In the midst of the Watergate scandal in 1973, Director of Central Intelligence James Schlesinger asked current and former CIA employees to report any CIA activities that might have violated the CIA’s charter. The resulting compilation, nicknamed the “Family Jewels,” leaked to the public in December 1974. Although the report focused on the CIA, the leak set in motion a series of broader investigations–the Rockefeller Commission established by the President and the subsequent congressional Church and Pike committees.
The public revelations about covert action operations abroad, allegations of assassination plots, and domestic spying, and more, captured the attention of the world. Together, the investigations and recommendations altered public perceptions of US intelligence writ large, led to major restructuring of both executive and legislative branch oversight of intelligence, and resulted in changes to the way intelligence agencies conducted their operations. Tonight’s panel, moderated by historian and former intelligence officer Mark Lowenthal, will discuss the significant changes that resulted from the leak and the subsequent investigations. Speakers include former Church Committee staffers: David Aaron and Greg Treverton; and two intelligence officers who represented CIA before the committee: Jack Devine and Jim Taylor. They will discuss their roles and their insights into the investigations and their legacy.
Co-sponsored by the Council on Intelligence Issues and Holland & Knight.
