20. Report1

Project started prior to 12 Mar 52 with approach to Dir through Mr. Hedden by Tom Corcoran and [name not declassified], who asked for assistance to Castillo Armas and Cordova Cerna movement.

Dir much interested in movement and sent [name not declassified] to find out particulars. Only Dulles, King and [name not declassified] informed at this time.

[name not declassified] talked to [name not declassified] in N.O. 12 Mar 52 and to [name not declassified] in Mexico on 13 Mar 52. [name not declassified] and Hunt brought in on 14 Mar 52 and later talked to [name not declassified] and [name not declassified] in Mexico to get details of plan.

Details of plan received in May 52 and Gen. Edson brought in as military advisor. Edson reviewed plans and asked for further details 10 May 52.

[name not declassified] sent to Honduras [less than 1 line of source text not declassified] in May 52 to contact Castillo Armas, advise, and get answers. His first reports left Salvador 23 Jun 52.

14 Jul 52 decision to aid with matériel made and Wisner, [name not declassified], Tofte, [3 names not declassified] briefed. It was necessary to spring matériel assigned to FE and WE.2

24 Jul 52 [name not declassified] to Raritan with Maj. Burkett to pass on matériel and packing.

[Page 30]

1 Aug 52 [2 names not declassified] met with [name not declassified] in N.Y. Aid with matériel in abeyance, but probable. No financial aid indicated.

12 Aug 52 Dir through Hedden says matériel aid will be given.

16 Aug 52 [2 names not declassified] met with [name not declassified] in Baltimore. Aid will be forthcoming and arrangements for moving and receiving matériel to be made at other end.

18 Aug Dir tells [name not declassified] in presence of Dulles and Adm. Sauer to submit recommendations.

9 Sep 52 Dir approved [name not declassified] recommendations to aid Castillo Armas.

10 Sep 52 [name not declassified] wants to crack Guats in Honduras, Nicaragua and El Salvador before going further since entry in Mexico indicates they know something.

11 Sep 52 [name not declassified] in N.Y. to talk to [name not declassified] and Dominican consul. King and Hedden talked to [name not declassified] in N.Y., later King and [name not declassified] to [name not declassified] in Washington. [name not declassified] has raised $38,000 and is pinning hopes on [name not declassified]. Says Dominicans will help.

4 Oct 52 Dir tells [name not declassified] in presence of Wisner to get the show on the road.

8 Oct 52 State stops the show.

Gen Edson has complete plans and has been alerted to assist with cover and deception plan. He has talked to [name not declassified] in Mexico.

[name not declassified] is in Honduras [less than 1 line of source text not declassified] & has propaganda plans for cover & deception.3

  1. Source: Central Intelligence Agency, Job 79–01025A, Box 69, Folder 1. Top Secret. Attached but not printed are a list of involved CIA personnel with their contact addresses and telephone numbers; a handwritten tally sheet of monetary disbursements to Castillo Armas, [name not declassified], and various CIA Stations; and handwritten notes on preliminary planning.
  2. The last sentence was added by hand.
  3. The final sentence was added by hand.