'CIA Agents Imprisoned in the Soviet Union': a retiring officer's memo on captured REDSOX agents (1978)

SECRET MEMORANDUM FOR: Director of Central Intelligence VIA: Chief, Soviet Europe Division SUBJECT: CIA Agents Imprisoned in the Soviet Union 1. In September 1957, the Soviets announced the capture in the USSR of five CIA REDSOX agents, (Project AECOB), whom we had dispatched in the early 1950's illegally ("black".) The Tass news release implied that two of these agents had been killed or had poisened themselves during the apprehension. However, it appeared that the remaining three Andy Brombergs, Leonids Zarins, and Nikolai Balodis two of whom had permanent resident alien status in the USA, had been sentenced to long prison terms. 2. The undersigned believes that it is appropriate that these indi- viduals who served willingly and loyally, although on an impossible mission, be considered for some humanitarian action. Our records should be checked to determine their current status and, if the men are alive, they should be considered for a possible future exchange with the Soviets. 3. The undersigned, who is retiring from CIA on 30 June 1978, believes this matter to be important enough to be brought to your attention. Respectfully, DECLASSIFIED AND RELEASEDBY 7 an ENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY ivisi SOURCESMETHODSEXEMPTION 9828 O/FR Divist NAZI WAR CRIMES DISCLOSURE ACT QATE 2006 SECRET 30 June 1978