Home/ Resources / Projects / CIA Cryptonyms / bigram: OTHER / cryptonym: DRJIBE-1

Cryptonym: DRJIBE-1

Return to Main Crypts Page

Definition:
A memo from Raymond Rocca, C/CI/R&A, in January of 1969 stated that DRJIBE-1 was Thomas L. Roberts, a former member of Herbert Itkin's law firm.
Status:
Documented
Discussion:
The subject of the memo was "Mike - Itkin." Mike was an alias for Mario Brod.

A memo on January 31, 1969, stated that "Mr. Roberts has been a staff agent of CIA since 28 August 1961. From March 1964 to November 1964 he spent time in West Africa writing a monograph of West African legal problems. It should be noted that this task was performed under a grant from a foundation which was blown in the MHDOWEL exposures. In November 1964 Roberts was assigned for cover to be (REDACTION) staff where he remained until March 1965 and then went to Dakar."
Sources:

104-10107-10130: ITKIN AND THE CIA

01/09/69: Memo from Raymond G. Rocca, C/CI/R&A: Subject: Mike - Itkin: "1. See our IN 66370 from Dakar. (This is our copy. It is RYBAT, and therefore we can't make a copy). DRJIBE/1 is Thomas L. Roberts, former member of Itkin's law firm. 2. A reliable source indicates that the District Attorney's office in New York maintains a routine contact with the INTERPOL Chief in Treasury. Mr. Hogan's officer is Cantrell. He has a direct contact with Douglas, the INTERPOL representative in Washington. In December 1967,the District Attorney's office in New York City, through Cantrell, triggered an inquiry by INTERPOL, Washington, to Scotland Yard, London, regarding Herbert Itkin's travel from London at a particular time and on a particular flight. It is assumed, therefore, that the request to Dakar also originated with Hogan's office. 3. Regarding Itkin's allegations of contact with the Agency during the period 1954-1961, Mr. Sam Papich noted that the individuals in Senator Joseph McCarthy's Investigative Staff in 1954 were: Frank Carr, Jim Giuliano, Dom Surine. Carr, he said, was Chief of the Investigative Staff and would certainly have known of any contacts maintained by McCarthy under circumstances alleged by Itkin. Mr. Papich did not know Carr's present whereabouts. Giuliano was an assistant. He was last reported to have been practicing law in Washington. Both Giuliano and Carr are quite approachable, Mr. Papich thought. He recommended against querying Mr. Surine."

104-10107-10135: HERBERT ITKIN

01/31/69: Memo for the record from John K. Greaney, Assistant General Counsel: "1. A meeting was held on 27 January 1969 with Messrs. Rocca, Houston, Warner and myself to discuss the ramifications of the confrontation with the New York FBI office on 17 January. It was concluded that additional information was required on Thomas L. Roberts and (REDACTION). I contacted the Director of Security and requested the security files on these two individuals and was advised that we could not have the security files but that Mr. Ward Greene would bring the files to the office and discuss their contents openly...Attached is a chronological rundown on the pertinent information on Thomas L. Roberts' affiliation with the FBI, CIA and Itkin. 3. On 30 January a meeting was held with Messrs. Houston, Warner, Rocca, and (REDACTION) CCS LPGLOBE, to discuss the operational use of Mr. Roberts. Mr. Roberts has been a staff agent of CIA since 28 August 1961. From 3/64 to 11/64 he spent time in West Africa writing a monograph of West African legal problems. It should be noted that this task was performed under a grant from a foundation which was blown in the MHDOWEL exposures (Note: In 1967, Ramparts magazine exposed the CIA funding of the National Student Association, labor groups and others). In 11/64 Roberts was assigned for cover to be (REDACTION) staff where he remained until March 1965 and then went to Dakar. 4. The facts in the attached chronology are subject to question since they are the result of Roberts own explanation of his affiliation with Itkin rather than having been determined from independent sources...One of the questions to be answered by LPGLOBE personnel is whether or not Roberts reported his activities with Itkin in Geneva, Switzerland, in 3/66...5. Mr. Rocca was advised by Mr. Sam Papich of the FBI that the New York District Attorney may be considering prosecution against Roberts for having absconded with funds received from negligence cases." (CONTINUED)

104-10107-10135: HERBERT ITKIN

..."We do not have sufficient information to evaluate the likelihood of criminal prosecution. 6. With regard to (REDACTION) there appear to have been two operational considerations, one having been a request to use him with Project DTPILLAR (Asia Foundation) from November 1953 to February 1955, and then a request in 1963 by the Domestic Operations Division for his use on Project WUBRINY. In March 1964 DO Division advised Security that (REDACTION) was not going to be used on WUBRINY. Mr. Rocca commented that there are some rather ominous allegations against members of the firm of (REDACTION) indicating that one member of the firm was a card-carrying member of the Communist Party. At the present time Mr. Rocca is investigating the DTPILLAR use of Mr. (REDACTION)."

104-10107-10134: INFORMATION RE THE ITKIN CASE

02/10/69: Memo for the record from John K. Greaney, Assistant General Counsel: Subject: Thomas Lee Roberts:

104-10107-10140: INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

09/16/69: Document from Acting Chief, CI Staff to OGC - Mr. Houston: Subject: Itkin, Herbert: "When did you meet Mr. Brod? When did you report upon Brod to Globe CO for first time? Have you had conversations with Itkin about Brod? If so, when (detail each), what was substance of each? (The real point is whether Roberts is forthcoming on these matters and gives the appearance of putting all of his memory to work. The object is elicitation not prejudgement, prejudicial or otherwise). What do you know about the Conostoga enterprise? Did you have a financial or other interest in it? When did Itkin (first) tell you that he was an FBI agent? Did you ever tell him you were an FBI agent? (Bear in mind we don't know what the record is at FBI in Boston and New York re Roberts)..." (Note: There are several redactions in the remainder of this document).

Contributors:
Gavin McDonald

© Mary Ferrell Foundation. All Rights Reserved. |Site Map |MFF Policies |Contact Us