Francesco/who-killed-jfk huggingface dataset:
[104-10095-10202.pdf — page 0]
# 104-10095-10202 2025 RELEASE UNDER THE PRESIDENT JOHN F. KENNEDY ASSASSINATION RECORDS ACT OF 1992SECRETW'pate fileAPPROVED FOR RELEASE 1993CIA-HISTORICAL-REVIEW PROGRAM6 MAY 1973MEMORANDUM FOR: Deputy Director for OperationsSUBJECT: Media Inquiry to Cuban Exile Journalist in Miami re Cuban Involvement in Watergate Case and Attitudes in Miani Area1. This memorandum is for your information only.2. On 7 May 1973 we were advised by Station WH/Miami that two employees of a Station WH/Miani proprietary had told the Station that one Rene VIERA Gonzalez, a Cuban exile journalist who writes for Diario Las Americas and owns the Westchester Mali Bookstore in Miami received a call in early May from one FNU GOTTLIEB who said he worked for the Times in Washington. (GOTTLIEB is believed to be Sanford GOTTLIEB, 11102 Brandywine St., Kensington, Md. who was formerly an employee of the National Committee on Sane Nuclear Policy". A pretext call to the Washington bureau of the New York Times verified; that one "Sandy" Gottlieb was employed there.) GOTTLIEB asked VIERA what people in Miami were saying about the Watergate case and what participation the Cubans had in it. He specifically asked about the activities of Reinaldo PICO (former 2506 Brigade member), Orlando PIEDRA (former Chief of Cuban Bureau of Investigation in Batista Government), and Rolando MASFERRER (former Cuban Senator and self-admitted former Communist). He also asked if ITT had an office in Miami, whether Joaquin SANJENIS Perdome (former Chief of a WH/Miami proprietary who was amicably terminated in 1972) and Juan A. PAULA (former WH/Miami proprietary employee and former Controller of Revolutionary Democratic Front-FRD-and currently employed by an OGC proprietary) were still in the Miami area. He was also interested in Edgardo BUTTARI, a Cuban born in West Tampa, Florida, a former Cuban Congressman and Minister of Commerce who is reportedly associated with Mr. Charios "Bebe" REBOZO. According to GOTTLIEB, BUTTARI was appointed as "political chief in the Republican Party".RETURN TO CIABackground Use OnlyDo Not Reproduce
[104-10095-10202.pdf — page 1]
3. GOTTLIEB apparently has current information on the activities of the persons he mentioned; for example, he knew that Juan A. PAULA was involved in the jewelry business (PAULA and Antonio Felix GENOVA Corzo, a WH/Miami proprietary employee recently purchased a jewelry business) and he knew that Reinaldo PICO had resided in Venezuela and had recently returned to the United States. The phone conversation lasted about 45 minutes and GOTTLIEB told VIERA that if he came to Miami they would have lunch together.4. VIERA does not know GOTTLIEB but talked to him because GOTTLIEB said he was recommended by Ernesto BETANCOURT who has resided in the Washington area for more than ten years. BETANCOURT was a former Agency asset and is currently Chief of (Economic Planning and Budget, OAS.) The conversation was initially in English but continued in Spanish. VIERA said he provided no information to GOTTLIEB on the basis that he is a Cuban exile and did not want to get involved in internal U.S. affairs. We do not know why COTTLIEB was interested in Joaquin SANJENIS or Juan A. PAULA. (Attached are summary biographies of persons of interest to GOTTLIEB.)5. On 7 May 1973 (Marvin L. EVANS,) Chief, (MIMUTUAL) was briefed on the substance of the report from WH/Miami pertaining to Juan A. PAULA, who works for the (MHMUTUAL proprietary, MCKERCHER and AVANT) which utilizes (NORTHWEST MANAGEMENT SERVICES, INC) as office space cover. Among other duties performed by the proprietary are the monthly checks sent to the dependents of imprisoned assets which are signed in true name by PAULA. EVANS was unaware that PAULA had purchased a new jewelry business in association with Antonio GENOVA; however, he feels that (MHMUTUAL) is protected and compartmented from the WH/Miami proprietary and he has the utmost confidence in the proprietary being able to field any questions. (HHMUTUAL) communication with the proprietary is by unlisted phone and a post office box. EVANS) said that (McKERCHER) and (AVANT) could possibly be linked to (NORTHWEST MANAGEMENT) but the trail would end there. He feels that either proprietary could only be linked to the Agency by innuendo. (He did say that Howard HUNT was aware of (MIMUTUAL) when he served as C/CA/EUR.) EVANS feels secure as far as (NORTHWEST MANAGEMENT) and (MCKERCHER and AVANT) are concerned.
[104-10095-10202.pdf — page 2]
6. (EVANS) mentioned that the bona fide law firm occupying the other portion of the (MHMUTUAL) offices are the attorneys for (John DEAN) (These lawyers are cleared and witting.) One of the lawyers told (EVANS) that (DEAN) will be the "biggest canary singer of the year". The common receptionist area is manned by (MHMUTUAL) employees who also monitor all telephone calls, incoming and outgoing for the other law firm. (EVANS) mentioned that there have been numerous calls from the media and outgoing overseas calls to such places as Japan and Europe.7. (EVANS) will be traveling to Nassau and returning via Miami on 10 May 1973. He intends to talk with his proprietary people at that time on other (MHMUTUAL) business and will also contact COS, WH/Miami. (The COS has been alerted to expect a call from (EVANS) on 10 May 1973.)James E. Flannery.James E. FlanneryActing ChiefWestern Hemisphere Divisioncc: Director of SecurityAttachments: A-F Biographic Summaries
[104-10095-10202.pdf — page 3]
# ATTACHMENT ARene VIERA GonzalezReporter for Diario Las Americas; was speaker for Journalism in Exile at meeting held Flagler Theater, Miami June 1957.Had also been head of Public Relations for Cuban National Bank. Date not given.SECRET
[104-10095-10202.pdf — page 4]
# LACHMENT BReinaldo PICO Ramon - formerly AMICE-31 (201-284658)POA granted 14 October 1960 as PM asset. Member 2506 Brigade, captured Bay of Pigs. Member of Prisoners Commission sent by Castro to Miami to negotiate release of prisoners in exchange for mechanical equipment and other supplies needed by Cuba. Defected and refused to accompany other members of Prisoners Commission on their return to Cuba in July 1961. POA granted 15 June 1964 for use as CA/Prop asset. SGSVIRLED 3-October 1964 OA 4 February 1966. Amicably terminated 30 June 1968. As of July 1959 in Caracas, Venezuela. In December 1969 he was described by a source as "one does not know where the bluff begins and eads, what is true and what is lie".
[104-10095-10202.pdf — page 5]
# SECRETATTACHMENT COrlando PIEDRAOrlando Eleno PIEDRA-NEGUERLA (201-247379)aka - Orlando Eleno NEGUERLA-PIEDRAaka - Orlando PIEDRAaka - 0. ROCABorn 18 December 1917, Havana, CubaBelieved to be Cuban citizen currentlyWas Chief of Cuban Bureau of Investigation in Batista Government. Told FBI June 1959 he was forced to leave Cuba upon fall of Batista, Reportedly head of anti-Castro group in Miami in June 1959, In Sept 59 reported to be friendly with Rolando MASFERRER Rojas, ex-Cuban senator and publisher. PIEDRA reportedly furnished with money by Batista.During Batista regime was included with others as responsible officials considered directly involved in torture and killing of Cuban citizens. Resided in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. in February 1960. During Batista regime PIEDRA was in charge of all matters pertaining to gambling, rackets and contraband. In 1953 in Cuba PIEDRA was also involved in business of Chinese contraband.No indication he ever used by Agency.
[104-10095-10202.pdf — page 6]
# ITACHMENT DRolando Arcadio MASFERRER Rojas (201-42669)Former Cuban senator and self-admitted former Communist. Quite active during early 60's in various anti-Castro activities in U.S. Recently served four and one-half year prison sentence received U.S. District Court for violation of U.S. neutrality laws.No indication Headquarters has been in touch with subject at any time.Born 1918 in Cuba; typifies worst elements in former regime of Batista. Name connotes ruthlessness, assassination, torture and extortion.Still considers himself to be a Marxian Socialist; has been virulent critic of U.S. in past.
[104-10095-10202.pdf — page 7]
# Edgar Anthony BUTTARI Puig (D.V.M.)aka - Edgar A. BUTTARI (Doctor)aka - Edgardo BUTTARI y Puig (201-276771)Photo availableWhile information in his file does not indicate any past or present CIA contact, there is unsourced information in the WH/COC card file which shows that BUTTARI was in touch with Frank Bender (Gerard Droller) in Miani in the Spring of 1960, apparently in relation to BUTTARI's involvement with the Revolutionary Democratic Front (FRD). Currently BUTTARI is involved in many business ventures in South Florida and is reportedly associated with Charles "Bebe" Rebozo socially and in business.Edgardo BUTTARI was born 14 August 1909 (also given 1914) et West Tampa, Florida, the son of a Cuban who fought in the Cuban Independence War. Appointed Cuban Inspector Ganeral Instructor of the Ministry of State in 1933. He later became Under Secretary of Labor. In 1938 he returned to Cuba and served as Secretary of as Secretary of Commerce until 1940. ile later was appointed Minister of the Cuban Foreign Service. Appointed Minister of Commerce by Batista in 1942, he held that post until 1944 when he resigned to run for the lHouse of Representatives, Habana. He remained in the House of Representatives until 1952.BUTTARI arrived in the U.S. in March 1960 to reside in Miami, Florida. He became involved with the Revolutionary Democratic Front.During his first term as Minister of Commerce in 1933 he was responsible for the arrest of several American representatives of large lard exporters in the U.S. (Swift, Armour, etc.) for increasing prices. At the same time he endeavored to put forward legislation of nationalistic tendencies, warning to "Yankee Imperialism", and seemed somewhat unfriendly to the U.S. He later changed and in 1933 became more anxious to cooperate with the U.S., apparently having gotten over his openly anti-American feelings. However, he did not appear to be dependable according to Embassy reports. He has been described as astute, clever, intelligent but slippery. He
[104-10095-10263.pdf — page 1]
SENATE SELECT COMMITTEE ACTION LIST| Control Number | Date of Request | Oral/ Written         | Date Received | Subject Matter                                                     | Action Responsibility                                                | Status                         || -------------- | --------------- | --------------------- | ------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------ | -------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------ ||                | 24 Sept 76      | O-Marshall            | 24 Sept 76    | Destruction of classified waste at Hqs.                            |                                                                      | done                           ||                | 27 Sept 76      | O-McDonald            | 27 Sept 76    | Requested security briefing for Stan Taylor                        |                                                                      | done                           || C 76-2781      | 27 Sept 76      | W-Inouye              | 30 Sept 76    | Briefing on CIA covert involvement in (Jamaica) and (Argentina)    | DDO - Bfg to be scheduled Miller alerted and will set- date and time |                                || R#4630         |                 |                       | "             | "                                                                  |                                                                      |                                ||                | 28 Sept 76      | O-Budget Subcommittee |               | Breakfast/Briefing follow-up items (See John McMahon's MFR)        | DDO, DDI, IC (one item outstanding)                                  |                                ||                | 29 Sept 76      | O-Inderfurth          | 29 Sept 76    | Schedule session with Compt for Sens Hathaway and Goldwater        |                                                                      | done                           ||                | 29 Sept 76      | O-Inderfurth          | 29 Sept 76    | During visit to STC, like to sit in on COS seminar                 |                                                                      | done                           || OCLC 76-2816   | 29 Sept 76      | W-Inouye              | 1 Oct 76      | Information on assassination of former Chilean Ambassador Letelier | DDO                                                                  | DDO bf'd Miller and Inderfurth || R#4645         |                 |                       |               |                                                                    |                                                                      |                                |
[104-10095-10263.pdf — page 2]
# SENATE SELECT COMMITTEE ACTION LIST| Control Number        | Date of Request | Oral/Written            | Date Received | Subject Matter                                                                                                                              | Action Responsibility            | Status                                     || --------------------- | --------------- | ----------------------- | ------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------ || OLC 76-2456<br>R#4413 | 27 Aug 76       | W-Inouye                | 31 Aug 76     | Relations of CIA with National Strategic Information Center; Institute for Study of Conflict; and New Era, Inc.                             | Discussed with Miller 15 Oct DDO | Awaiting approval of guidelines on liaison ||                       | 27 Aug 76       | O-Inderfurth            | 27 Aug 76     | (1) Inderfurth and Sen Hart want to visit Farm<br>(2) List of Agency installations for Sen Hart to visit<br>(3) List of DDO Division Chiefs |                                  | done - 21 Oct 76<br>done                   ||                       | 30 Aug 76       | O-Sen Bayh              | 30 Aug 76     | Raised a question during briefing re Iran                                                                                                   |                                  | done - 22 Sept 76                          || See<br>OLC 76-2435    | 30 Aug 76       | O-Pickett               | 30 Aug 76     | CFI Directive No. 1, "Program and Budget Review Process"                                                                                    |                                  | done - 30 Aug 76                           ||                       | 31 Aug 76       | O-Inderfurth            | 31 Aug 76     | Assessment on Washington Post article, "Iran's Police Seek Killers of Americans"                                                            |                                  | done - 30 Aug 76                           || OLC 76-2514           | undtd           | O-Miller                |               | Current DCID's                                                                                                                              |                                  | done                                       || OLC 76-2478<br>R#4412 | 31 Aug 76       | W-Hathaway<br>Goldwater | 1 Sept 76     | Request for meeting in Sept to get views on long-range direction of IC Staff                                                                |                                  | done - 28 Sept 76<br>Breakfast/Briefing    |
[104-10095-10276.pdf — page 0]
# 2025 RELEASE UNDER THE PRESIDENT JOHN F. KENNEDY ASSASSINATION RECORDS ACT OF 1992S-E-C-R-E-T20 September 1960MEMORANDUM FOR: DIRECTOR OF CENTRAL INTELLIGENCESUBJECT: Summary of STESCALADE - Audio OperationAgainst the New China News Agency in Havana1. In May 1959, the New China News Agency (NCNA) opened an office in Havana in the El Medico Building which is occupied partly by business concerns and partly used for residential apartments. Shortly thereafter, the Havana Station obtained the concurrence of Ambassador Bonsal and Miss Carolyn O. Stacey, an Embassy employee, to mount an audio operation against NCNA through the wall of the adjacent apartment in which Miss Stacey lived. In November 1959, the FE Division sent one case officer and one TSD technician to Havana, and the installation of a microphone and tape recorder was completed in Miss Stacey's apartment on 29 November 1959.2. By June 1960, it had become evident that two other rooms occupied by NCNA possibly housed communication equipment and were used for conferences. At that time Bryan Mills, FE Division case officer, went to Havana and explored the possibility of improving the operation. He managed to lease an apartment directly over the NCNA office and arranged for a stay-behind agent to occupy this space.3. In August 1960, a team of three TSD technicians who were in Havana on a separate SR Division operation agreed to install the additional equipment required for the NCNA operation. A second FE Division case officer, Robert Neet, came down to Havana; and he, together with the technicians, installed a probe microphone and tape recorder in the apartment obtained by Mills over the NCNA office. About this time the equipment was removed from Miss Stacey's apartment, with the exception of the plastic probe which was left in the wall and plastered over.
[104-10095-10276.pdf — page 1]
S-E-C-R-E-T4. As an additional security precaution to provide a safe haven, and after consultation with the Acting Chief of Station, a key to an apartment in the same building leased by Mrs. Marjorie Lennox, an Embassy secretary, was cotained. Mrs. Lennox was told that access to her apartment was needed for photographic surveillance purposes.5. The Station was then faced with the probability that time and security would work against holding indefinitely the lease to the apartment over NCNA since the owners of the building were cancelling sub-lessors' contracts and recalling leases. It was, therefore, decided to install transmitters and switches in order to permit continued monitoring of the target from a distant listening post. Another three-man team of TSD technicians consisting of David L. Christ (alias Carswell), Walter E. Szuminski (alias Taransky) and Thornton J. Anderson (alias Danbrunt) documented as tourists had been sent to Havana to install audio equipment in the Chinese Nationalist Embassy before it was due to be turned over to the Chinese Communits. This operation aborted. This team was then sent to work on the installation of the transmitters in the apart- ment over the NCNA office.6. At 2400 hours on 14 September, Christ, who with the other technicians was working in the target apartment, failed to keep a scheduled appointment with Neet. At 0100 hours on the 15th of September, the apartment of Mrs. Lennox was entered into and searched by Cuban authorities, and she was taken into custody. At 1540 hours on 15 September, Neet, the stay-behind agent and his wife were picked up by the Cuban authorities and detained.7. As of today the agent remains in the custody of the Cuban authorities. His wife has been released and is still in Havana, Neet was released. 1715 hours 16 September and has subsequently returned to Washington where he is being debriefed. Mrs. Lennox was subsequently released and has also returned to Washington where she is being debriefed, The three TSD technicians remain in confinement. They have been seen in confinement but not contacted by an Embassy officer when he first attempted to secure the release of Mrs. Lennox. Christ was last seen by Neet when they were jointly interrogated the morning of 16 September. At that time Christ did not appear-2-S-E-C-R-E-T
[104-10095-10276.pdf — page 2]
S-E-C-R-E-Tto have been maltreated.8. According to articles in the Cuban papers the three technicians were arrested while in the apartment over the NCNA office and completing the installation of the equipment. The press article adds that the key to Mrs, Lennox's apartment was found on one of the technicians who identified the apartment to which it belonged. All Cuban press releases have referred to the men by alias and have not identified them as Government or Agency employees. It is unclear at present what story had been agreed upon by the technicians and station personnel to be used in the event they were caught. (While being interrogated with Neet, Christ indicated that Neet was his boss, and Neet consistently denied any knowledge as to why he was being held.) The sub-lease for the apartment in which the men were caught is in the name of the stay- behind agent with the original lease being in the name of Mills, the FE Division Case Officer.9. Initial information indicated that the three technicians would be charged with espionage "against the people of China". Subsequent press releases have been unclear on this point. An attempt by Consul Hugh Kessler to contact the three men at 1730 hours on 17 September was unsuccessful. He was not permitted to see them but was told they were in custody.10. The three technicians travelled to Cuba as tourists under very light commercial cover, two of them working for a company in New York and the third, one in Baltimore. In each case the cover company consists of a telephone answering service and a name on the door. Telephone messages and mail are picked up periodically by a n Agency contract employee. The men were provided with this cover as well as unbackstopped home addresses for use when entering or leaving Cuba as tourists since the filling out of the landing card requires this information. Subsequent to their detention the home addresses have been partially backstopped so that inquiries will indicate that someone with this alias name had lived in the apartment house in question. Insofar as the cover companies are concerned, efforts are being made to provide a backstop to withstand inquiries from the press should the Cubans reveal this information. In view-3-
[104-10095-10276.pdf — page 3]
S-E-C-R-E-Tcf the thinness of the cover, it is uncertain whether this will succeed.11. A cleared and we tting law firm in New York has been briefed by Mr. L. Houston on the situation with the thought that inquiries received by the cover company could be referred to the firm of lawyers from whom no comment would be obtained by the press or other inquirers. The law firm has been briefed on the entire situation so that they may be in a position to act if any action by them appears desirable or feasible. It would not appear that much support cí any kind can be obtained from the law firm or the law firms in Cuba which are associated with them.12. Insofar as the families are concerned, one of the technicians is a bachelor presently on home leave between two tours in Japan. His father, a cook in a diner in the Boston area, has been contacted by the Office of Security, and he will get in touch with Security if he receives any inquiries on this matter. Security, by the same token, will keep in touch with him as the Cubans reveal their intentions and course of action.13. The wives of the other two technicians have been told what has happened and are being contacted at least once daily by TSD staffers and their wives who have been briefed on the situation. A conference with the two wives was held in TSD on 19 September to go over the whole situation and determine if there were any personal problems on which the Agency could be of help. For the time being the wives are telling their neighbors that their husbands are on a trip. This story will be adjusted depending on what course of action the Cuban Government takes, whether the aliases remain unbroken and whether recognizable photographs of the individuals are released to the press. The two wives so far have taken the bad news exceedingly well..Distribution:DCI - 2DDCI - 1DD/P - 1COPS - 1WH-3FE - 1OS - 1CI-1RUDOLPH E. GOMEZActing Chier, WH-4-S-E-C-R-E-T