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2025 RELEASE UNDER THE PRESIDENT JOHN F. KENNEDY ASSASSINATION RECORDS ACT OF 1992
DRAFT
RETURN TO CIA
Background Use Only
Do Not Reproduce
2 February 196"
MEMORANDUM FOR THE RECORD:
SUBJECT: Debriefing of Edward G. Tichborn (P)
1. Edward G.Tichborn(P) arrived in Washington from his trip to Cuba during
the night of 31 January 1960/. He was debriefed at the Hotel Statler from about
1000 to 1530 hours on 1 February. Those present at the debriefing were Messrs.
03 (Phil Toomey) and Charles Penney from WH Division, Mr. Alexander Hunter) PP/EAD, and
the Undersigned. This debriefing was very interesting and resulted in a good
deal of pertinent information. The three and a half reels of tape derived fxxx
therefrom are now being transcribed by this office. Some of the more salient
points are noted below.
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2. Some of the operational information and suggestions offered by Tichborn
are the following:
a. There appears to be little chance of a coalition of the opposition
groups at this time or in the near future since they are not well organized
and each group would want to be the leader of such an effort. Also,
according to the muabers of the opposition to whom Tichborn talked, it is
the general consensus of opinion that Fidel Castro is in no danger of loosing
his grip or the devotion of his followersx for some time to come.
b. Fidel Castro seems to become most at upset and almost paniced by
defections. Possessing a "Messiah-type complex" he cannot bear the thought
of someone leaving the fold. Rather than to let such defections pass on
unnoticed, he feels compelled to give reasons and make excuses. This then
blows the matter up perhaps out of proportion and quickly becomes a matter
of public knowledge. Tichborn feels that the inducement of defections could
perhaps have more effect on Castro than any other single, rational action we
might undertake.
c. There appears to be a relatively long-standing schism between the
brothers Fidel and Raoul Castro. Raoul is the mone cold individual. As an
example, Fidel once ordered some 400 prisoners to be returned safely to their
homes, but Racul had a number of them killed. The general feeling in Cuba is
that Fidel is not a Communist, but that Raoul is undoubtedly at least a
fellow-traveller. Developing or exploiting this schism could therefore, be
operationally advantageous. (The fact that they are brothers would probably
have little effect on Fidel who has already reduced xixxat the land holdings
of his mother and another brother in conformity with the agrarian reform
program and who jailed his sister, and fired a Minister, over a shake-down
on an insurance deal.)
3. Of special operational interest ware several individuals Tichborn
mentioned who might have some influence on Fidel Castro and hence might be of
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operational interest. They are:
a. Pather (Padre) Alberto de Castro: he is a Jesuit priest presently
located in Caracas, Venezuela, who had been a teacher of Fidel Castro during
his youth. Castro was in Venezuela and saw Father de Castro there during
which time the latter criticized Fidel for some of his actions. In spite of
the fast that this remonstration occured in front of some of Fidel's men,
and they later the latter treated him with great respect. It was felt by Tichborn's source
chatted alone of this information, and by Tishborn, that Father de Castro undoubted
for an hour. has some influence over Castro. Tichborn suggested that it would be of value to
determine whether or not Fidel has any regular contact with Father de Castro
and if so, what operational potential he might have.
b. Herb Mathews: he is a journalist with the F.Y,Times and was the only
American newspaperman covering the Castro story prior to his final success.
While Tichborn was in Cuba, a front page article appeared in Revolucion
(the regime's press spokesman) on Mathews. It was a sort of editorial and
praised Mathews as a "real man" and one who understood the revolution and
its aims. Tichborn feels that it might be to our advantage to get into
contact with Mathews since he appears to have the confidence of the
administration.
José
c. Professor, Rosco: Subject is on the faculty of the Universidad de
Villanueva and is a contemporary of Fidel Castro. They were classmates and
both were debators although according to Rosco, Castro did not make the
Debating Society of which he (Rosco) was the presidentOnce after the
revolution, Rosco attended a sppech Castro made and after the oration, the
latter asked Rosco what he thought of it. Upon hearing some criticism, he wanted
to know how it could have been improved. Since Castro was leaving for
Venezuela and the United States he asked Rosco to accompany him in order that
they could discuss the matter further. Tichborn feels that Rosco (a member of
the opposition) max probably has more influence on Castro than Rosco realizes
and that this possibility would be worth looking into.
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d. Edward R.Murrow: he produced a TV program on Castro and Tichborn feels
that he might have established a rapport with Castro during this period.
4. One of the contacts Tichborn made in Cuba (the Director of Tourism) asked
him if he knew of anyone who would be interested in coming to Cuba on an all-expenses-
paid visit in order to write articles (or other similar propaganda) on present day
Cuba. Tichborn mentioned Clete Roberts, a popular radio and TV commentator in Los
Angeles as a possible candidate. (Tichborn also discussed this matter with Horace
W. Davis.) Tichborn will mention this possibility to Roberts upon his return to
California.
5. While in Cuba, Tichborn accidently met a young lady who later revealed to
him that she was "an agent for the State Department". He felt that this was a
security matter and that it should be brought to our attention for that purpose.
MrToomey did not recognize the name; it is being further checked out with WH
Division. The incident and the details will be made the subject of a separate
memorandum for CI Staff.
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6. On the administrative side, Tichborn will forward by mall his
financial accounting, one copy to the cover company and the other to Henry
_M. Darkin(P). The cover letter which was provided him thr the event that
he came to the attention of the Cuban authorities was returned to us and is
now in his fila. (There was no necessity for its use.) Tichborn inquired as to
the possibility of receiving reimbursement for medical exponses which will
undoubtedly be incurred upon his return to California due to a possible hernia
which developed in New York on his return trip on route to Washington. This is
being checked out by this office. Tichborn departed for Los Angeles (having been
taken to Freindship International Airport by "onry de Darkin) at about 1800
hours on 1 February 1960.
Evalena S. Vidal