The JFK Files: Unveiling Secrets of the Past

The Trump administration has released a trove of files related to the Kennedy assassination, and experts have been pouring over them to uncover new information. While the files do not provide evidence of any other perpetrator besides Lee Harvey Oswald, they have shed light on the inner workings of the government and its spy agencies during the Cold War era.

CIA Tradecraft and the "Family Jewels"

The released files offer a wealth of information about the CIA’s tradecraft, including the so-called "Family Jewels," a report detailing the agency’s illegal operations from 1959 to 1973. Previously, some of this information was redacted, but the new release has provided a more complete picture. For instance, a file revealed that the CIA attempted to train birds for domestic surveillance operations, with the goal of using them to carry small intelligence-collecting packages, such as audio surveillance devices.

Interesting Revelations

As experts continue to sift through the files, interesting revelations are emerging. For example, an internal CIA memo from 1966 recommends a "certificate of distinction" for a CIA official who led the agency’s technical division. The memo, which was previously redacted, describes how this individual led a team that developed the use of fluoroscopic scanning and X-rays to detect hidden technical listening devices.

Petty CIA Operations

The Washington Post has highlighted some of the more unusual CIA operations, including an incident in 1962 where the agency tainted 800 bags of raw sugar shipped from Cuba to the Soviet Union. The goal was to make the sugar taste bad, and the CIA estimated that this operation would cost the Soviet Union between $350,000 and $400,000.

Personal Information and Security Concerns

However, the release of the files has also raised concerns about personal information and security. The files contain the social security numbers of over 400 living individuals, including spies, lawyers, legislators, and former Congressional staffers. One of the individuals affected is Christopher Pyle, a former Army officer and whistleblower who was on President Nixon’s list of personal enemies. In response to the breach, an anonymous White House official has offered free credit monitoring to those affected.

Comprehensive Breakdown and Analysis

The National Security Archive, a non-profit organization at George Washington University, is providing a comprehensive breakdown and analysis of the JFK files. The organization has highlighted several notable documents, including a 1961 CIA Inspector General’s report on the assassination of Dominican Republic dictator Rafael Trujillo. The report reveals the names of the CIA officers involved in the plot to kill Trujillo.

CIA Counterintelligence Operations

Another document, from the "Family Jewels," details CIA counterintelligence operations against allies in Washington, D.C. The file reveals that CIA agents broke into the French Consulate and stole documents, and suggests that former CIA chief John McCone had inappropriate dealings with the Vatican.

A Note to JFK

A note to JFK on the day of his inauguration, written by White House aide Arthur Schlesinger Jr., has also been uncovered. The note reveals that 47% of the political officers serving in United States embassies were spies, with 123 spies working as diplomats in the Paris embassy alone. This information highlights the extent of the CIA’s undercover operations overseas.

As historians and scholars continue to work through the JFK files, it is likely that more controversies and revelations will emerge, providing a deeper understanding of the government’s secrets and operations during the Cold War era.