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April 7, 1964

Memorandum for Discussion of Covert Program Against Cuba

U.S. covert operations against the Castro regime have recently been reviewed in the Special Group (54/12), and a number of issues are presented which require discussion and decision at a higher level.

The present covert program is designed in support of a general policy of intense economic and political isolation of Castro, accompanied by methods short of war to get rid of the Castro regime. Parts of the program authorized in July 1963 have in fact been held up for various reasons, and it is now important to decide whether or not certain substantial and expensive activities should be (a) actively continued; (b) held in readiness; (c) reduced, or (d) abandoned.

Covert programs against Cuba fall into the following categories:

1. Collection of intelligence, to include the infiltration and exfiltration of agents and covert supply of agent operations.
Recommendation: It is unanimously recommended that this program be continued.

2. Covert propaganda aimed to encourage low-risk forms of active and passive resistance and to stimulate tension within the regime and between Cuba and the Soviet bloc.
Recommendation: It is recommended that these programs be continued with regular review of their operational guidelines.

3. Cooperation with other agencies in economic denial by selective economic action with respect to products critical to the Cuban economy.
Recommendation: It is recommended that this program be continued.

4. Attempts to identify and establish contact with potential dissident elements near the power centers of the regime.
Recommendation: It is recommended that this program be continued.

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