480-10410-10118 AGENCY : RECORD NUMBER : RECORD SERIES : AGENCY FILE NUMBER : ORIGINATOR : FROM: TO: TITLE: DATE: PAGES: SUBJECTS : DOCUMENT TYPE: CLASSIFICATION : RESTRICTIONS : CURRENT STATUS : DATE OF LAST REVIEW: OPENING CRITERIA : COMMENTS : v9] HY 50955 Bocld: 322763545273 JFK Assassination System Identification Form Agency Information HSCA 180-10110-10118 SECURITY CLASSIFIED FILES 147-JFK Document Information ’ HSCA DOCUMENTS LIST 00/00/0000 13 FBI, ADMINISTRATION CIA, ADMINISTRATION LIST Unclassified Consulted Withhold 08/16/1993 Box 5. Page i Date: 10/21/20
HW 450955 Paulino Sierra Martinez Notes P. Orr 2 volumes - Main file and references File #105-121010 Section 1, Serials 1-35 * from back toward News article "Gamblers Pop Out of Exile Grab bag" 5/19/63 Miami News, Miami re: offer of $30 million by Chicago gamblers Report of FBI of departure 195-121010 from Railton Airport, Toronto to Chicago, Ill. on January 8, 1963 for Paultan Sierra Martinez Admitted under Section 0-1 Imm. Perm. Residence. To residence at 4144 N. Clarendon Avenue, Chicago 13, Ill. Employed by Union Tank Car Co., Chicago, Ill. : Traveling done 6'3", brown hair, brown eyes CIA biographical data 11 Feb. 1963 Gives education, employment, residence CIA CS DB - 3/654,388 30 April 63 Confidential Report’.of info re: Sierra 30 April 1963 Source: Radio technician (F) formerly associated with Cuban Ministry of Communications Appraisal: 3 March 29, 1963. Sierra claimed he represented group of Americans in Chicago with financial interests in L.A. interested in combining their effort with those of Cuban exiles to overthrow Castro regime with or without U.S. “} government approval. Sierra contacted Eusebio Lujal Barniol . of CTC and Gen. Campos Marquetti of Arianza pata la Liberfad de Cuba . At meeting on March 30 Campo indicated the Lawyers Corp. and the American Bankers would put up about 55 million dollars. Sierra said American financial interests would participate on conditiaen that there was a true unity of the majority of Cuban groups in exile. For military planning © he claimed he had assistance of two general (cne who had participated in Normady invasion, the other in a "disen- barkation" in Korea). Also 4 admirals:and 4 rear admirals all who had served with U.S. forces, willing to arrange for arms and establishment of training bases in a L.A. country. BDoclda: 327635273 Page 2?
HW 450955 _ CTIA Report [ -~ 2 =_ March 30 - Sierra said he had meeting with owner of King Ranch, who had a personal message for Sierra, from a L.A. president indicating this:.country would permit esta- blishment of base. April 2 - Sierra to travel to P.R. through N.Y. 7 May 1963 Re: Sierra Source: Cuban lawyer; rightist Cuban exile and rightist Latin American.exile May 6, 1963 MPR received invitation from Paulino A. Sierra to discuss military unification. (Sierra reportedly had been employed by Carlos Saladrigas, minister under Batista who had unsavory reputation) May 2, 1963 meeting - Sierra presented a Mr. Trull (or Turull) as guest speaker, also representing Chicago group willing to Lend assistance to extent of $30 million dollars, with necessary obligation that Cubans form unity group represent- ing a majority of the exiles. . One of the promoters for meeting was George Franci,,.a Haitian national, previously involved in ‘gambling interests in - ON Havana. Francis said Turull represented such companies as Standard Oil, Sears and Roebuck, Union Carbide. Reportedly Guatemalan government favorably disposed to lend a in fight against Castro. 105-121010-2 6/14/63 Third information deléted. William H. Trull told agents (unidentified which) he became identified as friend-of Cubans as result of having per- formed as entertainer for Cuban groups in Chicago, con- tacted by Sierra in March 63. (Remainder unavailable) 105-121010-3 5/25/63 Teletype to Director from SAC, Chicago re: Sierra Trull advised he is formerly an entertainer. Sierra wired tickets to Trull from Miami. Trull flew May 1, registered at Ponce de Leon Hotel and was asked by Sierra to speak to Prio and (FNA) Mujal, former Cuban labor leader and say he represented wealthy American interests who had business propositions for Cuban people if they could unify with Prio as President and Sierra’as Secretary. Trull did as requested. Also reiterated same to group at hotel. Sierra..told Trull he knew Trull could not influence financial backing but that he did not need same since he had commit— ment from syndicate of hoodlums with interest in gambling _Docld: 32263523 Page 3
-3- casinos in Cuba and.operate them. Loan of $14 million to be paid by Sierra's group to Cleveland group. tp Memo 105-121010-3 to AG from director. “ Sierra claimed Trull made original appréach to Sierra. Trull. allegedly told Sierra that people Trull represented . ‘.would be interested in loaning up to $30 million on bus, pro- HW 450955 position. Sierra then made arrangement~ for Trull to go to Miami. CIA | 19 June 1963 re: Carlos Prio Prio spoke with Sierra at request of Santiago Babun Prio met with Seeretary Genreal of DRC, Luis Fernandez-Rocha Rodriquez, seeking support for Eloy Gutierrez Menoyo, whom he has been helping since Gutierrez arrived in the U.S. Prio intends to form a junta which would include: Manuel Antonio de Varona of CRC; "Pepin" Bosch ~ Bishop Eduardo Boza Masvidal, who represents the industrias and whom Prio named a treasurer; Guillermo Alonso Pujol and Jose Manuel Cortina to direct relations with governments of free world; Carlos Marquez Sterling - to represent followers of Batista Manuel Artime Buesa and Jose Fernandez-Rocha to represent combat youths; Enrique Jose Ruiz - Williams, to serve as liaison with repre- sentatives of the U.S. government. LHM, Santiago Alvarez Rodriguez — Anti-Fidel Castro activities IS-Cuba, Miami June. 3, 1963 Alvarez, formerly MD?and Senator in Cuba, associated with Comandos L, knew Sierra in Cuba, as Secretary to Alvarez in political work. Sierra worked for Cuban rayon manufacturing company and expert in manufacture of synthetic fibers. Called by Sierra - introduced by American at airport (pre- sumably Trull) who explained business deal. Alvarez thought plan a waste of time, American man contradictory, vague about plan. Sierra honest and sincere but gullible- Memo to Director from SAC, Chicago 6/26/63 re Sierra In view situation appears to be "con job" by Sierra and Trull to unify Cuban exiles and in view doesn't appear there is any hoodlum influence in situation, no further investigation to be conducted by Chicago office Doctld: 32263523 Page 4
HY 0955 - 4 - LHM from Chicago, Ju . 26/63 re Paulino Sierra Martinez Resided in Havana 1925-1960 Then went to Miami as translator and Judo instructor until 1962 when he came. to Chicago. Speaks, reads, writes English, Italian, French, Spanish. Previously in U.S. in 1948 in Ohio as student with Ind. Rayon Corporation Brother - Jose Martinez Israel Martinez Advised he arrived in Chicago from Spain January 28, 1963 on U.S. passport Resided in Miami in 1960 Flected to American Bar Association on 2/7/63. Admitted to Illinois Bar 1962, sponsored by William Browder, Union Tank: Car Co. Sierra said Trull called him who said he saw him in March 10th issue of CHICAGO TRIBUNE. When Sierra asked about identify of individual represented by Trull, Trull talked vagtely about owner of King Ranch in Cuba, General Wood Jarvis - Millionaire in Texas. Now is concerned Trull involved with "impure" financial sources. About which Sierra is concerned. Trull story different: called by Sierra - met with him several times in April. Began to talk about Cuban situa-~ tion. Did not claim personal acquaintance but mentioned he knew Chicago stock broker, Buddy Arvez; Gen. Wood of Sears, Roebuck and Co., and Cleberg of King Ranch whom he thought lost money after overthrow of Batista. Sierra sent for. Trull to Miami and asked Trull to speak to Prio and and group of Cubans. Trull said Sierra told him he didn't need financial influence of Trull inasmuch as a representative of Las Vegas gambling interests contacted Sierra offering backing of $14 million for 50% interest in gambling in Cuba if Sierra ablé to organize successful ouster of Castro. Trull said he asked Sierra whether that was the Cleveland group which controlled gambling casinos in Las Vegas and that he may have mentioned name Bo Dalitz, but he doesn't recall Sierra's response. DOB-10/19/29, Dallas, Texas. Encyclopedia Salesman. 5'9", 185 lbs., brown hair. Feels he was used as "actor" by Sierra to unify Cuban group and gain position of power for Sierra. 105-1021010-7 Memo 5/15/63 to Belmont from Evans re Sierra BDoctlda: 3227635273 Page 5
105-1021010-9 Teletype from SAC Miami . Information (gg eq. ~ as informant and indent. data ‘, 5/20/63 to pivs4'. sierra 105-121010-10 5/20/63. teletype to Director from SAC Chicago re Sierra CRecords INS, CC show appreciation for immigrant visa and _ alien registration Jan 7,51983 granted when Sierra returned to U.S. following 6 month business trip for Union Tank Car Company in Spain.) Brother Jose lives in P.R., Israel lives in Tampa, Fla. Arrested 12/5/60 by INS for violation immigration laws. Letter to INS, copy to FBI, shows Sierra secret 12/2/63 Miami LHO re: Junta de Gobierno de Cuba ewel Exilto IS-Cuba Employed by Jesus Soto, a "Communist" and head of "CTC" in Cuba cIa| |17 May '63 Re discussion of meeting with Sierra by members of ALC, oa and Jsto del Pozo. Pessimistic re negotiations. ‘Say Sierra trying to sell same deal to Comandos L, Alpha 66 and Montearis* the “action groups" CIA | 5 July 63 Main File 1052-121010..Section 1 Serials -1-35 Memo to Dir. from SAC Chicago 3/3/77. - 35 Sierra received envelope from "Zero organization" Message: “Notice: Cuba is not to be betrayed with impunity." Considered threat - called FBI Sierra interested re 1963 activities. Sierra refused to answer many questions. Sierra said he personally gave money to various anti-Castro groups to be used for training and equipment. Donations | were not documented. Would not say where he obtained funds. He said he had misled Cuban community to believe he had $30,000,000 at his disposal but "he had a private financial group that could possibly have had $30,000,000 at his diz sposal." Visited Miami 2/18/77-andtalked with Felipe Rivero, General Cabrera, and Carlos Rodriguez. Quesada. | aw 50955 Doctld:322763523 Page 6
HW 450955 3, early October. Memo to SAC, Miami from Dir, B 8/27/65 -34 re Paulino Sierra Report from{Guat. Embassy, port-auPrinceyJiiaiti advised [$ Cuban lawyer Sierra who resides in Onat. had asked for interview with Duvalier. Sierra ‘wants to establish fishing company in Haiti to be used as screen for ops. ag. Cuba LM M, CONFID. 7-28-64 Miami Fl. Re Legion Baragua IS-Cuba NM Sierra - "was a fraud, psychotic and unreliable." Com- pletely discredited by Cuban exiles in Miami. Report 2/25/64 Miami, Robert James Dwyer re: Sierra - IS Manuel'Locano Pino advised 1/15/64 wehat Sierra abandoned all efforts establish unity and cmilitary action and returned to Chicago INS records reflect Sierra came to U.S. 11/6/60 Claimed to be member of Cuban Army 1931-32. Clerk of Havana District Court of Appeals, 1934-48; instructor of personnel for Cuban Rayon Corporation 1948-53 June 1963 Gilberto Rodriguez Fernandez and others visited William Browder and J.W. Van <Gorkom , President, of Union Tank Car Co. re: Cuban government in exile. Stated that if Committee established government in exile, perhaps”: they could get US government support and financing from other sources. See Notes - third LHM - 11/1/63 Miami re SNFE Menoyo contacted by Diego Medina of Chicago SNFE re getting "equipment." Medina had been talking to person named "Cardoso" in Chicago, connected with Dr. Sierra. Jose Cardoso accompanied by Sierra,on trip to Detroit about Oct. 1 where Sierra purchased $6000.00 to $7000.00 worth | of arms, which Sierra in process of bringing to Miami in Doclda: 322763523 Page 7
HW 50955 10/30/63 Information received that SNFE has plans for operation on Oriente from base in Dominican Rep. Arrange- ments made by Menoyo and Abel Camacho in Key West. Plan is for action against bridge.” Plan worked out by Veciana and engineer who designed bridge. LHM 9/23/63 Re Sierra | p. 4. 9/12/63 Sierra told Miguel A. "Cuco" Leon, colleague of Manuel Artime Bues@x#, during visit to Nicaragua in late July:1963 that he represented U.S. gambling in- terests provided Sierra's group got gambling concessions in See notes~ Misc. Ref. Memo to Dir. from SAC, Miami 12/10/63 re: Americanism.Educational League, L-A., Calif. P.O. Box 90593 Airport Station, LA 9, Calif. OR8-1641 Syn: Apparently has no connection to Sierra. 2/63. Meeting in Chicago with Sierra, Armando Gomez de Molina (Brother in law of Baldomero Merito Acosta and person who happened to meet Sierra, heard he wanted to unify Cuban groups, and organized meeting with American league.) of AEL Bert B. Mold, Dr. John R. Lechner and Acosta. Gave Sierra advice to try to unify groups then he may be able to get government assistance. In March Sierra gave speech at Royalton Hotel, Miami, claiming backing of AEL. Acosta challenged statement. Sierra said he didn't need their help; he had funds from other source. LHM 10-30-63 Miami re AEL, LA, Calif. Sierra interviewed 9/12/63. When in Miami reachable through cousin Alberto Diaz, 3396 N. 14th Avenue, Hialeah, Fl. LHM Miami 11/14/63 re: INTERPEN Lauchli said he was visited recently by Paulino Sierra who heads JGCE and wanted purchase:.arms from Lujachli. ~ LHM Miami 2/28/64 re:JGCE Group organization to establish political and military unity among Cuban exiles to eventually overthrow Cuban govern- ment. However, individuals and groups more interested in $ than in carrying war of liberation to Cuba. Causing: group to fail. Aldo Vera Serafin, of American Patriotic Action Movement, said JGCE inactive. Boclda: 322763523 Page @
Sierra CIA | ' 5/27/64 3 pages SECRET NO-Serial cra | 2 3/17/64 2 pages Conf. No serial CIA Le eon — | 1l Dec. 63 1 pa . No serial Re: Termination of Sierra's Cuban exile activity on behalf of American financial interests. Report that Sierra, accompanied by Armando Fléites, was sum- moned to Chicago in early November by an attorney “repre- senting financial interests which had pledged support for liberating Cuba" and was accused of throwing away $50,000; wasting time and effort, expounding policies inconsistent with those of U.S. Government. Sierra given no opportunity to explain. Began wind up affairs. Told to hand over all monies, supplies and equipment to alliance of SNEE, MRP, Alpha 6. CIA | conr. lil Dec. 63 2 pg. 28 Information from Sierra - returned to Miami. from Chicago with instructions from his patrons to coordinate plans for war against Castro. Sierra to travel to S. America. FBI-LHM 11/2/63 Miami JGCS INS application dated 1/6/63 (Arrival date) 6 month business trip to Spain 3/10/63 Chicago Tribune published photo and article describ- ing Sierra as "coordinator" of exiles in favor of Cuban liberation. p. 16 - Rodriguez Auesada met with Sierra @14-2 months pre- viously (before 8/8/63) to discuss financing military action. p. 29-30 Sierra gave money to Tony Cuesta ($1000.00) at home of Alvarez Rodriguez in presence of Hemming. 8/9/63 Cuesta used it to buy guns from Lauchli. Sierra also visited Lauchli in Collinsville. Sierra requested Steve Wilson deliver arms; 3 weeks previously offered Joe Garrman $11,000 for raid of Oriente Province. | Hw SO955 Bacld: 32263523 Page 9
HY 0955 p. 33 Members according to Sierra: FelYe Rivero Diaz Albert Garrido Carlos Rodriguez Quessada Carlos Nenezg Jose I. Rivero Jose M. Gutierrez p. 35 Aldo Vera Serafin said Sierra gave him $900 for repairs on boat. p.- 37. Gilbert Rodriguez aka Conde "Leon" claims he brought action groups into Sierra's organization. Released from Cuban prison April 1963. (Imprisoned 8/61) in prisoner exchange. Expelled. from Sierra's group because of suspicions he was G-2 agent. p- 41. Said Felipe Rivero and Sierra traveled to NY, Chicago, St. Louis, Washington, D.C and somewhere collected $40,000. Committee upset about lack of leadership; Sierra went into hiding for time. p. 43. Said Sierra has had to buy support of action groups such as Vera Serafin and Manuel Aguilar. Aguilar unknown; ° Serafin collects money; does nothing. CTA | 14 Nov. 63 3 pgs. confidentia no serial Approximate::; expenditures by Sierra. $11,390 plus personal expenses. Made pact with Alpha 66 - SNFE-MRP Locano Pino resigns. CAT | [] 11/22/63 L-page confidential Group intends to sue U.S. agents for seizure of "Pitusa lL" as it was being transported by trailer to Key West by Dennis Lynn Harber, 22 NW 8th Avenue, Aprt. 5, Miami cra | | 11/4/63 1 page CONF. . Report re: 2 man sub owned by Sierra. In house of Jesus Rodriguez INS A 12 537 895 (INV-CIN) 10/8/63 1 page Bocld: 322763523 Page i160
_ 50955 cia | | 11/6/63 4 pages cont. no serial Tomas Cabanas Batista offered Command of Sierra's military forces August: 1963 CIA 11/7/63 1 page secret no serial June 1963 Sierra visiting Bogota, Columbia. Appreached 2 Castro for support in plan for anti- Castro activity. CIA ]10/31/63 1-page CONF, | Re: boats for Sierra's group (3) - Manuel Augnilar Alvarez has Pitusa 1, Jose Pepe Couz has outboard; Jesus Rodriguez has 2-man sub {Rodriguez assoc. with Serafin) cIA | | 10/8/63 2 page CONF CIA | 10/16/63 3 page CONF 23 2 man sub ordered from Calférnia arrived 10/9/63 and in ga- rage of Manuel Aguilar's home. Also storing: boat trying to get Columbian Island off Nicaragua:for base of operations. CAI 115 Oct 63 3 pages CONF. 22 Organization raid on ESSO refinery. to use Serafin's boat as mother ship. State Department Cablegram CCA/M A-6 9/17/63 3 pages Secret CIA | 12 Sept. 63 3 pages conf. -17 ' Miguel Leon talked to Sierra in Nicaragua in late July 1963 CIA | 9/13/63 2 pages CONF. No serial Boclda:322763523 Page il
HW 50955 - 1l1- Gilberto Rodriguez said: Meeting 8/20/63 to discuss conduct of Sierra. Leading to chaos and anarchy. Decided to report to Sierra's backers in Chicago. Rodriguez Quesada called Vanderbilt (FNU) who was not in, Rodriguez Fernandez called Dillon Braden and explained Sierra's activities. Jose Bosch Lamargue asked by Committee replace Sierra. Braden to locate Sierra withdrawl of suh.”. CIA | | 7/5/63 4 pages secret No serial Mid-June 1963 unidentified American representing American Education League of L.A., Calfironia approached Sierraz with offer from group firms offering unlimited financial support. (Baldomero "Merito" Acosta, director of American Education League, reportedly contacting groups in June 1963 offering unlimited finances if Cubans unite.) Sierra and Committee to travel to Washington, NYC, Chicago to discuss with backers. Met with officials of following firms - United Fruit, ESS, Standard Oil, Dupont, AT&T, U.S. Stell and others. Group given $650,000 which was deposited’ in Miami Bank Sierra and River then departed for Nicaragua (June) to dis- cuss with Somoca plans for base. CIA Intel. Info Cable 5/13/64 2 pages CONF. ; 105-114543-128 "Poss. that JURE will not accomplish any military action inside Cuba by May 1964." CIA info. report 10-28-63 1 page CONF 105-124049-not megorded "Attempt of Jose Carogol to join Paulino Siétra's Anti- Castro group." CIA Info. Report 9/27/63 1 page CONF. "Recruitment of Eduardo Mor Ruiz for Sabotage Missions in Cuba." ~ 049 not recorded Boclda: 322763523 Page i?
- 12 - CIA Info. Report 8/22/63 2 pages CONF. "Creation of Junta del Gobierno de Cuba en el Exilio," 105-124042 - not recorded CIA info. report 4/21/64 2 pages Secret 113-7-210-3B4 "Surfacing of an unidentified small sub off Cayo Largo, Las Villas Province." CIA 5/9/63 2 pages CONF. 105-95357-201 CIA telegram 5/22/63 3 pages CONF 109-584-3592 CIA 4/30/63, 3 pages CONF. 109-584. 4% 249 Department of State 6/24/64 3 pages CONF. 109-584 Section 65 Serial 3986 ‘CIA 5/7/63 4 pages SECRET 105-95357-4-198 ‘CIA Info. Report 3 pages Secret | 105-77731=800 pz CIA Intell. Info. Cable 1/9/64 2 pages Secret 64-22200-no serial Department of State Airgram 10/14/63 29 pages Secret CCA/M Airgram A-7 109-584-3779 FBI 2/3/64 LHM . Chicago ~“Anti-Fidel Castro Activitites / 11/4/63 Jose Cardozg: 2317 $. Trumbull, reported he had affiliated himself with “Comandos Libre" and had planned to establish pickets during Kennedy's trip to Chicago 11/2/63, which was cancelled. HW 50955 Docld:32263523 Page 13
HW 30954 -.13 - CL in Chicago under direction of Jose L. Hernandez, 3309 Crystal St. (DRE planning meeting 11/27/63 to commemorate 8 Cuban stu- dents killed by Spanish 1871 - Principal Speaker - Frank Bianco) Jose Cardosa came 12/19/63 meeting of Demo. Organizations of Chicago with several others. (Jose Hernandez among them) to oust present pres. and place Sierra Martinez or someone Sierra can control. Hurrican Flora hit Cuba 10/4/63. Sant. Alvarez Rodriguez, Sr. Fernandez, Jr. CIA | | 9/27/63 3, pages Confidential 109-430 Section. 56 Serial 2452 CIA [15/23/63 2 pages Conf. I105-117331 - No serial U.S. Customs page 3, page 8 secret 105-117222-140 CIA | 4 pages Secret 97~4474-43 Docld:322635253 Page 14