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Cryptonym: LIPSTICK

Definition:

This Mexico City-based project was an "umbrella type project...consisted of multiline phone taps, three photographic sites, a mobile surveillance team and a mail intercept operation." Under this project were LIMITED, LILYRIC, and LICALLA, LIEMBRACE, LIENTRAP, and possibly other projects. Renamed LIEMPTY.

Status:

Documented

Discussion:

LIPSTICK was probably named after the new lipstick-sized cameras.

Sources:

104-10173-10279: HSCA REVIEW AT HQS/COMMENTS ON BOOK V, SSC FINAL REPORT: THE INVESTIGATION OF THE ASSASSINATION OF PRESIDENT KENNEDY:PERFORMANCE OF THE INTELLIGENCE AGENCIES

"From the time the Mexico station was opened in April 1947 until the arrival of Mr. Win Scott as chief of station in 1955, the station had developed a support apparatus to exploit leads from the Soviet Embassy in Mexico City. This umbrella type project (LIPSTICK) consisted of multiline phone taps, three photographic sites, a photographic team and a mail intercept operation." (Other versions of this document exist - see 104-10103-10132)

104-10414-10124: MEXICO CITY STATION HISTORY, EXCERPTS

"This project was developed by Charles Anderson and Harry T. Mahoney."

104-10414-10083: MEMO FOR: JUSTIFICATION FOR AUTOMOBILES UNDER PROJECT LIEMPTY

"LIEMPTY agents were formerly carried under the LIJERSEY and LIPSTICK projects...The panel truck which was used in the LIENTRAP operation under the LIPSTICK project has been operating for two years in all parts of the city and has become a security threat."

Contributors:

Jerry Ennis • Bill Simpich