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Pseudonym: Alpher, Philip

Definition:
Philip L. Alpher was a pseudonym for David L. Christ.
Category:
pseudonym
Status:
Documented
Discussion:
An undated CIA document stated that David L. Christ's pseudonym was Philip L. Alpher, and his alias was Daniel L. Carswell.

Christ, Thornton Anderson, and Walter Szuminski were the Technical Services Division (TSD) technicians arrested by Cuban Intelligence in Havana in September of 1960.

Mario Nordio (AMCREW-1), his wife and Nordio's case officer, Robert Neet, were also arrested in Havana at this time. Nordio's wife and Neet were soon released and deported by the Cuban authorities.
Sources:

104-10111-10060: TRAVEL AND OFFICIAL COVER FOR DAVID L. CHRIST.

Undated CIA document: "David L. CHRIST (T). Philip L. ALPHER (P). Daniel L. CARSWELL (A)..."

104-10111-10013: CABLE RE ((DELETION)) BLOWN AND A RSWELL, TRONSKY, DANBRUNT UNDER DETENTION

09/15/60: Cable from Havana to Director: Slugline LCHARVEST KOBIRD: "1. (REDACTION) ESCALADE blown and and Carswell, Tronsky, Dandbrunt under detention. Following are facts present time: A. 0800 15 September AMCREW-1 (Mario Nordio) who handling LP, reported his apartment being watched. Contact made with A-1 who reported he left LP 1800 hours 14 September and made an agent contact which went well. Returned his own apartment 2000 hours and found two men outside his door. A-1 sneaked out and destroyed agent report and spent night in bar. Returned apartment 0700 hours and found two men outside. Later contact with A-1 wife who in apartment. She reported nothing unusual. B. Alpher, one of three technicians in STESCALADE failed make contact 2400 hours 14 September. Case Officer waited until 0130 hours then attempted go STESCALADE apartment. Watchman intercepted Case Officer and Case Officer returned to another apartment, which he knew not occupied. Returned, asked watchman for phone number rental where could get change of address since occupant apparently had moved. While waiting for watchman get number, noted three militiaman, policeman, two civilians who appeared be reporters Prensa Latina in front which more people than usual that time night, but on entering noticed large group couples waiting for cars at adjoining garage apparently leaving from party in building. C. At 0100 September 15 apartment on 23rd floor occupied by Mrs. Marjorie Lennox, Embassy staff employee, was entered into and searched by DIER agents. Mrs. Lennox was detained without explanation and at approximately 1100 hours taken to DIER HQs. Ambassador has lodged energetic verbal protest with foreign office demanding her immediate release. D. On afternoon 14 September Station borrowed key Mrs. Lennox apartment under pretext need to observe Prensa Latina personnel from apartment..."

Contributors:
Gavin McDonald

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