SA Manning to SAC Seattle re agent assignments for ground search near Kelso

OPTIONAL FORM NO. 10 MAY 1962 EDITION GSA GEN. REG. NO. 27

UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT Memorandum

TO: SAC, SEATTLE (164-81) (P) FROM: SA THOMAS J. MANNING SUBJECT: NORJAK DATE: 1/11/72

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Sub E S Y [illegible] 1972 SAC [illegible initials/signature]

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Based upon maps received this date at Longview RA pin pointing a search area where the hi jacker could have landed and anticipating a walking search to be conducted in the near future in extremely wooded and somewhat hazardous terrain the following suggestions are being made.

Once the search date is fixed thismatter be made a Special with the four California offices, Portland and Seattle to furnish four or five agents to participate in the search on a volunteer basis. The voluntary aspect is being emphasized in view of the terrain to be searched and the uncomfortable conditions which will undoubtedly be experienced by the searching personnel.

It is recommended that volunteers be sought from individuals who have some, and preferably extensive, experience in the use of a compass and hiking and camping experience and who are physically qualified to spend a period of time in a densely wooded area on what is essentially a problem similar to a military field exercise.

It is further recommended that the agent personnel assigned be cognizant of the fact that once the operation starts they will be required to remain overnight in their assigned searching areas rather than retracing areas covered to go to and from a base camp.

A list of recommended items to be secured for logistic support of this special is being prepared by the writer the majority of which can be secured from the Army or the Navy at little or no cost to the Bureau.

Aerial photographs of the search area as set forth by the map of [REDACTED] plus terrain maps are presently being secured in order that the search area may be properly divided for maximum coverage by searching agents.

It is also recommended that this search be a completely Bureau operation involving no outside agencies so as to limit the amount of publicity which is generated.

It is felt that the prime and secondary search areas, while in rough terrain, can be adequately searched by a small, select group of dedicated personnel who are doing it voluntarily and the search will either find the hijacker or lead to the conclusion that the area pinpointed by all available technical data has been completely combed for traces of the subject. (2) TJM/

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b6 b7C

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DB Cooper-5749

b6 b7C

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List you gave me originally re agents from Seattle as follows: [redacted] Manning, [redacted] Webber, [redacted] [redacted] Dyer, [redacted] It is felt to insure that [redacted] be able to complete all his work prior to transfer on 3/29/72 that he be deleted from list. Also [redacted] has stated that he does not wish to volunteer and will go on search only if assigned. He asked that this be brought to your attention. You also stated 4 agents from Portland 2 agent from Butte 2 agents from Sacramento 2 agents from San Francisco When word is passed to start search and agents in other offices are advised it is requested that they furnish the Seattle office with their time of arrival and flight at Portland airport so that steps may be taken to pick them up and transport them to Kelso. Further it is requested that the agents arrive one day before search in order than they may be adequately briefed on the search and be able to acquaint themselves with the maps and terrain.

It is suggested that the agents assigned for the search be advised of requirement of gloves and water proof shoes and sufficient changes of clothing to insure their comfort.

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DB Cooper-5750