,
83 tweets,
15 min read
Read on Twitter
1\
SPYGATE: ORIGINS
Thread Two
The Good Ol’ Boy, the Dictator and Z-3
SPYGATE: ORIGINS
Thread Two
The Good Ol’ Boy, the Dictator and Z-3
2\
It was the summer of 1978. The #1 movie at the box office was Grease. The #1 song on the Billboard charts was “You’re The One That I Want” by Olivia Newton-John & John Travolta.
It was the summer of 1978. The #1 movie at the box office was Grease. The #1 song on the Billboard charts was “You’re The One That I Want” by Olivia Newton-John & John Travolta.
3\
An Atlanta real estate broker named Mario Leanza was on vacation in the town of Catania, Sicily.
During his stay, Leanza was introduced to a Sicilian corporate lawyer, Michele Papa.
An Atlanta real estate broker named Mario Leanza was on vacation in the town of Catania, Sicily.
During his stay, Leanza was introduced to a Sicilian corporate lawyer, Michele Papa.
4\
The Sicilian made Leanza an offer he couldn’t refuse - get the brother of the President to visit Libya and Leanza would make a lot of money.
The President was Jimmy Carter. His brother, Billy Carter.
The Sicilian made Leanza an offer he couldn’t refuse - get the brother of the President to visit Libya and Leanza would make a lot of money.
The President was Jimmy Carter. His brother, Billy Carter.
5\
Brother Billy was in the oil business.
By that I mean he owned a gas station in Plains, Georgia.
Brother Billy was in the oil business.
By that I mean he owned a gas station in Plains, Georgia.
6\
Billy’s business interests were diversified; he also owned a peanut warehouse.
Billy’s business interests were diversified; he also owned a peanut warehouse.
7\
While Jimmy Carter tried with all his might not to make everyone forget his cracker upbringing, Brother Billy was always there to remind them.
He flaunted it.
While Jimmy Carter tried with all his might not to make everyone forget his cracker upbringing, Brother Billy was always there to remind them.
He flaunted it.
8\
Brother Billy wore jeans, boots and belts with big buckles everyday of the week.
He drank and smoked too much and slept too little.
Brother Billy wore jeans, boots and belts with big buckles everyday of the week.
He drank and smoked too much and slept too little.
9\
You might be a redneck, if “REDNECK” is written on your truck.
You might be a redneck, if “REDNECK” is written on your truck.
10\
Billy loved to run his dogs, hunt birds and drive around in his truck with his buddies drinking beer.
Billy loved to run his dogs, hunt birds and drive around in his truck with his buddies drinking beer.
11\
Did I mentioned he liked to drink?
He even had his own signature beer, Billy Beer.
Did I mentioned he liked to drink?
He even had his own signature beer, Billy Beer.
12\
Early in his brother’s presidency, Billy was a media darling. He was quoted a lot, especially about drinking.
Early in his brother’s presidency, Billy was a media darling. He was quoted a lot, especially about drinking.
13\
City slicker Mario Leanza didn’t know Billy. However, through various intermediaries, he managed to arrange a meeting between Billy and the former Libyan ambassador to Italy, on July 4th, at Billy’s service station.
City slicker Mario Leanza didn’t know Billy. However, through various intermediaries, he managed to arrange a meeting between Billy and the former Libyan ambassador to Italy, on July 4th, at Billy’s service station.
14\
The ambassador extended an invitation for Brother Billy to visit Libya.
The ambassador extended an invitation for Brother Billy to visit Libya.
15\
Billy’s travel was generally limited to driving to the Moose Club in Americus, Georgia. Libya might as well have been on the moon.
He couldn’t find Libya on a map. Well, tbh, most of us probably couldn’t find Libya on a map.
Billy’s travel was generally limited to driving to the Moose Club in Americus, Georgia. Libya might as well have been on the moon.
He couldn’t find Libya on a map. Well, tbh, most of us probably couldn’t find Libya on a map.
16\
It’s near Italy. In fact, it was once referred to as Italy’s “fourth shore.”
(To be clear “it” refers to Libya. Not New Jersey).
It’s near Italy. In fact, it was once referred to as Italy’s “fourth shore.”
(To be clear “it” refers to Libya. Not New Jersey).
17\
Italy invaded Tripoli in 1911 and seized the territory from the control of the Ottoman Empire. Libya was actually separate provinces (Tripolitania, Cyrenaica and Fezzan) until the country was unified under Italian control.
Italy invaded Tripoli in 1911 and seized the territory from the control of the Ottoman Empire. Libya was actually separate provinces (Tripolitania, Cyrenaica and Fezzan) until the country was unified under Italian control.
18\
Centralization is always a nasty process. It took 20 years to squash the resistance.
theculturetrip.com/africa/libya/a…
Centralization is always a nasty process. It took 20 years to squash the resistance.
theculturetrip.com/africa/libya/a…
19\
Once firmly under Italian control, thousands of Italian peasants moved to Libya to work the land. Colonial buildings were erected. Mussolini paraded around on a horse.
Once firmly under Italian control, thousands of Italian peasants moved to Libya to work the land. Colonial buildings were erected. Mussolini paraded around on a horse.
20\
After Italy’s defeat in WWII, Libya was occupied by the Allies and then eventually declared independence in 1951.
In 1969, Col Muammar Qaddafi, at the young age of 27, seized power in a coup d’etat.
After Italy’s defeat in WWII, Libya was occupied by the Allies and then eventually declared independence in 1951.
In 1969, Col Muammar Qaddafi, at the young age of 27, seized power in a coup d’etat.
21\
In October 1970, as part of his pan-Arab nationalist agenda, Qaddafi expelled 12,000 Italians and confiscated their wealth.
This date became the Libyan national holiday known as the Day of Revenge.
In October 1970, as part of his pan-Arab nationalist agenda, Qaddafi expelled 12,000 Italians and confiscated their wealth.
This date became the Libyan national holiday known as the Day of Revenge.
22\
These expulsions did not endear Qaddafi to the West. Neither did encouraging Sicilian independence and nationalizing the oil industry. Ditto for state sponsored terrorism.
Qaddafi was a bad hombre.
These expulsions did not endear Qaddafi to the West. Neither did encouraging Sicilian independence and nationalizing the oil industry. Ditto for state sponsored terrorism.
Qaddafi was a bad hombre.
23\
By the late 70’s, Libya was an outlaw nation.
In Arabic culture, a powerful man’s relatives are often viewed as an avenue to gain access to that powerful man.
By the late 70’s, Libya was an outlaw nation.
In Arabic culture, a powerful man’s relatives are often viewed as an avenue to gain access to that powerful man.
24\
Someone in the Libyan government had the idea that cultivating a relationship with Billy Carter may improve relations with the President. Thus the invitation to visit Libya.
Someone in the Libyan government had the idea that cultivating a relationship with Billy Carter may improve relations with the President. Thus the invitation to visit Libya.
25\
Billy jumped at the chance to visit a fur-ren country, even if he had never heard of it….as long as his expenses were paid.
Billy jumped at the chance to visit a fur-ren country, even if he had never heard of it….as long as his expenses were paid.
26\
During this time period, President Carter was meeting with the leaders of Israel and Egypt at Camp David in an effort to resolve conflicts between Israel and Arab countries.
During this time period, President Carter was meeting with the leaders of Israel and Egypt at Camp David in an effort to resolve conflicts between Israel and Arab countries.
27\
When Billy notified the White House that he planned on visiting Libya, his brother’s advisors were none too pleased.
When Billy notified the White House that he planned on visiting Libya, his brother’s advisors were none too pleased.
28\
When an official attempted to dissuade Billy from making the trip because it could upset the Camp David negotiations, he learned how hard-headed a country boy can be. Billy told him that he “knew more about Libya than all you State Department bureaucrats put together."
When an official attempted to dissuade Billy from making the trip because it could upset the Camp David negotiations, he learned how hard-headed a country boy can be. Billy told him that he “knew more about Libya than all you State Department bureaucrats put together."
29\
Billy made the trip to Libya in Sept 1979, stopping in Rome first. He spent four days in Libya, attending meetings, dinners and receptions.
He received 4 four gold bracelets, a ceremonial sword, a serving platter and a silver saddle.
A silver saddle!
Billy made the trip to Libya in Sept 1979, stopping in Rome first. He spent four days in Libya, attending meetings, dinners and receptions.
He received 4 four gold bracelets, a ceremonial sword, a serving platter and a silver saddle.
A silver saddle!
30\
In January 1980, a Libyan delegation visited the United States, stopping first in Georgia.
In January 1980, a Libyan delegation visited the United States, stopping first in Georgia.
31\
The visit came under heavy criticism. Billy defended American engagement with the Libyans by observing, “there are a hell of a lot more Arabians than Jews.”
While empirically correct, Brother Billy’s remarks weren’t politically sensitive.
The visit came under heavy criticism. Billy defended American engagement with the Libyans by observing, “there are a hell of a lot more Arabians than Jews.”
While empirically correct, Brother Billy’s remarks weren’t politically sensitive.
32\
So the President had a “come-to-Jesus” meeting with his brother. Or tried to anyway. Jimmy was never good at putting his foot down.
He did his best to dissuade his brother from making another trip to Libya.
So the President had a “come-to-Jesus” meeting with his brother. Or tried to anyway. Jimmy was never good at putting his foot down.
He did his best to dissuade his brother from making another trip to Libya.
33\
Instead, he encouraged Billy to seek treatment for his alcoholism.
And, indeed, Brother Billy did check into a hospital for a stint.
Instead, he encouraged Billy to seek treatment for his alcoholism.
And, indeed, Brother Billy did check into a hospital for a stint.
34\
But despite the DOJ sending Billy a letter requesting he register as a foreign agent, Billy made a second trip (and didn’t register).
He used his ties with the Libyans to broker a deal for crude oil from Libya to an American energy company.
But despite the DOJ sending Billy a letter requesting he register as a foreign agent, Billy made a second trip (and didn’t register).
He used his ties with the Libyans to broker a deal for crude oil from Libya to an American energy company.
35\
While the deal never was never finalized, Billy did receive a $200,000 loan from the Libyan bank in April 1980.
Billy went through the money quickly, mostly paying off debts.
While the deal never was never finalized, Billy did receive a $200,000 loan from the Libyan bank in April 1980.
Billy went through the money quickly, mostly paying off debts.
36\
At this point, Billy’s dealings with Libya were scandalous enough to garner the moniker, ‘Billygate’. The first post-Watergate, *-gate.
Billy was no longer the media darling. He was deplorable.
Build ‘em up and tear ‘em down.
At this point, Billy’s dealings with Libya were scandalous enough to garner the moniker, ‘Billygate’. The first post-Watergate, *-gate.
Billy was no longer the media darling. He was deplorable.
Build ‘em up and tear ‘em down.
37\
In July 1980, while the GOP was holding its convention, Billy finally registered as a foreign agent.
In July 1980, while the GOP was holding its convention, Billy finally registered as a foreign agent.
38\
A week before the Democratic convention, President Carter held an hour-long, prime-time press conference addressing the issue. Carter’s answers were sufficient enough to spare him a convention challenge.
He was nominated on August 14, 1980.
A week before the Democratic convention, President Carter held an hour-long, prime-time press conference addressing the issue. Carter’s answers were sufficient enough to spare him a convention challenge.
He was nominated on August 14, 1980.
39\
Note on sourcing: the details of Billy’s interactions with the Libyans in this thread can be found in the exhaustive report by the Senate Judiciary Committee.
intelligence.senate.gov/sites/default/…
Note on sourcing: the details of Billy’s interactions with the Libyans in this thread can be found in the exhaustive report by the Senate Judiciary Committee.
intelligence.senate.gov/sites/default/…
41\
The scandal appeared to be losing steam by late October when -- SURPRISE! -- it was revived.
The scandal appeared to be losing steam by late October when -- SURPRISE! -- it was revived.
42\
An article titled “Qadaffi, Arafat, and Billy Carter: Further Arabian Nights of the president’s brother” appeared in the New Republic magazine, written by Arnaud de Bourchgrave and Michael Ledeen.
An article titled “Qadaffi, Arafat, and Billy Carter: Further Arabian Nights of the president’s brother” appeared in the New Republic magazine, written by Arnaud de Bourchgrave and Michael Ledeen.
43\
Now, you might be thinking, “Ledeen, Ledeen...where have I heard that name?”
The answer is - the Mueller report. More on that later.
Now, you might be thinking, “Ledeen, Ledeen...where have I heard that name?”
The answer is - the Mueller report. More on that later.
44\
Couldn’t find this article online or I would linked to it. I had to find a physical copy.
Much of what is written in the article covers what was already known about Billy’s dealing with the Libyans. However, the story alleges several never before published sordid details
Couldn’t find this article online or I would linked to it. I had to find a physical copy.
Much of what is written in the article covers what was already known about Billy’s dealing with the Libyans. However, the story alleges several never before published sordid details
45\
✅Billy had “several meetings” with Palestinian leaders Yasser Arafat and George Habash.
✅Billy had “several meetings” with Palestinian leaders Yasser Arafat and George Habash.
46\
✅As a favor to his brother, President Carter intervened with Egyptian President Anway Sadat and halted a major military operation against Qadaffi.
✅As a favor to his brother, President Carter intervened with Egyptian President Anway Sadat and halted a major military operation against Qadaffi.
47\
✅Billy Carter received even more money from the Libyan government than reported.
✅Billy Carter received even more money from the Libyan government than reported.
48\
✅Even juicy gossip about prostitutes.
✅Even juicy gossip about prostitutes.
49\
It’s difficult to say how much ‘Billygate’ damaged Jimmy Carter’s reelection chances. It certainly didn’t help.
It’s difficult to say how much ‘Billygate’ damaged Jimmy Carter’s reelection chances. It certainly didn’t help.
50\
I don’t suspect many people truly believed Billy Carter’s business dealings with the Libyans influenced his brother’s foreign policy decisions.
If it has any affect at all, it was the opposite of what the Libyans intended.
I don’t suspect many people truly believed Billy Carter’s business dealings with the Libyans influenced his brother’s foreign policy decisions.
If it has any affect at all, it was the opposite of what the Libyans intended.
51\
The very first “State Sponsors of Terrrorism” list was issued by Carter’s State Dept in Dec 1979. Libya was included on the list along with North Korea and Iran.
The very first “State Sponsors of Terrrorism” list was issued by Carter’s State Dept in Dec 1979. Libya was included on the list along with North Korea and Iran.
52\
The most damaging fallout from the scandal was the reminder to the American people that their President had a redneck brother whom he couldn’t control.
While not a good look, it didn’t stop Bill Clinton from winning re-election.
The most damaging fallout from the scandal was the reminder to the American people that their President had a redneck brother whom he couldn’t control.
While not a good look, it didn’t stop Bill Clinton from winning re-election.
53\
Not many people remember the scandal today. It was quickly fading from memory after the 1980 election until -- the story of the Propaganda Due (P2) Masonic lodge broke in 1981.
Not many people remember the scandal today. It was quickly fading from memory after the 1980 election until -- the story of the Propaganda Due (P2) Masonic lodge broke in 1981.
54\
As discussed in the previous thread, some P2 members were arrested; some members got whacked.
The lodge was outlawed, though perhaps it just went further underground.
Who knows?
independent.co.uk/news/world/spi…
As discussed in the previous thread, some P2 members were arrested; some members got whacked.
The lodge was outlawed, though perhaps it just went further underground.
Who knows?
independent.co.uk/news/world/spi…
55\
In 1985, a smooth operator by the name of Francesco Panzienza was arrested in New York City. He was considered “Italy’s No.1 fugitive.”
nytimes.com/1985/03/25/bus…
In 1985, a smooth operator by the name of Francesco Panzienza was arrested in New York City. He was considered “Italy’s No.1 fugitive.”
nytimes.com/1985/03/25/bus…
56\
Panzienza was charged with bank fraud, extortion, cocaine possession and “criminal associations of a Mafia type”.
Panzienza was charged with bank fraud, extortion, cocaine possession and “criminal associations of a Mafia type”.
57\
In “Man of the Century: The Life and Times of Pope John Paul II,” the author Jonathan Kwitny calls Pazienza “a Mafia-connected military-intelligence agent.”
In “Man of the Century: The Life and Times of Pope John Paul II,” the author Jonathan Kwitny calls Pazienza “a Mafia-connected military-intelligence agent.”
58\
Panzienza had already been convicted, in absentia, with exhortation and fraud for working with Michael Leeden on the Billygate story.
Panzienza had already been convicted, in absentia, with exhortation and fraud for working with Michael Leeden on the Billygate story.
59\
Pazienza testified that Italian military intelligent agent in NYC introduced him to Ledeen on trip to the US in the summer of 1980.
Pazienza testified that Italian military intelligent agent in NYC introduced him to Ledeen on trip to the US in the summer of 1980.
60\
Later, Ledeen flew to Rome where Pazienza and “right-wing Christian Democratic leaders of SISMI were willing to try to help tilt the election against Mr. Carter…”
Later, Ledeen flew to Rome where Pazienza and “right-wing Christian Democratic leaders of SISMI were willing to try to help tilt the election against Mr. Carter…”
61\
Now, you may be wondering….”where is Ghost getting this information?”
It can be found in an August 8, 1985 article, “Tale of Intrigue: Why an Italian Spy Got Closely Involved in the Billygate Affair,” written by the aforementioned Jonathan Kwitny, published in the WSJ.
Now, you may be wondering….”where is Ghost getting this information?”
It can be found in an August 8, 1985 article, “Tale of Intrigue: Why an Italian Spy Got Closely Involved in the Billygate Affair,” written by the aforementioned Jonathan Kwitny, published in the WSJ.
62\
I found a copy of the newspaper article in the CIA library!
(It’s telling that the CIA would have this damaging information about Ledeen on its website. More on that later.)
I found a copy of the newspaper article in the CIA library!
(It’s telling that the CIA would have this damaging information about Ledeen on its website. More on that later.)
63\
Panzienza claims that Ledeen received $120,000 from Italian military intelligence service (SISMI) in 1980.
He also alleges Ledeen received a code name: Z-3.
Panzienza claims that Ledeen received $120,000 from Italian military intelligence service (SISMI) in 1980.
He also alleges Ledeen received a code name: Z-3.
64\
In his defense, Ledeen said he “barely knew the man” and that while his company did some consulting for SISMI, he didn’t remember how much he was paid.
In his defense, Ledeen said he “barely knew the man” and that while his company did some consulting for SISMI, he didn’t remember how much he was paid.
65\
However, Federico Umberto D’Amato, who held several top security positions, testified to the P2 commision that Pazienza brought Ledeen to him and that Ledeen was a known collaborator with Italian secret services.
However, Federico Umberto D’Amato, who held several top security positions, testified to the P2 commision that Pazienza brought Ledeen to him and that Ledeen was a known collaborator with Italian secret services.
66\
Daune Clarridge, the CIA Station Chief in Rome from ‘79-’81, wrote in his autobiography that Ledeen and his business partner, Ted Shackley, did contract work for SISMI in 1980.
Daune Clarridge, the CIA Station Chief in Rome from ‘79-’81, wrote in his autobiography that Ledeen and his business partner, Ted Shackley, did contract work for SISMI in 1980.
67\
I need to stop for a minute. Ledeen worked with Ted Shackley. Really?
Hoo-lord. I only have one life to live. This thread has to end at some point. Feel free to google Ted Shackley.
I need to stop for a minute. Ledeen worked with Ted Shackley. Really?
Hoo-lord. I only have one life to live. This thread has to end at some point. Feel free to google Ted Shackley.
68\
David Corn (of all people) has written the definitive book on Shackley, ‘The Blond Ghost.’ He confirms Clarridge’s story.
David Corn (of all people) has written the definitive book on Shackley, ‘The Blond Ghost.’ He confirms Clarridge’s story.
69\
General Giuseppe Santovito, head of SISMI, (and member of P2 Masonic lodge), approached Ledeen to devise a war game scenario for his spies. Ledeen recruited Shackley for the project.
General Giuseppe Santovito, head of SISMI, (and member of P2 Masonic lodge), approached Ledeen to devise a war game scenario for his spies. Ledeen recruited Shackley for the project.
70\
Ledeen failed to disclose any connection and/or financial arrangement with Italian intelligence to readers of his Billygate articles.
Ledeen failed to disclose any connection and/or financial arrangement with Italian intelligence to readers of his Billygate articles.
71\
After the election, the out-going ambassador to Italy, Richard Gardner writes in his book, “Mission Italy: On the Front Line of the Cold War,” that FBI agents interviewed him about information in one of Ledeen’s articles.
After the election, the out-going ambassador to Italy, Richard Gardner writes in his book, “Mission Italy: On the Front Line of the Cold War,” that FBI agents interviewed him about information in one of Ledeen’s articles.
72\
When he denied the claim and provided proof to back up his denial, one of the investigators said, “We didn’t think it was true. Many things in the article turned out to be wrong.”
When he denied the claim and provided proof to back up his denial, one of the investigators said, “We didn’t think it was true. Many things in the article turned out to be wrong.”
73\
Gardner also writes that Ledeen and Pazienza “set themselves up as the preferred channel between Italian political leaders and members of the new administration.”
Gardner also writes that Ledeen and Pazienza “set themselves up as the preferred channel between Italian political leaders and members of the new administration.”
74\
Duane Clarridge confirms that Ledeen was a “conduit” between Secretary of State Al Haig and General Santovito. “The CIA took a dim view of freelance enterprises such as this, but there was nothing we could do.”
Duane Clarridge confirms that Ledeen was a “conduit” between Secretary of State Al Haig and General Santovito. “The CIA took a dim view of freelance enterprises such as this, but there was nothing we could do.”
75\
So as early as 1980, we know that the CIA saw Ledeen as a rogue operator.
Ledeen was named anti-terrorism advisor to Al Haig. Haig was a retired general and former Supreme Allied Commander Europe.
So as early as 1980, we know that the CIA saw Ledeen as a rogue operator.
Ledeen was named anti-terrorism advisor to Al Haig. Haig was a retired general and former Supreme Allied Commander Europe.
76\
Do you see any possible similarities between the Ledeen/Haig relationship and the Ledeen/Flynn relationship?
I think Strzok saw it. Hence this comment during his congressional testimony.
Do you see any possible similarities between the Ledeen/Haig relationship and the Ledeen/Flynn relationship?
I think Strzok saw it. Hence this comment during his congressional testimony.
77\
The FBI/CIA was suspicious of Ledeen. He’s been known to them for a loooong time.
The FBI/CIA was suspicious of Ledeen. He’s been known to them for a loooong time.
78\
And Ledeen doesn’t hide his contempt for them.
And Ledeen doesn’t hide his contempt for them.
79\
As recent as a few weeks ago, Ledeen was advocating for the complete overhaul of the intelligence community, which he claims Mike Flynn intended to do.
pjmedia.com/michaelledeen/…
As recent as a few weeks ago, Ledeen was advocating for the complete overhaul of the intelligence community, which he claims Mike Flynn intended to do.
pjmedia.com/michaelledeen/…
80\
Did Gen Flynn get caught in the middle of a fight between the intel community and an old nemesis?
Did Gen Flynn get caught in the middle of a fight between the intel community and an old nemesis?
81\
The fact that Ledeen’s wife was attempting to hunt down HRC’s emails only made the FBI more suspicious.
I’m not going to get into the Mueller report in this thread since the perspective here is primarily historical.
The fact that Ledeen’s wife was attempting to hunt down HRC’s emails only made the FBI more suspicious.
I’m not going to get into the Mueller report in this thread since the perspective here is primarily historical.
82\
I’ll go into more detail in another thread. For now I’ll offer as evidence that Mueller subpoenaed Ledeen’s phone records.
powerlineblog.com/archives/2019/…
I’ll go into more detail in another thread. For now I’ll offer as evidence that Mueller subpoenaed Ledeen’s phone records.
powerlineblog.com/archives/2019/…
83\
Post-script: Billy Carter died from pancreatic cancer in 1997. He was 51.
Post-script: Billy Carter died from pancreatic cancer in 1997. He was 51.
