not the point of the enterprise. I don't -- I
don't expose anyone in place, any agent in place. I don't
discuss ongoing operations. Actually, I know of none.
KURTIS: But it's a good insight. Bina, it makes good
reading too.
Thank you for being with us this morning.
KIYONAGA: My pleasure.
KURTIS: Bina Kiyonaga.
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/02/28: CIA-RDP90-00965R000403520002-9