[1]104-10119-10182 | 2025 RELEASE UNDER THE PRESIDENT JOHN F. KENNEDY ASSASSINATION RECORDS ACT OF 1992 |
[4]re
[5]lobe lle
[7]16 February 1970
[9]: Director of Security
[11]: Comments on Manuscript Give Us This Day;
[13]CIA and the Bay of Figs Invasion by Edward J.
[14]Hamilton
[16]‘This mmanuecript has ‘evidently been kicking around in publishing
[17]circles since at least mid-1968, presumably without CJA clearance.
[18]William Buckley of the National Review seems to have been "shopping” it
[19]at one point, One publisher rejected it as too "controversial", and noted .
[20]its. confidential’ nature as well as its potential for libel suits.
[22]2. in the foreword to this manuscript, the author (whom I shall
[23]under his assumed name of Hamilton), describes the book as a
[24]al account" of CIA's role in the Bay of Pigs affair in which he was
[25]: ¢-CIA participant for 19 months. He notes in the foreword his hope
[27]that somsone would have written this book so that he would not have to do
[29]it; now convinced that, if he does not write it, it will never be written,
[30]_he has taken up his pen "reluctantly and in a mood of nostalgic bitterness."
[31]Hamilton. states that he has used no official files or documents and has:
[32]ted no one in preparing this work. Where true names are used in
[33]ke rnanuscript for CIA personnel, he writes that they have been publicly
[35]entified before, and in this contention I believe that he is correct, with
[37]possible exception offdim’ Roe i] The author's claim that this book
[39]would provide no information not known to Castro's intelligence service,
[40]or that details this late are of no value to the opposition,iz, in my view,
[41]seriously open to question.
[43]3. The book is, in general,favorable to CIA actions in the Bay of
[44]The villains of the piece are certain liberal figures in the Kennedy
[45]inistration (Schlesinger, Goodwin, Stevenson) and to some extent, -
[46]F resident himself. In his concluding chapter, the author's bitterness
[47]is Undisguised against those in the Administration and the presa who took
[48]the opportunity of the Bay of Pigs incident to attack and denigrate CIA,
[50]4, Messrs.:: -Biesell ‘and Barnes and the author's other CIA co-
[51]workers in the Cuban Project, by and large, are given quite favorable
[52]reatment. One exception is General Cabell, whom the author excoriates,
[53]and it is apparent that Hamilton's opinion of Jerry Droller is far from
[55], bene "_ RETURN TO CIA “
[56]noc ee Background es Only
[57]buck i Do Not Reprodued ee)
[59]Ca
[61]tie
[63]_ . _. Bide. Ha ee
[66]14-0000
[70]nt is apparent that Hazollton feels - very deeply about the Bay of ;,
[71]P gs and its aftermath, to the extent that he‘is willing to put his caree
[72]som the Hae by circulating this manuscript to several publishers without.”
[73]“apparent clearance or suthorisation.: [He has utilised as his nom de plo
[74]' aie assigned tohim in the project for dealing with the: Cubaa‘
[75]= at wopld aot take anyone who was s involved in the Cuban. Project
[77]hated Narnia cn CIA cocexiey.. ‘This analysis states -
[78]what the author states, whether right or wrong. “Where. Thave occasion:
[79]=e y added comments of my own: thoy are tn brackets (J.
[81]As noted above
[83]“Distribution 0 2 w/att. |
[84]Origk 2 - DI SernBAY et
[86]eee Aol
[89]1400000
[91]po _ YES ad
[93]if
[95]~ a
[97]- a othe ghapter opens , in 1986. in Ambassador Garduex's “éttice. fa Havane,
[98]Ww re © courtesy call was being paid on the Ambassador by the CIA Central:
[99]_, dmericanand Caribbean. Chiefs of Station who are holding their annual regional. "
[100]“7 amnocting,s “Reis noted that one of the reasons for selecting the place of meeting.
[101]< =2re the: “absonce’ Y f Comnraunist embassies” (pe 8. The presence. of Col. ait
[103]4 ly invelved”. ‘4nthe Bogotaso,: setting the stage for Harailton's subse-
[104]‘ ¢ comment. © [Actually Castro played a junior role'in the Bogotaze, and
[105]at wan after the Bay of Pigs that. Mz, Dalles assigned Hamilton the tak, of
[106]determining ‘Castea'g-role in the ‘Bogotazo. } {p- 7)..: Hamilton states that:
[107]‘subsequent: three-years, ‘while while ‘funds ‘wore being ‘eellected in South America
[108]fot Castro's, 26th ‘of July Movement, there were no orders: ‘from ‘GIA. ‘Head-
[109]zters to penetrate pre-Castro groups abroad (p.°10).” He then states: ‘that
[110]‘jn March 1960 he was “having coffee with the nowly-elected president of the
[111]gentry to which Iwas assigned.” (p.10) {This could reveal the author's -
[113]me President ident Hardon al sf teeemeymne became President in.
[114]ch 1960) |
[116]2. Mr. ‘Richard ‘Bissell and: ‘Ms. ‘Tracy Barnes are » mentioned and
[117]‘the author adds that he had worked with ‘Barnes as a member of the team ~ _
[118]7  pusted President Arden: from Guatemala {p. 11); At this point] Hamilton
[119]ocalled to Headquarters to become ‘Chief.af Political Action in.an! 3...
[120]on «approved project to assist ‘Caban exiles in overthrowing ‘Castro. ~
[121]duties would include organising Cuban leaders into 6. ‘government-in-. -
[122]which would form a provisional government in Cuba when Castro was
[123]cod out. ‘Samilten's base was to be in'Cesta Rica, provided ex-President °:
[124]“‘Figueres. could obtain Costa Rican agreement (p-21).-' [This ‘link could |
[125]in wiew of Figuares' xpcent re-election » as a Presigent,
[127]co Pit Mt this. ‘point the manuscript. introduces the Project Chief a Joke.
[128]joumably Mr.: “Esterline}, who is referred to as Jake throughout (p.. 12).
[129]also meet Droller about whom there is some “diversity in attitudes”
[130]ong CIA officers. Droller's operational name of Frank Bender is noted (p13),
[131]‘and he is referred to as Bender throughout the rest of the manuscript. | {This
[132]is not the first time Droller has been identified as. Bender; his mame was =.
[133]gown by Arthur Schlesinger in his book A_ Thousand Days in 1965.}- ‘Bender's => .-
[134], “cover telephone ‘arrangements in Miami and New York, which allowed him to
[135]answer local calls there at his Washington desk, are disclosed {p. 14). °
[136]Fnmiltn etaton hat Bender tld lm cat ae fara he bnww “Richard Hales Bo:
[137]‘the “Gandeatine’ ‘Services, had not been cut in™.{p. Mes us,
[139]a cr"
[141]mo ° iro Oat
[142]3 3 EVES Gilt
[145]1400000
[147]| chapter
[148]- that he viait Havana, and that the CIA Cover Staff provided him with the docu-
[149]mentation for his operational alies of Edward J. Hamilton which he kept for
[150]duration of the Project (p. 23). Upon returning from Havana, ‘Hasmilton |
[151]da report and recommendaticas., ‘Phe first recommendation was that
[152]Strobe assassinated before oF coincident with the invasion.’ Mamiltos coa-
[153]dered this his principal secommendstion, ‘but Barnes would oaly tell him |
[154]ok subscqutntly that it was in the bands ‘of a “special group.” ° ‘86 fer as Hazailton
[155]~ wes pole to determine,’ -mo plan was ever developed within "GIA to assassinate
[156]& i p. 130: [These comineate would be-ustortansts if published:
[158]7 ject for the Vice President. “Slamilton states that Cashman advised him that
[159]_.. Nixon “as Chairman [sic] of the National Security Council, wae the real |
[160]- ‘Sams ping tend thn proce” tte Aminietrion's fol peat and troubles
[162]: ahooter regarding it. © “The General gave Hamilton his private telephone =. ,
[163]‘in the event that he had something for the Vice President's urgent |
[165]SEQET
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[169]3Mamiltos tells. of visitiag Project |
[170]ables, noting the building's Gisguise us an-slectronics firm for cover pur-*
[171]es {p. 39), as well as ‘CIA subsidies to Cubsn exils ‘groups and newspapers.
[172]7 Project, -
[175]idiosyncrasion, ‘as well ne gonne macoeat of those wholwoilé not join.
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[180]Qupter Th (commencing at page. “5. This is a second Chapter I end,
[182]i
[183]} -
[185]i ‘le
[186]i
[188]atiempt tot having fafled, it
[190]d to set them up in Mexico City, to which Hamilten-aad his /
[191]“yepaived. Hamilton's office was to be independent ‘the Station}
[192]Se at Ns Sac Sstsneesed bam Be principal manage ;
[195]Toms children = he should be living under an assumed same in
[199]14-0000 ww .
[202]a
[203]ce
[204]. im
[205]me
[207]“one of the world's most experienced
[209]hs U. 8, citisenship.{p. 59). CIA fasiding of tha Frente thr
[211]: came to the attention of the der including:s
[213]a
[215]as
[217]PAL *
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[221]7 BYES UikY ©
[223]pn.
[224]: efforts inte Cuba, tha roll-up
[225]Mand tae pone secnrd fr livering supplies to those’:
[226]* gotten inte ‘Cuba... “Maritime operations :
[229]ES OLY ~
[231]Be: “te me: ‘chapter Hamiltca levels some eritictom at Ambasasder
[232]Bonsal, ‘whom he. describes as § tneftectual a sal whoea tie calls "famsiling ©”
[234]OB
[235]Moet'3 ervivil at ae Miami Base,
[236]| lowing the seve 5 >. gelations with Gaba, as “unwelcome”, |
[237]Decause he felt him tobe “basically either soft on Communism or st least -
[238]ferribly confused about the issues" {p.96). Hamilton offers his criticiem ~
[239]of Manuel (Manolo] Ray becense the latter had stayed wit ‘Castro too long -
[244]_ 9-
[246]es 3 1 * ‘salates Hamatiton's touchy visit, ith scat iraamaibora’’ om
[247]ee the Fronte; ete rcmcha training bases, Their breakfast conversa-‘«
[248]* - tions-with President ‘Ydigoras are described. .This breakfast wives the author
[249]_. ) g chance'to reflect back on the CIA role in the overthrow of Guatemalan. - +
[250]‘ » President Arbens: He recalls the three exiled leaders of Guatemala, his
[251]@wm support for Dr. Cordova to head the new government, and State's veto .
[252]-of Col. Ydigoras:as “vaguely authoritarian.” At a crocial moment, howeves, -
[253]“Dr. Cordova had te undergo cancer surgery. and therefore could not be salectad;
[254]| wthe-cholce fell.on Castillo Armas. Now Ydigores. was Piesident but was sub-
[256]Sen Saree et
[257]m Taigeres. ‘(Davis’ name hes been peullshed Jat
[259]i “ghee Guatessaian trataing site, Hamilton refers to being greeted
[260]there by an American Army Lt. Colonel whose name was “Freank."“ Ina:
[261]footnote, Hanillton adds that this cfficer had been detailed to CIA for the”
[262]“Project;-and that “Credible allegations of his actions during the invasion |
[263]strongly suggest that he-was to some extent mentally uabalanced” (p.. 124).
[264]conversations between Hamiltoa and “Frank”, ‘as well as the initial
[265]‘unfortunate polemics of Frente-chiol Tony Varona, are described. “hon
[267]. “The presence “od Greci Berete to help in the training of fee a
[268]; ‘Brignée is-noted,: Coleone] Lake’ presence end | parachute fraining 12 is. ania Bae
[269]": mentionsd (pp. 155-138), se -
[271]t ba
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[275]SRG ay Tracy Barees ‘Hamilton se peliskangee al
[277]_ tone whexe the Jatter is working'oa his famous White Payer on Gaba {p..15D,°
[279]po “was there that Hamilton learned that Secretary of State Rusk had-veto!d the “”
[281]Pe _, exiginal point-of davasion as toc “noisy.
[283]os mesting and asks Baraes if everything was going wall, \ Hamilton interprets
[285]miosting Sod nh ae i er err ankarender hove dhsot tot erveaion plas
[287]_Which the latter had subsequently denied. ““Marailtos‘alse mentions the fact.
[288]: of bles Setefing of Stevendion bales rethe
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[293]ays ORLY
[295]- i - .
[297]a ‘Hamilton states that. the: Joint Gilets of ‘Staff assessment team.
[298]-  ayhsited:the Guatemalan eamps and issued an enthusiastic appraissl as to
[299]the: Brigads's ‘training and battle readiness. {p.'160). The wuthor notes,
[300]‘ahat. this was important in. the. Mae of Post-tavasion attempts |
[302]“Gua footaate, ‘Hiamfiton writes that * afier the invasion. ‘Ponder.
[303]proce by Oe racer the exiles referred to'him: freely, and ‘useall
[304]Latte 5 ee ee «Hamilton ‘also adds that he ‘learned: that
[305]; Noadanat Gel.: King’s crony", were becoming increasing!
[306]‘active ‘among non-Frente Cubans in ‘Washington and New York. tp. 163). :
[307]“ital presumably out ‘across Hamilton's political action Mnea:} ° rr a
[309]- 3. ~The remainder ofthe chapter is largely taken up’ with dlacassions
[310]of iotra-Frenté. ‘problems, with a note of the fact that American infiltre-"
[311]‘ton. operations | into’ ‘Gabe had virtually conned because: ‘of theis lack call
[313]tee tuted
[315]“ ‘Sen
[317]oS gy 2
[319]QATD
[321]1400000
[323]to. ceding with, Misael, Backes, Jake, Bontse end(Sa:
[324]qattitt the whise Howse canted a broader base in the Previn; and, ;
[325]how important tt waa te the ‘White House to bring Manolo Ray into't picture. -
[326]Hemlton potted ot rie ee Car eiitjanaleated that Ray wetace Da be
[327]c se retans ve hare tent
[329]Gato
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[333]cos gy Hy
[335]on ~ tion to obtain a re-fusling stop an the sewing to neces Mee ce ee aaca
[336]_ -to'bomb Cuba failed because: of the a venality of» vines ths force: officer,
[338]. 3. With. 5 eogard to the selection of the Bay of Pigs » landing site, aE
[339]oS - Hamilton states that. assault plans were almost entirely in the hands of the .
[340]_ “Pentagon{p. 205). “Relations. with Lem Jones! pele yelations fire ja -
[342]ar “GEA project afficer is flown to the: , Carries’ Boxer, ‘agehip of
[344]a naval task force that was assémbled in Puerto Rican waters.. ‘This -.-
[345]. officer was to serve as lisisca between the naval task force ‘commander...
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[352]and ‘Barnes and Hamilton draft a mesange to Stevenson. “When Stevenson.
[353]"received it‘and was advised of the true nature of the planes, Hamilton’
[355]: * Socal ceod ac ame wt se ‘be .chacked out ‘with
[357]“ Seeretary Bask. athe meantime, the second .atrike was beld up (p. 235).
[358]Cabell and Bissell west to meet Rusk at State.
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[363]8 bs only
[365]ve AB
[367]_ Chapter XiUl (commencing op. a8)
[368]L ‘The tenor of seravke in this chapter aud in the zonctasion of the
[369]__ previous chapter is that the meeting with Rusk included the President, —
[370]"- Restow, and Stevenson. “[Other authoritative accounts have included aly”
[371]Rusk, Cabell and Bissell; Tracy Barnes has said he also was preseat.:.3t
[372]is believed that the President was not at the meeting but was contacted by
[373]‘Rusk on the telephone at his Visginia home. There is no other indicatl:
[374]other thas ‘Hamilton's allegation,’t that ‘Walt Rostow was Present] "{p.2i9).
[376]a
[377]Bibi
[379]7 ns iS AY
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[384]This chapter desc
[385]fpead, “These jeta from the Boxer were allowed a reconnaissance run. gt
[386]| + over.the beach {p. 222), Finally the President avthorised.an hour's alr .
[387]. eieukat dowa before beapragaeend was fone’ OP ee Brigade’ ‘B-26's
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[392]Hanudltca is highly critical of the post-invas
[393]| attacks om CIA by Adminiatration officials and the press.. Hamilton
[394]_;the President's establishment of the Taylor. Comtaltise 10 look into tha
[395]' canses Of-the failure and states his conclusion that the Committee was
[396]“whitewash the New Frontier by heaping guilt on CIA” (p, 234):