application of the Foreign Agents Registration Act.

There

is no information of any relevance to this inquiry in the other material.

As to the alleged deceit that subject may be practicing on the American public in its collection of funds, this is a determination that should be made by the Criminal Division. However, since the information does indicate the possibility of control and direction by the Korean Government over subject, the Bureau should be requested, unless the Department of State objects, to make inquiry into this matter.

The information in subject 's file reflects that by letter of April 5, 1971, in response to an inquiry by Winthrop G. Brown, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, we advised that the information then available to this Department, including information furnished from Bureau files, was insufficient to constitute subject an agent of a foreign prihċipal within the meaning of the Act since there was a lack of. evidence to establish a connection with a foreign principal. We then also advised State that we would appreciate being furnished any information that might come to its attention in the future concerning subject.

In view of the foregoing, it is suggested that Mr. Johnson be advised that while the information he has furnished suggests the possibility of a connection between subject and the Korean Government which should be locked into by the Bureau, the information now available is insufficient to establish a requirement on subject's part to register under the Foreign Agents Registration Act.

A proposed reply for your signature is attached

hereto which sets forth this suggestion and, in view of the possible adverse effect which such an inquiry might produce upon the conduct of our foreign relations, requests the Department of State to concur in the investigation and interviews.

Thank you for your letter of June 8, 1971 with which you enclosed a secrot memorandum as well to material ca Radio of Frue Asia.

The information in both the memorandum and the enclosed
arterial was examined in the light of the provisions of the
Foreign Agents Registration Act. While this informatica
suggests that Radio of Free hala may be acting under the
direction and control of the Korean Government, it is
insufficient to establish that Radio of Free Asie is an
agent of a foreign principel within the meaning of the
Act so as to require its registration.

However, since there is an implication in the inter-
artion you made available that Radio of Frue Asia is the
creature of the Korean Government, I would suggest that
the Federal Bureau of Investigation make inquiry into
this matter to determine whether padio of Free Asiz is
acting under the direction and control of the Korean
Government when it solicits funds in the United States.
However, in view of the possible adverse effect which
such inquiry might produce upon the implementation of
eny of our foreign policies or the conduct of our foreign
relations, please advise whether your Department has any
objection to our instituting a full scale investigation
of this matter, and if not whether your Department would
object to our making evailsble to the Bureau a copy of
the secret memorandum which was enclosed with your letter
and whether you would object to an interview by the
Bureau of Fax Bo Hi, zxecutive Director of Račio of Free

Asia, and Yang You Chan, its Honorary Chairman.

In making this suggestion, I am mindful not only of the information you made available but also of our reply of April 5, 1971 to an inquiry by Mr. Winthrop G. Brown, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Asian and Pacific Affair:, that on the basis of the information then available to this Department, including information from Bureau files, Radio of Free Asia was not constituted an agent of a foreign principal within the meaning of the Act so as to require its registration since there was a lack of evidence to establish a connection between Radio of Free Asia and a foreign principal.

Sincerely,

John N. Mitchell

Attorney General

SECRET

On August 25, 1971 I discussed this ratter with
Robert Starr, Assistant Legal Adviser, East Asian Affairs
Desk, Department of State.

Hr. Starr said that the State Department desires to initiate a broad investigation of the captioned organization, and he requested that we advise him as to what action State should take to initiate the investigation. He said that he is interested in an investigation under the Foreign Agents Registration Act and possibly fraud, but State does not desire an investigation under the Logan Act.

Since Mr. Starr's request relates to the Foreign
Agents Registration Act, I have furnished the appropriate
information to Jim Hise for his handling. With respect
to a possible fraud violation, I have suggested to
Mr. Hise that Mr. Starr may wish to discuss this matter!
with Tom McTiernan in the Criminal Division.

well direct an inoves de
the AG on our letter to Jihmsony
on 7/25/71 un which he we
ask for an mwveitigation es
to possible vestation of FARA
any othed Federal statute (Se
no of 8/76 to File)
डीड

my

mins