Editing Le Cercle (section)

==Connections==
[[Ray Cline]], a senior CIA official (1949–1973), is not explicitly named in primary sources as a Le Cercle member or attendee. However, his leadership in the World Anti-Communist League (WACL), which he helped form in 1966, and his role as CIA station chief in Taiwan (1958–1962) align with Le Cercle’s anti-communist mission and transatlantic networks. WACL’s European affiliates, including Italian branches linked to Gladio, suggest a potential overlap in membership or objectives.
	◦	Cline’s work with the Asian People’s Anti-Communist League (APACL) in Taiwan, a WACL precursor, parallels Le Cercle’s support for anti-communist regimes like South Africa’s. His OSS background and connections to figures like Paul Helliwell (involved in CAT/Air America financing) place him in the same intelligence milieu as Le Cercle’s founders, particularly Jean Violet. However, no declassified records confirm his direct participation in Le Cercle meetings.

Air America:  Le Cercle’s ties to intelligence networks and covert funding (e.g., CIA, Shell, Ford Foundation) mirror the CIA’s use of front companies like [[Air America]]. Cline’s time in Taiwan coincided with Air America’s operations under the Pacific Corporation, and his anti-communist activities suggest he may have been aware of its role. However, there is no evidence linking Le Cercle directly to Air America’s operations, though both were part of the CIA’s broader anti-communist strategy.

[[Operation Gladio]]:  Le Cercle’s alleged connection to Gladio is stronger, given its anti-communist focus and membership of intelligence operatives like Jean Violet and Ted Shackley. The group’s support for NATO’s nuclear policies and its ties to figures like de Bonvoisin suggest alignment with Gladio’s objectives.  Cline’s presence in Germany (1966–1969) and his WACL leadership place him in proximity to Gladio’s European networks.