Cryptonym: LILINK
LILINK Sources: CIA Diary, Philip Agee, pp. 502, 613
An operation in Mexico City to provide non-official cover for CIA officers with infra-red communications system to the CIA station in the Embassy.
104-10092-10067: OPERATIONAL - CONTRACT
10/18/63 cable from Chief, Mexico City to Chief, WH Division, re HMMW-11958, 27 Sept 1963: "...this is to advise that Station Mexico has made no written contracts of any kind with LILINK-2. COS Mexico did agree to pay $6000 pesos (monthly) to LILINK-2. This was to include: rentals for two large private offices, hall closet, private upstairs room (for vaulted area) which has bedroom, kitchenette and bathroom, and use of patio. Rent includes cleaning, lighting, telephone (except for long distance calls), and heating. He was to give (CIA people) use of chauffeur and Chevrolet car..." ETSINGER was in communication with him about some additional details, but no written contract was ever drawn up.
10/21/63 cable from WH/3/Mexico to Mexico City, slugline LILINK: "Please advise LILINK-2 IDEN A has agreed to furnish cover for Howard T. Etsinger in Mexico. IDEN A is sending a letter to LILINK-2 telling him of their interest in investment possibilities in Mexico on behalf of a client (IDEN B). This letter should arrive by 28 October 1963."
11/20/63: DIR 83919, cable from Director to Mexico City (Orig: Les Norris, WH/3/Mexico): LILINK: "1. LILINK (an operation in Mexico City to provide non-official cover for CIA officers with infra-red communications system to the CIA station in the Embassy) project approved. Howard T. Etsinger ETD WASH 24 November 1963. Travel MEXI via Denver and El Paso. ETA Mexico City about 14 Dec 1963. On arrival Etsinger will call COS using name Mr. Williams. 2. Dispatch and project outline follow." Releasing Officer: J. C. King, C/WHD. Authenticating Officer: (REDACTION), C/WH/3.
104-10528-10411: CABLE: REQUEST HQS CONTACT ETSINGER RE ENTRY AT LAREDO
11/28/63 MEXI 7121 from Mexico City to Director, REF DIR 83919: "1. Request HQs contact Etsinger in Denver suggesting he enter Mexico at Laredo making contact customs agent known to Etsinger here in order facilitate entry personal effects. 2. Station met with LILINK-2 on 27 September. He pleased with Galbond (J. C. King) meeting, New York arrangements. C/S Comment: *Itinerary of Howard T. Etsinger."
104-10101-10101: CABLE:EFFECTIVE 1 DEC ETSINGER WILL BE ON PAYROLL FIRM IDEN A
11/30/63: DIR 86032, cable from Director to Mexico City (Orig: C. Bustos, WH/3/Mexico): REF: DIR 77179: "Effective 1 Dec Etsinger will be on payroll firm IDEN A DIR 77180. Also effective Dec 1963 this firm will deposit to New York account of LILINK-2 sum of $480 per month for rent LILINK (an operation in Mexico City to provide non-official cover for CIA officers with infra-red communications system to the CIA station in the Embassy) offices." Releasing Officer: R. W. Herbert for J. C. King, C/WHD. Authenticating Officer: (REDACTION), C/WH/3.
104-10414-10124: MEXICO CITY STATION HISTORY, EXCERPTS
"From December 1963 until August 1964, ETSINGER and REYMANDER spent time establishing and working on their cover business, though no business developed from the efforts of going through the motions of preparing REDACTED...LILINK was under the direction of the deputy chief of station, Alan P. White..."
104-10221-10004: GALAN, VICTOR RICO, 201-336474
6/7/65 dispatch from Chief of Station, Mexico City to Chief/WH: "The LILINK unit, of which (Gary A.) Reymander is a member, is an outside unit and still has no secretary."
104-10266-10161: SUMMARY OF LICOOKY-1'S ACTIVITIES FROM 1961 THROUGH 1965
12/21/65 dispatch from Chief, Mexico City to Chief, WH: Good summary written by LICOOKY-1/June Cobb on her activities from 1961-1965, ending with her work with the AEM (American Expatriates in Mexico). There is a reference to LILINX taking over her work - from the context it is a reference to LILINK, where Howard Etsinger was the case officer and the former case officer to Cobb.
104-10218-10076: CIA FILE ON LICOOKY-1.
7/15/66 dispatch from Chief, Mexico City to Chief, WH: The LILINK report on the termination of LICOOKY-1/June Cobb.