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Cryptonym: MHRAVEL

Definition:

Unknown identity. A dispatch on November 8, 1967, stated that Raymond H. Gerende (Ramon Joseph Alvarez Durant) had been employed by the Mexican MHRAVEL committee in September and October of that year.

Status:

Unknown

Discussion:

Another dispatch on the same day, on the LIEMPTY project renewal request, mentioned that Gerende had "contributed significantly" to the Mexico City station's MHRAVEL program. A dispatch on July 22, 1968, stated that Gerende's employment with the Mexican MHRAVEL committee brought a useful side effect to the Mexico City station. Gerende had apparently "conducted a few discreet inquiries and investigations" for the CIA "within the MHRAVEL complex." The CIA instructed him to try to get an assignment which would keep him as close to the USSR delegation as possible. The dispatch later added that Raymond H. Gerende had successfully completed an assignment which involved initiating a relationship with a Russian translator who worked for the MHRAVEL committee.

Sources:

104-10187-10009: CIA FILE (ASSET) PHOTO SURVEILLANCE OP

11/08/67: Dispatch from COS, Mexico City to Chief, WH (Info: Chief, SB): Subject: LIEMPTY Progress Report 1 August through 31 October 1967: "1. On 25 (?) July 1967, Raymond H. Gerende (Ramon Joseph Alvarez Durant), principal officer for the LIEMPTY project, was introduced to his new case officer, Vincent P. Rizzuto. The major reason for the change in case officers was to bring the LIEMPTY (note: Umbrella surveillance project in Mexico City, formerly code-named LIPSTICK. Included a variety of sub-projects under it) project into the section which it is largely designed to support, the REDTOP (CIA Soviet Division) section...Due to Gerende's MHRAVEL activity (see below) it was not always possible to stick to a fixed meeting schedule...11. In September and October 1967 Gerende was employed by the Mexican MHRAVEL committee. He was able to get assigned as aide to the DIZTAG (Czechoslovakia) delegation. In this capacity he was able to supplement very nicely the information and support being provided by Jeremy S. Hodapp. This foot-in-the-door came in very handy, and is expected to be even more valuable in 1968, if Gerende can get the position again. While the job was rather time-consuming we believe that it was well worth it. 12. In connection with his duties with MHRAVEL, as well as in connection with the fact that his WOFIRM (CIA) activities are nearly 100% against the FJSTEAL (USSR) target, Gerende was given a very general briefing on the Station's REDTOP program. It is our hope that, in having a better idea of what the Station is trying to do in this field, Gerende will be able to make an even greater contribution to that program than he has in the past. (Signed) Vincent P. Rizzuto for/Willard C. Curtis (Winston M. Scott)."

104-10187-10014: CIA FILE ON (ASSET) DEVELOPMENT AND PLANS.

11/08/67: Dispatch from COS, Mexico City to Chief, WH Division (Info: Chief, SB Division): Subject: LIEMPTY Project Renewal Request: Page 168: ..."As noted above, he (note: Gerende - Ramon Joseph Alvarez Durant) contributed significantly to the Station's MHRAVEL program..."

104-10187-10009: CIA FILE (ASSET) PHOTO SURVEILLANCE OP

07/22/68: Dispatch from COS, Mexico City to Chief, WH (Info: Chief, SB): Subject: LIEMPTY Progress Report, 1 November 1967 through 30 June 1968: Pages 2-3: ..."4. As noted in reference, Gerende (Ramon Joseph Alvarez Durant) was employed by the Mexican MHRAVEL committee, which we found a useful side benefit. His MHRAVEL activity during the reporting period has been minimal, but we expect it to start picking up again. Gerende has conducted a few discreet inquiries and investigations for us within the MHRAVEL complex, and we have instructed him to try to get an assignment which will keep him as close to the FJSTEAL (USSR) delegation as possible. 5. Reference also pointed out that Gerende had performed nicely in the cultivation and development of an operational lead, and that the Station planned to give Gerende more of the same. Furthermore, Gerende's standing assignments (LIEMPTY base houses, MHRAVEL activity, and occasional support of JMROD requirements) were not challenging enough or occupying enough of Gerende's time...8. Among other assignments completed by Gerende in the reporting period were the renting of an apartment for use as a listening post; and initiating a relationship with a Russian translator working for the MHRAVEL committee..."

104-10187-10014: CIA FILE ON (ASSET) DEVELOPMENT AND PLANS.

03/14/69: Dispatch from COS, Mexico City to Chief, WH Division (Info: Chief, SB Division): Subject: LIEMPTY Project Renewal Request: Pages 148-149: ..."D. Raymond H. Gerende - LIEMPTY Principal Agent...He assisted the Station in its MHRAVEL program..."