As the reports came in to the Defense Intelligence Agency’s office, DIA staff members were required to check out the source of the information and then contact on site in-country sources for further verification; often the investigations led to a dead end.
As months dragged by families waited for answers. The newspapers continued to carry story after story of families seeking information on their missing and unaccounted for loved ones who were listed as MIA’s. Some were beginning to believe that the government was concealing information when their questions went unanswered.
In an effort to assuage pressure from the media as well as families, General Coleman was directed to appear on a television news interview and explain the government’s position and the role of the Defense Intelligence Agency in seeking to identify and verify reports of POW’s that were still being held. He explained the difficulties of the agency staff in attempting to trace all the leads.
He was quick to assure the families that the government agency would do everything possible to check each reported sighting and press the governments of Laos and North Vietnam for answers.
GCI’s Karel Schneiderman on a US business trip to Washington turned on the television in his room at the Washington Hilton; he recognized Bradley Coleman and watched the interview with interest.
The following day he placed a call to Brad’s office in the Pentagon to make an appointment.
When they met over lunch Brad was surprised and pleased as Schneiderman greeted him, “General Bradley Coleman,” he said admiringly, “It is General Coleman, now I see. You do remember that I suggested that it was likely that you could be of service to our organization from your military position. Now General, I am inviting you to become a member of our international team as one of our consultants. I feel you would be invaluable.”
Brad was flattered and elated, but didn’t want to appear too eager. He was being sought after as a consultant to one of the world’s largest companies. He smiled savoring the moment as he slowly nodded his head saying, “This is a surprise and I don’t quite know what to say, Karel; let me have a day or two to consider your offer. I’d like to talk it over with Mrs. Coleman, my wife Olivia,” he qualified.
“Of course, General, this is Wednesday and I’ll be in Washington until Saturday…”
“I’ll have an answer for you before then. What type of consultation do you feel I can provide?” Brad inquired.
It was Schneiderman’s turn to sit back and smile, “I believe you can be very helpful in helping us with some of our projects. You are in a position to know of your government’s investment interests and of the various departments in your government that have knowledge and pockets of funds that could be tapped to participate in some of GCI’s humanitarian efforts. And of course there is your knowledge of the military community and programs as well.”
“Is Clyde Laird involved in any way with GCI?” Brad queried. “If so, GCI projects could be compromised by using me, his son-in-law, as a consultant. It could be awkward for all of us.”
“The answer to your question, General, is no. I am very gratified that you are aware of the need for care and discretion. This will serve us all well as we proceed.”
Schneiderman was pleased. He continued, “Our corporate business interests are largely handled by a large American West Coast law firm of Ramsey, Wilson and Carr from their offices here in Washington. They are headquartered in Seattle where the firm’s principal, Lyle Ramsey, makes his home as well as does Harrison Carr. Our Far East contracts are handled in Ramsey, Carr’s Tokyo offices. The firm and its people are very efficient and very discreet.
“I will put you in touch with the Seattle office and Lyle Ramsey; I want you to meet him; he handles all our US contracts for us.”
Brad was listening intently and nodded understanding as Schneiderman continued adding, “Although I haven’t mentioned it, Bradley, I’m sure you understand that you will be well compensated as he wrote a figure on a slip of paper and slid it across the table to Brad.”
Coleman laid his napkin carefully beside his plate, picked up and read the paper and looking at Schneiderman said quietly, “This is more than generous… I don’t believe I’ll need two days to consider your offer, Karel, I believe that you and I have struck a deal.”
Before extending his hand Schneiderman smiled, “Please know and understand this, General, at GCI we do what is needed regardless of the political climates. As a result GCI is not always looked on with favor by some world governments, but we are very well insulated. I do want you to know that much of your affiliation with us must be sub-rosa. By that I mean that while you will be openly recognized as one of our world wide military consultants; the public description of your work with us will be sanitized. There will be situations when your work with us may necessitate complete secrecy. Can you agree to that, General?”
Their eyes met as Brad stated firmly, “I will do what is necessary to further the goals of GCI; and…,” he said pausing, “I will continue to do what is necessary to further my own military career goals as well; I don’t believe these are mutually exclusive.”
“Nor do I… Yes, General,” Schneiderman said, now extending his hand, “I think we have struck a deal.”
The association with the Seattle office of Ramsey and Carr occurred shortly after Brad’s affiliation with GCI.
Brad was introduced to Harrison Carr and Lyle Ramsey and given a brief overview of the firm and its history. He and Ramsey developed an excellent rapport from the outset.
Coleman had already located funds in several government departments that with the help of one or two congressmen were easily channeled into GCI program contracts that were written in Seattle. Brad felt he was off to a good start.
Brad was now the Deputy Director at DIA and the POW issue was only one area of his responsibility. Many of his initial duties were placed on the shoulders of Air Force Major Raymond Thomas who served as his main staff liaison. All major decisions remained with Brad, however, and he purposely took time to participate in all interagency POW discussions.
The issue was becoming bogged down and layered by interagency turf wars, and becomimg more problematic as time went on. There had been recent reports that some American POWs had been seen working in chains with a road crew near Sam Neua in Laos. There were similar rumors that some American POWs had been seen in North Vietnam and Cambodia.
Word often came through refugees arriving in camps. Satellite photos were inconclusive and attempts to verify reported sightings were often frustrating and queries from congressmen following up on the reports for their constituents occupied a great deal of staff time and frustration at DIA.
When Major Thomas asked for additional help to investigate the Laotian report, Brad declined saying, “We can’t waste your time and my time investigating every damned fool rumor that comes in. We don’t have the resources or manpower to follow-up on trivia. There are specific leads and information that you should be investigating on individual sightings in North Vietnam. Stay on track!”
GCI had instructed Brad to overlook the rumors emanating from Laos as political gaffs; a way to discredit GCI’s quiet attempts to help rebuild a country in part destroyed by war. It was recommended that his office downplay any such reports.
The embargo against the three Communist governments of Laos, North Vietnam and Cambodia held little meaning for GCI’s contract intentions, although their agreements with the three governments were looked on with disfavor and by some member nations of the South East Asia Treaty Organization, the US among them. Severely weakened by internal disagreements, SEATO would finally disband in mid 1977.