Central Intelligence: Series 3: Episode 4
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This BBC podcast is supported by ads outside the UK. Welcome, I'm John Scott. Miksei aina vois olla perjantai? No voihan, koska nyt minulla.
Eli Vallu Valppialla on Pikku Perjantai Klubi Helsingin John Scott's Ravintolassa joka perjantai ja vielä aina ilomaiseksi.
Huippuesintyjä joka perjantai John Scott Ravintolassa Helsingissä. Showtime kello 22 Vallun Pikku Perjantai Klubilla. Welcome to John Scott's.
In 2013, President Obama described the attributes he admired most in his choice for the new director of the CIA, John Brennan.
A 25-year veteran of the CIA, John knows what our national security demands. Intelligence that provides policymakers with the facts, strong analytic insights, and a keen understanding of a dynamic world.
In 1965, President Johnson could have said the same about Richard Helms. To all of us inside the agency, he was clearly the best person to replace John McComb. It was so obvious. He ticked all the boxes, except one extra box that was only on President LBJ's list.
Look, Helms, you need some seasoning with Congress. McNamara and Rusk think you're excellent. But you're not well-known enough to the House or the Senate. Or the press.
Yes, I agree. You've just got to get out more before we can give you the keys to everything. Learn some politics. I understand. Instead, the next director of CIA would be a retired admiral called William Red Raybourne. And I've told Red. A buddy of LBJ's. I've been quite straight with him. From Texas. I said I'm promoting you to deputy director of the CIA. Thank you, sir. Which means at some point, you'll have to find a replacement for yourself at the directorate of plans. I see. But Red has to take you everywhere. He's going to give me six months to a year, and then it's you. He knows the plan. Yes, Mr. President. And Red Raybourne did know the plan. Unfortunately, what he didn't know was anything about intelligence at all, which became apparent from his very first day in the job.
When there was a military coup in the Dominican Republic. And he didn't even know that was a country in the Caribbean. It was the beginning of a very long six months. I am Eloise Page, and you are listening to Central Intelligence, my life inside the CIA.
There can be no peace without justice, and there can be no justice without peace.
That's one small step for man. We're to live in a world where every country can shape its own destiny.
Season 3, Episode 4. Admiral Raybourne had barely arrived at our headquarters in Langley before he and Richard were driven straight to the White House.
Morning, gentlemen.
Events were moving quickly.
What the hell, Red?
What is happening in Santo Domingo? Did anyone see this coming? Santo Domingo is the capital of the Dominican Republic. Well, the information we had... First thing we heard about it was when their president, a guy called Don Reed, just cold-called the State Department and begged for help. And then our ambassador jumped on the line saying a lot of American nationals over there are scared as hell. But what are the facts here? That's what Dean and I need to know. Right, Dean? Absolutely, Mr. President. Dean Rusk, you'll remember, was LBJ's Secretary of State. So, who is this Reed fella? Well, um, I don't suppose anyone's had time to brief you on this yet, Admiral.
Why was Richard Helms expected to become CIA Director in 1965?
Uh, no, sir. Not in detail. Helms told me a few things on our way here. His dad's Scottish, and he runs some sort of business. What was it? An auto business. Auto business.
The elected president of the Dominican Republic is a car salesman?
Yes. He likes to say he's in the driver's seat, sir. He isn't now. And he wasn't elected, either. He was put in place by the army. Well, half the army. The half controlled by a strongman called General Wassim. So who's overthrown him? The other half. But it is a broadly popular move with the general public. Why? And don't give me his shopping list. Top reason. He promised elections and never delivered. So why would we bail him out? Or shouldn't we? Well, I don't believe in getting involved in setting policy. No, you shouldn't. But if we don't bail him out, then I can see why that mightn't be the smartest move.
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Chapters
6 chapters
1
What is the main topic discussed in this episode?
0:00–4:40
2
Why was Richard Helms expected to become CIA Director in 1965?
4:40–6:54
3
Why did LBJ appoint Admiral William 'Red' Raborn instead of an experienced intelligence chief?
6:54–9:35
4
What immediate crisis confronted the new CIA Director on his first day?
9:35–12:44
5
How did the CIA assess who was behind the Dominican Republic uprising?
12:44–32:32
6
How did Tracy Barnes identify alleged Cuban guerrillas in Santo Domingo?
32:32–36:01