Foreign Relations of the United States, 1961–1963, American Republics; Cuba 1961–1962; Cuban Missile Crisis and Aftermath, Volumes X/XI/XII, Microfiche Supplement

295. Telegram 19372 to McCone, September 10¹

September 10, 1962, 1104Z

Dir Cite [less than 1 line not declassified]

Eyes Only [less than 1 line not declassified] and Elder from [less than 1 line not declassified].

2. Difficult for me to rationalize extensive costly defenses being established in Cuba as such extreme costly measures to accomplish security and secrecy not consistent with other policies such as refugees, legal travel, etc. Appears to me quite possible measures now being taken are for purpose of insuring secrecy of some offensive capability such as MRBM’s to be installed by Soviets after present phase completed and country secured from overflights. Suggest BNE study motives behind these defensive measures which even seem to exceed those provided most satellites.

1. Appearance of secrecy measures being deployed in Cuba to cover Soviet offensive capability. Top Secret. 1 p. CIA: Job 80–51676R, Box 17, Mongoose, Cuban Reconnaissance/Overflights.