Attention: Roger Gabrielson

Subject: HSCA Request

Reference: HSCA Memo 77-0058/12 December 22, 1977 (OLC 77-5685)

1. Per your request concerning Item 1 of Reference the following information is submitted:

        Question: DAVID L. CHRIST. Reported to have been in Dallas on November 22, 1963."

        A. We have searched for time and attendance records on DAVID L. CHRIST to determine his duty status on November 22, 1963. We have been informed that T & A records for all employees have been destroyed, and therefore we do not know his duty status on November 22, 1963.

B. We have searched the financial records of DAVID L. CHRIST to determine if he was in travel status on November 22, 1963. We did find that CHRIST performed travel to Boston, Mass. on November 26, 1963, and returned to Washington, D.C., on November 27, 1963. Transmitted to you separately are copies of his travel voucher and Request for Advance of Funds concerning his travel to and from Boston. It may be worth noting that CHRIST signed the request for advance of funds on November 20, 1963, and his secretary signed a receipt for the advance of funds on November 21, 1963.

C. We have not conducted a search for any records, memos, letters, buckslips etc. that might be in our files and contain initials or a signature of CHRIST signifying action by him on November 22, 1963. Such a search would require an extensive effort, and may not prove fruitful, but we are willing to make the effort if requested.

D. In addition, we have not attempted to question or obtain statements from CHRIST'S colleagues who may recall seeing or talking with CHRIST on November 22, 1963. Once again we are not sure such an action would be fruitful, but we are willing to make an effort if requested."

[Roger Gabrielson, Harold P. Clark, Special Assistant DDS&T -1455-78 CIA FOIA 17477]

        On January 12, 1966, the CIA reported: "Recently, a source of the Security Research Staff advised that he had recently been in contact with Juan A. Rodriguez Jomolca, who is active in the DRE in charge of Latin American activities. Rodriguez told source he was acquainted with a Dan Caswell, while both were imprisoned in Cuba."

        CHRIST voluntarily retired from the CIA in October 1970. In November 1971 the CIA stated: "Mr. Christ's imaginative leadership and inspiration to those working with him, his broad scope of interest, his resourcefulness and philosophical devotion to the cause of the Agency and the United States have provided this Agency with an individual whose unique efforts and accomplishments over his 20 years service are worthy of recognition." He received the Intelligence Medal of Merit. Former CIA Director Richard Helms was asked:

        Q. And do you have any knowledge of an individual whose name is Daniel Carswell?

A. Daniel Carswell, no.

        (Whereupon Mr. Weberman conferred with Mr. Miller out of the hearing of the others and off the record, after which the following occurred:)