Bringing in-depth reporting of crime and corruption in high places

THE PEGASUS FILE

By David Guyatt

 Part 2

During his twenty two years as a deep cover CIA and DIA operative, Gene “Chip” Tatum saw or participated in a remarkable series of covert operations.  Foremost in his mind are the years 1986-92, when he operated for a group he called Pegasus.  This group operated on behalf of the US and other governments undertaking tasks that ranged from narcotic smuggling to assassinations.

 The name Pegasus was, in fact, a “cover” designation used by Tatum to protect himself against possible prosecution.  Earlier this year Tatum revealed the true structure of the group and explained why he felt the need to conceal it.  Timing was all important.  In a message to this writer, Tatum stated “It has now been well past the five year statute of limitations which could have come back and haunted me.  That date was January 22, 1997.  On January 21, 1992 I walked out of the Jupiter island meeting to which I referred earlier.”

 Few individuals, even now, are aware of the significance of Jupiter island.  Located on the Atlantic coast of Florida, just a few miles north of Palm Beach, the island measures a mere half a mile wide and nine miles long.  According to authors Webster Griffin Tarpley and Anton Chaitkin island residents read like a Who’s Who of the Anglo American establishment.  Many have close connections to the intelligence apparatus and not a few are - or have been - members of the notorious Skull and Bones Society, a secretive and influential Masonic lodge formed at Yale law school.[i]  Interestingly, many of the early residents, including Averall Harriman and Prescot Bush - George Bush’s father - were strong supporters of Adolf Hitler and his National Socialist Party prior to WW11.  Even in recent years, George Bush continued to have unfinished work with Nazi’s domiciled in South America, Tatum says.  Especially while the world’s eye’s were turned towards Saddam Hussein and Iraq during Desert Storm.  That, however, is another story.

 Jupiter island boasts hyper-security.  All vehicles are tracked by sensors placed in the roads and every house-keeper, gardener or other non-resident is required by ordinance to be finger-printed and registered.  Residents themselves, are carefully screened prior to being permitted to purchase real estate (many purchase by invitation it is thought) and one of their primary duties as good residents is to perform active “surveillance” to ensure the island remains secure[ii]  It was here that Tatum met with and discussed sensitive projects with then Vice President and later President Bush, at the residence of his mother, Rose Bush.

 The organisational structure of the so-called “Pegasus” group provided by Tatum demands recounting in detail.  The significance of the various Presidential orders which led to the formation and operation of the covert activities in which Tatum and others participated, constitute a secret government within a government.  This is the power that hides behind the open face of democratic government that some have called the “Octopus.”  Activities include high level narcotics trafficking, illegal transfers of ultra high-tech weaponry, money laundering on a massive scale and an odd “hit” or “alignment” to keep wobbly-kneed individuals on the straight and narrow. 

 It was in 1981, Tatum states that “President Reagan signed National Security Decision Directive Number 3 (NSDD-3), which authorised the vice president to chair the Special Situation Group (SSG).  The Special Situation Group was a division under the national Security Council (NSC).  One entity formed to support the SSG was the Terrorist Incident Working Group (TIWG).  TIWG was formed in April 1982, by authority of President Reagan in NSDD-30.  This group consisted of representatives of the following: Director of Central Intelligence, Department of Defence, FBI, NSC staff and others as required.[iii]

 Tatum continues, “The purpose of TIWG is to provide SSG with direct operational support.  TIWG then recommended to the President that a Terrorism Task Froce be formed and chaired by the head of SSG (the vice president).  Reagan approved NSDD-138 in April 1984, which extended TIWG’s arm and ability to form sub-groups.  As a result of NSDD-138 was the formation of the Operation Sub-Group.  The subgroup was a select NSC-DOD-CIA-FBI-Foreign Intelligence Agency which operated so as to by-pass the regular operations of intelligence/military/law enforcement agencies.  OSG was formed in February 1986.”

 Having revealed the framework of the authorising Presidential Directives necessary for the conduct of these covert operations, Tatum then details the nitty-gritty of the OSG.  “I was an operative for OSG from April, 1986 through January, 1992.  When I was operating under the authority of the OSG I would report directly to the OSG, not to the CIA or DIA.  This ‘secret government’ apparatus, built by Bush from 1981 to 1986, was able to draw upon assets from the CIA, the DOD Special Operations Units, and the private sector.  Using the private sector clause, Don Gregg, VP Bush’s National Security Advisor, included a representative from British Intelligence and Israeli Intelligence.  To date I have called this group Pegasus in an attempt not to divulge it’s true identity until I was on safe ground.  Although most of the missions performed by OSG-2 are classified, the existence of the organisation is now declassified.”

 Until Tatum forwarded these details, the existence of more than one Operations Sub-Group (OSG) were unknown.  In fact, Tatum has now revealed the existence of three OSGs.  OSG-1 was headed by Ted Shackley and was “our anti-narcotics group.”[iv]  OSG-2 was the anti-terrorism group and OSG-3 was “our ‘alignment’ group.”  Tatum was originally posted to OSG-2 which was commanded by Col. Oliver North.  The third group, OSG-3 was commanded by Richard Secord.  Following the exposure of Oliver North’s role in Contragate in 1987 he resigned as head of OSG-2,  and his spot was taken over by Secord.  Tatum moved up to command OSG-3 at the same time.

 All three OSG’s answered to those individuals who sat on the TIWG.  General Colin Powell, represented the Department of Defence, William Casey the CIA, Donald Gregg for the National Security Council.  “FBI guys rotated in and out…” Tatum says.  “It was like they couldn’t get anyone,” he concludes.  Representing British Intelligence was Sir Colin Figure.  Formerly head of MI6, Sir Colin transferred in 1986 to become “Security Co-ordinator” one of the top slots at the Cabinet office, under the Premiership of Margaret Thatcher.  He retired in 1989.  Amiram Nir represented Israeli interests until his assassination by an “Archer” team led by Tatum - at the request of high level Israeli individuals - in 1988.  Any of these six could “call a mission.”  In addition, George Bush could do likewise.  Of significance too, was the occasional representation on the TIWG of Lord Chalfont.  The British lord was an adviser on “Mid-East affairs” between 1986 and 1990.

 From the moment Tatum was recruited to the OSG, he was posted to up state New York where he established a number of cover businesses.  One of these was Cedar Shores Estates, Inc.[v]  This was his base of operations throughout the next six years.[vi]  It may be no more than sheer co-incidence that the name of the company is similar to Cedar Holdings, a British company that had a relationship to former British Conservative Party Treasurer, Lord Alister McAlpine.  In an unpublished book by Peter Jones, the author looked in some detail at the business activities of this Conservative party “Grey Eminence” and leading Freemason.[vii]  Of no little interest was the author’s detailed connections of numerous companies that he believed were involved in all manner of dark activities.  Interestingly, these include a company called Leisure Circle that has a sinuous connection to Sir John Cuckney, one of the central figures of the Scott Inquiry investigation into arms sales to Iraq.  Whilst these connections are admittedly tenuous, to say the least, it should be noted that Tatum’s up-state New York operation was also involved in shipping the most sophisticated weapons across the border to Canada.  Not least are the known connections between Oliver North’s related gun-running operations that saw dirty money being laundered through the British Channel Islands and the London based BCCI bank.  Money laundering was one of the principal activities of Col. Oliver North.

 SUPER BILLS

 One operation in which Tatum has knowledge, regards the so called “Superbills,” or “Supernotes” sting.  Years earlier, in the late sixties or early seventies, the CIA had secretly provided to the Shah of Iran a perfect set of printing plates that could reproduce US$100 bills without blemish.  Also provided was an intaglio printing press.  This special printing press ensures that the etched plate meets paper with tremendous force, creating the distinctive embossed feel of a genuine banknote.  In addition, the Shah was also given the ink and banknote quality paper enabling him to produce perfect counterfeit US Dollar banknotes.  The Shah later fled Iran and left the plates and press behind in his confusion.  The whole caboodle sat in the mint at Tehran, according to some experts.[viii] 

 According to Tatum, a deal was arranged in the early mid-eighties between VP George Bush, Panama’s Manuel Noriega and the Iranian leadership.  A sum of US$8 billion deposited in the Banco Nacional de Panama on behalf of Colombian Cocaine king, Pablo Escobar was “lent” to George Bush.  Of this, US$4 billion was shipped by plane to Iran where it was exchanged at a ratio of one good bill for two counterfeit bills.  On the return trip, the aircraft, an 707 cargo container carried two shrink-wrapped pallets containing US$4 billion each.  The 707 arrived at Howard/Albrook Air Force base in Panama where the pallets were off-loaded under armed guard of the Panamanian military.  The counterfeit notes were re-deposited back into Escobar’s account at the Panama central bank.  Under no circumstances could the counterfeit bills be permitted to leave the bank vault - for fear of devaluing the US currency with forged notes - and active steps would later be taken to ensure this.

 The other half of Escobar’s “good” money was placed into the hands of Nana DeBusia, the grandson of Guyana’s first democratic leader.  DeBusia was chosen by the CIA’s William Casey to launder the massive sum into numerous bank accounts under the joint signature of VP George Bush and Director Casey.  The next leg of the operation was to retrieve the $4 billion exchanged with the Iranians for the Superbills.  This was facilitated by the supply of military equipment - arms, ammunition and replacement parts for weapon systems.  This part of the deal was arranged by Col Oliver North on behalf of the CIA’s William Casey. 

 The result of these complex manoeuvres were twofold.  On the one hand the CIA acquired $4 billion - via the arms sales - for use in future black operations without the need to rely on Congressional oversight or authority.  If later caught, Tatum says “… the CIA can report the source of funds as being from an arms transaction with Iran.”  Part of these funds were then used to support the Contra’s, whilst the rest disappeared down the ultra-black hole of the Company’s covert finances.  Meanwhile, Nana DeBusia had begun laundering the remaining $4 billion through various banks, including the Vatican bank.[ix]  For his trouble, DeBusia was entitled to take a commission amounting to $200 million.  The remaining $3.8 billion was then secreted in private numbered accounts around the globe controlled by George Bush and William Casey.

 The operation was complete apart from some necessary mopping-up which was to occur over the following years.  1) In 1989, Pablo Escobar was targeted by an intensive US-Colombian “War on Drugs” campaign.  He flees into hiding, in fear of his life.  Eventually, in 1993, he is tracked down and killed in a police shoot-out.  A British TV documentary reveals that the Cocaine King was gunned down while attempting to escape and was probably unarmed.  The campaign waged against Escobar ensures he cannot withdraw the $8 billion in superbills.  Following his death, the quantity and quality of Cocaine shipments from Colombia immediately increases many fold - giving the lie to the “war on drugs.”  2) Also during 1989, Panama’s General Noriega was captured in a US invasion of Panama.  Noriega was later convicted and placed in federal prison under constant US guard to ensure his silence.[x]  3) penultimately, Nana DeBusia was indicted on 32 counts including bank fraud and thereby effectively silenced.[xi]  4) Earlier, in 1987, DCI William Casey died of a brain tumour - just days before he would have been required to attend the Senate hearings into the Contragate affair.  According to Tatum only one figure emerges unscathed - George Bush, who alone retained control of $3.8 billion in laundered funds.  Obviously, the CIA still retained control over the balance of their $4 billion share of the “sting” operation. 

 It is of considerable significance that this operation has been corroborated by another source who’s credibility is not in question.[xii]  This individual was present in Tehran during many of these events, and was later posted to another sensitive location in this connection.  Moreover, it has additionally been revealed that Banca Nazionale del Lavoro (BNL) were heavily involved in the Superbill sting.  That BNL were an intrinsic part of Oliver North’s so called “Enterprise” - in reality the OSG’s of the Terrorist Incident Working Group - is beyond doubt.[xiii] 

 The question remains, however, is what did George Bush intend to do with his “black” $3.8 billion?  What was the ultimate purpose of the operation?  Perhaps some of the money is to be used to grease palms and otherwise finance Bush’s bid for the presidency following the completion of President Reagan’s second term?  Maybe it was used to finance other lucrative projects.  Perhaps it was to be used to inject financial muscle into another, grander scheme that Tatum has recently spoken of.  This involves George Bush’s “scope and mission” paper for a New World Order. 

 A copy of the Scoping paper supplied to Tatum by George Bush outlines the formation of a Corporation whose purpose is to “… provide a central network of information, analysts and strategists on an international basis in pursuit or world order and economic stability.”  The “scope” of the corporation involves four features: 1) Centralization of informational services; 2) Analysis of data by region specific analysts; 3) Provide recommendations based upon analysts reports by international experts, and 4) Provide international master plan for world growth and economic stability.  The Corporation will be privately owned with a Board of Directors “consisting of twelve members, elected annually by the shareholders.”  In addition there will be five departments: “Data Resources; Political Management; Economic Management; Military Management; Environmental Management.”[xiv]

 MORE BOSS HOGS

 But it is the realm of narcotics trafficking, that Tatum is most vociferous.  Part one of this article recounted the names of high level US individuals given to Tatum by Barry Adler Seal.  This Seal called the “Boss Hogs List” which extended to senior individuals in 11 different countries who Seal claimed controlled the global narcotics network.  The complete list is recounted verbatim below (including spelling mistakes) and in the manner in which it was written by Tatum on the reverse of a flight log:[xv] 

 NICARAGUA

 Colaro

Borge

Bermudez

            COMMANDERS

             Fernando

            Franklin

            Martin

            Chamoro

            Pastora

            Nora (a woman)

            Lacayo

 PANAMA

 Noriega & his brother

Harrari

 ISRAEL

 Rabin

Kimchi

Nir

(P Ben or Guatamalian arms dealer for Israel)

Harrari

 COLUMBIA

 Ochoa

Leder

Navarro

Richardo

Duran

Sarmiento

 SAUDI

 Fahd

Prince B  [Tatum believes this to be Prince Bandar]

 IRAN

 Gorba

 EL SALVADOR

 Duarte

Balestaros

Maty

 HONDURAS

 Suazo

Cordoba

Alverez

 MEXICO

 Salinas brothers

Albrego

 COUNTRY UNKNOWN

 Santa Cruz

Echeverri

Bolinik

 UNITED STATES

 Casey                                       Clair George

Bush                                         Singlab

Kissinger                                  Colby

Haig                                         Secord

Gregg                                       Weld

Clairage                                    Rodriguez

Fernandez                                Peroot

North

 STATES

Arkansas:            Clinton             Young

Louisiana            Edwards (Barry’s buddy)            Marcellas Family

Kentucky            Gov in pocket  

FULL CIRCLE

 In a very real sense, Chip Tatum’s story has now gone full circle.  In March 1996, Tatum wrote to former Director of Central Intelligence, William Colby.  Readers will recall that it was Colby who originally recruited Tatum into the CIA in 1971, and set him on his career as a covert intelligence operator.  Since that time, Tatum had developed a fondness for the super-spook and Colby, in turn, played the role of mentor.

 In his letter, Tatum asked Colby to write a forward for his book “Operation Red Rock” which he had completed just two months earlier.  But there was another purpose in writing to the former DCI.  Four years earlier, when Tatum resigned his OSG command, he had volunteered to plead guilty on a felony charge in order to discredit himself.  This was part of Tatum’s strategy of survival, as he was aware that one didn’t resign this particular team and remain alive long.  The fact that he had collected a body of evidence - including video and audio tapes and other related documentation - as life insurance, gave muscle to his negotiation.  At that time he had not planned to reveal any of the details that he has now provided.  In the event his offer was taken up and he served a prison sentence of just over one year.  That is where matters should have ended.

 However, having served his sentence - thus complying with his part of the agreement - both Tatum and his wife, Nancy were subsequently arrested and charged with another misdemeanour.  Tatum got angry.  His letter states “I have always kept my word with you.  I told you that I would discredit myself.  I don’t need your help to accomplish this.  But to charge Nancy with a crime, and expect me to allow this, is beyond my comprehension.”  He angrily continues “I know that North and Rodriguez are the fuel for this, but haven’t you warned them that I wouldn’t sit still for this?”  He then adds “I do not blame you for this, I am disappointed that you have allowed the ‘Pond Scum’ to control you!”

 There then follows a warning.  “The second book that I have already started, will contain my movements from 1980 through today.  I will not only write about the missions but about the N.W.O. [New World Order] timetable and planned events including a chronology.”  Ominously he  adds “And I will name names.  You must detach yourself from these people!”  Tatum then continues by outlining how he will enter evidence for his forthcoming trial and if disallowed for reasons of classification, then “a Special Prosecutor will be required to investigate the information, and the video tape tells no lies.”  The letter adds “I also had stills and an audio clip of a meeting added to the video.  Out of respect for you I have kept your name out to this point, but if you don’t separate yourself from these terrorists, I will have no choice but to reveal your involvement also.  Either way - the group will be exposed - by the media or by the investigating committee.  Either way they’re out of gas!”  Tatum closes the letter by saying “Mr. Colby - you’ve done too much for your country to be disgraced in the manner that these men will be.”

 Less than two months later, the former DCI was reported missing.  By Monday, 6 May 1996, Colby’s body was found and later he reported to have died following a “canoeing” accident on the Wicomico river, Maryland.  Tatum and many others - including this writer - doubt this.  Throughout his life, Colby had an all-abiding fear of water.  It would have been entirely out of character for him to voluntarily step into a boat, let alone a canoe.

 Despite this, Colby’s death officially remains an accident.  This can have come as no special surprise to Tatum who, recently stated to this writer “I knew the OSG were bullet-proof when one of our targets, a 25 year old, was reported to have died of a heart attack.  His name was Al-Jarrah.”  That, however, is another story.

 AFTERNOTE

 At 3 p m on Friday 4 April 1997 - shortly after publication of part one of this article - Chip was roused from a mid-afternoon snooze and told to report to the Warden of his prison.  He was informed that he was being released - less than mid-way through his 27 month sentence - with immediate effect, following an appellate court decision that found his conviction by Judge Adams to be illegal.  The Tatum’s are now freely enjoying the sunshine and Cajun cooking of Florida together, as  Chip turns his attention to beginning a new career - his first real job hunting in 26 years.  “Spy stuff” will not form part of his job search efforts.  Meanwhile, he has written and published a Chronicle that details many of his allegations.[xvi]

ENDS