Cointelpro New Left Columbia Part 01 Final

This page is a title page for a declassified FBI document. It features text indicating the document is related to the Freedom of Information and Privacy Acts, with a subject line "(COINTELPRO)". Below this, it lists "NEW LEFT", "COLUMBIA", and a document number "100-449698-66". Prominently displayed in the center is a circular seal with the words "FREEDOM INFORMATION ACT" above and below imagery that appears to be a stylized American flag and stars. At the bottom, the text "FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION" is present. There are no photographs, handwritten notes, stamps, forms, logs, redactions, or other visual evidence of surveillance methods on this page. FREEDOM OF INFORMATION AND PRIVACY ACTS SUBJECT: (COINTELPRO) NEW LEFT COLUMBIA 100-449698-66 FREEDOM INFORMATION ACT FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION NOTICE THE BEST COPIES OBTAINABLE ARE INCLUDED IN THE REPRODUCTION OF THE FILE. PAGES INCLUDED THAT ARE BLURRED, LIGHT OR OTHERWISE DIFFICULT TO READ ARE THE RESULT OF THE CONDITION AND OR COLOR OF THE ORIGINALS PROVIDED. THESE ARE THE BEST COPIES AVAILABLE. OPTIONAL FORM NO. 10 MAY 1962 EDITION GEA FPMR (41 CFR) 101-11.8 TO : FROM ! SUBJECT: UNITED STATES GO INMENT Memorandum DIRECTOR, FBI (100-449698) سیها SAC, COLUMBIA (100-344) (P) COINTELPRO NEW LEFT IS DATE: 3/30/71 3010-100 Re Columbia letter to Bureau dated 12/29/70. The UFO Club, which was closed by Richland County, S. C. court order on 1/15/70, has given up their fight in court to maintain control of the building where they were located and recently moved their equipment from the building indicating that they would use this equipment in other coffee houses located in other states. Informants and sources advised that no efforts will be made to reopen a similar type coffee house restaurant in the Columbia area. Prior to closing, the UFO Club was known for its anti-war, anti-draft and anti-establishment activities. The only two active dissident groups in the State of South Carolina at the present time are the Student Mobilization Committee (SMC) at the University of S. C., Columbia, which is not affiliated with the national SMC, and a new organization known as Progressive Students For Change (PSC) at USC, Columbia, which works as a coalition group with SMC at USC. Informants and sources within the two groups advise that the leaders of the two groups do not get along and are continuously arguing over policy and the direction to take in attempting to organize students at USC. At the last combined meeting of the two groups they had approximately 30 students and non-students present. It is noted that USC has an enrollment of over 14,000 students. Informants have indicated that neither organization has been effective in organizing students or adopting a program to follow in an effort to gain members to their organization. I. POTENTIAL COUNTERINTELLIGENCE ACTION : ② - Bureau (RM) 2 - Columbia IDL:dlk (4) 100-999678-66 APR 1 1971 NEW/LEFT CAIN 1 BuyII. Savings Bonds Regularly on the Payroll Savings Plan CO 100-344 On 3/17/71, , advised that he continues to watch the licensing of restaurants in the Columbia This page contains a black and white reproduction of a document with a bold, underlined heading "NOTICE". The body of the text is printed in all caps and alerts the reader that the quality of the reproductions is dependent on the condition of the original document. There are no photographs, handwritten annotations, official stamps, forms, wiretap logs, surveillance schedules, operational charts, or redactions visible on this page. The provided text is the only visual element present, giving no additional visual information beyond what is conveyed by the text itself. their organization. I. POTENTIAL COUNTERINTELLIGENCE ACTION : ② - Bureau (RM) 2 - Columbia IDL:dlk (4) 100-999678-66 APR 1 1971 NEW/LEFT CAIN 1 BuyII. Savings Bonds Regularly on the Payroll Savings Plan CO 100-344 On 3/17/71, , advised that he continues to watch the licensing of restaurants in the Columbia area in an effort to insure that an UFO type club does not obtain license in the Columbia area. stated that in the event they do attempt to obtain license he believes he is in a position to have the City License Division deny license to this club. Regarding the SMC and PSC, informants have advised that due to the dissension among the leaders of the two groups they are of the opinion that the two groups will probably destroy their effectiveness among the liberal element at USC and in the Columbia area. Informants state at the present time the two groups are working together to organize demonstrators for the 4/24/71 demonstration to take place in Washington, D. C., which is sponsored by the National Peace Action Coalition. Informants are of the opinion that they will have very little success in obtaining a group to travel to Washington, D. C. for the demonstration. Informants have also advised that SMC and PSC have had very few meetings since organizing and due to their failure to have adequate leadership the possibility exists that they will fold as a campus organization prior to the end of the school year. II. PENDING COUNTERINTELLIGENCE ACTION Due to the dissension between SMC and PSC, informants have been instructed to discreetly further the polarization between the leaders through their conversations with the leaders, agreeing with the remarks which are derogatory to the leaders of the other group. It is believed that if they discredit the leaders of the two groups in this manner, the two groups will eventually split making both organizations incapable of causing or organizing demonstrations or rallies at USC. It is noted that during May, 1970, numerous arrests were made by the State of South Carolina after the Administration 2 CO 100-344 Building at USC was taken over and damaged by approximately 75 students. On 3/22/71, [REDACTED] Richland County, S. C., advised that he is arranging a conference of all the attorneys who represent the students who are now. on bond on charges arising out of the damages to the Administration Building, for the USC was taken over and damaged by approximately 75 students. On 3/22/71, [REDACTED] Richland County, S. C., advised that he is arranging a conference of all the attorneys who represent the students who are now. on bond on charges arising out of the damages to the Administration Building, for the purpose of assessing each student an amount of money to pay for these damages. [REDACTED] stated that if they agree to this he will drop charges on the students who agree to pay their share. Those students refusing will be prosecuted during the summer term of court while USC is not in session. [REDACTED] stated that he will maintain the warrants as outstanding for the students and their associates who fled the State rather than face arrest to keep these individuals from returning to the State. [REDACTED] noted that most of the individuals who fled the State were the main troublemakers and leaders during the second semester of 1970 and with them out of the State the new left activities have been disorganized at USC. III. TANGIBLE RESULTS It is noted that the SMC group at USC remains as an ineffective organization in their efforts to organize students and to arrange rallies and demonstrations. In this regard, a new organization known as PSC has attempted to take over the SMC activities and through their efforts they have divided the leadership of the two groups which has made it impossible for the groups to build their organization through demonstrations and rallies at USC. The PSC organization, having a limited membership, has held very few meetings since their organization and it is doubtful that the leadership will be in a position to build an effective organization during the second semester of 1971. In this regard the majority of the members of the SMC organization are disenchanted with their President and in all probability will cause the organization to become ineffective prior to the end of the school year 1971. 3 OPTIONAL FORM NO. 10 MAY 1M7 EDITION GSA FPMP (41 CPR) 101-11.0 UNITED STATES G. ERNMENT Memorandum TO DIRECTOR, FBI (100-449698) FROM: SAC, COLUMBIA (100-344) (P) A TM DATE: 11-4-70 SUBJECT: COINTELPRO - NEW LEFT IS ReCOlet to Bureau, 9-25-70. For the information of the Bureau. Columbia, S. C., is [REDACTED] and has extensive investigation and contact with University students at the University of South Carolina (USC). [REDACTED] is in continuous contact The document is a typed memorandum from the FBI, dated March 30, 1971, addressed to the Director of the FBI. It appears to be part of a COINTELPRO investigation concerning "New Left" activities in Columbia, South Carolina. There are handwritten annotations, including a signature and file numbers, along with official stamps indicating "APR 1 1971." The content discusses the "UFO Club," student organizations, and their activities. The image also contains a drawing that appears to be a small, stylized sketch related to savings bonds at the bottom. There is no photographic imagery of individuals or surveillance targets visible on this page. This page contains a typewritten document with some handwritten annotations and official stamps. At the top, there are two black circular stamps, one larger than the other, with a small circular imprint inside. There's also a handwritten note "CO 100-344" at the top left. Several areas of the text are obscured by heavy black redactions, particularly in the upper right and middle sections of the page. A header "II. PENDING COUNTER INTELLIGENCE ACTION" is centrally aligned and underlined. The document appears to be a report or memorandum, with a page number "2" at the bottom center. SAC, COLUMBIA (100-344) (P) A TM DATE: 11-4-70 SUBJECT: COINTELPRO - NEW LEFT IS ReCOlet to Bureau, 9-25-70. For the information of the Bureau. Columbia, S. C., is [REDACTED] and has extensive investigation and contact with University students at the University of South Carolina (USC). [REDACTED] is in continuous contact during the evening hours with various students conducting interviews and making [REDACTED] [REDACTED] is very cooperative with Special Agents of the Columbia Office and offers assistance in all types of cases, and in his contacts with narcotics cases, he frequently comes into contact with New Left type individuals at USC. At the UNIV [REDACTED] of South UACB, the Columbia Division will contact [REDACTED] and OK make arrangements to have him pick up at least two members of the Student Mobilization Committee (SMC) and while pretext [REDACTED] It is believed that the individuals being interviewed under pretext will assume that [REDACTED] who is [REDACTED] of the SMC group at USC, is an informant of [REDACTED] and will ICC 908 45D 1cc 910 9¢ D spread the word at the USC campus which will eliminate her as a leader of this organization. FX-106 REC 11 2 Bureau (RM) 2- Columbia (1-100-344) (1- [REDACTED] IDL:rat (4) NOV : 1970 B010-100 NOV 18 1970 -Buy U.S. Savings Bonds Regularly on the Payroll Savings Plan CO 100-344 In this regard, interview conducted by the Columbia Office of the FBI; information was received that some members of SMC are suspicious of [REDACTED] in that during the student disturbances at USC during May, 1970, she was not suspended but only received a permanent probation type disciplinary action, and for this reason they think she may be an informant of a law enforcement agency. In the event this plan is approved, [REDACTED] will be contacted and arrangements made to carry out the above plan. 2 OPTIONAL FORM NO. 10 MAY 1962 EDITION OSA FPMR (41 CPR) 101-11.8 UNITED STATES GORNMENT Memorandum TO : DIRECTOR, FBI (100-449698) FROM SAC, COLUMBIA (100-344) (P) SUBJECT: COINTELPRO - NEW LEFT IS DATE: 6-26-70 ReBulet to all offices dated 5-10-68, and Colet to Bureau dated 3-31-70. The AWARE organization, a student group at the University of South Carolina, (USC), Columbia, S. C., affiliated with SDS, continues as the only militant New Left organization in the state of South Carolina. The UFO Club, which was located at 1732 Main St., Columbia, S. C., a Bureau dated 3-31-70. The AWARE organization, a student group at the University of South Carolina, (USC), Columbia, S. C., affiliated with SDS, continues as the only militant New Left organization in the state of South Carolina. The UFO Club, which was located at 1732 Main St., Columbia, S. C., a coffee house type restaurant, originally organized by the National Mobilization Committee to End the War in Vietnam (NMC), has been closed since 1-15-70. The UFO Club was closed on a Richland County, S. C., court order indicating that the Club was a public nuisance. Efforts were made to open a new club similar to the UFO Club; however, the two individuals attempting to obtain a location have been unable to rent a downtown store building for their operation. The name of the new club was to be the Universal Life Service Corp., indicating that it was a religious mission of the St. Mark Universal Life Church. I. POTENTIAL COUNTER INTELLIGENCE ACTION On 5-7-70, [REDACTED], Columbia, S. C., advised that he has placed a stop with the License Division of the city of Columbia concerning the Universal Life Service Corp. or similar type name in the (2 Bureau (RM) 1- Columbia IDL:rat (3) [ILLEGIBLE] JUL7 1970 EX-117 REC-1 - ( )/ (6 1? 8010-108 Buy U.S. Savings Bonds Regularly on the Payroll Savings Plan CO 100-344 event they attempt to obtain a license to open a coffee house restaurant. He advised that he believes that through this division and other city departments, he will be able to stop the club from opening a coffee house restaurant in the downtown area of Columbia. On 6-18-70, [REDACTED] USC, advised that the University has instituted a program of conducting a security check on each transfer student attempting to enter the University for the fall of 1970. In the event they have been in trouble at the previous school or are a member of a dissident organization, their transfer application will be denied. [REDACTED] stated that he believes that this method will save the University possible trouble from dissident individuals in the fall of 1970. [REDACTED] also advised that USC plans to review all applications for charters of student groups very carefully in the fall of 1970 and to attempt to discourage dissident type groups from obtaining a charter. He advised that he is following this matter closely and will appreciate any infor- mation received The page is a typed document with a few visual elements. At the top of the document, there are two black ink circles, possibly representing a stamp or a drawing, followed by a small black speck to the right. There are several dark, rectangular redactions across the page, obscuring specific text within the document. Towards the bottom, centered, the number "3" is printed in black ink. The document appears to be part of an official report, as indicated by the header "CO 100-344" and the general formatting of the typed text. [REDACTED] also advised that USC plans to review all applications for charters of student groups very carefully in the fall of 1970 and to attempt to discourage dissident type groups from obtaining a charter. He advised that he is following this matter closely and will appreciate any infor- mation received by other police agencies concerning the possible organization of dissident groups at USC. Informants have stated that the New Left groups in Columbia, S. C., have no plans for demonstrations, rallies or other dissident activity during the summer months of 1970. It is noted that a majority of the students who are connected with the AWARE group and UFO Club have left Columbia, S. C., for their permanent residences for the summer months. II. PENDING COUNTER INTELLIGENCE ACTION [REDACTED] Richland County, Columbia, S. C., advised that he plans to maintain pressure on the administrators at USC in an effort to limit the use of University facilities to outside groups connected with the New Left. [REDACTED] stated that through the arrest and conviction of the UFO group, the New Left activities in the downtown 2 CO 100-344 area of Columbia, S. C., has been hendered and has made it very difficult for the UFO personnel to make their usual contacts. He advised that he plans to stop University officials from allowing the student center to be used as a meeting place for off-campus dissident groups. AI and SI subject of the Columbia Division and leader in the AWARE organization, is presently awaiting court action on charges of malicious • damage to real and personal property in the private building which houses Local Board 40 of the Selective Service System. Since his arrest, [REDACTED] has been inactive in the Columbia area and is presently in Atlanta, Georgia, being employed in a printing shop in that city. [REDACTED] has indicated to informants that he is afraid to travel around the Columbia area as he is of the opinion that the local and state law enforcement officials are watching him and would arrest him for any possible violation of the law if they have a chance. III. TANGIBLE RESULTS The closing of the UFO Club on 1-15-70, on a local court order has limited the contacts of the employees with the college students and the soldiers stationed at Fort Jackson. At the present time the group has no location or meeting place where they The document is a memorandum from the SAC, Columbia, to the Director of the FBI, dated November 4, 1970. It features several black redactions obscuring text, particularly in the lower half of the page. Handwritten annotations are present in the top left and right corners, as well as a number "11-4-70" near the top right, and numerous other markings and notations in the central section of the document. There is a visible stamp "NOV 18 1970" in the bottom left corner, near a small illustration of a figure holding a flag or staff. The bottom of the page includes a printed line, "-Buy U.S. Savings Bonds Regularly on the Payroll Savings Plan". The page itself shows signs of wear, with visible holes at the top, indicating it was once part of a binder. a chance. III. TANGIBLE RESULTS The closing of the UFO Club on 1-15-70, on a local court order has limited the contacts of the employees with the college students and the soldiers stationed at Fort Jackson. At the present time the group has no location or meeting place where they can gather with soldiers to further their anti-war and anti-draft activities. On 6-17-70, [REDACTED], Columbia, S. C., advised that since the closing of the UFO, the conscientious objectors on the part of soldiers at Fort Jackson, have dropped to a normal level, and they are having very little difficulty with dissident type soldiers at Fort Jackson. As stated, the arrest of [REDACTED] Y has limited his militant activity in the Columbia area and his fear of being arrested has caused him to move to Atlanta, Georgia, where he resides with his grandparents and to obtain gainful employment which is his first known employment in several years. 3 CO 100-344 On 5-7-70, a student strike was called at USC by the various student members which resulted in 41 individuals being arrested for refusing to leave the Russell House, the student center at USC. Thirty one of the individuals were students at the University and contained the most active dissident leaders. Of that group [REDACTED] in the AWARE group and Women's Liberation group; [REDACTED] active member of AWARE; and nine others have been permanently dismissed from the University for their activities in the takeover of the Russell House. The other 19 individuals have been suspended for various periods of time, up to two years. On 5-11-70, approximately 75 individuals unlawfully entered the Administration Building, USC, and destroyed all records and furniture in the south wing. Since that date, approximately 36 warrants have been issued for individuals identified so far as entering the building. This list includes several other dissident individuals in the Columbia area and according to University officials, those involved will also be permanently dismissed from the University. It is believed that the individuals permanently dismissed from the University contained the most active individuals in the New Left movement at USC and will severely limit their activities in the fall of 1970 in the AWARE organization or similar type groups. 4 OPTIONAL FORM NO. 10 MAY 1962 EDITION GSA FPMR (41 CFR) 101-11.6 UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT Memorandum TO : DIRECTOR, FBI (100-449693) DATE: 3/31/70 FROM : ak SAC, COLUMBIA (100-344) (P) The page shows a typed document with some handwritten annotations. The header indicates "CO 100-344". There are several black circular ink stamps at the top of the page, typical of COINTELPRO documents. A significant black redaction appears in the middle of the text, obscuring a name or identifying detail. Another redaction is present in the final paragraph. A faint, possibly hand-drawn, curvilinear mark can be seen on the right side of the page, and there is a page number "2" at the bottom. The overall impression is that of an official report with sensitive information redacted. This document is a memorandum from the FBI's Columbia Field Office, dated June 26, 1970. It details a "ReBulet" regarding "COINTELPRO - NEW LEFT" organization activities in South Carolina. The document includes handwritten annotations, such as routing codes like "EX-117 REC-1" and a date stamp of "JUL 7 1970," suggesting internal processing. There are also heavily redacted sections, particularly in the main body of the text, obscuring specific names and details of surveillance activities. The bottom of the page contains a standard government notice about purchasing U.S. Savings Bonds. The visual content focuses on the formal structure of FBI communication and the redactions highlight the sensitive nature of the information contained within. and will severely limit their activities in the fall of 1970 in the AWARE organization or similar type groups. 4 OPTIONAL FORM NO. 10 MAY 1962 EDITION GSA FPMR (41 CFR) 101-11.6 UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT Memorandum TO : DIRECTOR, FBI (100-449693) DATE: 3/31/70 FROM : ak SAC, COLUMBIA (100-344) (P) REC-64 SUBJECT: COINTELPRO NEW LEFT IS Re Bulet to all offices dated 5/10/60, and Columbia letter to the Bureau dated 12/29/69. The AWARE Organization, a student group at the University of South Carolina (USC), Columbia, S. C., affiliated with SDS, continues to be the only militant New Left organization in the area covered by the Columbia Division. The UFO Club, 1732 Main St., Columbia, S. C., a coffeehouse type restaurant, originally organized by the National Mobilization Committee to End the War in Vietnam was closed on a court order 1/15/70. Prior to the UFO Club being closed, it was considered anti-war, anti-draft and anti-establishment in its operation. Informants have advised that a new club will be opened in the near future at 1219 Main St., Columbia, S. C., under the name Universal Life Service Corp. former employee of the UFO Club, is one of the individuals planning to open a new establishment attempting to exhibit a religious type front for the organization. Numerous repairs have to be made to the building prior to their occupying same and it is estimated it will probably be May, 1970, before they can be open for business. I. POTENTIAL COUNTERINTELLIGENCE ACTION On 3/20/70, [REDACTED] related that he was planning to appear before the Board of Trustees for USC in an effort to discredit the New Left and their activities at USC. [REDACTED] requested any information that would 2 - Bureau (RM) 1 - Columbia IDL:cgb (3) REC-28 REC-64 M4 APR 3 1970 RES ROM SECTION ST-115 5010-108 Buy U.S. Savings Bonds Regularly on the Payroll Savings Plan CO 100-344 be helpful in apprising the trustees of New Left activities at USC. [REDACTED] also advised of the fact that the New Left was using the Russell House, the Student Union Center at USC, for meetings on Saturday and Sunday, referring to the meetings as "UFO in Exile," where they were showing underground type films to soldiers from Ft. Jackson and other individuals who desired to attend the meetings. He was also apprised of the numerous hippie type individuals using the Russell House as living quarters on Saturday and Sunday, referring to the meetings as "UFO in Exile," where they were showing underground type films to soldiers from Ft. Jackson and other individuals who desired to attend the meetings. He was also apprised of the numerous hippie type individuals using the Russell House as living quarters and not being students at USC. [REDACTED] subsequently appeared before the trustees and advised that they have now instructed the administration at USC to place the use of the Russell House as off limits to non-students, specifically the UFO in exile, and to institute a system of checks at the Russell House that only enrolled students and faculty at USC could use the facilities. In this regard, a guest must be in the company of the enrolled student at all times while in the Russell House. [REDACTED] stated that the above action will no doubt cut down New Left activities at USC. On 3/23/70, [REDACTED] who has worked closely with the Bureau in coverage of New Left activities in Columbia, S. C., was advised of the fact that the Universal Life Service Corp. was planning to open a business establishment at 1219 Main St., which would replace the UFO Club as an anti-draft and anti-war establishment. [REDACTED] stated that he would contact a friend of his on the License Division for the City of Columbia and will attempt to stop the group from obtaining a license to operate at 1219 Main St. He advised that in the event they could not stop the operation, they will delay issuing a license for as long a period as they possibly can. Informants and sources have been advised to continue their efforts to obtain all the New Left literature that they can in an effort to deplete the supply in the -2- CO 100-344 Columbia area. It is noted that since the closing of the UFO Club, there has only been a small supply of the material available to the New Left, which is being distributed at the Russell House, USC. II. PENDING COUNTERINTELLIGENCE ACTION On 1/15/70, a court order was issued by the Richland Co. courts closing the UFO Club on the grounds that it was a "public nuisance." On 1/13/70, two nights prior to the closing of the club, four of the employees at the UFO Club were indicted and arrested on charges of "maintaining and operating a public nuisance." All The document is a typed report with minimal visual elements. There are two black circles with smaller black circles inside them at the top of the page, which appear to be part of a standard document header or stamp. Several sections of text are redacted with black marker, obscuring specific names and possibly crucial details of the information. There is a handwritten number "2" in the bottom right corner, indicating a page number. the Richland Co. courts closing the UFO Club on the grounds that it was a "public nuisance." On 1/13/70, two nights prior to the closing of the club, four of the employees at the UFO Club were indicted and arrested on charges of "maintaining and operating a public nuisance." All four subjects have presently been released on the $7,500.00 bond and are awaiting court action in April, 1970. The fifth employee of the club who was indicted refuses to return to Columbia, S. C., and is remaining in New York, New York, to avoid being extradited to South Carolina, on the above charges. [REDACTED] Richland Co., Columbia, S. C., advised he is contemplating, prior to the court action, to reconvene the Grand Jury and indict the sixth employee of the UFO Club, who is presently active in attempting to set up a new club in South Carolina. [REDACTED] stated through the indictment of [REDACTED] he will attempt to obtain publicity showing that the new club known as the Universal Life Service Corp. is just a replacement for the UFO Club. On 3/20/70, [REDACTED], AI and SI, subject of the Columbia Division, and a leader in the AWARE Organization, was arrested by the Richland Co. SO on charges of malicious damage to real and personal property in the private building which houses LB 40 of the Selective Service System. During the early morning hours of 3/20/70, [REDACTED] accompanied by three other individuals, painted slogans on the walls of the private building and then threw a brick through the plate glass window where LB 40 is located in the building. After breaking the window, they threw a glass container of red paint into the building causing extensive -3- CC 100-344 paint damage to the drapes and floor with an estimated damage of approximately $400.00 to the office space. At the time of arrest, the Deputy Sheriffs found a mace in his possession, which is a violation of the S. C. Concealed Weapons Law and [REDACTED] was also charged with this violation, [REDACTED] could receive up to 3 years. III. TANGIBLE RESULTS The closing of the UFO Club on 1/15/70, has severely restricted the activities of the New Left in the downtown section of Columbia, S. C., and makes it impossible for the group to reach the majority of the soldiers on the weekends on leave from Ft. Jackson. On 3/23/70, [REDACTED] advised The page contains a typed document, with two circular black-and-white stamps, possibly representing a seal or official marking, at the top. There are several black ink redactions obscuring names and potentially other identifying information scattered throughout the text, particularly in the middle and lower sections. The text itself appears to be a report or memorandum, detailing information related to groups and individuals. There is a page number "3" at the bottom center. There is no photographic, handwritten, or form-related content visible. The page is a typewritten document with a header