180-10104-10394 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 : v9.1 HW 50955 DBooclda: 32260836 JFK Assassination System Identification Form Agency Information HSCA 180-10104-10394 NUMBERED FILES. 012918 Document Information DOD DOD 00/00/0000 10 ANTI-CASTRO ACTIVITIES. VECIANA, ANTONIO. LEADS & INFORMATION. REPORT. Unclassified 1A Redact 06/13/1997 Box 227. 227-2. Page i Date: 10/2/201
2 &) DEPARTMENT OF -DREENSE FILES ANTONIO VECTANA”BLANCH HAA 90 49. 16 . vhira agency. information: 2h “CIA Msg dta 2522262 Sept 62, “RB: Cure ~ Alpha 66°. th ~- 1/23/74 Review of file - certification file conforms - oe with DA policies currently. in effect. -- Msg DA IN 278336 oe 2022302 oct, 62° 1. According to Dup "750 (source) “Veciana | an .. /reported A66: will conduct 2 actions within next - 10 davs.° Veciana departing Puerto Rico _: for Miami ‘20 Oct.. Said action at La Isabela .-(Cuba) did occur but not'as reported in the ...-. ‘press. Original intent to sink Soviet ship, ‘however mine, which was to be used was lost. . ~ Consequently attack made on beachside camp... Estimated > Cubans or Russians wounded. 2. Dup 742 “reports next action of DRE “will be | “to attempt to assassinate. a prominent Cuban - Communist. before the end of October. 3. Comment: ‘Veciana' s description of La Isabela. probably much more accurate than his press releases. Both previous A66.operations _ carried out while Veciana still in Miami. - Still no conclusive evidence operation at La Tsabela actually took place. (Reverse side carries routing information. — Action officer signature appears to be N. N. Wood or W.J. Wodd. 10/22/62. ) HW 50955 Docld:329760836 Page 2°
2 oi. cla sg ‘ata 2522262 Sept. Department of Defense notes: Antonio Veciana #AA9O | 4916 | 3rd Party info "62, | xe Current } Plans of, : Alpha 66. ~ 1/23/74 ~ “Review of file - certification. file. conforms w/DA es policies currently in effect. , mo “Msg DA IN 278336 2022302 Oct. "62 PROM: CGANTCOMC/USAR CARIB: Fort Brooke. PR TO: .-. ACSI, :DA..WASH, DO -:. es INFO: - CGUSARCARIB Fort Amador CD, DIO Tenth Naval cots .: District, ‘San Juan, PR - . : Lod ONR2 ANTGB 80 - From G2 for G2 . -(Declassified from confidential) a According to (Dup 750), Veciana reported AG66 will conduct. 2 actions within next.10 days. Veciana departing PR for Miami 20 Oct. Said action at La Isabela did occur, but not as Yeported in press. Original intent to sink Soviet ship; - however, mone which was to be used was lost. . Consequently, — attack made on beachside camp. Est. 5 Cubans or Russians — wounded. - : : : 2. (Dup 742) reports next action of DRE will be to attempt assassinate prominent Cuban communist before end of October, =  3.° Comment: v's description of La Isabela probably much more accurate than his press releases. Both previous A66 ops _ carried out while V. in Miami. Still no conclusive evidence . op. at La Isabela . actually took place. =. oe SO (Reverse side carries routing information. Action officer's . Signature appears to be W.N. Wood or W.J. Wood. 10/22/62. y ‘HW 50955 Docld:32260836. Page 3
a Registration ‘request terminated w/out prejudice 7/22/6 a7 Memo: for: - pecord. 4/19/66 a een po7a7 1. asi telephone request ‘received from (DASCO) from Mr. Veciana notes . Antonio Veciana #AC 64 3175 oe - 1/2: 74 °- review: ‘and: certification file conforms W/DA Bp 2. cc 1 stated he was departing immediately | ‘for N.Y. ‘whete ‘was to. urrently.in oe rects Re: Veciana CIA (W) regarding Veciana. ‘meet a Mr. Cogswell, not further identified. During this contact, [| expected to meet an acquaintance of Veciana, not. ‘further ID‘d, and. perhaps Ve. oo 3. Purpose of call was to ascertain if Detachment A had any objection to CIA (W) poss. coming into contact w/V.. It was emphasized by that no contact w/him was planned. was informed that no objection was present, but if contact was made, a report detailing the circumstances was desired. Signed: John F. McGowan Mir. 41s — - LANTCOM Desk Memo Cont'd. MFR ~ V. former treas. of A66 and SAFE on whom 01 was est. on 11/19/62 for project. AUTOBOAT (C). "He was initially contacted to est. meeting w/3 frogmen of the SNFE who had been drawn (sucked up?) to the side of.the Soviet ship which. they were attempting to. sabotage." Thru V. c/o met Meriora (sic)...who arranged the meeting w/3 frogmen. Subsequent to - debriefing of frogmen, periodic contact was maintained W/V. s with the iast. contacting taking place in (early (1963. : ' Memo ~ Routing Slip to, Mir. McGowen HW 50955 Note. Ref. (Be 748 Agency wishes to use 748 for intro to. another individual. They need immed. reply on this. Discussion will be by telephone between desk officers. Agency man leaves by plane at 11:45.. Ron Butler 4/19/66. a Docld:32260836. Page 4 _
Ler. 4/13/63, ‘from veciana, A66, NY, NY to § Joe “Kent, PR. “Indicates. 408. equipment. confiscated but. still have. enthusiasm - to go forward... -Wishes. to maintain contact. Says: press : ., conference: by- A66.in. Washington Probably mistake since - it. made U. Se govt. also ‘FesPe Doe = Attached info. re ‘press conference in Washington, D. Cc. March 19, 1963 — boas - — ' Gave press release. ‘signed ‘by ‘Veciana -and Cecilio Je . Vazquez: (SNFE).. Make: point that actions independent of any. |. U.S. agency, not mounted from U.S. soil, but attempting to os show ability, courage and | Strength to overthrow communist govt. of Havana... W/V. at. conf. were Dr. ‘Herminio. Portell-véla of Wash. DC , . and: Luis Felipe Anany, Sr.° of Wash., D.C. | ' . ' Remarks by either Veciana or Vazquez at press conf. -indicate they regard it as improper to criticize any department of the U.S. govt., but one (V or Vazquez) _. £elt that the U.S. policy during the Cuban crisis in - October 4962 constituted another Munich. on . - Msg. to (or. fron?) Mire J.A. Wathington -Major AIS .- OIC, USA osD Field Def. #1 april 1963 a oe ee ne List of aliens served w/ . prevention of departure Vis name.included. . te a a, V limited to Dade Cty. HW 50955 DocId:32260836 Page 5° -
"ANTONIO C. VECIANA BLANCH an 1. FBI Report, dated 14 Nov 62. from San. Joan, subject Operation , Alpha 66, Internal Security = - Cuba, 2 Pp. 2. CAS Msg 895, dated Tul 6 63, subjects Plans of Two ; Cuban Exile 7 Groups to. Infiltrate a Team Into Cuba. 3. US Army Report, ‘dated 10 Jun 66, subject: Antonio Veciana Blanch, 2 Pe Report contains CIA info on subject. - - 4. US Army MFR, dated 25 Apr 66, subject: Veciana, 1 p- Report has ._ CIA info on subject. ” a ee 5. FBI Report, duplicate ‘of Item ] above. .6. FBI Report, dated 12 Oct 62 from San. Juan, subject: Operation Alpha 66, oe Internal Security - ~ Cuba, Neutrality matters, 3 p. Oo 7. FBI Report, dated 8 Aug 62 from San Juan, Subject: Operation “Alpha 66, So Internal Security. - Cuba, Registration Act - Cuba, 6 P- 8. FBI Report, dated 30 Sep 65, subject: SNFE, 1 P (p #3). 9. FBI Report, dated 12/22/64 concerning Blanch, lp 10. FBI Report, dated 22 Oct 62, subject: Same as 6 above, 3p. ll. FBI Report, dated 4 Mar 63, Miami, Subject: Same as Iter 6, 5p. 12. FBI Report, dated 6 Feb 63, Subject: Comandos 1.66, Inc. ’ Internal Security - Cuba,. 3p. 13. FBI Report, dated 4 Feb 63 from San Juan, Subject: Alpha 66, Incorporated, (A-66 Inc.), Internal Security - Cuba, Neutrality Matters, 4p. oo 14. CIA Msg dated 2717592 Dec 62, Subject: § SIGMA Am - Alpha 66, 2 2p. : 15. CIA Msg dated 081509Z Dec 62, Subject: Possible Imminent Anti- ee, Castro Raid on Cuba, 2p. a me 16. CIA Msg dated 081509Z Dec 62, Subject Pirate Ship . Attack on Cuban Coast, 3 Dec 62, 2p. . oe ‘17. CLA Msg dated 111729Z Jan 63, Subject: EDDIE MOR, 2 pg. 18. CIA Msg dated 121900Z Nov 62, Subject: Alpha 66, 2p. 19. CLA Msg dated 162218Z Nov 62, Subject: Alpha.66, 2 p. HW 50955 Docld:32260836 Page 6 a
. Wilke ale te bee Be te tet ee - Source Dossier. Ok Veciana () revd. er. AUTOBO col (ane PY EPIDEMIC on. 12983 chan : List of Documents. from Vv. File. ~ 1/30/64 | noi gant oo Spr SSE pS cg a Be tk og . Date. of Control, i - Clas, .No. Copies Description of Doc. a an Doc. FD #0297/63 sc — : ood = Carbon cy, ltr. audition 10/22/6 (SD-S217~62) CG) res A66 Ea tn: ~~) FD #0297/63 . Draft of contact wy.  1iy1s62 (line crossed . re ce out) 7 Cc od 7 Photo. cYr FBI rept. A66. a 11/14/6 FD 0197/63. sc | 1 carbon cy, ANTBG Msg 103 _ 1/16/63 (SD-S15~63) 7 — fr. King re FD #0297/63 SC re Ltr., USAOSD, Re: A66 w/l 1/29/63 (SD-S28-63) - ce  .: ; dnel: Thermofax cy M/R ' (USADSD/8458) a , "Re: Ct Rt - Ao VA Be (cont) — - ce dtd. 1/23/63 3 FD #0297/63 SC. 10. Carbon cy ANTBG Msg. 127 3/31/63 (SD-S86-63) fr. King . ~ cc a Ll | Carbon cy Msg. for | 4/1/63 : Washington to ACSI 7 (line crossed | os Je ae oe . _ out) Cc od . Thermofax cy, rept. on A66 undtd. FD #0297/63, S$ 4 ‘Carbon cy, CAS Msg. 895 7/1/63 (SD-S195-63) oo fr. CAS Bo, HW 50955 Docld:32260836 Page 7
Veciana notes’. ~ _ Kent Associates; So 3730/63 (in. ‘Spanish)_ “etom Miami: es 3/15/63 eG from Pittsburg, Pa. 08 on BES (re travel? - Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles mentioned) 12/27/62 (in spanish), from Miani Note with address. of ‘Luis. Duany - _ a Bae — 2244 Wash. Ave. oo ee ree Silver Spg., Md... « '585- 7448. ES foe ‘w/note: “ Washington will contact Ve. at. the “above address: re "Mr. Conway" will contact him eo 1100 | hrs. 32 Jan. 63. So Le . _— ~Classified doc. — Mail control, record #0297/63"B" ce - From: 2: AT. . ee en, “Dt. Revd: “11/29/63 ae a File: . ..: Dup 748 ~— ©. “ oo ee ‘Summary: | SD~586-63 ANTGB Msg. 127, c cy, dtd. 31 Mar. 63, 35°. 2 pgs. - nothing follows. _ a _. Note - transferred to Hq. -FD $0297/63 "BM -~ sc -1-  garbon. copy ANTRBG Msg. 127 from King SGD King. Exclusive for Boucher (underlined in. red). AUDITION (C) AUTOBOAT (C) © a Ve ‘called Kent from Miami on 3/31. Said he received “notice from U.S. Dept. of Justice ~- Prev. of departure. Requests Kent's assistance in coming to San Juan. Will appear before Mr. Savage, Rm. 215, Immig. Hq., on 4/1 w/request ' to come to San Juan. Aware Kent wants. -Menoyo to come to Miami, but states Menoyo does not) wish to leave base. Ve “will. remain at tel. until he. hears: fron Kent. —_ No promise given; request advice. ve now aware ‘desire Menoyo come to. Miami. | Assisting him may convince Menoyo to come. At bottom: Grover C. King re a ‘Lt. Col. AIS a Be SD-S86-63 |. HW 50955 Docld:32260836 Page 6 _
eo 21/30/63, = - Assignment of Code + Veciana notes “~Classified « doc. Summary: Ccy, ‘letr, subj. - Assignment of code number | 0297/63 | ap" From: AT <=" Revd.:. .11/29/63 File: ~ ‘DUP {(V), Lopg., dtd. 1/30/63, SD- 3 27~ ~63 Nothing follows. . Note: ‘transferred - to SHG. to: cmding Ofer ° “USAOSD (9874), Wash.» ‘De oO p> DUP 748 assigned to yore “Signed: Grover Cc. King ‘Lt. Col., AIS FD p0297/63"D" 7 Commanding: | | $9r527°63 ocLtr. 1/29/63 from J. E. ‘Boyt, “Col., Infantry, commanding, HW 50955 - U.S. Army Operational Survey Detachment wos” Chief AUTOBOAT, San Juan woe 2 Mr. Phillip Conway (Capt. Arms) and Mr. Harold Parker (Lt. Col. Drashpil) met V. on two occasions, 11/22 and 11/23. comerommr ae + ISR being conducted on Dr. Duany, since he met Conway — and Parker. V. says he would not be returning to PR for _ at least 60 days.. Intends to spend month in NY and go from there to Chicago. . Was. given the Jackson telephone No.» "Aside from a sympathetic audience, he was given no - promises and was told only. that we would look into the possibilities for release of the boat. We would expect to be in periodic contact with him on that matter and you will be informed of any significant developments. Parker and Pe Conway only identified themselves as ‘interested parties.'"' “AEST has expressed interest in exploring the possibilities. for assistance to V. in order that the potential of the group can be exploited for intelligence purposes. You will be. informed of any recommendations or directed courses of . actions as appropriate." _ FD #0297/63 USAOSD/8458 a Oo Docld: 322760836 Page 9
: Attached: _cMemo I FR. Veciana notes. 1. HW 50955 ‘Two. “members of USAOSD (using assumed names) met w/Veciana and mission of the group, his role, and what assist. might S 123/63, on 1/22. Purpose of meeting was primarily to gather - details on a boat, used by org., which had been confiscated by U.S. Customs. V. was also queried on te capabilities be provided Org. Background of ve Ve said. purpose org. | was to cause war in Cuba by conducting | raiding ops., est. guerrilla groups in Cuba - to harass and destroy troops and-strategic facilities as to make populace - aware that overthrow poss. Envisions internal | Cuban uprising: _ thru external Cuban: refugee action. : ‘Does not. desire direct U. Se participation, has | no political an aims, Other than to overthrow Castro. This is reason V. . did not cooperate with other refugee groups, and why they _ did not desire to’work w/CIA, because aims would be De subverted to political ones. ce 7 Claims several) ‘military bases ‘in Caribbean. Bases manned by 5 small groups w/mil. experience. Also. had assets in Cuba. Maintain Hq. in PR, Miami, and NY and plan to establish offices: in Washington, Chicago and LA. ; Latest plan to collect funds for purchase of eight boats ‘for use in their raiding activities. Already have four boats. Need boats, food, radios. Will purchase transceiver equipment. BO a V. gave doc. re: Customs-seized boat. pT Boat owned by Cuban-American who is not member of org. Boat worth $2000. Supplies and equipment aboard ~ 10 M-1. rifles w/ammo., food, fuel, 10 watches, kw generator. ‘Total value about $8, 000. Requested assistance in release of hoat. Pleaded for funds | (10,000) and more freedom of movement.. Signed, ‘William C. Arms © - LA desk Docld: 32260836 Page 10°.”
HW ' Veciana notes. ' From King. ScD King. Exclusive for Boucher (underlined in red) 1/16/63... FD #0297/63 Ls. 1/16/63 revd. from V. - A66 plans eight commando-type actions within next 60 days. Raids by 5-man- commando parties. | Two will be demolitions men. a ne 2. Ordered ‘12 fiberglass boats - - “ig ft. @ $2000 co ee delivered already. © Remainder within | 45, days. _ 3. Has ‘1,000 lbs. C-3. explosives w/time-fuse pencils, 60 submachine guns ,. 40 machine guns, 400 hand grenades. 4. will depart PR 1/18/63 for: Wash., Dc. Requested AUTOBOAT. furnish him name of someone to see in reference to getting boat released (confiscated 10 or 11/62). 5. Request AUTOBOAT. be sent name or agency ‘for Vv. to contact... Draft of contact w/Veciana 11/1/62 FD #0297/63 "EF" Jeff w. Bocher Colonel, GS ot Chief, Collection Div. Veciana contacted initially to contact two frogmen involved in "attack on Russian target. Meeting arranged. Capt. Hubbard and Col. King in meeting. Discovered V. working w/SFNE, thought given. . to consideration of utilization of V. for intelligence purposes as Menoya has ISR from 1961 and known to have contacts in Cuba. | Picked up. ISR from CIA 11/2/62. V. gave Army two rifles, ammo. - | °° taken from Russians. Operation discussed but stymied by lack of . ©. clear policy on actions against. Matter | brought to higher ars levels; i.e., General Landsdale. Pan Some discussion of possibly passing. info to CIA for their - yecommendation. This suggestion turned down by Landsdale, who 50955 felt CIA, when informed, then took over op. Also in no better position to determine national policy. oo . Persons involved in discussions - Col. Boyt, col. Rolfe, Cols. Albro and Boucher, Col. DePuy of Special Warfare and Generals Lansdale and ‘Leonard. ‘Docld:322760836 Page i1
“Approval: must be obtained and must be .in line with national. policy. ; intelligence collection and. operational application. Prepared by: Lt. Col. Drashpil oe : ae : Coord. :. . Maj. Swatford, Capt. AIMS. a Do Boat - ‘Sigma - Raimundo Molina Gonzalez Veciana notes” |. "Page 90. Meeting. 1/22 - and 23. indicates poss. ‘of exploiting A-66. it ‘they can successfully run raids into Cuba and infiltrate island. Next step will then be develop further. rapport; complete coordination w/DCSOPS should be effected to assure max. > Pat ‘Harris (Capt. Hubbard) contacted. Nazairo;- Banos, — ve 3/31/63 Menoyo (DUP 749) told not to come to Miami Ly Milford P. Hubbard = sV«. told AUTOBOAT can't help him gain HW 50955 Capt. A-1S - . | permission to enter PR at this time. - Not able to send rations to Menoyo camp yet. Requested assistance in prep. of statement re: JFK crackdown on -. Yaids. Expressed feelings of good fortune they had found agency they could trust. . 4/1/63 ‘Harris ‘met V- and Banos. Menoyo and Mugult at Williams Island base camp. Since i Harris told them to remain there, they may form opinion Harris was aware of pending British raids and had Placed ' them in position to facilitate capture. Examination of weapons captured in Cuba = doubtful group landed. Weapons — could have been obtained elsewhere. Docld: 32260836 Page 12