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SQUARE DANCE (U)

THE PROBLEM
1. To respond to a memorandum* by the Chief of Staff, US Army, to consider a proposal that the Joint Chiefs of Staff recommend to the President that the United States covertly attack the Cuban sugar industry.

FACTS BEARING ON THE PROBLEM
2. On 21 March 1964, the Joint Chiefs of Staff in responding** to a Presidential request for new ideas relative to Cuba, stated that the President would be advised of any new and promising courses of action which could possibly bring pressure upon the Cuban regime.

3. On 1 September 1964, the Chief of Staff, US Army, sent a memorandum*, to the Joint Chiefs of Staff forwarding a study on the feasibility of undermining the Castro regime by covertly attacking the Cuban sugar industry. The Chief of Staff, US Army, recommended that the Joint Staff accomplish interagency coordination on the study proposals; and that the Joint Chiefs of Staff approve the study and forward it by memorandum to the President, informing him that the Joint Chiefs of Staff support the conclusions and recommendations of the study and consider that the outline program therein provides an adequate framework for the development of detailed supporting programs and plans for participating agencies.

4. On 2 October 1964, the Operations Deputies considered the recommendations of the Chief of Staff, US Army, and agreed to refer the matter to the Joint Staff for the preparation of a report.

* Attachment to JCS 2304/244
** Enclosure to JCS 2304/218-3

Copy
Lyndon B. Johnson Library

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J-5 2304/244-1

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