713. Memorandum from Cottrell to the Special Group, October 211

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SUBJECT

  • Reappraisal of Previous Proposals for Support of Autonomous Anti-Castro Groups

REFERENCE

  • A. Memorandum for the Special Group dated 13 August 1963, Subject: As above
  • B. Minutes of the Special Group Meeting 13 August 1963

1. In accordance with reference B, Special Group minutes, the CIA has reappraised reference A proposal for the support of Comandos L, and have concluded that it is no longer feasible to implement the reference A proposal in light of current operational realities in Floridian and [less than 1 line not declassified] waters. Recent happenings such as the [less than 1 line not declassified] incident and the [text not declassified] of these activities to the U.S. Government. In view of the above, the reference A proposal is hereby withdrawn.

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2. Inasmuch on the primary purpose of the reference A proposal was to enhance the capabilities of autonomous anti-Castro groups to conduct operations against Cuba, thereby providing a screen for CIA covert operations in addition to furthering U.S. objectives of maximum external pressure on the Castro regime, an alternative proposal is suggested for your consideration. This would consist of a selective relaxation of the current stringent U.S. controls on anti-Castro activities launched from U.S. territory or waters. Such a relaxation would be particularly beneficial at this time, in that the U.S. Government efforts to halt these activities have been so effective that CIA activities are being highlighted inasmuch as they are about the only things going. Realizing that it may not be desirable officially to relax the current U.S. Government policy by appropriate action through FBI, Coast Guard, and other channels, it may be desirable covertly to relax the official policy by authorizing the CIA to accomplish the selective relaxation by advising appropriate U.S. elements that the activities involved are of interest to the CIA and therefore should not be molested. It must be clearly understood that the CIA would furnish no material support, would have no contact other than for intelligence purposes, and would [Typeset Page 1823] have no direct responsibility for [Facsimile Page 3] the subsequent activities of such groups, but would merely act as a screening mechanism in attempting to permit some freedom of movement to certain groups judged to be somewhat responsible and having realistic capabilities.

3. The exercise by the CIA of such selective relaxation, if authorized, would in all cases be accomplished without the knowledge of the concerned anti-Castro groups. There would be no direct knowledge official or otherwise, of the relaxation of the overt policy but informed observers will no doubt surmise that a change has taken place, and the U.S. Government and/or the CIA will be given the credit or blame, as the case may be, for the results of whatever activities ensue.

4. Selective relaxation as outlined above is presented for your consideration and action as appropriate; the CIA neither requests or recommends that it be done.

  1. Reappraisal of previous proposals for support of autonomous anti-Castro groups. Secret. 3 pp. WNRC, OSD Files: FRC 330–77–131, Misc. 63, 64, 65.