June 15, 1987

Congressman Jim Bilbray US House of Representatives Cannon Office Building Washington, D.C. 20005

Dear Congressman Bilbray:

The intent of this letter is to add emphasis and support to the allegations made by one LTC (Ret) James "Bo" Gritz. As a US Government operative I had the mission of monitoring LTC Gritz in his efforts to obtain the release of United States Prisoners of War during the time frame of 1981-84

. I continue to be dismayed by the US Government position that Bo was not backed by the appropriate authorities. Direct and indirect support of his operations was reported to HQ DIA by myself for over three years. There was never any doubt in the minds of certain Thai military authorities as to the validity of US Government backing. Much of this backing was provided without even the knowledge of Gritz. Though I disagree with LTC Gritz in many of his techniques of planning and execution, I stand foursquare behind the basic premise from which he operated and never wavered.

LTC Gritz has been painted as a Charlatan and worse. Nothing could be further from the truth. If Bo has one failing, as I have so often told him, he is looking for a "White Knight" in the Executive Branch of our government. I contend that such a person does not exist. I would hope that Bo would provide you any and all information he holds on the actions taken by US Government officials in Washington and in Thailand vis-a-vis the drug trade and POWs. The maneuvering of LTC Oliver "Ollie" North is not new, nor is it unique to this lone marine. Those who would suggest such a thing are doing a great disservice to our nation.

I cannot begin to describe to you the deep hurt and chagrin that I observed in LTC Gritz on his learning that our government had sitting officials, civilian and military, involved in the blatantly illegal acts that he will describe to you. I would hope that when the government comes in with its marching band to discredit Bo, you make them stick to the issues at hand. Please do not allow them to again question mental stability and the honor of a proven soldier. You know, Congressman, sometime, you and your colleagues are going to have to face the fact that all active duty and retired Special Forces types are not crazy or crooks.

What Bo Gritz has to say is not only true, but dangerous. Though he himself will not admit that it is possible, I consider him to be in grave danger. He is holding in his mind one of the key cards that can make this quasiİmilitary\intelligence agency\civilian organization which raises funds through illegal and devious ways to implement foreign policy outside the funding and oversight of congress, come falling down. It started the day that some wellİintentioned official of our government learned that a two and one half pound of white powder could fund an operation that the congress refused to fund and considered illegal and immoral.

I must tell you that Bo and myself certainly agreed with the intent, o f many of these operations. However, the congress spoke and most soldiers and government officials listened. Bo Gritz is going to tell you the story of those who didn't. I can assure you that the officials of the CIA, DIA, DEA and the likes of Mr. Richard Armitage, COL. Richard Childress and so many others will initially be portrayed as "National heroes". I can assure they are not. They are the "Oliver Norths" and "Dick Secords" of the Dope and POW arena. You also may be calling these same two individuals before your committee to answer questions about South East Asia. It was here that they learned their dark trade of operating a privately funded operation outside the oversight of congress.

I feel that the information contained above, can be elaborated on by my attorney, Mr. Mark Waple, in Fayetteville N.C. His phone number is (919) 864İ6888. I am sure that LTC Gritz can and will do what honor and integrity require. Again the intent of this letter is to only endorse the allegations that he will make. Please pass on to LTC Gritz my heartiest thanks for his courageous act at great personal risk.

Sincerely,

Mark A. Smith

, USA (Retired)

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