Vaughn Marlowe

[John Simkin]

A researcher has requested the following question for Vaughn Marlowe:

I first read about you in Dick Russell's book The Man Who Knew Too Much.

When I noted that you were a member of the UK Education Forum on the internet I wanted to try and contact you.

I wanted to ask you about the letter you sent to Jim Garrison on March 23,

1967 regarding Richard Case Nagell.

I am most interested in this letter because it is signed "Don Morgan (alias)." When Dick Russell referenced this letter in the first edition of his book (1992) he said it was signed with the name of "Don Gordon." He subsequently made the correction in the 2003 edition.

Here are my questions:

1) Were you aware that a lawyer from Minnesota by the name of David Kroman was also using the Don Morgan alias at the same time? He also tried to contact Jim Garrison about Nagell sometime after he had been in the Springfield, Missouri, prison facility with Nagell (29 March, 1967 - 4 May 1967). Garrison investigator Steve Jaffe said that Nagell and Kroman were cellmates there.

2) Did you know or ever have any contact with David Kroman or have any knowledge of the three year long investigation into the JFK case that he claimed to have conducted?

3) How did you pick the name of Don Morgan? I believe David Kroman picked that name for an alias because there was a prominent attorney by that name in Minnesota.

Any information you could provide would be very much appreciated.

[Vaughn Marlowe]

I have no knowledge of David Kroman whatsoever. This is the first time I have heard about him.

"Don Gordon" was a name I used on a few occasions in Los Angeles, one that Nagell obviously knew about since he cited it in an explanatory note he added to a photo copy of a "coded" telegram I sent him. I imagine it was through a contact he had with the FPCC, although I can't recall using that pseudonym with any of its members. I know I never used it with him. Same with "John Miller," although I did sign the telegram "John M." (His other FPCC connections, however, were unknown to me; I never discussed him with any other member, and neither his name nor alias never came up in conversation.)

When I wrote the letter to Garrison I mistakenly signed it "Don Morgan" instead of "Don Gordon." Don Morgan is a childhood friend and neighbor of mine that I have not seen or spoken to for fifty years. It was an unintentional slip and I asked Russell to correct it in his book because I didn't want Don, wherever he is today, to somehow be told that his name pops up in a book on the JFK assassination. That would be embarrassing for both of us. I have never known another Don Morgan.

[Vaughn Marlowe]

The more I think about this Don Morgan business, the more it gnaws at me. What are the odds that two guys unknown to each other are both at the same time, the same month, "selling" Richard Nagell to Garrison's people, while coincidentally using the same invented alias? I don't buy it. That's just too goddamn unlikely. In March of 1967 there were probably only fifty people in America who knew Richard Nagell's name in association with the JFK murder. Consider your agitation over the "Morgan/Gordon" business in Dick Russell's book. What was simply an editing favor done for a silly mistake I made twenty-five years earlier, when I hastily wrote a letter to Jim Garrison and mistakenly signed a boyhood friend's somewhat similar name to one I used on occasion, becomes something darker, almost sinister. You are not to be blamed for raising an eyebrow at that astounding coincidence.

So I've got to conclude that Kroman somehow got the name by way of or from Garrison's people. Richard Popkin told me that when my letter came in to the New Orleans office in 1967 nobody knew what to do with it. So it went unanswered for months, and by the time they attempted to contact me I had moved on and closed out my drop. The ONLY people who could have known I used that mistaken alias were people from Garrison's investigation, because — I repeat — I had NEVER used it before. I suspect that omebody's timeline is wrong. If Kroman cannot be shown using the Don Morgan alias before March 1967, then we definitely know where he got it.

Unless the world needs another outrageous coincidence.

Dick Russell was fair and accurate in his pages that dealt with me. Even then it caused some concern among my friends and family, who feared that there were those who would misinterpret my peripheral role as somehow connecting me to the assassination. But my decision to cooperate with Dick Russell's effort to unravel the mystery of Nagell's role and knowledge was based solely on my desire to see the assassination issue resolved and the crime of the century solved. I wrote the 1967 letter to Garrison in the same spirit. I have never lied about what little I know, if for no other reason than I know so little. And I am not lying about the "Don Morgan" mistake I foolishly made on that day.

Since the Morgan/Gordon incident is solely of my making, I suppose I better try to get what information I can on Kroman's pre-Springfield assassination investigation history. What I'll be looking for, of course, is PROOF that Kroman was "Don Morgan" before I was.

[Dawn Meredith]

The more I think about this Don Morgan business, the more it gnaws at me. What are the odds that two guys unknown to each other are both at the same time, the same month, "selling" Richard Nagell to Garrison's people, while coincidentally using the same invented alias? I don't buy it. That's just too goddamn unlikely. In March of 1967 there were probably only fifty people in America who knew Richard Nagell's name in association with the JFK murder. Consider your agitation over the "Morgan/Gordon" business in Dick Russell's book. What was simply an editing favor done for a silly mistake I made twenty-five years earlier, when I hastily wrote a letter to Jim Garrison and mistakenly signed a boyhood friend's somewhat similar name to one I used on occasion, becomes something darker, almost sinister. You are not to be blamed for raising an eyebrow at that astounding coincidence.

So I've got to conclude that Kroman somehow got the name by way of or from Garrison's people. Richard Popkin told me that when my letter came in to the New Orleans office in 1967 nobody knew what to do with it. So it went unanswered for months, and by the time they attempted to contact me I had moved on and closed out my drop. The ONLY people who could have known I used that mistaken alias were people from Garrison's investigation, because — I repeat — I had NEVER used it before. I suspect that omebody's timeline is wrong. If Kroman cannot be shown using the Don Morgan alias before March 1967, then we definitely know where he got it.

Unless the world needs another outrageous coincidence.

Dick Russell was fair and accurate in his pages that dealt with me. Even then it caused some concern among my friends and family, who feared that there were those who would misinterpret my peripheral role as somehow connecting me to the assassination. But my decision to cooperate with Dick Russell's effort to unravel the mystery of Nagell's role and knowledge was based solely on my desire to see the assassination issue resolved and the crime of the century solved. I wrote the 1967 letter to Garrison in the same spirit. I have never lied about what little I know, if for no other reason than I know so little. And I am not lying about the "Don Morgan" mistake I foolishly made on that day.

Since the Morgan/Gordon incident is solely of my making, I suppose I better try to get what information I can on Kroman's pre-Springfield assassination investigation history. What I'll be looking for, of course, is PROOF that Kroman was "Don Morgan" before I was.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

____________________________________________________

Very interesting, will be most interested in the outcome of this. Many of us are fond of saying "there are no coincidences in this case" ....so this is a multileveled coincidence. Glad you responded to John's post.

Dawn

[Harry J.Dean]

The more I think about this Don Morgan business, the more it gnaws at me. What are the odds that two guys unknown to each other are both at the same time, the same month, "selling" Richard Nagell to Garrison's people, while coincidentally using the same invented alias? I don't buy it. That's just too goddamn unlikely. In March of 1967 there were probably only fifty people in America who knew Richard Nagell's name in association with the JFK murder. Consider your agitation over the "Morgan/Gordon" business in Dick Russell's book. What was simply an editing favor done for a silly mistake I made twenty-five years earlier, when I hastily wrote a letter to Jim Garrison and mistakenly signed a boyhood friend's somewhat similar name to one I used on occasion, becomes something darker, almost sinister. You are not to be blamed for raising an eyebrow at that astounding coincidence.

So I've got to conclude that Kroman somehow got the name by way of or from Garrison's people. Richard Popkin told me that when my letter came in to the New Orleans office in 1967 nobody knew what to do with it. So it went unanswered for months, and by the time they attempted to contact me I had moved on and closed out my drop. The ONLY people who could have known I used that mistaken alias were people from Garrison's investigation, because — I repeat — I had NEVER used it before. I suspect that omebody's timeline is wrong. If Kroman cannot be shown using the Don Morgan alias before March 1967, then we definitely know where he got it.

Unless the world needs another outrageous coincidence.

Dick Russell was fair and accurate in his pages that dealt with me. Even then it caused some concern among my friends and family, who feared that there were those who would misinterpret my peripheral role as somehow connecting me to the assassination. But my decision to cooperate with Dick Russell's effort to unravel the mystery of Nagell's role and knowledge was based solely on my desire to see the assassination issue resolved and the crime of the century solved. I wrote the 1967 letter to Garrison in the same spirit. I have never lied about what little I know, if for no other reason than I know so little. And I am not lying about the "Don Morgan" mistake I foolishly made on that day.

Since the Morgan/Gordon incident is solely of my making, I suppose I better try to get what information I can on Kroman's pre-Springfield assassination investigation history. What I'll be looking for, of course, is PROOF that Kroman was "Don Morgan" before I was.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Mr. Marlowe

A question please.

Did you know Ed Swabeck of L.A. FPCC?

H.Dean

[James Richards]

Hi Harry,

Not wishing to interrupt here, but is the Ed Swabeck you asked about actually Edgar Swabeck?

James

[Harry J.Dean]

Hi Harry,

Not wishing to interrupt here, but is the Ed Swabeck you asked about actually Edgar Swabeck?

James

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hi James

Yes, we were long time associates in FPCC Chicago,we coincidenatally were on the same flight to Cuba in 1960. Ed was a leader in SWP Socialist Workers party. He and his wife Marge were friends of ours' until, I blew my Intelligence cover on the Joe Pyne Show in L.A. late 1964. Ed said later ' I knew it! I knew he {Dean} was CIA.

Ed ask me to appeal to CPUSA, FPCC leaders in Chicago to allow SWP to open an FPCC group there. I did so. They allowed it as long as one of CP people was one of it's leaders.

It was always awful to betray people, but that was/is the way of Intelligence work. Ed and wife moved to L.A. {Venice} just before I did in 1960/61 and worked in L.A. FPCC. I was at that time involved with JBS and soon after, Gabaldon, Hall,Howard et al. in anti-Castro anti-Kennedy efforts. Also several other "Intelligence' activities for the Fed's.

Harry

I did not know you were aware of Swabeck. Where does he fit in your investigation?

[James Richards]

I did not know you were aware of Swabeck.Where does he fit in your investigation? (Harry Dean)

Harry,

Trying to keep this short, but Swabeck's name came up after I researched a potential shooter who may have been employed if the assassination went down in Los Angeles; an ex Marine sharpshooter known to Robert Maheu.

This shooter apparently was a part of an ex Socialist Workers Party (supposed Communists) that contained associations with various extremists. It all got very messy and confusing but Edgar Swabeck was a vocal member of the same organization.

Small world.

James

[Harry J.Dean]

I did not know you were aware of Swabeck.Where does he fit in your investigation? (Harry Dean)

Harry,

Trying to keep this short, but Swabeck's name came up after I researched a potential shooter who may have been employed if the assassination went down in Los Angeles; an ex Marine sharpshooter known to Robert Maheu.

This shooter apparently was a part of an ex Socialist Workers Party (supposed Communists) that contained associations with various extremists. It all got very messy and confusing but Edgar Swabeck was a vocal member of the same organization.

Small world.

James

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yes, there was the strong possibility that Kennedy would be in danger

here in L.A. by some of my associates, Howard, Gabaldon and 'Others', that for the first time ever, I will now state would involve me in a doublecrossing setup that was very cunningly being worked, with connections between here and Mex.City area.

Re; Swabeck's I can confirm that he and FPCC while 'Pushing Kennedy' further

toward a more liberal policy favoring Cuba and Castro, would not/were not considering harming Kennedy. This in light of FPCC being at the very top on

U.S.Intelligence list as politically subversive, FPCC being directly connected to Cuba. Castro and Communism.

Harry

[James Richards]

Yes, there was the strong possibility that Kennedy would be in danger here in L.A. by some of my associates, Howard, Gabaldon and 'Others', that for the first time ever, I will now state would involve me in a doublecrossing setup that was very cunningly being worked, with connections between here and Mex.City area. (Harry Dean)

Thanks, Harry, very interesting. Were you aware of an extremist group sniper training out near Barstow?

BTW, I would love any details you feel you can share on the Los Angeles set-up.

Cheers,

James

[Harry J.Dean]

Yes, there was  the strong possibility that Kennedy would be in danger here in L.A. by some of my associates, Howard, Gabaldon and 'Others', that for the first time ever, I will now state would involve me in a doublecrossing setup that was very cunningly being worked, with connections between here and Mex.City area. (Harry Dean)

Thanks, Harry, very interesting. Were you aware of an extremist group sniper training out near Barstow?

BTW, I would love any details you feel you can share on the Los Angeles set-up.

Cheers,

James

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

James

Re; the sniper group near Barstow, could easily been some of our

California Minutemen?, operating in several So. Cal areas doing

war games with most weapons that were more freely available in

those days. The reason for this possible explaination is because I

was a MM, member#28515 advising the feds. As you likely know

the MM were nationwide anti-Communist, trained para-military

groups. However they like JBS were anti-Eisenhower anti-Kennedy

and basically of the ULTRA-Conservative preference. There is to

much of this history known to me to go into. Cross- connections to

most other so-called Conservative organizations existed.

The L.A. set-up was just another part of the same situation explained

on the CD {did you get a copy?} and connected also to the same

people mentioned in it> I did not write the 'set-up' on the CD as it was

not then [1990] when I wrote the manuscript/book advisable.

I aim to lay it out for you in the next day or after Christmas in a

few days. It is my hope this information will be useful in your

investigation{s}

Harry

PS.

Have you info.on Captain, Rene' Valdez....Alpha 66 ? Bureau agents here

had me seek him out {1964} Valdez 66 office in L.A..The Bureau

was 'very concerned' about him then. I was at that time shown a picture of Valdez,

Never heared further on him except to say he soon dropped from sight.

I may have photo{s} of Swabeck, and will ck. soon. Ther are also some photos

of Valdez Alpha office location.

[James Richards]

Have you info.on Captain, Rene' Valdez....Alpha 66 ? Bureau agents here

had me seek him out {1964} Valdez 66 office in L.A..The Bureau

was 'very concerned' about him then. I was at that time shown a picture of Valdez,

Never heared further on him except to say he soon dropped from sight.

I may have photo{s} of Swabeck, and will ck. soon. Ther are also some photos

of Valdez Alpha office location. (Harry Dean)

Great info, Harry. I appreciate it.

As far as Valdez goes, I figure you are referring to Rene Valdez Cruz? I don't have much on him except that he appeared in a television interview with Lawrence Howard in about April of 1963. I also believe he was replaced as the L.A. chapter leader in June of 1963. The word is that he was pretty extreme.

I have most of the Alpha 66 photos and couldn't find one of Valdez but many are unidentified so maybe he is one of those.

The connection to Lawrence Howard is the one I have been interested in but have not been able to unearth much.

James

[Harry J.Dean]

Have you info.on Captain, Rene' Valdez....Alpha 66 ? Bureau agents here

had me seek him out {1964} Valdez 66 office in L.A..The Bureau

was 'very concerned' about him then. I was at that time shown a picture of Valdez,

Never heared further on him except to say he soon dropped from sight.

I may have photo{s} of Swabeck, and will ck. soon. Ther are also some photos

of Valdez Alpha office location. (Harry Dean)

Great info, Harry. I appreciate it.

As far as Valdez goes, I figure you are referring to Rene Valdez Cruz? I don't have much on him except that he appeared in a television interview with Lawrence Howard in about April of 1963. I also believe he was replaced as the L.A. chapter leader in June of 1963. The word is that he was pretty extreme.

I have most of the Alpha 66 photos and couldn't find one of Valdez but many are unidentified so maybe he is one of those.

The connection to Lawrence Howard is the one I have been interested in but have not been able to unearth much.

James

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Where was the TV interveiw with Howard and Valdez held, in L.A. or Florida?

[James Richards]

Where was the TV interveiw with Howard and Valdez held, in L.A. or Florida? (Harry Dean)

Harry,

I believe it was in Los Angeles.

BTW, if I remember correctly, before Alpha 66 set up their official L.A. headquarters, they were operating out of Rene Valdez's home. I went through my old notes and I have that address listed as -

2901 East 8 Street

Los Angeles

Then after his tenure as Alpha 66 leader was over, he ended up living at -

1830 West 9th Street

Los Angeles

Does that ring a bell?

James

[David Boylan]

Hey Harry,

Were the California MM members of DePugh's group, Gale's Rangers or Goff's/Roquemore's Soldiers of the Cross?

Also, Edgar Bradley. I've seen conflicting reports that he was a member of the MM. Do you know anything about this?

Here's a bit from a report of a conversation with Undersheriff J. Short's

dated April 16, 1969 from "RFK Special Unit Senator" files:

Quoting:

Undersheriff Short was contacted via telephone to determine the

circumstances surrounding the death of Dallas C. Roquemore.

This portion of the investigation came to the attention of this unit from

Keith D. Gilbert who stated that according to Dennis Mower, Roquemore was

murdered by Edgar Eugene Bradly. [sic]

Undersheriff Short stated that his office conducted an extensive

investigation into the death of Roquemore and found no evidence of foul

play. Short related the circumstances of the death as follows:

Dallas Roquemore and his wife Eileen left their children in Weaversville,

California in the care of Eileen's younger brother Frank Allen Austin,

while on a trip to Southern California.

On returning to their home on January 4, 1964, Roquemore decided to play

a practical joke on Austin. Roquemore and his wife crawled to the house

and tried to scare Austin by making wolf call and Indian howls. Austin

got scared and grabbed a hand gun. In the meantime, Roquemore and Eileen

crawled under the hose front porch. Roquemore then threw a stone into

the bushes to further frighten young Austin. The joke worked. Austin

accidently discharged the hand gun sending a bullet through the floor of

the porch and into the head of Roquemore. Roquemore expired several hours

later.

Undersheriff Short states that his office investigated this death under

their DR #64-016. A polygraph examination was administered to Austin and

Eileen by CII examiner Hubert Lazier. Both subjects were cleared in the

death of Roquemore.

End quote.

Dave

Yes, there was  the strong possibility that Kennedy would be in danger here in L.A. by some of my associates, Howard, Gabaldon and 'Others', that for the first time ever, I will now state would involve me in a doublecrossing setup that was very cunningly being worked, with connections between here and Mex.City area. (Harry Dean)

Thanks, Harry, very interesting. Were you aware of an extremist group sniper training out near Barstow?

BTW, I would love any details you feel you can share on the Los Angeles set-up.

Cheers,

James

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

James

Re; the sniper group near Barstow, could easily been some of our

California Minutemen?, operating in several So. Cal areas doing

war games with most weapons that were more freely available in

those days. The reason for this possible explaination is because I

was a MM, member#28515 advising the feds. As you likely know

the MM were nationwide anti-Communist, trained para-military

groups. However they like JBS were anti-Eisenhower anti-Kennedy

and basically of the ULTRA-Conservative preference. There is to

much of this history known to me to go into. Cross- connections to

most other so-called Conservative organizations existed.

The L.A. set-up was just another part of the same situation explained

on the CD {did you get a copy?} and connected also to the same

people mentioned in it> I did not write the 'set-up' on the CD as it was

not then [1990] when I wrote the manuscript/book advisable.

I aim to lay it out for you in the next day or after Christmas in a

few days. It is my hope this information will be useful in your

investigation{s}

Harry

PS.

Have you info.on Captain, Rene' Valdez....Alpha 66 ? Bureau agents here

had me seek him out {1964} Valdez 66 office in L.A..The Bureau

was 'very concerned' about him then. I was at that time shown a picture of Valdez,

Never heared further on him except to say he soon dropped from sight.

I may have photo{s} of Swabeck, and will ck. soon. Ther are also some photos

of Valdez Alpha office location.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>