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

661. Annex 7 to printed Document 320, undated¹

undated

MEMORANDUM FOR THE NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL STANDING GROUP

Annex 7

EXILE PROBLEMS

1. The Cuban Revolutionary Council and Dr. Miro Cardona

The Cuban Revolutionary Council (CRC), headed by Dr. Miro Cardona, has, since March 1961, covertly received about $3,000,000 from the United States. The Council is composed of about a dozen exile groups which represent the main anti-Castro non-Batista political stream in the exile community. It should be noted that at last count there were estimated to be over 400 exile groups, the great majority of which are splintered groups consisting of a “leader” and a few of his friends. The United States has regarded the CRC as its main point of contact with the exile community. The CRC and a few important exile groups outside the CRC (also financially assisted by us) have engaged in propaganda and other activities with our support.

We have refused Miro’s demands that we form an alliance with him for the purpose of military action against Cuba, and he has resigned. His resignation will probably be accompanied by that of most of the Council members and the Council may well disappear. We currently think the Council’s disappearance would be a desirable development. We shall be evolving policy recommendations regarding our future relations with the exile groups. Attached is a copy of the Department’s press statement regarding Dr. Miro’s resignation.

2. Alpha 66 and Similar Pin-Pricked Raids

There is attached a copy of the joint State-Justice press release on this subject.

We are currently considering what if any fruitful anti-Castro activities such groups may be persuaded to undertake.

3. The Cuban Brigade

We have established a program of military and civilian opportunities for the members of the Bay of Pigs invasion brigade. Some 400 members of the Brigade have enlisted in the military program (22 week training, or officer training, or an eight week training course for those over 35). The civilian aspect of the program is, after several obstacles have been overcome, now getting underway. This portion of the program offers qualified Brigade members loans for full academic expenses at the university level, a vocational training program including English, and special employment counseling. The monthly compensation for Brigade members is scheduled to terminate with a check for the month of May.

4. Resettlement of Cuban Exiles

We have pursued a policy of voluntary resettlement of Cuban exiles out of the Miami area. To date somewhat over 50,000 refugees have been resettled through the HEW-Voluntary Agency Program. An estimated 125,000 refugees remain in the Miami area. Even before the current Miro resignation, tensions between the local Miami population and the Cuban exiles had arisen. Congressional representatives from Florida expressed concern that further influx of refugees to Miami could result in unpleasant incidents. At the present time refugees inflow has been reduced to a trickle due to the absence of transportation between Cuba and United States. HEW is redoubling its efforts to persuade refugees to leave the Miami area. After the Miro Cardona affair dies down, many Cuban refugees may be more favorably disposed toward the resettlement program.

1. Exile Problems: The Cuban Revolutionary Council and Dr. Miro Cardona; Alpha 66 and Similar Pin-Pricked Raids; The Cuban Brigade; Resettlement of Cuban Exiles. Secret. 2 pp. Kennedy Library, NSF, Meetings and Memoranda Series, Standing Group Meeting, 4/23/63 (Part A).