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Cryptonym: CALLIKAK

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Definition:
CALLIKAK was the CIA cryptonym for the mail and telephone intercept program established by the U.S. Army after the Second World War.
Status:
Documented
Discussion:
A cable in April, 1963, stated that HOB (probably Hamburg Operating Base) received advanced "notice from CALLIKAK of usually two-three weeks on most ships, listing all ports of call." The cable also added that CALLIKAK supplied "cargo info two-three weeks in advance of loading."
Sources:

https://www.archives.gov/files/iwg/declassified-records/rg-263-cia-records/second-release-lexicon.pdf

CIA document: Research Aid: Cryptonyms and Terms in Declassified CIA Files Nazi War Crimes and Japanese Imperial Government Records Disclosure Acts: Page 18: ..."Term: CALLIKAK. Definition: Mail and telephone intercept program established by U.S. Army after WWII..."

104-10308-10050: AMLEGS 7,8,11,24,25, AND 28 PROBABLY WILLING AND ABLE PERFORM SABOTAGE ON SHIPS IF REQUESTED.

04/18/63: Cable from Hamburg to Director (Info: BRUS, FRAN): Slugline RYBAT TYPIC AMLEG CALL: "1. AMLEGS-1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 24, 25, and 28 probably willing and able perform sabotage on ships if requested. Unless operation considered of vital importance overriding other potential these agents, prefer not to employ them this function. Above represents partial assets Bahia de Mariel, Oriente, Sierra Maestre, and Las Villas. Early May, including Sierra Maestre and Camilo Cienfuegos, approximately five Cuban ships will be on high seas. 2. If sabotage program only part of overall harassing action against Cuban economy, suggest non-officer personnel become targets for recruitment for task as they have good access and are probably less likely consider consequences if they do job and jump ship. 3. Suggest consideration using AMLEG-24 in plan to recruit worker or inspector employed in lone dry dock Havana port to perform sabotage action which might destroy or seriously damage dock. AMLEG-24 contacts include many persons who could carry out such action. AMLEG-24 scheduled arrive Europe circa mid-May. 4. Re para 2 B ref, HOB (probably Hamburg Operating Base) receives advance notice from CALLIKAK of usually two-three weeks on most ships, listing all ports of call. 'Harbor report' also offers circa two week notice most ships coming HAMB. Local liaison service keeps HOB informed when ship within one day of HAMB port and this double checked through local agent. Local service provides crew list on arrival HAMB. Usual duration HAMB visit five days unless, as frequently occurs, ship undergoes repairs. When necessary, local liaison has indicated willingness delay departures on our request. 5. CALLIKAK also supplies cargo info two-three weeks in advance of loading. Have no personal access to cargoes, but any crewman could have. C/S Comment: *Approval has been granted for sabotage of Cuban ships."

104-10063-10380: LISTING--ALL IDEN DOCS WERE PROCESSED UNDER JAMES EARL RAY FOR HSCA

Undated: CIA document: Page 18: ..."X 72A01 U CALLIKAK A-0088 200-300-58/MISC/S 28 Jul 72."

https://www.cia.gov/library/readingroom/docs/CIA%20AND%20NAZI%20WAR%20CRIM.%20AND%20COL.%20CHAP.%201-10%2C%20DRAFT%20WORKING%20PAPER_0011.pdf

Undated: CIA document: Draft Working Paper: "Chapter Ten: A Valuable Man Whom We Must Control (U): As RUSTY became a stronger player in Western Europe, the Central Intelligence Agency needed more, rather than less, information about its personnel and operations. (1) In fact, both the CIA and the CIC in Germany conducted their own separate intelligence-gathering operations against Gehlen throughout the early 1950's. (2)...(2) The Army's CIC, in particular, resented the development of RUSTY and the relatively free range that its agents operated in Germany. After the CIA's assumption of the German service, the CIC launched its own intelligence-gathering project, Operation CAMPUS, against Gehlen. CIA, likewise, launched an intensive data-gathering operation, known as UJDREDGER and later UJVENTURE, to identify German intelligence personnel and methods. The Agency also implemented a telephone and mail intercept program, known as CALLIKAK..."

Contributors:
Gavin McDonald

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