Operation Paperclip: FBI internal summary file
Full transcription of the FBI's internal summary of its involvement with Operation Paperclip from 1945 to 1966. Written January 7, 1983. Classified SECRET at time of writing. Released via FOIA request 1459792-000, February 21, 2020. First full searchable HTML transcription.
Back to Operation Paperclip overview →On August 26, 1982, a request was submitted to the FBI for its records on Operation Paperclip. On January 7, 1983, the FBI produced this internal summary — classified SECRET — drawn from its central files. It covers every significant point of contact between the FBI and the Paperclip program from the first notification in August 1945 through the final JIOA communication in June 1962 and the subsequent transfer of the program to the Office of the Director of Defense Research and Engineering.
The document is not a dossier on individual scientists. It is an institutional record. It documents what the FBI knew, when it knew it, what it agreed to do, and what it refused to do. It confirms that the FBI found Nazi Party membership in its files on Paperclip scientists and transmitted that information to the Department of Justice. It confirms the FBI's repeated refusal to assume security responsibility for the scientists. It confirms that 525 FBI investigations were conducted on German scientists and specialists brought into the United States under the program.
The document was released in response to FOIA request 1459792-000, submitted by John Greenewald Jr. of The Black Vault, on February 21, 2020. Portions remain redacted under FOIA exemptions b3, b6, b7C, and b7E. All redacted sections are noted as [REDACTED] in the transcription below.
The U.S. Army notified the FBI in August 1945 that it planned to bring an undetermined number of German scientists into the United States for exploitation. The Army told the FBI it was being informed specifically so the FBI would not interrogate these individuals or object to their entry. The scientists would have the status of Department of War civilian employees but would be aware their actual status was similar to prisoners of war. They would not be permitted to circulate freely in the United States and their presence could not be used to establish immigration eligibility.
Over the following years the FBI was repeatedly asked to conduct record checks and security investigations on Paperclip scientists. In February 1947 the FBI reported to the Department of Justice that 16 of 124 scientists submitted for review had Nazi Party membership or affiliation in their files. The FBI stated at that time that it considered any person with Nazi Party connections a definite security threat to the internal security of the United States.
Despite this finding, the program continued. The scientists were granted visas. The FBI was asked to assume ongoing security responsibility for the scientists and their dependents. It refused, multiple times, stating this was outside its jurisdiction. By August 1951 the FBI had conducted 525 investigations on German scientists brought into the country under the Paperclip program. The last JIOA communication to the FBI was dated June 7, 1962. The JIOA was disbanded on October 15, 1962.
The document also references a separate program called Operation Dragonfly, described in a 1979 Senate Judiciary Committee letter as involving the bringing of individuals from Eastern European countries into the United States while bypassing standard customs and immigration requirements.
U.S. Department of Justice
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Washington, D.C. 20535
February 21, 2020
MR. JOHN GREENEWALD JR.
SUITE 1203
27305 WEST LIVE OAK ROAD
CASTAIC, CA 91384
FOIPA Request No.: 1459792-000
Subject: Operation Paperclip
Dear Mr. Greenewald:
The enclosed 28 pages of records were determined to be responsive to your subject and were previously processed and released pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Please see the selected paragraphs below for relevant information specific to your request as well as the enclosed FBI FOIPA Addendum for standard responses applicable to all requests.
In an effort to provide you with responsive records as expeditiously as possible, we are releasing documents from previous requests regarding your subject. We consider your request fulfilled. Since we relied on previous results, additional records potentially responsive to your subject may exist. If this release of previously processed material does not satisfy your request, you may request an additional search for records. Submit your request by mail or fax to — Work Process Unit, 170 Marcel Drive, Winchester, VA 22602, fax number (540) 868-4997. Please cite the FOIPA Request Number in your correspondence.
Please be advised that additional records responsive to your subject exist. If this release of previously processed material does not satisfy your request, you must advise us that you want the additional records processed. Please submit your response within thirty (30) days by mail or fax to — Work Processing Unit, 170 Marcel Drive, Winchester, VA 22602, fax number (540) 868-4997. Please cite the FOIPA Request Number in your correspondence. If we do not receive your decision within thirty (30) days of the date of this notification, your request will be closed.
One or more of the enclosed records were transferred to the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). Although we retained a version of the records previously processed pursuant to the FOIA, the original records are no longer in our possession. If this release of the previously processed material does not satisfy your request, you may file a FOIPA request with NARA at the following address:
National Archives and Records Administration
Special Access and FOIA
8601 Adelphi Road, Room 5500
College Park, MD 20740-6001
Records potentially responsive to your request were transferred to the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), and they were not previously processed pursuant to the FOIA. You may file a request with NARA using the address above. Please reference file numbers 100-HQ-451248 and 105-HQ-8090 in your correspondence.
One or more of the enclosed records were destroyed. Although we retained a version of the records previously processed pursuant to the FOIA, the original records are no longer in our possession.
Records potentially responsive to your request were destroyed. Since this material could not be reviewed, it is not known if it was responsive to your request.
Documents or information referred to other Government agencies were not included in this release.
Sincerely,
David M. Hardy
Section Chief,
Record/Information Dissemination Section
Information Management Division
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Washington, D.C. 20535
January 7, 1983
TO: OPERATION PAPERCLIP
This document is classified SECRET in its entirety.
In response to your request dated August 26, 1982, the central files of this Bureau reveal that Operation Paperclip concerns German and Austrian scientists, some of whom were alleged to have been Nazis, who were brought into the United States (U.S.) by U.S. Armed Forces after World War II for exploitation purposes relating to the national interest of the U.S. These scientists were brought to the U.S. without visas. In order for them to remain in the U.S., the Department of State (DOS), Department of Justice (DOJ), and the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) formulated a program referred to as "Paperclip Specialists," in which visas would be issued the scientists and specialists who were to remain in the U.S.
The JCS set up an agency known as the Joint Intelligence Objectives Agency (JIOA), which agency was to coordinate background information and be responsible for the scientists and specialists. By agreement between DOJ, DOS, and JCS, it was decided that the JIOA would be responsible for the security, custody, and control of these scientists and specialists.
At the outset, the FBI was not consulted in any way in the arrangements regarding "Operation Paperclip." The FBI did not screen any of the scientists after they were brought into the U.S.; nor did the FBI surveil any of the scientists during the course of any investigation regarding them.
FBI files contain voluminous records regarding Operation Paperclip, one of which is composed of public source information, i.e., newspaper clippings. The majority of the material contained in these files was furnished to the FBI by third agencies, originating with JCS, the Department of Defense (DOD), Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), the U.S. Air Force (USAF), Department of Navy (DON), U.S. Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) (now known as the Department of Energy), and Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). This classified material consists largely of biographical history statements, interviews, and interrogations of the German scientists conducted by U.S. agencies with postwar scientific and technical responsibilities. The FBI material consists primarily of internal administrative memoranda, which reveal the following information.
On August 10, 1945, the FBI was advised by the Captured Personnel and Material Branch, Military Intelligence Service (MIS), Department of War (DOW), of a contemplated plan to bring an undetermined number of German scientists to the U.S. for exploitation by the U.S. Army, who would assume full responsibility for these scientists. The MIS advised that this matter was being brought to the attention of the FBI in order that the FBI would not interrogate these individuals or interpose any objection to their entrance into this country. MIS advised that it was determined advisable to have the scientists brought to the U.S. for exploitation rather than interrogate them in the theater.
The FBI was advised by MIS that the scientists would have the status of DOW civilian employees, however, the scientists themselves would be aware that their status would be similar to that of a prisoner of war. MIS advised that these scientists would not be granted any freedom of action to circulate around the U.S., and that their coming to the U.S. could in no way be deemed valid in connection with any desires to obtain immigration visas or citizenship papers. The FBI was also advised that MIS anticipated no difficulties with the scientists as they were aware of the status they would have when they arrived in the U.S., and all of the scientists had indicated a willingness to come to the U.S. for the purposes indicated. [REDACTED — b3, b7E]
On November 1, 1945, the FBI was advised by DON, Office of Naval Intelligence, that DON was maintaining at Long Island, New York, six German individuals with technical and scientific background for exploitation by DON for the benefit of the U.S. [REDACTED — b3, b7E]
On November 19, 1945, DOJ provided the FBI with a JIOA list of German scientists and technicians recommended for service in the U.S., which consisted of 69 names. No action was taken by [REDACTED] regarding these German scientists and technicians. [REDACTED — b3, b7E]
Commencing in April, 1946, the FBI was provided by Department of Army (DOA), reports showing German scientific and industrial personnel detained in Germany. No action was taken by the FBI in connection with these reports. [REDACTED — b3, b7E]
In May, 1946, the FBI was advised that the JCS was organizing a unit known as the JIOA, which agency was working on a program to bring approximately 800 to 1,000 German scientists, not under Russian domination, to the U.S. According to JCS, the scientists along with their families, would be screened by military authorities abroad and then brought to the U.S. as quota resident immigrants under the sponsorship of military and governmental authorities. The FBI was advised that the scientists would be under contracts for approximately two years and upon termination of the contract, the scientists, in the opinion of JCS, would not return to Germany. The FBI was advised that this plan had not been approved as clearance had not been obtained from DOS. [REDACTED — b3, b7E]
The JCS was advised by the FBI that if the plan was approved, the FBI would be interested in information as to the identity and background of each scientist, their families, as well as the name and location of their employment in the U.S. [REDACTED — b3, b7E]
On May 31, 1946, the DOJ furnished to the FBI for review classified documents prepared by JIOA regarding ten German and Austrian scientists who were in the U.S. for long term exploitation by the U.S. Government. These names were checked through FBI records with negative results with the exception of two, on whom DOJ was furnished information contained in FBI files by memorandum dated June 6, 1946. [REDACTED — b3, b7E]
As of November 18, 1946, the FBI had furnished to DOJ on two occasions the results of record checks on 43 German scientists or specialists, which names were provided to DOJ by JCS. [REDACTED — b3, b7E]
In December, 1946, the FBI was queried by DOA officials at Long Island, New York, as to whether the FBI could take any action in the event a German scientist disappeared from military control. The DOA was advised that there appeared to be no jurisdiction under which the FBI could assist in these matters, and that they should report such incidents to Immigration authorities. [REDACTED — b3, b7E]
On January 24, 1947, the DOW inquired as to whether the FBI would consider making a technical installation at Fort Bliss, Texas, which installation would cover a group of German scientists who were performing work on guided missiles. The DOW was advised that the FBI could not perform this service. [REDACTED — b3, b7E]
On February 17, 1947, the FBI furnished to DOJ the results of record checks on 124 German scientists or specialists submitted for review by DOJ on January 16, 1947, on whom FBI central files contained no identifiable information with the exception of 16 of the individuals. The data furnished regarding these 16 individuals contained information regarding their Nazi membership affiliation in Europe which information was provided this Bureau by other Federal agencies and did not relate to Operation Paperclip. DOJ was advised at this time that the FBI considered any person having connections with the Nazi Party a definite security threat to the internal security of the U.S. [REDACTED — b3, b7E]
There is attached one copy of House Rule (H.R.) 2763, 80th Congress, 1st Session, House of Representatives, dated March 25, 1947, captioned "A Bill To Prohibit the Use by the United States of Nazi Scientists and other Nazi experts," previously furnished the FBI which may be of interest. [REDACTED — b3, b7E]
On May 8, 1947, Colonel H. H. Mole, Military Intelligence Division (MID), DOW, advised the FBI that the responsibility, including security problems, of the German scientists rested with DOA. Colonel Mole advised that the JCS was concerned with the security of the scientists and that JCS "hoped that arrangements could be made with the FBI for the maintenance of a spot surveillance on these individuals." No such request was ever formally presented to the FBI and a review of Operation Paperclip files does not reflect that the FBI conducted any surveillances. [REDACTED — b3, b7E]
In September, 1947, the MID, DOW, furnished to the FBI a copy of a document prepared by the State-War-Navy Coordinating Committee, No. 257/35, entitled "Clarification of Present State-War-Navy Policy on Civil Exploitation of German and Austrian Specialists in the United States." In paragraph one of this document, it is stated "The Department of Justice shall be charged with the security responsibility for all alien specialists with visa status under exploitation in the United States."
It is noted in this document that the procurement of specialists under Project Paperclip was to be concluded at the earliest practical date, no later than September 30, 1948. [REDACTED — b3, b7E]
The FBI was advised by MID that inasmuch as the interim policy would terminate with the completion of "Project Paperclip," it would become necessary that all of the individuals who remained in the U.S. or who subsequently came to the U.S., be placed in a visa status. The DOW advised that while the document stated DOJ would be charged with the security responsibility for all alien scientists, it was not, in effect, placing additional responsibility on DOJ but was merely reiterating the actual responsibility of DOJ regarding aliens who come to the U.S. [REDACTED — b3, b7E]
The FBI was not consulted in connection with this particular matter, and the Attorney General was so advised of the above by letter dated September 25, 1947, with a statement to the fact that the FBI assumed the responsibility mentioned in the first paragraph of the above-mentioned document referred to jurisdiction and not within FBI jurisdiction. [REDACTED — b3, b7E]
On October 3, 1947, the FBI was advised by DOJ that it had been decided, upon certification of Secretary of War and the Attorney General, that DOS would issue German scientists proper visas as well as visas for their families to enter the U.S. The FBI was advised that DOW would submit to the Attorney General dossiers on those scientists who were recommended for such visas. The FBI was advised that in order for the Attorney General to be in a position to make a recommendation or decision concerning the advisability of issuing such visas, the Attorney General would request the FBI to check its files for any information concerning the individuals being considered. [REDACTED — b3, b7E]
By letter dated November 4, 1947, the Acting Assistant to the Attorney General, DOJ, forwarded to the FBI for a check of FBI records a list of alien specialists who were in the U.S. in connection with the alien scientist program, as well as a list of names of dependents of the scientists. The DOJ also forwarded dossiers relating to three German scientists whose immigration to the U.S. for permanent residence had been recommended by JCS. The DOJ requested the FBI to conduct a thorough investigation of the three individuals with particular emphasis on the internal security aspect of the immigration of the individuals into the U.S. for permanent residence. [REDACTED — b3, b7E]
The DOJ also advised in this letter that it anticipated a complete security check would eventually be made by DOJ with respect to each person on the list whose entry into the U.S. for permanent residence had been recommended by JCS. The DOJ considered it a very serious responsibility in passing upon the admissibility of persons into the U.S. for permanent residence and believed that it was advisable to have the benefit of an FBI investigation in these cases. The DOJ advised that it would request the FBI to conduct a thorough investigation of each person recommended for immigration before a determination as to the admissibility of any such person was made. The DOJ advised that for the present time, it would request only a record check of persons whose immigration had not been recommended, since they were in custody of military authorities. [REDACTED — b3, b7E]
The DOJ furnished as an enclosure to this letter a copy of an undated memorandum captioned "Proposed Procedures with Respect to the Entry to the United States for Residence of Aliens Certified as Persons Whose Admissions is Highly Desirable in the National Interests." This document concerns the procedures agreed upon by the Departments of Air Force, Army, Commerce, Justice, and State as well as the JCS.
By letter dated November 6, 1947, the FBI furnished to the DOJ results of record checks regarding 178 German and Austrian specialists in response to their request dated October 14, 1947. [REDACTED — b3, b7E]
By FBI letter dated November 10, 1947, the DOJ was advised that the FBI would not conduct the requested investigation regarding the three German scientists, as investigations of this character were solely within the jurisdiction of INS. The DOJ was also advised that no record checks would be made of FBI files concerning names submitted with their November 4, 1947, letter due to lack of identifying information. The DOJ was requested to provide additional identifying data if they desired the names be checked through FBI indices. [REDACTED — b3, b7E]
By letter dated November 14, 1947, the DOJ, in reference to FBI letter dated November 10, 1947, requesting that the FBI conduct special investigations concerning certain specific German scientists who were in the U.S. under the protective custody and control of JIOA, as well as conduct record checks of names previously submitted. [REDACTED — b3, b7E]
By letter dated November 20, 1947, DOJ was advised the FBI would conduct the requested investigation regarding the three German scientists, however, it would be impossible to conduct the necessary record checks of the names previously submitted due to lack of identifying data.
The DOJ, commencing in December, 1947, requested that investigations and/or record checks be conducted by the FBI regarding other German scientists and/or specialists for the purpose of ascertaining their activities, conduct, and associates since arriving in the U.S. The requested investigations and/or record checks were conducted and the results were furnished to DOJ. [REDACTED — b3, b7E]
In response to a previous FBI request, Peyton Ford, Assistant to the Attorney General, advised the FBI by memorandum dated June 25, 1948, that the cases in this matter in which JIOA referred to DOJ were in two categories: (1) The Paperclip Project, which included (a) German scientists and specialists who were in the U.S. who had been recommended for immigration visas and about whom a thorough investigation would be requested, and (b) German scientists and specialists in the U.S. but who had not been recommended for immigration visas and whom JIOA contemplated bringing to the U.S. in the near future, about whom a record check would be requested; and (2) Nationals of various European countries other than Germany who were not scientists but who rendered a valuable assistance to the U.S. Government, whose presence in the U.S. was deemed to be in the interest of national security and about whom record checks would be requested. [REDACTED — b3, b7E]
In addition, the FBI was informed by the Assistant Attorney General, DOJ, by memorandum dated September 30, 1948, that JIOA had been advised that DOJ would require the FBI to conduct an independent investigation of dependents of German scientists who were admitted to the U.S. and granted a visa through the concurrence of DOJ under Operation Paperclip, concerning whom JIOA had received unfavorable information as a result of its independent investigation abroad.
It was also stated in this DOJ memorandum that in cases where no derogatory information was developed abroad on dependents, it would be satisfactory to conduct only a records check of FBI central files. [REDACTED — b3, b7E]
There is attached one copy of Washington City News Service Release dated July 18, 1950, which states, in part, charges by Senator Styles Bridges (Rep., N.H.) that Russian tanks had impenetrable armor because a DOS employee blocked 1,000 German scientists from coming to the U.S. [REDACTED — b3, b7E]
There appeared on pages 10650 and 10651, Volume 96, No. 141 of the Congressional Record, Proceedings and Debates of the 81st Congress, 2nd Session, at Washington, D.C., on July 18, 1950, statements by Senator Bridges relating to this matter, a copy of these two pages is attached. [REDACTED — b3, b7E]
On August 9, 1950, Captain Bosque N. Wev, Chief of Staff, Little Creek, Virginia, Amphibious Base, advised the FBI that he appeared before a subcommittee of the Senate Appropriations Committee (SAC) on June 27, 1947, concerning difficulties encountered in obtaining entrance permits into this country for German scientists. Captain Wev provided the FBI with a copy of his statement before SAC. [REDACTED — b3, b7E]
By letter dated September 8, 1950, the Attorney General was advised by the FBI that information had been received by this Bureau from U.S. Army, G-2, Fort McPherson, Georgia, that a large number of scientists under "Paperclip Specialists" would be moved to Redstone Arsenal, Huntsville, Alabama, and that information available to the Army indicated that "the FBI acquires security responsibility" for "Paperclip Specialists" and their dependents when visas had been issued to them. It was pointed out to the Attorney General that the FBI had never undertaken any project whereby the FBI would "acquire or assume security responsibility" of any group or individuals. The Attorney General was advised the FBI would not assume "security responsibility" over "Paperclip Specialists" or their dependents and would not accept the responsibility of investigating violations of any administrative security regulations imposed upon this group or individuals whether they had received visas or not.
Further, it was requested that DOJ advise JIOA of the FBI's jurisdiction and responsibilities in this matter. The DOJ was advised that until further notice from DOJ, the FBI would not conduct any type of investigation other than regular security investigations requested by DOJ. [REDACTED — b3, b7E]
By letter dated September 18, 1950, DOJ advised it agreed the FBI would not assume "security responsibility" of "Paperclip Specialists" or their dependents because of the fact that visas had been issued to them. [REDACTED — b3, b7E]
There is attached for your information one copy of a translation from the German language of Chapter 5 of the book "Forschung Heisst Arbeit und Brot" (Research is Work and Bread), which book was furnished to this Bureau in November, 1950, by an American citizen in Frankfurt, Germany. This material relates to the German scientists who had been taken to various countries in the world to engage in research work and comments particularly on "Operation Paperclip." Copies were also furnished to the Departments of Air Force, Army, Navy, and State, as well as CIA and AEC. [REDACTED — b3, b7E]
By letter dated November 13, 1950, Peyton Ford, supra, advised the FBI that under the provisions of the Internal Security Act of 1950, it was no longer possible to continue to bring German scientists and technicians to the U.S. under the "Paperclip" program if those scientists or technicians were in any way connected with the National Socialist Government of Germany or any Nazi organizations.
The FBI was also advised that where, in the opinion of Government departments and agencies, the services of such scientists or technicians were deemed to be of paramount national interest, it would be necessary for the Attorney General, if he approved, to exercise the provisions of the 9th proviso to permit the entry of such aliens on a temporary basis.
The FBI was advised that it had been decided by JIOA and Departments of Justice and State that, effective immediately, in all cases of either the "Paperclip" or national interest type cases (so called non-Paperclip cases), JIOA would make a name check of all intelligence agencies, including the FBI.
The results of the name checks, together with the investigative report made abroad of the alien, would be furnished to the Internal Security Section, DOJ. After a review of this material, the Criminal Division, DOJ, would notify INS of the substance of the information together with a statement as to whether there was any objection by DOJ from the standpoint of internal security of the nation. [REDACTED — b3, b7E]
Information was received from DOA [REDACTED] that the Soviets had indicated an interest in German scientists in the U.S. As a result of this, FBI Headquarters, on an independent basis, approved and directed to concerned field offices authority to interview the German scientists to determine specifically if they had 1) been contacted through their relatives in Germany or otherwise for classified information; 2) if they had close relatives in the Soviet zone of Germany or satellite nations who might be used by the Soviets as hostages to compel the German scientists' cooperation in espionage activities; 3) if they might be utilized in contacting Soviet agents through FBI informants; and 4) to advise the scientists of the FBI's jurisdiction and responsibilities concerning security activities. [REDACTED — b3, b7E]
In connection with our review of Operation Paperclip, seven investigations of the German scientists were reviewed in connection with the four matters referred to above. No information was revealed that they were involved in Nazi war crimes in Europe. [REDACTED — b3, b7E]
Results of any FBI investigation relating to the remaining scientists and/or specialists under this program are not reflected in the Operation Paperclip files.
By letter dated August 13, 1951, from Deputy Attorney General Peyton Ford, DOJ, the FBI received the last request to conduct investigations regarding German specialists who were brought into the U.S. under military custody in connection with the Paperclip Program. Our files indicate that the FBI conducted a total of 525 investigations regarding German scientists and/or specialists brought into this country under the Paperclip Program, which included the investigations conducted in DOJ's request of August 13, 1951. [REDACTED — b3, b7E]
By letter dated April 9, 1956, JIOA submitted to the FBI its last request for a check of FBI records regarding Paperclip specialists who had applied for permanent resident status under the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1950. [REDACTED — b3, b7E]
By letter dated June 7, 1962, JIOA submitted to the FBI its last notification of resident alien specialists who entered the U.S. under the JIOA program. [REDACTED — b3, b7E]
The FBI was also kept advised of German scientists and/or specialists and their dependents who were repatriated to Germany.
It is to be noted that information obtained by the FBI either from unsolicited sources and/or during the course of FBI investigations concerning the German scientists or specialists, or their dependents, in general or particular, was disseminated to appropriate agencies in this matter. [REDACTED — b3, b7E]
By letter dated January 31, 1963, the FBI was advised by the Office of Director of Defense Research and Engineering (ODDRE), DOD, Washington, D.C., that the JIOA, JCS, ceased to exist as of October 15, 1962, and further advised that the Defense Scientists Immigration Program (DEFSIP) was transferred on that date to ODDRE. The FBI was furnished with information concerning resident alien specialists who entered the U.S. under the DEFSIP from August through December, 1962. [REDACTED — b3, b7E]
By letter dated June 16, 1966, ODDRE furnished to the FBI the last notice of resident aliens specialists who entered the U.S. under DEFSIP, the latest being May 24, 1966. [REDACTED — b3, b7E]
On January 17, 1980, Elizabeth Holtzman, Chairwoman, Subcommittee on Immigration, Refugees, and International Law of the House Judiciary Committee, requested that DOJ furnish to her "...all documents, memoranda, and other materials" in its possession relating to "Operation Paperclip." This request was forwarded to the FBI. [REDACTED — b3, b7E]
On February 27, 1980, the Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division, DOJ, was advised that a request had been made in early 1979 by the Special Litigations Unit, INS, for the approval to release to the Senate Judiciary Committee certain material previously furnished to INS by the FBI regarding "Operation Paperclip." As a result, communications were exchanged with Senator Max Baucus, Chairman, Subcommittee on Limitations of Contracted and Delegated Authority, Judiciary Committee, and his staff concerning the release of this material. No formal Memorandum of Understanding between the DOJ and the Senate Judiciary Committee was reached regarding access or dissemination of this material, however, limited excised material requested by Senator Baucus of the Judiciary Committee, regarding "Operation Paperclip" was provided to DOJ on July 25, 1979, for its consideration as to dissemination. FBI files do not indicate what action, if any, was taken in this regard.
The Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division, DOJ, was also advised that access and dissemination of voluminous material involving "Operation Paperclip" would be facilitated through coordinated development of guidelines and a formal Memorandum of Understanding by DOJ. DOJ was advised that the FBI had not corresponded with Ms. Holtzman and the FBI would appreciate DOJ contacting her regarding this matter and initiating the necessary steps leading to dissemination, clearances and/or staff access. [REDACTED — b3, b7E]
Our files contain no approved formal Memorandum of Understanding pertaining to the release of Paperclip Operation documents and no material has been released other than that mentioned above in response to current congressional inquiries.
NOTE: Reference GAO letter dated 6-23-82 in which the names of 11 alleged Nazi war criminals were submitted for review; [REDACTED] memo dated 8-2-82, captioned "GAO Inquiry Concerning Admission of Alleged Nazi War Criminals in the U.S."; [REDACTED] memo mentioned as above, dated 9-13-82, regarding dissemination of data in connection with this project; and GAO letter dated 8-26-82, in which an additional 35 names of operations, organizations, and projects were furnished for review.
The following letter from Senator Max Baucus, Chairman, Subcommittee on Limitations of Contracted and Delegated Authority, to FBI Director William H. Webster is included in the released file:
November 8, 1979
Honorable William H. Webster
Director
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Washington, D.C. 20535
Dear Judge Webster:
I have been conducting an inquiry into Operation Paperclip, a program under which certain Nazi scientists and their dependents, right after World War II, entered this country. This and related inquiries were addressed to your agency, among others, in the government. Your agency forwarded substantial documentation, which has been most helpful to my inquiry.
Scrutinizing the assembled documents from various sources, I discovered that mention was made in a number of other documents supplied by various Federal agencies of an "Operation Dragonfly," allegedly involving your agency. Please, therefore, forward to me what you know and can discover in the way of documentation on "Operation Dragonfly." It is my understanding that "Dragonfly" involved the bringing in of various individuals from Eastern European countries to the U.S., bypassing traditional Customs, immigration and related requirements.
Sincerely,
Max Baucus, Chairman
Subcommittee on Limitations of Contracted and Delegated Authority
The following names of operations and/or projects are listed in the GAO enclosure submitted for FBI records search:
1. Operation Sunrise.
2. Project Permanent — PL 110, also called "100 persons a year Act" enacted in 1948 at the request of the Director of Central Intelligence. Section 212 (d)(5) of the Immigration and Naturalization Act provides for the temporary admission of persons necessary for national security.
3. Project Zenith.
4. Operation Paperclip.
5. Operation Overcast.
6. Operation Tobacco.
7. Operation Polecat.
8. Projects Able and Barer.
9. Operation Rusty.
Document: FBI internal summary of Operation Paperclip. Federal Bureau of Investigation, Washington, D.C. 20535. Dated January 7, 1983. Original classification: SECRET. 28 pages.
FOIA release: FOIPA Request No. 1459792-000. Released February 21, 2020, by David M. Hardy, Section Chief, Record/Information Dissemination Section, Information Management Division.
FBI file numbers referenced: 100-HQ-451248 and 105-HQ-8090.
The Interference begins with a patent. US3951134, filed in 1974, describes a device for remotely monitoring and altering human brain waves without physical contact. The patent is real. The USPTO granted it.
What precedes that patent is a documented institutional record. In 1960, the CIA funded MKUltra Subproject 119 at Texas Christian University. The stated objective included techniques of activation of the human organism by remote electronic means. The contractor was unwitting. The budget was $6,370. Sidney Gottlieb signed off. In 1952, an ARTICHOKE field team produced total amnesia in two overseas subjects held in a guarded safehouse with eyes taped shut in transit. Their dispositions after the operation were outside the team's responsibility. In 1963, the CIA Inspector General recommended termination of unwitting testing on American citizens. The program ran for another decade. In 1983, a U.S. Army Intelligence report filed in the CIA's STARGATE collection treated the brain as an electromagnetic organ that could be entrained to external frequencies. Not as theory. As established fact.
The Colonial Authority in The Interference is what that timeline produces if you follow it forward rather than stop at the declassified record. The mesh program James Harlan carries inside his skull is built on the physics in these documents. The fiction begins exactly where the public record stops answering questions.