457-10014-10159 v9.1 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 : HY 50955 Doctld: 32423547 JFK Assassination System Date: Identification Form Agency Information SSCIA 157-100 14-10159 MISCELLANEOUS RECORDS OF THE CHURCH COMMITTEE 07-M-64 Document Information SSCIA KELLEY, ROBERT ELDER, WALTER  OF/AIL97S 25 BISSELL, RICHARD KENNEDY, ROBERT HELM, RICHARD REPORT Declassified IB; 1C Redact 03/22/2000 CCBOX 437 Page 1 y 7/7/2015
. , Date : 08/07/95 Page : 1 JFK ASSASSINATION SYSTEM IDENTIFICATION FORM AGENCY INFORMATION . | AGENCY : SSCIA RECORD NUMBER : 157-10014-10159 RECORDS SERIES : MISCELLANEOUS RECORDS OF THE CHURCH COMMITTEE AGENCY FILE NUMBER : DOCUMENT INFORMATION ORIGINATOR : SSCIA FROM : KELLEY, ROBERT TO : ELDER, WALTER TITLE : DATE : 07/14/75 PAGES : 25 SUBJECTS : HELM? RICHARD KENNEDY, ROBERT BISSELL, RICHARD DOCUMENT TYPE : REPORT CLASSIFICATION : SECRET RESTRICTIONS : REFERRED CURRENT STATUS : POSTPONED IN FULL DATE OF LAST REVIEW : 01/08/99 OPENING CRITERIA $ COMMENTS : CCBOX 437 (R] - ITEM IS RESTRICTED HW 50955 DBocld: 32423547) Page 2
THIS PILE CONTAINS SPECIALLY DESIGNATED INTELLIGENCE MATERIAL u (COMPARTMENTED ) “mation in this file is to be read only. It is not to be extracted, rd, paraphrased, or discussed with another person without specific r, dt you nave a question, or a requirement, speak to che Control who gave you access to this file. i OF PENSOW HAVING ACCE TAVING ACCESS [FROM 107 YSSUEN OED BY SECURE SY | TI (he Pin de B/G Lege JS LL. DSc, a oy
HY 0955 July 14, 1975 Mr. Walter Elder Central Intelligence Agency ileadquarters Langley, Virginia i Dear Mr. Elder: This will confimsm the request I made on behalf of Mr. Schwarz in cur telephone conversation this morning for copies of any reference in appointment books, daily diaries, calendars, logs or similar records relating to the following meetings, and any memoranda of conversation or other record thereof: l. Meetings between Richard Helms and Robert Kennedy in the periods a) November 30, 1961 - November 1, 1962 b) August 1, 1963 - Nevember 22, 1963 i 2. Richard Helms’ meeting with President Johnson regarding the three CIA Inspector General Reports — 3. Meetings between Richard Bissell, McGeorge Bundy and We. W. Rostow in the period November 5, 1960 through February 15, 1961. In addition, please provide a covy of any reference in appointment books, daily diaries, calendars or logs which relate to meetings among Messrs. Dulles, Bissell, Edwards or-Gabell in the period August 1, 1969 through November 30, 1960, and any memoranda of conversation or other record of such meetings. As we discussed, this information is needed for the hearings that are scheduled for Thursday, July 17. We will appreciate your efforts to supply this information before that date. f Sincerely, Robert Kelley Via Courler RK/cm BDoclda: 324273547 Page 4
HW 50955 NATIONAL SECURITY INFORMAL Unauthorized fisclasure Subyjec Criminal Sanctions y fa ~ SEGHEI CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY i, WASHINGTON,D.C. 20505 Review Staff: 75/1616 16 July 1975 Mr. Frederick A. 0. Schwarz, Jr. Chief Counsel ; Select Committee To Study Governmental Operations With Respect To Intelligence Activities Room G-308 7 Dirksen Senate Office Building “Washington, D. C. 20510 Dear Mr. Schwarz: In response to your request of 14 July 1975 about records of meetings by Agency officials (and confirming my telephone conversation with Mr. Kelley), the attached information.is forwarded for your infor- mation. | | | Sincerely, Caat lob Walter Elder Assistant to the Director Attachment: As stated CLA Classified by Examni from qs fon Coeney SLU TL Bocla: 32479547 Page 5 2
HW 450955 e SECRET eugq 16 July 1975 SUBJECT: Mr. Schwarz's 14 July 1975 request for information concerning meetings between Mr. Helms and Robert Kennedy, between Mr. Bissell and Mr. Bundy or Mr. Rostow, and a four-party meeting involving Mr. Dulies, Mr. Cabell, Mr. Bissell, and Mr. Edwards. RESPONSE: 1. Concerning meetings involving Mr. Helms and Robert Kennedy . during the periods 30 November 1961 - 1 November 1962 and August 1963 - 22 November 1963: Our review for the above dates of memorandums of records written by Mr. Helms during the period 1951-1964 yield the following records which are attached at Tab 1: Date 23 January 1962. 30 January 1962 16 October 1962 16 October 1962 22 August 1963 ee ON OER —_ _ 3 FROM GiA Docld: 32423547 Page 6 Subject "Briefing of the Attorney General" / CIA Officer "Mr. Hoover and AELADLE" "MONGOOSE Meeting with the Attorney General" "The Dunlop Case" Comment Memo on briefing of Attorney General by Mr. Helms and three other Agency officials prior to - a round-the-world trip taken . by the Attorney General. Memo of conversation between Mr. Helms and Attorney General. Memo of Conversation between Mr. Helms and Mr. Papich in which Mr. Helms refers to an undated discussion with the Attorney General. Memo on a meeting in Attorney General's office attended by the Attorney General, General Lansdale, Col. Patchell, General Johnson, Robert Hurwitch, Hewson Ryan, and Mr. Helms. Memo on briefing of Attorney - General on Dunlop case by Mr. Helms. CLASSIFIED BY __918126 | cent FROM GENERAL DE CLASSIFICATION | SCHETERE Of SAT ERENT 6 ee RE ort. 0. VISE? CKEMSTION CATLGORY: 3 rane CS croest Cou de ore or more) AUG aw Lay DEGLASSi ich ON +
SEUREL 28 August 1963 "Meeting of the NSC Memo on meeting attended by _ Executive Committee re President, the Vice President, South Vietnam-6:15p.m., representatives of State, 28 August 1963" Defense, Treasury, Justice (Robert Kennedy), USIA, White House Staff, and CIA (Carter and Helms). 29 August 1963 "Meeting of the NSC Memo .on meeting attended as. Executive Committee above. re South Vietnam - Noon, 29 August 1963" 29 October 1963 "White House Meeting Memo on meeting attended by on Vietnam-4:20p.m., President, Vice President, 29 October 1963" Attorney General, and parti- pants from State, Defense, White House Staff, and CIA (Messrs. McCone, Helms, and Colby). 20 November 1963 “Cuban Arms Cache Memo on separate briefings in Venezuela" — of the Attorney General and the President on Cuban Arms Cache by Mr. Helms and the former Deputy Chief of Station in Caracas. 2. Concerning a four-party meeting involving Messrs. Dulles, Cabell, Bissell, and Edwards at some time during the period 1 August 1960 - 30 November 1960: _Mr. Dulles’ calendar bears an entry for 25 November 1968 showing that his schedule for that day included a budget meeting with the DDCI (then Gen. Cabell) the DDP (then Mr. Bissell) and the DDS (then Col. White). (See Tab 2). There is no entry for a four-party meeting involving Edwards during that period. 3. Concerning any meetings between Mr. Bissell and Mr. Bundy or Mr. Rostow between S November 1960 - 15 February 1961: We have been unable to locate any record of such meetings. 3 WIA SECRET HY 50955 DBoctd: 327423547 Page 7
. \ 2 ~ 7 _ ; 2 SOAS bat « $ 4 18 1975 HW 50955 DBocld:32423547 Page 6
bY? a On: - SEORET: BO —- 83 damcary 1X2 } HINCRANDUN FOR: The Idrestar ef Central Intollicuxe | SUESECST s Prisfing of the Attorney Gensral de Tho Atscrncy General 5 triefed fer sixty ximrtos this morning in prepersticn fom his trip. bre Fitccercid ecvercd vepan ead Incomosin, Dz ime Critchitield czcce om iran, and ir. Forsuy triefca on berlin - , 2e Porsannt to your recuest, I ecked ths ktierney General if he bed hed mm opportunity 46 discuss udta toe Secratery of Stata the pooritility of a steperor in isivan. Ee soid at ho tad Yéisod tis mettor and thst it bead been daeiced thet be cimis 3. I eave ihe Atteemey Generel chctesrems and beecrentes ekxetchcs cf cur Station Chicts in[_|Fetpad, Heng Eeag, Ddeterte, Teheran, Fome, berlin, md foe Leon. Ka node thet he Wolle mere en cliozst to ess cur senicr rewesonictive in esch: stop he mokes ami ceicee tant ecpcinimcnts to con nin be urde throws Oise Special Ascistowt, lee denn Seicominalicr, wie +h be treveling vita fin. I ot serxting a cable to tne Sielé cover ing theses contact instrociions. her tie trielins seamed to po ratistectertiy, ve enoversd © the ques tions wich oppenred to interest the Attcrney Gomer, end we ere o SSRN nisl the renert on Cocrarist Chins derived fron the ante cacnurec abroad. @ amcicatod a porticue der ‘ntercst £ t in eesing this paper. i Chief oy perctions, re/P —— “ Distrioution Crig &1 ~ addressee - os sg ir 1 = DD/P chrono ~ SO 1 - Di/P subject a HY 50955 DBoctd: 3274293547 Page 9
HY 0955 30 Jamoary 1962 ttorney General on 30 msseeras 1762 lanned to worsen the crate RCE: He one (AR SEELEY ne uowld not be Fit old hin that this would not be the c2 , ented to do was to make hin look peared rather then be the healthy, robust-lcoking man re is,row. The Attorney General inovired if we tnouzht this | world do some good. TI replied that nigh Indonesian eautnerities have become very concerned whan the ulcers first develoned last fall and that © EER ad overruled the ¢octors in insistins that the /xatQkences Pandan fer nosviteligetion in a cooler climate. I swmarized bv s - that IT conld not see hew it conld do anv harm and Sent do some ecod. At this voint, the Attorney Ceneral that we snould go ahead. - . t Rich ye, 2Ims Chief of Operations, DD/P af, Docld: 324293547 Page 10 ’
SEGRE. MEMORANDOM 708 THES RECOSD SUBIECT: itr. Hoover and ATLAnLs } ; 2. Mr. Sua Parnich, FSI Liaison reoresemtative, cane to see née ab. $:15 P.M, 1S Octooer. Ze reverred to the telepnone call whica. tha Director nad placed +o im. J. sdmr soover pat woich was waco by Er. Saimont in ur. Sooverts.absence from tca city. -i. Panicn eaig *2as the idrecsor’s request shat nr. Soover see ASLACLS bad Deen tacen wp with nim upon ais revura. xr, 2anich stated ths ir. Acover's answer «as “0%. 2. In explanation, Nr. Papich indicated that Hr. Neover felt that ASLiDL3 wanted to see aim sinpiy on sae basis of ego and tims trere was no usaiul informaticn to Carive irom suc an encounter. I poinvec ous to pr. Fapich taay too less hing tha Attorney cenerai sow AwaDL3, hs esmoasized to me a's3% one scould play <p to tne ego of an fo cteicwel amen as AsLADLS. This rejeincer simply caused iv. Papica to AN 36 3. Mr. Papica enced this cart of cur meeting by saying that Br. Ecover was consistens in nis policy not +o receive defectcrs, ; agents, criminals, or oscer conwoversial fig e i tod Zr. rapicn * that Mr. Ecover's rerssal clearly wad implications as fur as asLicLa’s this. . Deputy Director (Plans) Distrizution: © Original ~ Mr. Slcer for the DCL 7 obec =~ Cniar, Cf, : Te lane aw HW 50955 Docld: 327423547 Page 1i
HW 50955 74 KESORANDUM FOR TES Beccen SUBJSCT: HOCCOOSS Meeting with the Attorney Cemeral de AS 2:30 this afternoon, the AStorney Ceneral convened in his office 2 meeting on Ureration LOMCCSS consisting of Gereral Lanscala and Colonel P tchell, Germezab vormmson of the Joins Start, 2cpert Horeiten of Stave (vice Sd vartin who wes mmable to attend), iewson byen OF GSlA, and the undersigned. 2. The Attorney Ceneral osened the zesting by moressing the : g "general dissatisfaction of the Fresident” qith Creration “oNGCCSZ. Ee pointed out that tee Uperation fad Deen uncer way for a year, thas the results sere ciscouraging, taas there bad been no acts of sabotage, ;] and thas 2 ame one jmich cad been attenpted bad failsd twies. Se indicated vat there had Deen roticeasle improverent coring the year in the collection of intellimres bot that other actinas bad failed to Initinencea simificansliy the course of events in Cuba. ile spoke of tne vyeex hy meetinss ox “on orriciale an bhis protias and a-ala no$ed the call acconnlisimenss cespite tee fach that Secretarics RUSK and Nichmara, seneral esyior, scueorse dundy, and he versorally had all Seen charced by tha oresiient wita finding a mlniden. Es traced the history of General Lanscala's verscnal enpolinanent by the Presicms a year agp. fhe Attorney Cen when Stated thas in view of tois Inck of crorrass, =a was soing to sive Creratdon MONE more perzcral attention. In order to do this, m3 Will mold a wecte ing avery sOrning an 0970 with tre “CNCOOSS cnerat tional restresentae vives foom cle varions asemcies (Lansdale, Harvey, Eurmiich, dyan, and General Jompcn) » 3. The ittorney Cereral spoks favorably of ths sabotaze x parer which had been = ssented by General Carter this marning wo be meete dug of the Special croup (ingmented). He obviously did not like the earlier remorancum, Since ne felt it stowed no Fsash" in geteing on with the acts Or sabotage. de shen asked for ny comects, i stated that we vere nrecared to get cn with the new acticn nrocram and that ve would euccute it aggressively. i cointed oub, cowever, that the coltecsivre of Creration sDIGCOSE would have to be cetermined at some point since tha Cubans 7s, ay 2h > Fie Le ree 6. BDoclda: 324273547 Page if
HW 50955 Bocld: SECRET. >. with vioa ve tave to work were ceoxing a reason for risking their Jives in toese overuvicns. x resailed ay ccarversation with ths young Cuoan : Seen too P23 cho cointed om Goas toey vers willing te cess theic ceonls cnly on cverations wnica they recerced as sensible, I cezined "sensible in crean terenimlosy shese Gxys as‘ meaning on action waicn would conirimie to Soe Liberation o¢ Sede counizy, cobher way of saying sms toe iavised SRTEBy terbace in conjumetion with otner Latin councrics, would pail then ous site tjarily. Hy rtoins was specificity ectoed | cy Jewsen i7fmme The Ate tomey Generalls reicindes vas a plea far new ideas of taines t2aG could be cone agaimss Uura. i 2assing, ba made raistence <2 tas chanze In amcecnare im the United States Goverment: during toe last teenty~iser Lours, acd 2sxed some auesiicns aboub thea nercentaes of Gcbana wom we taguguy would figs Zor or the regime if toa country were S. The meeting cencinded with the reaftiznation by the Attorney General of Sis cesira so bold a meeuing eaca cay, berminming tomormy. Ee esid tas these msebings : sigst later pe changed to evary other ary when and i2 ie tincs a cally ss ieiogeinar is nos recessarye Tos neetines => to last ro pore bain ore-caif four. Deouty Director (Plans) Criginal < Mr. Eldes for the DCI and DMT 2 ce = chez, Toa 1 ce = DD? 324273547 Page i3
HW 50955 MEMORANDUM FOR THE RECORD 22 August 1953 SUBJECT: The Dunlop case Pursuant to the Director's instructions, I briefed the _ Attorney General at 10:15 A. M. today on the Dunlop case at. NSA. The information I had as of that time consisted only of the following: that the man had been under suspicion, that he had comaitted suicide some weeks ago, and that on el 4Anzest his widow had turned over to cic of the Army certain classivied documents which she had found in the attic of her cf b . bs ese documents were. not identified. Richard Yelms Deputy Director (Plans) @ CLEREy s Boclda: 324273547 Page i4
28 August 1963 PMEMORAIONY POR MIE RECCRD SUBSECP: Meeting of the SEC Exscutive Comittes’ re South Viet Yan ~ 115 Py Mey 23 August 1963 =rtg 1. “The President came from his meeting with the Civil Ai leacers in the Cabinet Reem to his office ond sucmened ints oe oe Cand= net Roca ths Secretary of State, tne Secretary or Dofense, and the Chaieoen of the coins Chiefs. Ths other rembers of the Sxecutive Comaittes remained in nis office, After about PiPteen mainuntes, the President returned to his orfice with these tiuoree vertiomen, string no iadicaticn a3 to what asveccws of the Couth Viet Nam sittation they had been ciscussing. Ea aimoly ammounced that three ielesram were me sent to Saigon: A) A perscnal massage to Asbassader Lodge from tha President. (Hoe 259) BoA general message fron the Derartment of Stata - om army re qans ATTRSSaGIE (Depied.: Cia J C) A telecram from Cersral Taylor to Ceneral Harkins. (JCS 3305-63) 2. Governor arrioo tressed for stronger instructiors cesionad to remove the Mhuls fron the Sv CoTertmentie Tse President indicated that he wasted to set viashineton and the fisid Lined op on 4 cso= erdimated acrreacn to the vrodien and that in Licht of a messaze fron Gaveral Earns he wented to mroceed as ontlined in ths afcremerticed messagese Ue enced the meting by stating that the Executive Com mittee would meet again at non, 29 Anguste * Freident, Vice President ‘(Giered) dicherd Helms State: Husk, Harrican, ¥ilsman, olting - - Defense: ofianara, Bindtric c, Taylor, Xrulay! freasy. xsv3) Dillon : Richard Nolin ustice: Robert Xemedy Deputy Director (Plans) STs 2 Morrow’ ‘~ / write mitusa:. Bundy, Forrestal, cliften, S-ith Se YX ay meer rad ~~ CIA: varzer, Eelms f 6 HWY 350955 Docld:327423547 Page 145
HY 0955 ow rr ae) an mat | 29 Ausest 1953 SUSJZCT: ieeting of the 15C Executive Committee’ bes) ‘South Fiet Nan —— Neon, 29 August 1943. eee i. the resting bad before it Saigon Exifel 375 from Anbassadar ledze and ACY 1326 irom General Earcins, a3 well.as CIA recorts-or the Coneiny je TA QEeir er th oe szerals } Minh/shian and another CIA /ortiger' with Bar. them and General La. * Nim ; varlovs rariicipants as io ths cesirability of a cuick coup crainst Dlen/ Hhu, the e2Tort to save Diem but, wmioad ihn, and the caliberata avcrreach of attemcting to ascertain whether or not the SVl senerals have a coup plan and the caranpllities for carrying 1b out. 25 sradcally became the serse of the croup that Ceneral Harkins should be instrvcted to cenfirn to the Sia sererais iat the aroroacnes from CLA were bona Mee and rarre= at -tetehe tpdlincted ¢ iietmte-wtoa tile biedie sae Eee tele eae te beer Pe ek ee se en eat 9 ante COU te Nett eed Set A ctecechn ee adh Rad Bt A a ht OA Seek Go gh a TOC GG, Siig a4 +8 Chech felt desizacis to attemnt te Pind ont througa Congin's talk with Cereral Kim, schecmied for 30 August (Saigon ting}, what the STM cenerals vera in fact plammins to co. General Tayler falt strongly that Cereral Har‘cins should be asxed to Fass. on whatever ihe cersrals provesed a3 to its mle tary feasibility. Ee vantad to be sure tefore ctter actions are talen that a cocp is actcally limed up. Thers vas corecern that the SV! cenerals were tuaneuver=ng to get the inited States to do their plaming for then, and the consensts apreared to bo that every effort should be made to see taat this is an SVJ comp. and not cne mm by the Americans. I+ was falt that cay announcements bow the stocning of Cnited States aid or the leasing of 7th Fleet movements should te held wp tending more informatio about STN cocp slamming. It was agreed that the agency would discuss with le. Hilsran certain iceas which we might implement to either set a covp started or heip carry it out. (Flars are now being developed ‘ard Will be discussed with State late today.) | . Be A telecram civing + tas same of the meeting was to be drafted by the Widte House Staff for Presidential aprroval. srt rest aria Cot he. the white House , - State; Detensag and STA vers asiced to hold only one tia each scien contained rolicy/cveraticnal + telegrams iuvolving the fac siee oo 2 wrThesnra? rekon . Orig - DECT ~ Ie. Slicer for the Directar Bocld: B0493547 Page 16
oof 2, ate “7 x =e? a +? weer pe we eo 2 ot ~ ache lip oe Aye . anion = hal “= « oo . we rYresens weresi.. . . ag eet wert we tt 8 ’ The President, Vice Fresident a State: FuUSK, Harriman, Hilsman, uoiting Cefense: cuarara, Gilpatric, Taylor Krulak treasury: > Dillon. . eae teed - . S 2 wee! - te ; = Some te a ee arin ally hed gm wow ireerricaaes So oer ane wee yee mt vee? Poteet med ne ee Tg ae Doe RoE TT Og UF oe nite Housel /Susdy, Forrestal; Cliftony Smith—- -“25 saede rq sy cork CIA: “ “Carter, Helms Cs ess Be re re re ete mem 2 re rye ee me mw ® fF Ng SS leneG Tov yy, 2G LAcerpeesTyy Te naALj ~ e or noe ers Renattcent | a pe ne ~- mt aes 7 am. weeny na tes am ~ a 3 Yop gS meet med ew oes Pee SOLUS DT 22 VS Ta TSS 2-3 3 Foo LTR pm eae oe mt om ee cee pete pete ey eatennyt su ele BO OR Tso aos * oe y ommee aa, mm ome . erie es wr DON LPO, cs - ee ob . 2 STU aoR yon 7 ata Pe ay Me GS 2 Oty CD es on Se me ey ees Ty SPE ats arse ~ e > epee Tame nn — “ VETy 2G 2D Tad tee Nac Pied OS OT 1 = ~~ re. ers ~ = Sree ee OT Eh 83 ae ee ey mm + mes yo aN ¥ AS “ ire : ee | CLES RT Sul TINT Y oe ros 7 oe Sg? ~ . a oF . Sot eg neem emee . He we ORS ol iad iprepoa ke sole De sue: 20 t : ger ae yay we, gt te de —) ‘ t LLOLOGeT 22 $o Too uccteé ee et — Sater aa STI EGR SES P erte.ng To phy sremmanyeee pane em <4? > enpnag = ge TRS oe 7h 8 er EIS Be es age eg yl’ Fearing ste 39 re “ae ca v3 12TS2.2 ae te ad Nw mw Moo ed - racy. sews ade pS eA ee eee Se, See be aoe, ab Rape owe aes a? er eae ene ee OUTS 2 ee TET OSPL to 9 res = ta &™ at A mreavep . : — : Peep tegen emg meter . ~ SOT Res : ae Seq Ie SyTipoe, spears pote ot “3 ssc 7 ON, Tees FGA - a) Te tae +e 7 or ey — “a ms . wa F hal “ Pe em ay ne -—_ yee tae mg . fy to ant pp Oe ee Sn a nS) a \ - wey aes, om ~ 7% > 7 ogee - - . HW 450955 Docld: 32423547 Page i?
HY 0955 Docld: 32423547 SECRET THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON SECRET AGENDA Meeting with the President August 29, 1963 -- 12 1. Policy -- Ambassador Lod on Vietnam 700 P.M. 2, Defense -- General Harkins’ reply 3, Intelligence -- CAS cable 4, Ne:z steps 5. Docement control Page 18
HW 450955 PARTICIPANTS: State oo . Defense CIA i. Tha meeting opened with a CIA ort of military forces in ferent coup sroupines Active in Vietnaz. & messaze de sent to Saizan oresenting + for the cermcurrence or comment of fuspass as the figures indicated C/A rey a) ore | White House Meeting on Vietnan elles 29 Cotober 1953 The President: Vice President Attomey Cereral Secretary Rusk Under Secretary larriman Under Seerstary Jonnson Mr. Mendenhall Secretary Mctanara General Taylor General Arulaz ) Nee’ Pas Hye occeorze Jamey Ree BS Ce? te FUG F Porrestal Bre Bromley Smithy Hr. John A. setone tite Richard Seles Mire Willian 2. Colby considerabls 0 OTT resistance, 2s Secretary Rusk cormented that Diem and both sides tne vnited States for nasi stares, ing silermt or TLdng a 2 go0d Geal about Docld: 32423547 Page 19 tna conn talk and tras possibla civil war, He Lois SECHE 2a ~ oo we A “~ haw ted a — Pew 3-553 & 29 Cctober 1953 efinzg on the disvesition tha Saison area and a discussion of the dize Tne President directed that “ae sreciMes of sais oriefing acor Lodzs emi ¢ tnat any coup attamps in Saizen would mest Jeneral Haricins, “hn must mow a =n a coup vould “o Would have the position azainst sted ont prolonged fizht~ that civil war
Would disrupt the conduct of military onsrations against the 7¢, He tellaved we should mininiza our irvelvement in this coup and Gliow Arcassador Lodge to return on schedmla. The President com= mented that Anoassador Lodrs’s departure need rot bs delayed but taat General Uarcins showld bs placed in chargs if amy coup should begin. Ue and Cereral Taylor comeented that the problem was not an overall balance of forces but that the role of few leaders would tea €scisivg in a coup situation. It was suz,sested that Coneral Harkins, Charge diarfaires Trveneart and CAS chiar act as a committee to Girect any coup operation. Ur. NeCona coumtered with the view that CAS chief sheuld rot 2a involved in such a policy-making function although Coe vould be in a rosition to provide tecimical acvics to . _ Ganeral Sarina and Trveneart as well as carry oat their instrac- ticns in the operatisnal field. . 3e The Attorney Ceneral commented that a corp is Yietnan was not cre in which the United tates could take a hands-c2? position since ve vere involved in the success or failure of the war thers, He excressed concern inat the cresent course of action was puting the whola Sizrture in the handg of relatively mimewn menerals. Ho pointed cut that President Diam was a fishter end would probably reacs est sharniy and udvernaly to the Unitad States, Ha stated that we showld imow more abort this coup and that failure could spell Cisasver. ha f2lt that the United States was risking too mch based on flissy evidence. | l. General Taylor commented that his impression was that the military were not intarested in rolitics but only in cetting om with the war. Hs added that even a suecessful coum would have a tad short tora effect on tha war since tne confusion and changes of persennel such ag province chisf3 vould lead to a sathack. (tir. MeCene stated that he azreed witon Caneral Taylor that aven a successful coup would create a treriod of interreocmm and confusion whicn misnt only be solved Sy a second or third cam. ‘The President questioned whether such vice changes in province chiefs vould necessarily have to follow a suecassful coup. ‘Secrstary Russ stated his belie? that a quick, successinl cows would bring better leadershis to Vietnam. Governor Harrizan stated his belief that unless a change in saverne Rent was brought acout, the war will ron down and ve lost since Disa dees not have the leadership qualities necessary to carry the coutry to victory. 5. The Fresident stated that if the forces in Saison’ vere not clearly in favor of the coup, va should discomraca its Lannche ing. He ased that we List the key units and our estinate of their cr) m4 a) o ry | prey . shee WW 50355 BDocla: 32423547 Page 20
-3- -loyaltiies and if the balance was not clearly indicative of a owick victory, wa should reconsider. in this conrectio he agreed that to maka such an investigation. Secretary iicNamara stated Anvasga-<. dor Lodss would read this s3 a change in his besi¢e instructions and in his celief that up toe now va would supcort or at leas’ keen hands off a comp. Ha commented that Ampassacor lodes will have some dite fieultios in cassing over the learershis cf ihe coup eifart to General Rerkins since Ceneral Harkins has been oreucht very Little into recent planning and diseussianse Ne usked that Ambassador Lodge be sziven the cotion ag to when he would cevart. Lecretary "usk reiterated the basis criteria for nd Sted States action, i. @., that ve would mot estimate a coun Dad that we would not thwart one 1? 1% offered the prospect of increased milit aa effort in the war, vocular supe port & and improwed voriinz relati with the Tnited States. Ths - Presicent agreed that ambassador rodee snould determine his om de- 5. After a separate crafting session, the mesting resused to ‘go over a drart telecram with tks President. Hae directed a nurber of changes » marticuiarly to oring out nis celite? that wnat we say to the ganerais could be nisnly cecisiva a3 to whether they “sunca &@ coup and that $815 actiaa is not entirely out of our bands. Secondby, he wanted to emchasise that the burdan af’ creer must >3 on the coup forces ond whether they haves the strength to win muckly. Lf not, we should discouraze them. ‘5. Bincy exnressed concern rezarding tha gocuricy 2? these meetings on Yietnam and tha ansolute imcrtanca of keeping these diseussisns secret. Ha further directed that amr pelicy telegress from any isency be clearad with the White House and that the White Souse be ziven a copy of overational traffis which mignt in any way indicate policy Jadgman ts. Gis) Richerd Yeins BY Ph "op ad Hota, ‘Richard Nalus/#Hilliam 2. Colby” po/P  C/FS Distriirtions _ Original - The Director 2 ce - D 2 cc - Die hes - TD/I Lee = G/T rey rre HW 350955 Bocld:3242735547 Page 21
HY 0955 CC rr cD rr ‘~~| eens iS a) an] _ a . 20 November 1963 SUBJECT: Cuban Arms Cache in Venezuela 1. At 5:CO P. May 19 November, the, former ° Deruty Chief of Station in Caracas, and I called on the Attormmey Ceneral to show him one of the submachine guna whicn had been retrieved frem tne arms ‘cache found cy the Verezuslan authorities in early Uovember on the Paraguana Peninsula of Veremuela. Last week, the Attorney General had told m3 that it would be most useful if the Agency were to produce some mm or other ciece of military equinment which had actually been sent from Cuba to another country in Latin Averica. Therefore, we briefed tha Atj= torney Cereral in detail on the materiel in the cacne and tne means by which we had teen able to demonstrate that the origin of the ams was Cuban, Ee examined the submachine mm and the suvcorting photograms which show serial numbers and the Cuban Army shield. while we were tale ing with ihe Attornay General, he took a talarnone call in anotner room. Upon his retuen, he said that ne nad been speaxing «itn the fresiden? and that we were to go to the White House within thirty minutes to show this gun to nin. 2. Ths President was briefed on the origins of the submachine gun and on the metneds used to establish that it had come from Guba. We also: described in Getail what was foumd in the arms cache and the curvoses for which the materiel was intended. We referred to tha fact that mortar shells had been found wrarced in the unique air-dron gear. which the Agency had devised Sor use at the Bay of Pigs. The rresicent inquired about how the military equimnent had been transported to Venssuela, our reply ceing that wea believed it had been by boat since a small aluminum craft with an outboard motor had been found thres huncred yards from the actual cacne site. We then pointed out that President Fetancenurt cesirsd to surface 19 finding of tha Cuban arms cache at a time of his cheosing orior to the Venezuelan presidential elscticon on 1 December. The President azreed that President fetancourt should be civen this cvcertunity. iie further ' stated that the Mmited States Coverrmment should co nothing a>out sur facing its interest in these arms wmtil a decision has been made on what steps the United States wants to taxe in retaliaiion against Castro. He - gave no suggestions as to what Line of action he casired to pursues but mads it cleay that he would expect some recomnencations to be fortncorting after the matter had been fully considered by arrropriate agencias. ‘ie re oxy bea one Docld: 324293547 Page 22
informed him that the problem was already veing worked on vy Alexis - . Johnson, Paul hitza, and representatives of this Agency. I specifically cleared with the Presicéent showing the susmachina gim and other evidence to interested officials of Stata and Defense. -3, It was clear that both the President and the Attornsy General were intensely interested in this concrete examls of Castro's export of arzs for subversion. There was no opportunity with either sentieman to give a detailed briefing on other evidence of Castro subversive activia in Central and South America. , Deputy Director (Plans) (A brisfins of Acting Secretary of State Alaxis gohnnson and AS Secretary Zcwin Martin plus tir. Nitze and other Pantagon of scheduled for 2:30 P. HM. today.) hy '>} re c?¢) tt EE ; ' ‘Distribution: Original - Mr. Elder for The Director co - DDCI Lec ~ Chief, WH Lec - Chisf, SAS 1 ce - DD/P. ro SECRET } HY 50955 DBocld:32423547 Page 23
HY - — rd etm eet sw A Addenthm to 20 November 19453 Memorandum for the mecord Subject: Cuban Arms Cache in Venezuela Wnen the meeting ended, the President arose from his rocxing chaiz and stood beside the coffee table looxing toward the Rose Garden. I leaned over and picked up the suomachine gum from the coffee table. As I did so, I said to the President on the sour of the mement, "I am glad the Secret Service did not catch ms bringing this gun in here.” The President's face lighted up, he grinred, and instantly reacted, : . DCOS Caracas "Yes, 1+ gives me a feeling of confidencee™ The formerpnd I taen went out oma of the French doorg on to the portico and walled around to the Caitzet Zoom where we had left a briefcase. As wa walked down the hall, ve saw the President again signing rail at the corner of Mrs. lincoln's desk. He had interrupted work on his correspondence © to take vs-into his office for the conversation. Richard Helms. Deputy Director for Plans ; / 7 0955 Po cry os AJ rey soszne| Bocld: 32423547 Page. 24
HW 450955 j ( . NOVEMBER 19607 FRIDAY SM tf WoT F A 12 3'4 3 ot Q 678 9101112 “Os 13 1415 16 17 18 19 yao | 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 - . 27 28 29 30 NOVEMBER @ 330 /o - - Shad Sircsrahaite ¢ ee 36 eo e . he — ’ ‘ f ‘ v ‘ - . z - OTe wtoeee, E ; . Ride 1 73 Creep of 3:30 7 St firs, . ee oc ! eee. f- OEP SES 2) a fe yo © , | JUL. 18 ‘at . DoclId: 32423547 Page 27