Recently declassified JFK files expose a secret testimony from former CIA counterintelligence chief James Angleton. In a 1975 closed-door session with the Senate’s Church Committee, Angleton detailed deep intelligence connections between the U.S. and Israel.
Secret Intelligence Agreement Between the U.S. and Israel
Angleton testified that a discreet but formal intelligence-sharing agreement began in 1951. This unwritten arrangement was established between him and Reuven Shiloah, Israel’s first Mossad director. According to Angleton, this partnership operated on trust and avoided documentation.
High-Ranking U.S. Officials Aware of the Agreement
During the testimony, the following exchange took place:
Staff Director William Miller: “Who authorized this agreement?”
James Angleton: “The Director of Central Intelligence, with approval from the Israeli Prime Minister.”
Miller: “Did both nations exchange intelligence assets?”
Angleton: “Not exactly. They shared intelligence materials, communications, and classified information—excluding personnel.”
Angleton confirmed that both the President and the Secretary of State were aware of this arrangement. He also suggested that U.S. intelligence leaders intentionally kept these agreements secret.
Did the CIA Help Israel’s Nuclear Program?
The hearing took a dramatic turn when Senator Howard Baker and Committee Counsel Frederick Schwarz questioned Angleton about alleged U.S. assistance in Israel’s nuclear program.
When asked if the CIA had transferred nuclear technology or intelligence to Israel, Angleton denied it.
“None whatsoever,” he stated.
Despite his firm denial, the committee cited reports from journalists Tad Szulc and Seymour Hersh. These reports suggested that American scientists and intelligence personnel had aided Israel’s nuclear development. Notable names included Dr. Sidney Gottlieb, a CIA scientist involved in MK-Ultra, and Dr. Wilfred Mann, a scientist suspected of Soviet ties.
Allegations of U.S. Plutonium Transfer
Hersh alleged that the U.S. secretly supplied plutonium to Israel for nuclear weapons development. Angleton denied any knowledge of such actions.
“If these transfers occurred, they were not authorized by the CIA and did not fall within my purview,” he said.
He also warned that these allegations, if widely believed, could damage U.S. credibility and Middle East relations.
Cryptic Conversation With Journalist Raises Questions
During the testimony, Angleton recalled a conversation with journalist Tad Szulc. Szulc asked cryptic questions like:
- “Do you know Sydney?”
- “Who is bicycling in India?”
- “Does the word Sydney mean anything to you?”
Angleton believed these were indirect references to Sidney Gottlieb, a former CIA scientist stationed in Australia who had traveled to India. He suspected Szulc had an informant with high-level access to classified information.
Were Israeli Agents Seeking U.S. Nuclear Secrets?
Senator John Tower asked Angleton if Israeli operatives had attempted to acquire American nuclear secrets. Angleton hesitated.
“Do I have to answer that?” he asked.
Following an off-the-record discussion, the hearing resumed without a clear response.
Full Testimony Now Public
James Angleton’s 1975 testimony before the Church Committee is now available for public review. The files provide a rare look at the covert U.S.-Israel intelligence relationship during a critical time in history.
About The Author
