Foreign Relations of the United States, 1961–1963, Volume X, Cuba, January 1961–September 1962

100. Telegram From the Commander of Special Task Group 81.8 (Clark) to the Commander in Chief, Atlantic (Dennison)⁰

USS Essex, Caribbean, April 14, 1961, 12:26 p.m.

141726Z. Exclusive for Dennison, info Lemnitzer, Burke, Smith, McElroy, OʼDonnell from Clark. Completed fueling 141630Z¹ at lat 18-38N long 85-28W. Units proceeding independently to station. Have assigned 1 DD to escort each CEF ship with orders to remain outside visual range during daylight. Plan launch from lat 18-30N long 81-00W at 151030Z² as follows; 3 VS for search ahead of CEF, 1 AD to assist in location CEF ships as required. Will begin routine Bumpy Road reporting at 151030Z.

Intelligence. No surface contacts. Will maneuver to avoid being sighted. 6 aircraft contacts within 60 miles. 4 engine transport passed overhead at 1710Z.³ All aircraft probably commercial airlines. No apparent surveillance activity. Elokomin proceeding via South Mariposa Bank to station at 19-00N 80-00W ETA 171200Z.⁴ SOA controlled to avoid contact with CEF.

0. Source: Naval Historical Center, Area Files, Bumpy Road Materials. Top Secret; Exclusive; Bumpy Road. Repeated to Lemnitzer, Burke, Smith, McElroy, and OʼDonnell.
1. April 14, 11:30 a.m.
2. April 15, 5:30 a.m.
3. 12:10 p.m.
4. April 17, 7 a.m.