LETTER TO WILLIAM J. CASEY FROM G. H. LEACH

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP85M00364R001803460022-9
• Release Decision: RIFPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: December 20, 2016
• Document Release Date: December 13, 2007
• Sequence Number: 22
• Publication Date: October 19, 1982
• Content Type: LETTER

Approved For Release 2007/12/13: CIA-RDP85MOO364RO01803460022-9
19 October 1982
Mr. William J. Casey
Director of Central Intelligence
Central Intelligence Agency
Washington, D.C. 20505
the basis of four months as Director of Intelligence
and Director, Command, Control, Communications and Computers
(C4) Systems Division, Headquarters Marine Corps, I have
reached several conclusions that I believe warrant sharing
with you.
It is apparent that the national intelligence community
is healthy, highly respected, and operating smoothly. I am
impressed with the scope and complexity of the challenges
and with the quality of the community's response to these
challenges. Particularly reassuring to me is the apparently
increasing emphasis placed on intelligence support to the
operational forces, including the support inherent in many
National Foreign Intelligence Program initiatives. This
support is currently being demonstrated in Lebanon where the
Commander, 32d Marine Amphibious Unit has recently reported
on the excellent support provided by national intelligence
systems and organizations during the PLO withdrawl operations.
As you know, the Marine Corps' participation in national
level intelligence activities expanded-greatly three years
ago when we were afforded full NFIB status. Concurrently, the
Commandant assigned a general officer as the Director of Intel-
ligence. It is to the credit of my predecessors, Brigadier
Generals Dick DEAN and Harry HAGAMAN, that we can look back
and see the truly significant benefits that have accrued to
the Marine Corps as a result of NFIB status and national level
participation. In recognition of their contributions as
Directors of Intelligence, the Commandant has retained a
general officer in that billet. Unfortunately, a shortage of
general officers necessitated my "double-hatting" in the two
critical areas of Intelligence and C4 Systems.
An obvious result of this situation is an inability to
attend all the meetin s which the Director of Intelligence
and the Director of C4 Systems Division might be expected to
attend as the Marine Corps principal. It was naive of me to
Approved For Release 2007/12/13: CIA-RDP85M00364RO01803460022-9
 Approved For Release 2007/12/13: CIA-RDP85M00364RO01803460022-9
expect that after a shake down period of a few months, my
ability to be in two places at the same time might somehow
improve! Such has obviously not come to pass. This is of
particular concern to me because of my inability to meet with
the NFIB. I want to assure you that the estimates processed
through the NFIB have received thoroughly professional-atten-
tion in our institution despite my lack of personal involve-
ment in the NFIB.
This brings me to the main point of this letter. Until
such time as my schedule permits, I must necessarily rely upon
my highly qualified staff to represent the Marine Corps at
many of the meetings where principals are normally expected.
I solicit your understanding and acceptance of this temporary
arrangement. I would not want the Marine Corps excluded from
any significant meetings or actions because of my non-availa-
bility. As you know, the Commandant has approved upgrading the
billet of my Special Assistant to Senior Executive Service
status. This action is currently being reviewed at the depart-
mental level. Subsequent DON approval of this upgrade will
further facilitate our participation in national level activities.
Meanwhile, I will be relying on the Special Assistant, my Deputy,
and other functional area supervisors to assist me in my national
level representational duties. Specifically, Mr. John GUENTHER,
my Special Assistant and NFIB alternate, and Colonel Jim TOWNSEND,
my Deputy, may be required to represent the Marine Corps at
national level meetings in which the Director of Intelligence
would normally take part.
I consider it a unique privilege and honor to represent the
Marine Corps in the national intelligence community and look
forward to the time when my full participation becomes possible.
Meanwhile, please accept my thanks for the superb support the
national intelligence community has provided to the Marine Corps
and for your understanding of my current situation.
Sincerely,
N?
G. H. LEACH
Brigadier General, U.S. Marine Corps
Director of Intelligence
Approved For Release 2007/12/13: CIA-RDP85M00364RO01803460022-9