Francesco/who-killed-jfk huggingface dataset:
[178-10002-10091.pdf — page 112]
SECRETQ No covert -- well, there is some propaganda activity being conducted still?A On a very small scale, and the covert action facility that we had, the radio, taped program, is being terminated by 30 June. So for all practical purposes, it is terminated now.Q The Miami Station is under official cover.A Yes.Q And it has been decreased to how many people?A Between 11 and 14.Q And it has absolutely no responsibilities with respect to Cuba?A Absolutely none.Q And its responsibilities are entirely directed to other Latin American countries?A To Caribbean countries.Q Caribbean countries. And I trust that there are other Agency stations in the Caribbean?A Yes.Q Well, I have no further questions, Mr. Sturbitts.If you have anything you would like to add you are welcome to do so.A No, I have nothing.Q I want to thank you on behalf of myself and the Commission for your cooperation.SECRETPhotocopy from Gerald Ford Library
[178-10002-10091.pdf — page 113]
SECRETWARD & PAUL410 First Street, S.E., Washington, D.C. 20003Phone (Area 202) 544-6000ch 181 A Sure.2 Q I am sorry we had to take so much of your time.3 A That is all right.4 Q Thank you again.5 (Whereupon, at 3:35 o'clock p.m., the taking of thedeposition was concluded.)Photocopy from Gerald Ford LibrarySECRETNW 50955 DocId:32204971 Page 114
[178-10002-10185.pdf — page 0]
2025 RELEASE UNDER THE PRESIDENT JOHN F. KENNEDY ASSASSINATION RECORDS ACT OF 1992JFK Assassination SystemIdentification FormDate: 8/27/201Agency InformationAGENCY: ROCKCOMRECORD NUMBER: 178-10002-10185RECORD SERIES : ASSASSINATION FILESAGENCY FILE NUMBER: A-I(G) CIA CORRES--ASSASSINATIONS (2)Document InformationORIGINATOR: CIAFROM: MURRAY, WILLIAM J.TO: INSPECTOR GENERALTITLE: QUESTIONABLE ACTIVITIESDATE: 01/17/1975PAGES: 2SUBJECTS: CLANDESTINE OPERATIONSANTI-CASTRO ACTIVITIESDOCUMENT TYPE: PAPER, TEXTUAL DOCUMENTCLASSIFICATION: UnclassifiedRESTRICTIONS: ConsultedCURRENT STATUS: RedactDATE OF LAST REVIEW: 11/03/1995OPENING CRITERIA :COMMENTS: Attachments: 1781000210186, 187, 188.
[178-10002-10185.pdf — page 1]
TOP SECRET178-10002-10185 1375-022417 January 1.975MEMORANDUM FOR: The Inspector GeneralVIA : Deputy Director for OperationsSUBJECT : Questionable Activities1.  In 1960 the writer developed and recruited Jose Raul Martinez    Nunez (201-281382), a Cuban national and a ranking Cubana Airline pilot.2.  Mr. Martinez requested an emergeres meeting on 18 July 1960 to    advise that he was the likely choice to pilot a chartered Cubana Airline    flight from Havana, Cuba to Pranie to pick up Raul Castro Ruz and his    official party. On 20 July Mr. Martinez reported that the flight to Prague    was scheduled for 21 July and that he would definitely pilot the aircraft.    Headquarters and appropriate field stations along the flight route were    advised of the flight schedule; requirements were requested.3.  On the morning of 21 July Headquarters sont a TOP SECRET RYBAT    OPERATIONAL MEDIATE cable (DIRECTOR 40923 OUT 98941, 21 July 1960) to    the Havana Station advising that "possible removal of top three leaders    is receiving serious consideration at Headquarters" and requested the    Station at its option to contact Mr. Martinez and determine his willinmess    to cooperate in arranging an accident during the return trip from Prague.    The cable said that Headquarters would be willing to offer a payment after    successful completion of $10,000.00 or a reasonable mount in excess of that.4.  Mr. James Hoel, COS Havana, instructed the writer to meet with Mr.    Martinez and make known our interests. The writer contacteri Mr. Martinez    and arranged an emergency meeting which took place in Mr. Martinez' personal    vehicle while driving to the airport. Mr. Martinez aid he would take a    calculated risk but limited the possibilities which could pass as an accident.    At one point Mr. Martinez asked for assurance that in event of his death    the U.S. Government would see that his two sons were given a College education.    This assurance was given orally. On returning to the Station the writer    was advised that an OPDM cable (DIECTOR 40965 OUT 99096, 21 July 1960) had    been received at the Station directing the Station to disregard the earlier    instructions.5.  Mr. Martinez was debriefed by the writer after his return from    Prague. He reported that he had no opportunity to arrange an accident such    as we had discussed prior to his departure. I do not recall telling Mr.    Martinez that the original instructions had been changed and I am inclined    to believe I made no reference to the new instructions which had been receivedTOP SECRETNW 50955 DocId: 32276339 Page 2
[178-10002-10185.pdf — page 2]
TOP SECRET- 2 -after Mr. Martinez' departure from Havana.6. Mr. Martinez defected in early December 1960. I saw him once in early 1961 in Miami, Florida where he had taken up residence. I do not know if any other Station officers were knowledgeable of this incident although it is probable that Mr. Arthur Avignon, DCOS (now retired and living in the Washington area) may have read the pertinent cables.![Signature of William J. Murray]William J. MurrayC/LA/NarcoticsAttached:(1) DIRECTOR 40923, 21 July 1960 TOP SECRET(2) DIRECTOR 40965, 21 July 1960 TOP SECRET(3) HAVA 5396 (IN 28071), 22 July 1960 SECRETTOP SECRETNW 50955 DocId:32276339 Page 3![photocopy from the Gerald R. Ford Library]
[178-10002-10215.pdf — page 0]
178-10002-102152025 RELEASE UNDER THE PRESIDENT JOHN F. KENNEDY ASSASSINATION RECORDS ACT OF 1992JFK Assassination SystemIdentification FormDate: 8/31/201Agency InformationAGENCY: ROCKCOMRECORD NUMBER: 178-10002-10215RECORD SERIES: ASSASSINATION FILESAGENCY FILE NUMBER: DEPOSITION OF (A CIA EMPLOYEE)Document InformationORIGINATOR: ROCKEFELLER COMMISSIONFROM:TO:TITLE:DATE: 04/16/1975PAGES: 8SUBJECTS:ANTI-CASTRO ACTIVITIESCIACLANDESTINE OPERATIONSCUBAN EXILESFITZGERALD, DESMONDSTURGIS, FRANKHUNT, E. HOWARDKENNEDY, ROBERT F.ORGANIZED CRIMEROSELLI, JOHNNYSTURBITTS, WILLIAMGIANCANA, SAMDOCUMENT TYPE: DEPOSITIONCLASSIFICATION: SecretRESTRICTIONS: 1A; 1B; 1CCURRENT STATUS: RedactDATE OF LAST REVIEW: 02/13/2001OPENING CRITERIA:COMMENTS: Selected pages from deposition. Full document is number 1781000210091.v9.1NW 50955 DocId:32275518 Page 1
[178-10002-10215.pdf — page 1]
## SECRET### CONTENTSDeposition of Examination by CounselFor the CommissionWilliam C. Sturbitts 2(AFTERNOON SESSION Page 58)William C. Sturbitts (Resumed) 58178-10002-10091178-10002-10215178-10002-10279Photocopy fromGerald Ford Library
[178-10002-10215.pdf — page 2]
# SECRETPRESIDENT'S COMMISSIONON CIA ACTIVITIESLangley, VirginiaWednesday, April 16, 1975Deposition of WILLIAM C. STURBITTS, called for examination by Counsel for the Commission on CIA Activities, the witness being duly sworn by Thomas C. Hogan, a Notary Public in and for the State of Virginia, in the offices of the Central Intelligence Agency, Langley, Virginia, at 9:50 o'clock a.m., on Wednesday, April 16, 1975, the proceedings being taken down in stenotype by Ruth G. McClenning, and transcribed under her direction.APPEARANCES:On behalf of the Commission:GEORGE MANFREDI, ESQ.,ROBERT B. OLSEN, ESQ.Photocopy from Gerald Ford Library
[178-10002-10215.pdf — page 3]
SECRET2Phone (Area 202) 544-60001PROCEEDINGS2Thereupon,3WILLIAM C. STURBITTS,4called as a witness by Counsel for the Commission on CIA5Activities, and having been first duly sworn by the Notary6Public, was examined and testified as follows:7EXAMINATION BY COUNSEL FOR THE COMMISSION8BY MR. MANFREDI:9Q Mr. Sturbitts, will you state your full name for the10record?11A William C. Sturbitts.12Q Mr. Sturbitts, do you recall when we spoke some13weeks ago you signed a document entitled, "Advice and14Waiver"?15A Right.16Q You understand that document is still in effect?17A Sure.18Q Mr. Sturbitts, by whom are you currently employed?19A You mean the Agency or --20Q That is right.21A Central Intelligence Agency.22Q And what is your current position with the Agency?23A I am a Special Assistant, Latin America, for24Economic Intelligence Collection and Operations.25Q And would you briefly review for me the history ofNW 50955 DocId: 32275518 Page 4SECRETPhotocopy fromGerald Ford Library
[178-10002-10215.pdf — page 4]
SECKET1 your employment with the Agency?2 A When I first came in I was in the IntelligenceDirectorate for approximately ten years and I was put on special4 detail, special indefinite detail, in the Deputy Director, Plans,5 which is now the Directorate of Operations.6 Q What year were you put on that detail?7 A I guess it was 1964, January, I believe.8 Q And what did that detail involve?9 A Cuban operations, economic warfare.10 Q And how long were you on that detail?11 A I was in the Cuban operations for nine years.12 Q Between 1964 and. 1973?13 A (Nods in affirmative.)14 Q And in 1973 did you assume your current position?15 A Yes, January.16 Q Now, while you were on special detail -- to the DOD?17 A Yes.18 Q Were you stationed in Washington?19 A Yes.20 Q And did you commute with some frequency to Miami?21 A Yes.22 Q Were your activities in Miami in any way connected23 with the operations of the Miami Station?24 A In some way. My responsibilities were worldwide.25 I took temporary duty predominantly in Europe, and then Miami.
[178-10002-10215.pdf — page 5]
# SECRET1 Most of my operations were run out of Europe.2 Q Run out of --3 A Europe. Some were run out of Miami but the big ones4 were run out of Europe.5 Q Well, in the course of your activities with respect6 to Cuba did you have occasion to become familiar with the7 operations of the Miami base?8 A Yes.9 Q And the situation in the Cuban community in Miami?10 A Yes, sir.11 Q During the nine years you were with DDO's Cuban12 operations, who was -- who were the chiefs of the Miami13 Station?14 A I think in 1963 Ted Shackley was the Chief and he15 was followed by -- I can't think of his name. I should know16 it. Well, I will come back to that.17 Then, the next Chief of Station was Paul Henze.18 Q What years was he Chief?19 A I think Paul was there about a year and a half. He20 left in 1968 when we reduced the size of the Station. Let's21 say Henze was there from 1966 to 1968. And then Jake Esterline.22 He was Chief of Station from 1968 to 1973.23 Q Now, what was the formal title of the group to which24 you were assigned for the 9-year period?25 A Well, when I first came in it was known as the# SECRETPhotocopy from Gerald Ford Library
[178-10002-10215.pdf — page 6]
# SECRET1 Special Activities Staff. It was headed by Desmond Fitzgerald.2 And then, I believe after that it became the Cuban Operations3 Group.4 Q Now, was this a special group within the DDO or was5 it attached to one of the area divisions?6 A No. Following the Bay of Pigs, they created a thing called Task Force W which was headed by Bill Harvey. And8 that -- when Harvey left, he went to *Chief of Station*, Rome,9 and Fitzgerald took over, it became Special Activities Staff.10 It wasn't attached to anything except -- it reported to the11 Deputy Director, Plans.12 Q And that was Mr. Karamessines?13 A Yes. Well, it was Helms at that time back when it14 was first created. Helms was DDP at that time.15 Q And Task Force W was created immediately after the16 Bay of Pigs?17 A Well, not immediately. I think sometime around -- in the Bay of Pigs was in April. I think this was created in19 September, something like that, 1961.20 Q And that subsequently became the Special Activities21 Staff?22 A Special Activities Staff and consequently became the23 Cuban Operations Group. As the Cuban Operations Group it went24 back into the Western Hemisphere Division.25 Q And what was the date of that reorganization?
[178-10002-10215.pdf — page 7]
1 A Well, let's see. I would say that was probably around 1965 because Fitzgerald then became Chief, W.H., and then2 later DDP.4 Q Now, Mr.Harvey -- do you recall what position Mr.5 Harvey held after he left Task Force W?6 A Yes. He was Chief of Station, Rome.7 Q And is he still with the Agency?8 A Oh, no. He retired a long time ago.9 Q Do you know where he lives at the present time?10 A Frankly, I don't. I have an idea where he lives.11 He went to work for a friend of mine who had a law firm.12 Harvey is a lawyer.13 Q Indianapolis area?14 A Yes, some place around there. It is in the midwest, Indiana.16 Q What was the role that was assigned to Task Force W?18 A It was the overall Cuban operations.19 Q Did the Miami -- when was the Miami Station established?21 A Well, I think they had a forward operatio-s base down there about 1960 which was small, in Coral Gables.23 Q This was, then, prior to the Bay of Pigs?24 A Oh, yes.25 Q Now, in addition to Task Force W, was the Miami
[178-10002-10215.pdf — page 8]
# SECRET1 Station running any operations against Cuba?2 A You mean prior to the Bay of Pigs?3 Q Yes.4 A I really don't know. It was a small -- it was a5 forward base and it was more or less as I recall, a support type6 thing.7 Q Well, after the Bay of Pigs when Task Force W was8 established, did it have sole responsibility for Cuban9 operations?10 A Yes.11 Q Or was that shared with the Miami base, Miami12 Station?13 A No. The Miami Station was under Task Force W.14 Q All right. Would that also be true of the Special15 Activities Staff, the Cuban Operations Group?16 A Right, except that at the present time the Station17 has no Cuban operations.18 Q I understand that. When were Cuban operations termi-19 nated?20 A At the Station? Let's see. Sternfield went down21 there in 1972. It was during fiscal year '72. I think it was22 in early 1973. It was a gradual reduction.23 Q And have those operations been terminated entirely24 or are they now run out of the Washington area?25 A All Cuban operations are run out of Washington.SECRET> Photocopy from> Gerald Ford Library
[178-10002-10215.pdf — page 9]
SECRET1 There are no more paramilitary operations, that type of thing.2 Q But there are some Cuban operations being run out of the Washington area?4 A Right.5 Q Is that correct?6 A Right. Worldwide.7 Q Mr.Sturbitts, in the last couple of weeks you may8 have seen some allegations in the press about possible assassina-9 tion attempts that have been mounted or alleged assassination10 attempts that have been mounted --11 A Right.12 Q -- against Fidel Castro. In the course of your13 activities with respect to Cuba, did you ever learn of any such14 attempts?15 A Well, let me answer it this way. I wouldn't say16 attempts. I know there was discussion. "Attempts" is too17 strong a word.18 Q Well, can you place in time your first knowledge of19 any such discussions?20 A Well, the first knowledge I had of any discussions,21 I was on TDY and this was October, November, 1963, with Fitzgerald22 in Paris. And I knew that he was going to meet -- let me put23 it another way. I had overheard that discussions were going on24 with a member of Castro's military but that he wanted, as25 I recall, he wanted some British -- I mean Belgian rifles andSECRET> [Figure] Photocopy from Gerald Ford Library
[178-10002-10215.pdf — page 10]
1 a telescopic sight.2 Q Who wanted them?3 A This military guy that was in Fidel's -- I think4 at one time he was a commandante. Now, I knew that was going5 on. I didn't participate in it because I was there for another6 reason. And I know that subsequent to that time that Fitzgerald7 met with him again and as I recall, as the personal representa-8 tive of the Attorney General, Bobby Kennedy.9 I provided all those files. There are 19 volumes that10 we gave to your people. But I don't know who was reviewing11 them. I think Belin was going to do it himself.12 Q Yes. He is. He is doing it himself.13 You said there were 19 volumes of documents with14 respect to this.15 A 19 files, manila.16 Q All having to do with possible assassination?17 A All having to do with this whole time period and --18 can we go off the record for a minute?19 (Discussion off the record.)20 BY MR. MANFREDI:21 Q The first knowledge of such conversations that you22 had, I take it you obtained on a trip to Europe with Mr.23 Fitzgerald?24 A I simply overheard it, that is right.25 Q And who were the parties to the conversation you over-![photo of photocopy from Gerald Ford Library]
[178-10002-10215.pdf — page 11]
1 heard?2 A A fellow named Nestor Sanchez.3 Q And Mr. Fitzgerald?4 A Yes, and I really can't recall some of the otherpeople. We were -- we had just moved the Station at that time,in Paris, out of the Embassy into the old Rothschild Palaceand we felt that it was probably bugged, so all conversationstook place -- we walked around the garden and tyat type ofthing, and, you know, I was walking with somebody, somebodywas in front of me, and you just overhear conversations.11 Q This was in Paris?12 A Yes.13 Q I see.14 Mr. Sanchez -- was he a member of the military?15 A No. Mr. Sanchez was in the Special Activities Staff.16 He was stationed in Washington. And he was in contact withCuban military-type.18 Q Was it your understanding that the Agency had receivedinstructions with respect to this activity from anothercomponent of the Government?21 A Well, let me put it this way. I don't know whetherthey received instructions. I have to assume, and I am prettypositive, that this was a result of a Special Group decision.And at this time you have to remember that Bobby Kennedy wasoverseeing this deal, presumably for his brother, and he was
[178-10002-10215.pdf — page 12]
SECRET1 part of that Special Group. He called the meetings, he presided,2 he did a number of things.3 Q Were there any other occasions that you can recall4 in which the possibility or the subject of assassination of5 Fidel Castro was discussed?6 A No, not really.7 Q You referred to this as the first occasion.8 A This is the first --9 Q Was there a second?10 A -- the first time I knew about it or even heard itdiscussed.12 Q Well, prior to the investigation that is currently13 underway -- I am referring now to our Commission's investigation14 -- were there any other occasions in which this subject came15 to your attention after this discussion in the garden in16 Paris?17 A The only other thing that came to my attention was18 that the decision was made not to provide him with this sight19 that he wanted. Whether that is right or wrong, I don't know,20 but that is what I was told.21 Q When did you learn that?22 A Oh, I would assume in -- must have been early 1964,23 around February, something like that.24 Q Off the record.25 (Discussion off the record.)
[178-10002-10215.pdf — page 13]
MR. MANFREDI: On the record.BY MR. MANFREDI:Q Mr. Sturbitts, are you familiar with a gentleman by the name of Frank Sturgis?A Indeed.Q Is your familiarity based on what you have read in the press?A No. It is what is contained in the files.Q Have you caused a search to be made of CIA files, particularly the files of the Western Hemisphere Division, in an attempt to determine whether Mr. Sturgis ever had any connection with the Agency?A I have.Q What were the results of that search?A Absolutely no connection, never has been.Q When we talk about connection, are we talking about an employment relationship?A That is what I am speaking of.Q Was Mr.Sturgis ever an independent contractor of the Agency?A No.Q Was he ever a contract employee?A No.Q Was he ever a regular employee of the Agency?A No.
[178-10002-10215.pdf — page 14]
# SECRETQ Was he ever hired to do any piecework for the Agency?A Not to my knowledge.Q Do you know whether or not Mr. Sturgis ever participated in any type of paramilitary or other operation against Cuba?A On his own behalf he did, not on behalf of this Agency.Q How did you learn of those operations?A Through the newspaper. And through FBI reports.Q Now, are these recent FBI reports?A Oh, no. These go back -- I know at one time, the thing that comes to mind, I think he made a leaflet drop over Cuba and this was subsequently reported in the press and by the Bureau office in Miami.Q Do you know who financed his activities?A I have no idea.Q Is it possible that Mr. Sturgis' activities were indirectly financed by the Agency through --A I don't see how. Frank Sturgis is a soldier of fortune: has been. He has constantly tried to associate himself with the Agency. When I went through his file they wanted me to classify the file and the way I classified it was "don't destroy it, he is an intelligence nuisance."Q Off the record.Photocopy from Gerald Ford Library
[178-10002-10215.pdf — page 15]
## SECRET14(Discussion off the record.)MR. MANFREDI: On the record.BY MR. MANFREDI:Q Have you caused the Agency records with respect to Mrl. Sturgis to be assembled in any one location?A Yes. Ihave custody of them.Q And what is the volume of that material?A As I recall, there are five volumes. Your Committee called for them the other day after the article in the paper, I guess it was last Saturday. They called for them Monday and they returned them Monday afternoon.Q Do you know who examined those files?A No, I don't.Q You indicated a moment ago that Mr. Sturgis contacts the DCD office in Miami with some frequency, is that correct?A Well, not great frequency but he does with tidbits of so-called information.Q Is this information limited to narcotics, alleged narcotics traffic?A Recently it has been.Q Has Mr. Sturgis been encouraged by the DCD office in Miami?A Mr. Sturgis has been told by the DCD office in Miami to take his information to the Drug Enforcement Agency or the FBI.Photocopy from Gerald Ford Library
[178-10002-10215.pdf — page 16]
SECRETQ Do you know whether or not they consider him an established contact?A No manner.Q Do they have any -- do they periodically seek to collect information from Mr. Sturgis?A I can't speak to that but the records that we have don't reflect anything like that. Before they would contact somebody in that context, knowing that there is a 201 file on Sturgis, they would have to coordinate with the Latin American Division before they did anything since we do hold the file.Q Would you briefly explain what a 201 file is?A A 201 file is a personnel file. It consists of any information relating to an individual appearing in the press as a result of other agency reporting and that type of thing..Q Personnel or personality file?A Personality file, I should say. Excuse me.Q Do you know whether or not there is any connection or relationship between Eugenio Martinez and Mr. Sturgis?A Well, I will say this. Obviously, they do know each other. They have to know each other from their days in Cuba.Q Do you know whether or not Mr. Sturgis ever participated with Martinez in raids against Cuba?A No. As I recall, we employed Martinez around 1961.SECRETPhotocopy from Gerald Ford Library
[178-10002-10215.pdf — page 17]
SECRET 161 I guess, and he was in our maritime activities. He was a2 boat captain eventually. And he did participate in infiltrations3 and exfiltrations and perhaps one or two raids, hit and run,4 sabotage-type actions against Cuba. Sturgis never engaged in5 any of these things. He never did it for us nor did he ever6 do it on any of our boats, planes, or -- anything that belongs7 to the Agency.8 Q When Martinez would run such an operation or captain9 a boat on such an operation, would he be charged with putting10 together his own crew?11 A No. He had an assigned crew and every boat had a12 Case Officer operating either out of the -- probably out of13 the Miami Station. Sometimes I would assume that we did have14 some people in the Key West base. But he, Martinez, would receive15 his instructions and briefings from his Case Officer.16 Q So it is likely that he could have brought Sturgis17 along on any of these operations?18 A Absolutely unlikely. Oh, the guy whose name I was19 trying to think of, Chief of Station, John Dimmer.20 Q And that would be for a period of time between21 Shackley and Henze?22 A Yes.23 Q 1964 to 1966?24 A Something like that.25 Q Would you describe briefly for me the nature of theSECRETPhotocopy fromGerald Ford Library