The pernicious background of such groups,
their duplicity, and devious maneuvers must be exposed to public
scrutiny where such publicity will have a neutralizing effect.
Efforts of the various groups to consolidate their forces or to
recruit new or youthful adherents must be frustrated. No
opportunity should be missed to exploit through
counterintelligence techniques the organizational and personal
conflicts of the leaderships of the groups and where possible an
effort should be made to capitalize upon existing conflicts
between competing black nationalist organizations. When an
opportunity is apparant to disrupt or neutralize black
nationalist, hate-type organizations through the cooperation of
established local news media contacts or through such contact
with sources available to the Seat of Government, in every
instance careful attention must be given to the proposal to
insure the targeted group is disrupted, ridiculed, or
discredited through the publicity and not merely publicized.
Intensified attention under this program
should be afforded to the activities of such groups as the
Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, the Southern
Christian Leadership Conference, Revolutionary Action Movement,
the Deacons for Defense and Justice, Congress of Racial
Equality, and the Nation of Islam. Particular emphasis should be
given to extremists who direct the activities and policies of
revolutionary or militant groups such as Stokely Carmichael, H.
"Rap" Brown, Elijah Muhammad, and Maxwell Stanford.
Director to 23 Field Offices, Aug. 26,
1967
2/?
Geronimo
Pratt
For the
information of the Bureau, in view of PRATT's adamant expression
of hatred toward law enforcement personnel in general, no
consideration is being given to reinterview PRATT for the
purpose of development as a PRI. It is noted, however, that
constant consideration is given to the possibility of the
utilization of counterintelligence measures with efforts being
directed toward neutralizing PRATT as an effective BPP
functionary.
SAC, Los Angeles to Director, June 26,
1970
(fragment)
Dick Gregory
Chicago airtel and
[?] dated 5/2/68 and captioned "Richard Claxton Gregory" concern
a speech by Gregory on 4/28/68 where he noted that "Syndicate
hoods (are living all over. [sic] They are the filthiest snakes
that exist on this earth." Referenced Bulet instructed you to
develop counterintelligence action concerning militant black
nationalist Dick Gregory. Consider the use of this statement in
developing a counterintelligence operation to alert La Cosa
Nostra (LCN) to Gregory's attack on LCN. It is noted that other
speeches by Gregory also contain attacks on the LCN.
Director to SAC, Chicago, May 15, 1968
Stokely Carmichael
It is suggested
that consideration be given to convey the impression that
CARMICHAEL is a CIA informant. One method of accomplishing the
above would be to have a carbon copy of informant report
reportedly written by CARMICHAEL to the CIA carefully deposited
in the automobile of a close Black Nationalist friend. The
report should be so placed that it will be readily seen. It is
hoped that when the informant report is read it will help
promote distrust between CARMICHAEL and the Black Community. It
is suggested that carbon copy of report be used to indicate that
CARMICHAEL turned original copy into CIA and kept carbon copy
for himself. It is also suggested that we inform a certain
percentage of reliable criminal and racial informants that "we
heard from reliable sources that CARMICHAEL is a CIA agent". It
is hoped that these informants would spread the rumor in various
large Negro communities across the land.
Fragment of FBU Memorandum, July 10, 1968
1/?
Jeff Fort
Authority is
granted to mail anonymous letter to Jeff Fort, as suggested in
relet, in care of the First Presbyterian Church, 6401 South
Kimbark, Chicago, Ill.
Brother Jeff: I've spent some time with
some Panther friends on the west side lately and I know
what's been going on. The brothers that run the Panthers
blame you for blocking their thing and there's supposed to
be a hit out for you. I'm not a Panther or a Ranger, just
black. From what I see these Panthers are our for themselves
not black people. I think you ought to know that their up
to, I know what I'd do if I was you. You might hear from me
again. -- A black brother you don't know
Director to SAC, Chicago, Jan. 30,
1969
Muhammad
Kenyatta
... Accordingly, it has been determined
by solidity representative elements of the Tougaloo College
Student Body that you are directed to remain away from this
campus until such time as your conduct and general demeanor
reach the desired level. This directive also applies to your
bringing any of your unruly and undisciplined associates to
the campus. Should you feel that this is a hollow directive
and not heed our diplomatic and well thought out warning we
shall consider contacting local authorities regarding some
of your activities or take other measures available to us
which would have a more direct effect and which would not be
as cordial as this note. Tougaloo College Defense Committee
It is hoped that this letter, if approved and
forwarded to JACKSON, will give him the impression that he has
been discredited at the Tougaloo College campus and is no longer
welcomed there.
SAC, Jackson, MS to Director
presumed, date unknown
Charles Koen
The following
counter-intelligence activity is being proposed by the St. Louis
Division to be directed against [Reverend Charles Koen]. He is
[two lines deleted] The activity attempts to alienate him from
his wife and cause suspicion among the BLACK LIBERATORS that
they have a dangerous troublemaker in their midst.
SAC, St. Louis to Director, Feb. 14, 1969
St. Louis is
authorized to send anonymous letter set out in relet and
Springfield is authorized to send the second anonymous letter
proposed in relet. Use commercially purchased stationary and
take the other precautions set out to insure this cannot be
traced to this Bureau.
Director to SAC, St. Louis, Feb. 28, 1969
DISCREDITING GROUPS TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC
TV and
Print Media
The Miami Division
developed a source at a local television station and the source
produced a news special on black nationalists and on the New
Left. As you are aware publicity about New Left and black
nationalist groups, especially television coverage, sometimes
enhances the stature of these groups. At the same time, Miami
has demonstrated that a carefully planned television show can be
extremely effective in showing these extremists for what they
are. Local New Left and black nationalist leaders were
interviewed on the show and seemed to have been chosen for
either their inability to articulate or their simpering and
stupid appearance. Miami furnished a film of this show for
Bureau review and it was apparent that the television source
used the very best judgment in editing comments by these
extremists. He brought out that they were in favor of violent
revolution without their explaining why. But he also brought out
that they, personally, would be afraid to lead a violent
revolution, making them appear to be cowards. The interview of
black nationalist leaders on the show had the leaders seated,
ill at ease, in hard chairs. Full-length camera shots showed
each movement as they squirmed about in their chairs, resembling
rats trapped under scientific observation. Each
counterintelligence office should be alert to exploit this
technique both for black nationalists and New Left types. ...
Success in this case resulted from hard work and acumen on the
part of the Agents who handled the matter. Especially important
was the choice of individuals interviewed as they did not have
the ability to stand up to a professional newsman.
Director to 42 Field Offices, August 5,
1968
In [ ] Florida,
a television source was helped in the preparation of a program
exposing the Nation of Islam. ... To show the criminal nature of
the BPP a write-up concerning the convictions of its members was
prepared and received publicity in a Robert S. Allen and John A.
Goldsmith syndicated column of March 31, 1970. Previously we
exposed the BPP Breakfast for Children Program in these writers'
column of June 14, 1969. ... Articles concerning the BPP based
on information furni[shed to] a news media source in Mississippi
resulted in the closing of a BPP Chapter in Cleveland,
Mississippi.
G.C. Moore to W.C. Sullivan, May 14, 1970
Underground Newspapers
Pursuant to Bureau
authority received in letter from the Bureau to St. Louis on
4/14/69, the St. Louis Division prepared 200 copies of
BLACKBOARD, an alleged underground newspaper of the black
students of Southern Illinois University (SIU). It was mailed
anonymously by Special Agents of the St. Louis Division at
Edwardsville, Ill., and copies of it were sent to virtually
every black activist organization and Black Nationalist leader
in the bi-state area. ... Midway through his column and
recitation of local events, WILSON said, "There is an absolutely
scandalous 'underground' sheet floating around both sides of the
river that devotes an entire section of its first page to some
real dangerous allegations about a few of our 'blacker' black
brothers and sisters and some so-called 'bed mating' sure hope
that whoever is printing that jazz is prepared to back it up."
... He stated that although no one could publicly speak out
against the [ ]
"the word was out" that [ ] would be punished for his
participation in it. [ ] also advised that
[ ] was extremely angry about the newspaper, and he
had told several people that he was going "to get" [ ]
. . . . Detective [ ] advised that his sources stated
that [ ] had been told to "get out of town" by several
black leaders as a result of his tirades against the
BLACKBOARD newspaper and his outburst at the ACTION meeting.
The St. Louis Division feels, on the basis of the above, that
the publication of BLACKBOARD was a most successful
counterintelligence endeavor. It is felt that the effectiveness
of [ ] has been blunted, and it is unlikely that they
will ever be able to regain their former stature.
Document from St. Louis Division, May 26,
1969 p.
?
Bureau approval is
requested in the creation of an anonymous paper underground to
attack, expose, and ridicule the image of the BPP in the
community and to foment mistrust and suspicion amongst the
current and past membership, through publication and
dissemination of information embarrassing to the BPP. Operation
Number One is designed to challenge the legitimacy of the
authority exercised by ELMER GERARD PRATT, BPP Deputy Minister
of Defense for Southern California, and JOHN WILLIAM WASHINGTON,
an active member of the BPP in Los Angeles. Operation Number Two
is utilized to publicize the illicit sexual activities allegedly
encouraged and engaged in by [ ]
SAC, Los Angeles to Director, Jan. 28,
1970
The Black Panther Coloring Book
(FBI-authored)
A review has been
made of referenced airtel which contains your thoughts on the
Counterintelligence Program (CIP). Your reasoning is not in line
with Bureau objectives as to our responsibilities under the CIP.
... You state that the Bureau under the CIP should not attack
programs of community interest such as the BPP "Breakfast for
Children." You state that this is because many prominent
"humanitarians," both white and black, are interested in the
program as well as churches which are actively supporting it.
You have obviously missed the point. The BPP is not engaged in
the "Breakfast for Children" program for humanitarian reasons.
This program was formed by the BPP for obvious reasons,
including their efforts to create an image of civility, assume
community control of Negroes, and fill adolescent children with
their insidious poison.
Director to SAC, San Francisco, May 27,
1969
Jewish Defense League
It is noted the
Rabbi KAHANE's background as a writer for the NY newspaper
"Jewish Press" would enable him to give widespread coverage of
anti-Semetic statements made by the BPP and other Black
Nationalist hate groups not only to members of JEDEL but to
other individuals who would take cognizance of such statements.
... In view of the above comments the following is submitted as
the suggested communication to be used to establish rapport
between the anonymous source and the selected individual
associated with JEDEL:
Dear Rabbi Kahane: ... I have always
thought that Jewish people are good and they have helped me
all my life. That is why I became so upset about my oldest
son who is a Black Panther and very much against Jewish
people. My oldest son just returned from Algers in Africa
where he met a bunch of other Black Panthers from all over
the world. He said to me that they all agree that the Jewish
people are against all the colored people and that the only
friends the colored people have are the Arabs. I told my
child that the Jewish people are the friends of the colored
people but he calls me a Tom and says I'll never be anything
better than a Jew Boy's slave. Last night my boy had a
meeting at my house with six of his Black Panther friends.
From the way they talked it sounded like they had a plan to
force Jewish store owners to give them money or they would
drop a bomb on the Jewish store. Some of the money they will
get will be sent to the Arabs in Africa. They left books and
pictures around with Arab writing on them and pictures of
Jewish soldiers killing Arab babys. I think they are going
to give these away at Negro Christian Churchs. I thought you
might be able to stop this. I think I can get some of the
pictures and books without getting myself in trouble. I will
send them to you if you are interested. I would not like to
use my real name at this time. -- A friend
It is further suggested that a second
communication be sent to Rabbi KAHANE approximately one week
after the above described letter which will follow the same
format, but will contain as enclosures some BPP artifacts such
as pictures of BOBBY SEALE, ELDRIDGE CLEAVER, and a copy of a
BPP newspaper, etc. It is felt that a progression of letters
should then follow which would further establish rapport with
the JEDEL and eventually culminate in the anonymous letter
writer requesting some response from the JEDEL recipient of
these letters.
SAC, New York to Director, Sept. 10, 1969
On 5/7/70,
[ ] both of whom have furnished reliable
information in the past, advised that on that date approximately
35 members of the Jewish Defense League (JDL) picketed the
Harlem Branch of the BPP in NYC. The purpose of this
demonstration was to show that the JDL feels the BPP is anti-Semetic
in its acts and words. Also on the above date approximately 50
members of the JDL demonstrated outside of the Bronx, New York
BPP Headquarters for the aforementioned reasons. In view of the
above actions by the JDL it is felt that some of the
counterintelligence measures of the NYO have produced tangible
results.
SAC, New York to Director, May 21, 1970
CREATING
AND EXPLOITING "SPLITS"
Black
Panther Party Factionalism
The extremist BPP
of Oakland, California, is rapidly expanding. It is the most
violence-prone organization of all the extremist groups now
operating in the United States. This group has a record of
violence and connections with foreign revolutionaries. It puts
particular emphasis on not only verbal attacks but also physical
attacks on police. These suggestions are to create factionalism
between not only the national leaders but also local leaders,
steps to neutralize all organizational efforts of the BPP as
well as create suspicion amongst the leaders as to each others
sources of finances, suspicion concerning their respective
spouses and suspicion as to who may be cooperating with law
enforcement. In addition, suspicion should be developed as to
who may be attempting to gain control of the organization for
their own private betterment, as well as suggestions as to the
best method of exploiting the foreign visits made by BPP
members. We are also soliciting recommendations as to the best
method of creating opposition to the BPP on the part of the
majority of the residents of the ghetto area.
G.C. Moore to W.C. Sullivan, Sept. 27,
1968
2/?
To create friction
between Black Panther Party (BPP) leader Eldridge Cleaver in
Algiers and BPP Headquarters, a spurious letter concerning an
internal dispute was sent to Cleaver, who accepted it as
genuine. As a result, the International Staff of the BPP was
neutralized when Cleaver fired most of its members. Bureau
personnel received incentive awards from the Director for this
operation.
G.C. Moore to W.C. Sullivan, May 14, 1970
The second Detroit
proposal to consider directing an anonymous communication to
Newton accusing David Hilliard of stealing BPP funds and
depositing them in foreign banks does have merit and the Bureau
does not concur with San Francisco's observation that this would
have little effect since there is no record that Hilliard is
skimming large amounts of money. Purpose of counterintelligence
action is to disrupt BPP and it is immaterial whether facts
exist to substantiate the charge. If facts are present, it aids
in the success of the proposal but the Bureau feels that the
skimming of money is such a sensitive issue that disruption can
be accomplished without facts to back it up. With respect to two
anonymous letters proposed by Los Angeles, Bureau concurs with
San Francisco that to include the card of a member of a rival
black extremist group in a letter to Hilliard indicating Newton
is marked for assassination could place the Bureau in the
position of aiding or initiating a murder by the BPP.
Accordingly, Los Angeles' proposal identified as "letter A" is
not approved. Los Angeles should reword this letter to convey
the same thought without directly indicating that it is from a
specific member of a rival group. The letter could imply that
the writer would soon get in touch with Hilliard to see what he
would pay to have Newton eliminated.
Fragment of memo from Director, Sept. 16,
1970
Increasing
evidence points to rising dissension within BPP causing serious
morale problem and strained relationship among Panther
hierarchy. ... This dissension coupled with financial
difficulties offers an exceptional opportunity to further
disrupt, aggravate and possibly neutralize this organization
through counterintelligence. In light of above developments this
program has been intensified by selected offices and should be
further expanded to increase measurably the pressure on the BPP
and its leaders. San Francisco and New York are already involved
in counterintelligence actions and should continue to be alert
for further opportunities. All other recipients should devise at
least two counterintelligence proposals and submit same to
Bureau by 2/10/71. First proposal should be aimed strictly at
creating dissension within the local branch. Second proposal
should be aimed at creating dissension or problems between local
branch and/or its leaders and BPP national headquarters. In
order for these proposals to be effective it is imperative that
a close analysis be made of weaknesses and problems within the
local BPP branch and that all proposals submitted be imaginative
and timely. No proposal should be implemented without specific
Bureau approval.
Director to 29 Field Offices, Feb. 2, 1971
To further exploit
dissension within the BPP and suspicions regarding various
leaders, the following letter is proposed by the San Francisco
office:
D.C. -- By now you have heard about poor
Fred. I have warned Huey of the possible consequences. It
seems to be getting worse. J.B. and Robert are now also
missing. In view of this situation you better have a long
talk with Eldridge before he lets Kathleen come here. G. is
really up tight. Big man is just jiving and no help at all.
-- A.C.
Inasmuch as the first A.C. letter could
possibly have been taken by Newton as a warning from the
dissidents, this letter will further this belief if there is any
discussion by Newton with BPP representatives in Algeria. If
successful, this might further split the BPP and prevent the
possibility of the return to the U.S. of Kathleen Cleaver who
might attempt to unify the dissident factions in the party if
she appears.
SAC, San Francisco to Director, Feb. 17,
1971
US Organization
For the
information of recipient offices a serious struggle is taking
place between the Black Panther Party and the US organization.
The struggle has reached such proportions that it is taking on
the aura of gang warfare with attendant threats of murder and
reprisals. In order to fully capitalize upon BPP and US
differences as well as to exploit all avenues of creating
further dissension in the ranks of the BPP, recipient offices
are instructed to submit imaginative and hard-hitting
counterintelligence measures aimed at crippling the BPP.
Director to SAC, Baltimore, Nov. 25, 1968
fragment
FBI Cartoon circa. Nov. 1968
The Los Angeles
Office is currently preparing an anonymous letter for Bureau
approval which will be sent to the Los Angeles Black Panther
Party (BPP) supposedly from a member of the "US" organization in
which it will be stated that the youth group of the "US"
organization is aware of the BPP "contract" to kill RON KARENGA,
a leader of "US", and they, "US" members, in retaliation, have
made plans to ambush leaders of the BPP in Los Angeles. It is
hoped this counterintelligence measure will result in an "US"
and BPP vendetta.
SAC, Los Angeles to Director, Nov. 29,
1968
Shootings,
beatings, and a high degree of unrest continues to prevail in
the ghetto area of southeast San Diego. Although no specific
counterintelligence action can be credited with contributing to
this over-all situation, it is felt that a substantial amount of
the unrest is directly attributable to this program. In view of
the recent killing of SYLVESTER BELL, a new cartoon is being
considered in the hopes that it will assist in the continuance
of the rift between BPP and US.
Fragment of FBI Memorandum, Aug. 20, 1969
In San Diego, an
anonymous telephone call to the landlord of the US organization
resulted in the group being evicted from its Headquarters.
G.C. Moore to W.C. Sullivan, May 14, 1970
BPP - SNCC Split
There is a feud
between the two most prominent black nationalist extremist
groups, The Black Panthers and SNCC. Attached item notes that
the feud is being continued by SNCC circulating the statement
that: "According to zoologists, the main difference between a
panther and other large cats is that the panther has the
smallest head." This is biologically true. Publicity to this
effect might help neutralize Black Panther recruiting efforts.
ACTION: That attached item, captioned "Panther Pinheads," be
furnished to a cooperative news media source by the Crime
Records Division on a confidential basis. We will be alert for
other ways to exploit this item.
G.C. Moore to
W.C. Sullivan, Oct. 10, 1968
1/?
Nation of Islam
Over the years
considerable thought has been given, and action taken with
Bureau approval, relating to methods through which the NOI could
be discredited in the eyes of the general black populace or
through which factionalism among the leadership could be
created. Serious consideration has also been given towards
developing ways and means of changing NOI philosophy to one
whereby the members could be developed into useful citizens and
the organization developed into one emphasizing religion - the
brotherhood of mankind - and self improvement. Factional
disputes have been developed - the most notable being MALCOLM X
LITTLE.
SAC, Chicago to Director, Jan. 22, 1969
Republic of New Africa
Per suggestion set
forth in re Bureau airtel, Detroit requests mailing letters
prepared on commercially purchased paper to various members of
the Republic of New Africa (RNA) with the exception of RICHARD
HENRY, signed by a concerned RNA brother. The letter will read
as follows:
Dear Brother and Sister: Lately I have
been concerned about the lack of funds of the RNA. I know
that many brothers and sisters have paid taxes and have
donated on various occasions to the Republic. Where has the
money gone, and why haven't we purchased our land with it? I
do not make any direct accusation at any brother or sister
but I would like to know how Brother Imari owns a house,
supports a family, and travels all over the country when he
is not even working. I think we all deserve an explanation
of the use of the RNA money, and I think we are foolish to
donate and pay taxes to support one man, when the Republic
is in such dire need of money. I think this question should
be raised at the next Wednesday meeting. I'm not signing my
name because I do not want to create a personal conflict
among us. -- A Concerned Brother
This letter will be mailed to Detroit members
of the RNA only and if a favorable response is received, a
similar letter will be prepared for nationwide RNA member
circulation.
SAC, Detroit to Director, Nov. 22, 1968
Detroit is
authorized to send the anonymous letter set out in relet to
selected members of the Republic of New Africa (RNA) using
commercially purchased stationery. Criticism of leaders of black
nationalist extremist groups, such as the RNA, for misusing
funds, is an effective method of neutralizing those leaders.
Since this is an anonymous letter, there is no possibility of
embarrassment to the Bureau.
Director to SAC, Detroit, Dec. 3, 1968
Since March, 1968,
the Republic of New Africa (RNA) has been attempting to start a
separate black nation in five southern states, starting with
Mississippi. In this regard, the RNA has been trying to buy and
lease land in Mississippi in the Jackson Division on several
past occasions. (Counterintelligence measures has been able to
abort all RNA efforts to obtain land in Mississippi.) [sic] In
late July, 1970, RICHARD HENRY, aka Brother Imari, leader of the
RNA, came to Jackson, Mississippi, accompanied by many
out-of-state supporters to hold a national RNA meeting "on the
land of the nation in Mississippi". This conference was
disruptive and ineffective due to Jackson Division,
Bureau-approved counterintelligence measures.
Fragment of Memorandum, Dec. 2, 1970
