George H.W. Bush
Washington D.C., August 16, 1976
G.H.W Bush on CIA's "Weather Warfare" in Cuba & Vietnam
TLS, 8" x 10.5", Washington D.C., dated August 16, 1976, and written on "Central Intelligence Agency" stationary to the Honorable Claiborne Pell, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Oceans and International Environment Committee on Foreign Relations. Bush directly responds to a long time controversy that the CIA is involved in "weather modification techniques" against foreign nations. In fine condition, with expected mailing folds and a slight tear near fold, but boldly signed.

In full:

"Dear Mr. Chairman:

In response to your letter of 21 July 1976, the answer to both of the questions you ask in that letter is "no." The Central Intelligence Agency has never been involved in any project employing weather modification techniques against Cuba, off the coast of Cuba or any other nation or against any nation's harvest activities.

You will recall that in connection with our correspondence earlier this year (your 23 January letter to Mr. Colby and my 19 February reply) my colleagues briefed two members of your personal and Committee staff on certain Southeast Asian activities, none of which were directed against harvests or — obviously— against Cuba.

I would be happy to discuss this further with you personally if you wish.

Sincerely,

George Bush"

The CIA's involvement in weather modification techniques traces back to the 1960s and 1970s, prominently highlighted by Operation Popeye during the Vietnam War. This classified program aimed to extend the monsoon season over the Ho Chi Minh Trail—a crucial supply route for North Vietnamese forces—by increasing rainfall through cloud seeding, thereby disrupting enemy logistics. Although initially secret, the operation was exposed in the early 1970s, igniting public and international controversy. This led to significant diplomatic repercussions, influencing the United States to ratify the Environmental Modification Convention (ENMOD) in 1978, which prohibits the military or hostile use of environmental modification techniques that have widespread, long-lasting, or severe effects.

The speculation regarding the CIA's use of weather modification against Cuba during the Cold War is less substantiated compared to instances like Operation Popeye. The U.S. engaged in various efforts to destabilize Fidel Castro's regime, including the Bay of Pigs Invasion and numerous assassination attempts, as part of the broader Operation Mongoose. Although no definitive evidence confirms the use of weather modification in Cuba, the secretive nature of these operations fuels ongoing theories about employing environmental strategies for psychological warfare or economic disruption. These tactics, speculative in the context of Cuba, reflect the Cold War-era strategic mindset but remain undocumented in historical records as direct actions against Cuba.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.??

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8" x 10.5"