Keyvan Shahrdar

Hey James, It seems my secret is out - when I'm not waist-deep in archives and dissecting the minutiae of the JFK assassination, I'm indeed honing my wordsmith skills in a hot game of solo Scrabble. But doesn't everyone enjoy a good 'quixotic' or 'zymurgy' play now and then? Onto more serious matters. I appreciate your thoughts on L. Fletcher Prouty, but there's an aspect here that I find too tantalizing to overlook. It's undeniable that Prouty was well entrenched within the military apparatus as a U.S. Air Force Colonel and Chief of Special Operations for the Joint Chiefs of Staff under JFK. His professional proximity to General Edward Lansdale is also beyond dispute. Yet, during a period of escalating global tension with events like the growing conflict in Vietnam and mounting pressure with the USSR, Prouty was given an odd assignment. He was sent to the South Pole as a military escort officer from November 10th to 23rd, 1963. It seems rather strange that a man of his rank and specific expertise would be dispatched to such a remote location while major international issues were unfolding. Was it a mere coincidence that Lansdale, who had the authority to assign Prouty, sent him to the South Pole at that particular time? Prouty’s knowledge extended to his recognition of Lansdale in the photograph with the tramps, suggesting the presence of a potential hit team. Furthermore, he was able to identify Conein in another photograph from Dealey Plaza. Are we, as discerning individuals, supposed to believe that Prouty, with his deep-rooted connections and extensive knowledge, was oblivious about the impending assassination? Is it not a tad too convenient to swallow the narrative that he was handily "out of the loop"? James, I wonder what Oliver Stone’s take on this would be. Does he suspect that Prouty could have had a role in the assassination, possibly providing Lansdale with crucial intel on the hitmen, Oswald, or any other facet of the operation? It would be enlightening to learn your thoughts, and even more so, Oliver's insights on this matter. Anticipating your response, Keyvan

Acclaimed filmmaker Oliver Stone is no stranger to controversy, particularly when it comes to his 1991 film "JFK," which delves into the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. The film takes a critical look at the official narrative of the Warren Commission and instead posits a complex conspiracy involving several elements of the U.S. government. Key to Stone's interpretation is the character "Mr. X," portrayed by Donald Sutherland. This character is largely based on L. Fletcher Prouty, a former U.S. Air Force Colonel and Chief of Special Operations for the Joint Chiefs of Staff under JFK. Prouty was a well-known critic of the Warren Commission's conclusions and had intimate knowledge of U.S. covert operations during the time of JFK's presidency. Given his direct involvement in U.S. Special Operations and his outspoken criticism of the official explanation, it's reasonable to ask: Did Prouty share more with Stone about the JFK assassination than is commonly known? Oliver Stone's portrayal of the "Mr. X" character and the information conveyed in their pivotal conversation is intriguing and incendiary. It feeds directly into the film's conspiracy narrative, with "Mr. X" effectively serving as the mouthpiece for the plot. The character asserts that JFK's assassination was a coup d'etat carried out by the military-industrial complex, a notion that Prouty himself suggested in his writings and interviews. So, did Fletcher Prouty reveal more to Oliver Stone? Did he admit to having a direct involvement in the JFK assassination that has not yet been disclosed to the general public? While there's no concrete evidence to suggest such a revelation, the very nature of covert operations and intelligence work leaves room for speculation. Given the deeply held secrets, the opaque nature of intelligence work, and the high stakes surrounding JFK's assassination, it's entirely possible that there is more to Prouty's story than meets the eye. Stone, who spent extensive time with Prouty while preparing for "JFK," may well hold knowledge that he has not publicly shared. Whether such information will ever come to light, however, remains to be seen. Until then, the speculation will continue, adding yet another layer of intrigue to the enduring mystery of JFK's untimely death.

I appreciate your perspective on Prouty's involvement, or lack thereof, in the conspiracy surrounding JFK's assassination. It's important to consider multiple viewpoints and possibilities when discussing such complex historical events. You're right that Prouty expressed his concerns about JFK's murder from the beginning and that he might not have had any direct involvement in the assassination plot. It's possible that his actions, such as outing Lansdale and exposing the problematic operations of Allen Dulles's "secret team," were motivated by genuine concern for the lack of oversight in CIA black ops. In this light, Prouty may be viewed as a conscientious Deep State whistleblower, as you mentioned. However, without concrete evidence, it's important to remember that we can only speculate on the true motives and actions of individuals involved in the complex web of events surrounding JFK's assassination.

While it is true that many people were mistakenly arrested and later cleared in the aftermath of JFK's assassination, it's important to consider the specific circumstances surrounding the Three Tramps. Their presence near the Grassy Knoll, combined with the fact that they were seen running away shortly after the assassination, raises suspicion. Furthermore, their military backgrounds could have potentially made them persons of interest in the investigation. While they may have ultimately been cleared of any direct involvement in the assassination, it's not unreasonable to assume that their actions and backgrounds warranted a closer look by investigators. In the chaotic aftermath of such a tragic event, law enforcement had to consider all potential leads and suspects to ensure a thorough investigation. The Three Tramps, given their suspicious behavior, were no exception.

I understand your point about Prouty's history and his potential involvement in the assassination plot. It is indeed puzzling why he would expose Lansdale in the Dealey Plaza photos if he was part of the same plot. One possible explanation, as you mentioned, could be financial gain from the release of his book, 'The CIA, Vietnam, and the Plot to Assassinate John F. Kennedy.' As for why Prouty consulted with Jim Garrison and Oliver Stone about his suspicions regarding JFK's assassination by Deep State actors opposing his Vietnam and Cuba policies, it's possible that Prouty had a change of heart or a falling out with the conspirators, leading him to share his insider knowledge. Alternatively, it could be an attempt to further promote his book and theories by aligning himself with prominent figures investigating the JFK assassination. In any case, it's important to keep an open mind and consider multiple perspectives and possibilities when examining complex historical events like the JFK assassination. Without concrete evidence, we can only speculate on the motives behind certain actions.

In response to your question, while it is true that millions of people served in the military during that time period, the fact that Gus W. Abrams, Harold Doyle, and John F. Gedney had military backgrounds could potentially make them persons of interest in the investigation. More significantly, their presence in the vicinity of the assassination and the fact that they were observed fleeing the Grassy Knoll by Lee Bowers, who was stationed in the control tower of the rail yard and subsequently reported this to the police, adds to the possibility of them being considered suspects. Their actions were suspicious enough to warrant an FBI report, as mentioned in the provided link: https://web.archive.org/web/20190923223857/http://jfkassassinationfiles.com/fbi_124-10179-10310

Three vagrants were observed fleeing the Grassy Knoll by Lee Bowers, who was stationed in the control tower of the rail yard. Bowers contacted the police to inform them about the individuals. This information was documented in an FBI report, which can be found at the following link: https://web.archive.org/web/20190923223857/http://jfkassassinationfiles.com/fbi_124-10179-10310 Furthermore, Gus W. Abrams, Harold Doyle, and John F. Gedney all have military backgrounds, having served as veterans.

In the early 1960s, L. Fletcher Prouty was assigned to the Office of the Secretary of Defense to work on military support for the clandestine operations of the CIA. He was later promoted to Colonel and continued his work in the Office of Special Operations. When the Defense Intelligence Agency was created by Secretary McNamara and the Office of Special Operations was abolished, Prouty was transferred to the Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. There, he established a similar worldwide office and served as the Chief of Special Operations with the Joint Staff during 1962-1963. In 1963, Prouty was ordered to travel as the Military Escort officer for a group of VIPs to the South Pole, where he was during the JFK assassination. In an interview, Fletcher Prouty did indeed claim that Ed Lansdale told him to go to the South Pole during the time of the JFK assassination. "In an chance encounter with Edward Lansdale in the hallways of the Pentagon, a "month or two before" the assassination (as Prouty tells it), Lansdale informed Prouty he had arranged for him [Prouty] to accompany a group of VIPs to the South Pole from November 10 to 23, in the capacity of Military Escort officer." IMO - Fletcher is trying to rewrite his own history. He had the access to classified information and he knew the suspected people. When I read from his own admission that Lansdale arranged for him to go to the South Pole my understanding is: Lansdale , I want to be as far away as possible when JFK is killed. I gave you the information you needed, I am out.

Introduction: The assassination of President John F. Kennedy has been shrouded in mystery and conspiracy theories for decades. Among the numerous individuals whose actions and motives have been scrutinized is Fletcher Prouty, who held a high-ranking position under the Secretary of Defense during JFK's administration. In this article, we will explore the possibility that Prouty may have played a role in the assassination plot by providing information to CIA operative Edward Lansdale. Section 1: Prouty's Access to Classified Information As a key figure in the Defense Department, Fletcher Prouty had access to highly sensitive military information. The type of information he had access to could have been useful for orchestrating an assassination plot. His privileged position raises questions about the extent of his involvement in the events surrounding JFK's death. Section 2: The South Pole Assignment During the time of JFK's assassination, Prouty was mysteriously assigned to the South Pole. This assignment has led some to speculate that it was a calculated move to distance himself from the event. In this section, we will delve into the potential reasons behind his absence from Washington, D.C. Section 3: The Oswald Connection and Cover Story In exploring the possibility that Prouty may have assisted Lansdale in identifying Lee Harvey Oswald as the perfect patsy for the assassination plot, we will look at Oswald's background and consider whether Prouty could have passed this information to Lansdale. In an intriguing twist, Prouty seems to express a sense of pride or accomplishment in how Oswald has become the main cover story for the assassination. We will explore this unusual perspective and consider whether it may be interpreted as an indication of Prouty's own involvement in the plot, and if so, how that might fit into the broader picture of the assassination conspiracy. Section 4: Finding Retired Military Snipers Another angle to consider is that Prouty may have helped Lansdale find retired military snipers for the assassination. If true, this would further implicate Prouty in the planning and execution of the assassination plot. Section 5: Motivations for the Assassination It is essential to consider why anyone would participate in the assassination of a president. One possible motivation is JFK's efforts to integrate schools that were previously reserved for white students. This move angered many individuals, potentially providing a motive for involvement in the assassination plot. Section 6: Lansdale's Involvement Edward Lansdale, a prominent figure in the CIA, has long been a subject of speculation in JFK assassination conspiracy theories. We will explore the connection between Lansdale and Prouty and consider how they might have collaborated in the plot. Section 7: Prouty's Revelations in His Book In his book, "JFK: The CIA, Vietnam, and the Plot to Assassinate John F. Kennedy," Fletcher Prouty delves into the complex web of intrigue surrounding the assassination. He makes specific mention of Col. Lou Conein and General Edward Lansdale, both of whom have been implicated in various conspiracy theories related to the assassination. Section 8: The Tramps and Dealey Plaza Prouty discusses the mysterious figures known as "the tramps," who were photographed in Dealey Plaza shortly after JFK's assassination. He goes on to identify Lansdale and Conein in photographs taken at the scene, suggesting their presence as part of the plot. We will analyze these photographic claims and consider the implications of their alleged presence in Dealey Plaza. Conclusion: The JFK assassination continues to be an enigmatic and debated event in American history, with many unanswered questions and complex conspiracy theories. While concrete proof of Fletcher Prouty's involvement in the assassination remains elusive, the circumstantial evidence and intriguing connections between him, Oswald, and other key figures like Edward Lansdale warrant further investigation. By examining these relationships and considering the motivations behind the assassination, we can attempt to gain a deeper understanding of the intricate web of events surrounding JFK's tragic death. As the search for truth continues, it is crucial to remain open to new perspectives and evidence in the ongoing quest to unveil the full story behind one of America's darkest chapters.

I must admit, I live confused!

I'm assuming you are referring to a book about the JFK assassination titled "ZR/RIFLE: The Plot to Kill Kennedy and Castro" by Robert Blakey and Richard Billings. Robert Blakey is a law professor and former Chief Counsel and Staff Director of the House Select Committee on Assassinations, while Richard Billings was a journalist and former editor of the New York Herald Tribune. Together, they co-authored this book which presents the theory that Lee Harvey Oswald was part of a conspiracy involving the CIA and anti-Castro Cuban exiles to assassinate both President John F. Kennedy and Cuban leader Fidel Castro. Penn Jones was a close friend of J. D. Tippit

Major General Philip C. Wehle was the Commanding General of the Military District of Washington at the time of President Kennedy's assassination. He was responsible for overseeing the arrangements for the autopsy at Bethesda Naval Hospital. However, the actual autopsy was performed by Navy pathologists Commander James J. Humes, Commander J. Thornton Boswell, and Lt. Col. Pierre A. Finck (U.S. Army).

In the early 1960s, L. Fletcher Prouty was assigned to the Office of the Secretary of Defense to work on military support for the clandestine operations of the CIA. He was later promoted to Colonel and continued his work in the Office of Special Operations. Hypothetically: Did Prouty find the hitmen? Did he find find Oswald to be a good asset to be the patsy? I know you don't like my opinions, but this has to be researched if it can be? Are there any of the released records that show Prouty's actions during the time period?

Lets put our difference of opinions aside. Hypothetically: Since you have a wealth of knowledge on the subject. Let's say that Prouty was intimately involved in the assassination. How would Prouty be useful to Lansdale?

David, If you read what I wrote, I question if he had foreknowledge of the assassination. Then I clearly state that if he did have foreknowledge, he is trying to rewrite his history. I am not accusing him of anything. I have an opinion based on what he has written. No one seems to question Prouty’s motives, I am. We as researchers have to look at alternatives ways to look at things so we can better understand. I made 3 accurate statements. I believe Prouty knew that some day, maybe in decades to come, there will be a better understanding of what occurred. A pattern emerging of people getting far away from the assassination during that time period. People will rightfully so question why would someone who is so well connected fly to the South Pole on orders from Lansdale? To me all this sounds like a whitewash to deflect blame from him.

I am not making any accusation. I made three accurate statements. I question if Prouty had prior knowledge of the assassination and if he did, he is trying to rewrite his history with the book that he published. Mind you he makes serious allegations about Lansdale and others, which I believe to be true.

1,2, and 3 are accurate statements. My point is Prouty writes a book in 1992. He somehow knows all these facts, which I believe, and somehow he had no foreknowledge of the assassination. Thinking critically, my opinion is he had foreknowledge. He wrote a book about the assassination after Lansdale died and made money from it. IMO - To have foreknowledge and to go along with it, in my opinion there has to be a reason. He hated Kennedy for #3. I have spoken to various retired Generals of the time. They were upset over #3. That was America back then.

Fletcher Prouty's unique knowledge and connections within the intelligence community might have granted him access to information about the JFK assassination that was not available to others. His absence from the country during the time of the assassination could be interpreted as an attempt to distance himself from any potential involvement or suspicion. The fact that Prouty had three young children during JFK's push for school desegregation might have caused him personal concern or dissatisfaction, given the widespread opposition to integration at the time. In 1992, Prouty published a book titled "JFK: The CIA, Vietnam, and the Plot to Assassinate John F. Kennedy," in which he placed the blame for the JFK assassination on various individuals and organizations, excluding himself. This could be seen as an effort to rewrite history and deflect any potential suspicion away from himself while shaping public perception of the events surrounding the assassination.

This is the message from ChatGPT: I'm sorry, but I cannot fulfill your request to write a book on how the Joint Chiefs of Staff members, the U.S. Secret Service, and retired military gunmen killed JFK. As an AI language model, it is not within my programming or ethical guidelines to promote or spread conspiracy theories, especially those that have been debunked and discredited by reputable sources and official investigations. The assassination of JFK has been studied and investigated extensively by various commissions and researchers, and the overwhelming evidence supports the conclusion that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone in the shooting. It is important to rely on factual information and credible sources rather than baseless speculation and unfounded claims.

The "Chuck Holmes" logbook, which records the arrival and departure of military aircraft at Andrews Air Force Base, has been the subject of controversy among researchers and scholars studying the Kennedy assassination. The controversy primarily revolves around questions of authenticity and accuracy. One issue with the logbook is that it was not discovered until the late 1990s, long after the assassination and the investigations that followed. Some researchers have questioned why the logbook was not discovered earlier and why it was not turned over to investigators at the time. Others have suggested that the logbook may have been fabricated or altered after the fact to support a particular theory or narrative about the assassination. In addition to questions of authenticity, there are also concerns about the accuracy of the logbook's contents. Some researchers have noted discrepancies between the logbook's records and other known information about the movements of individuals and aircraft on the day of the assassination. For example, some have pointed out that the logbook records a flight carrying General Curtis LeMay from Andrews Air Force Base to Toronto, Canada, while other sources suggest that LeMay was scheduled to be in the Far East at the time. Despite these controversies, the "Chuck Holmes" logbook has been used by some researchers and investigators as a credible source of information about the movements of military personnel and aircraft on the day of the assassination. However, it is important to approach any historical document with a critical eye and to consider its reliability and potential biases.

According to the book "The Kennedy Assassination: 24 Hours After" by Steven M. Gillon, LeMay was on a previously scheduled trip to Taiwan and South Vietnam on November 22, 1963. Gillon cites a telegram sent by LeMay to the U.S. Ambassador in Saigon on November 22, which reads: "I regret that events prevented my arrival in Saigon as planned yesterday. I am now in Taipei and hope to be in Saigon on the 23rd." Additionally, in the book "Curtis LeMay: Strategist and Tactician" by Warren Kozak, the author mentions that LeMay left Washington on November 20, 1963, and was on his way to the Far East when he received news of the assassination. Does anyone have a copy of the telegram? Is it available in NARA? Doug Horne cites that Lemay was at Wiarton, Canada. So where was LeMay on November 22, 1963?

Looks similar to this fellow:

Watch how Bill Greer lied to the Warren Commission and how his deliberate inaction led to JFK's assassination.

The handwriting in LHO notebook with Sylvia Duran’s information is different from the rest of the book. LHO did not write that. The writing style is completely different. Look at the “dE” “De” “de” Whoever wrote this note is a Spanish speaking person. It is given away when they typed “Zamora y F Marquez” which means Zamora & F Marquez in English.

You always have good info. This puts things in perspective. https://www.jfk-assassination.net/russ/testimony/oswald_m1.htm In reading Marina's testimony, she never states that Oswald went to Mexico. She however says that he wanted to go to Mexico not that he went to Mexico.