312. Memorandum From the Coordinator for Cuban Affairs (Gleysteen) to the Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs (Rogers)1
SUBJECT
- Warning to Miami Exile Militants—ACTION MEMORANDUM
In light of the recent attacks on two Cuban fishing vessels, and FBI reports that FLNC may be planning attacks on Cuban Embassy personnel, Soviet vessels, and Cubana planes, we think it prudent to reiterate the warning that U.S. law enforcement agencies will vigorously enforce U.S. laws prohibiting the use of U.S. territory as a base for military actions against foreign countries.
In the past in 1970, ’72 and ’74 we issued similar warnings in response to specific incidents or to intelligence reports of plans in the works.
The warnings would:
—discredit unfounded rumors in Miami that CIA is behind the attacks or that the USG condones them;
—discourage Miami based militants from carrying out other hit-and-run attacks on Cuban ships and diplomatic establishments, bomb-ings, score-settling assassinations, etc;
—show Cuba that we are serious about the hijacking agreement, the continuation of which is of more interest to the U.S. than Cuba.
In the past, the Department has released the warnings to the press on background through PAF with Justice, FBI, CIA, and Coast Guard concurrence. The Department is not a law enforcement agency but has [Page 839] served as a lightning rod for exile dissatisfaction with administration Cuba policy.
We think it appropriate that high ranking Justice and Coast Guard people in Miami issue the warning publicly this time. Coast Guard thinks Admiral Wagner of Miami Seventh District might fill the bill, especially since Coast Guard bears the burden of enforcement at sea. They have their hands full with drug and search and rescue operations and it is in their interest to use a little preventive medicine on the exiles. Wagner could act jointly with Justice, for the best effect.
Recommendation:
That we request Justice and Coast Guard to act jointly to release the attached warning.
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Summary: In the wake of an attack on a Cuban fishing boat, Gleysteen proposed that the U.S. Government issue a warning to exile groups that might be planning further attacks.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P820131–1674. Confidential; Urgent. Drafted by Holladay and cleared by Gantz and Dixon. Rogers initialed his approval of the recommendation. Attached but not printed are a draft warning to Cuban exiles and the text of a May 12, 1970, Department statement reminding residents of laws prohibiting the use of U.S. territory as a base for “military expeditions against foreign country.” (Ibid., P820131–1676 and P820131–1677) In a note to the Department, April 9, the Cuban Foreign Ministry protested an attack in international waters upon the Cuban fishing boat Ferro 119, presumably by Cuban exiles based in U.S. territory. (Ford Library, National Security Adviser, NSC Latin American Affairs Staff Files, 1974–1977, Country Files, Box 2, Cuba—Political, Military 3) In an April 16 message to the Cuban Foreign Ministry, the Department condemned illegal attacks upon innocent persons while rejecting the allegation that statements by U.S. officials encouraged such attacks. (Ibid., Box 2, Cuba—Cubana Airlines Overflights 1)
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