[toq-t0rto-to204] - at “8 FILE NO, #239000 DATE ____2 August 1960 SYNOPSIS . Tavestigatian i that on 19 July 1960 three serarate meetings were held at room mmber 24, University Court Resort Hotel, Coral Callles, Florida ee of the second 4 meetings. During the meetings in question, | employees and three (3) Cubans vere nresent. ‘The meetings vere held in order to "iron out” internal a{ssensions with The two (2) staff employees were interviewed and insofar as they recall no Government or CIA interest ws divulged during the course of their meetings with the three (3) Cubans. Interviews with Miami FBI representatives reflected that iiSe VALENTINER had told the FSI that one of the conferees stated that he was hired by the United Siates to do away with Castro. The FRI, at the request of star? employee Bernard Reichharit, told lies. VALENTINER that incident reported by her was under FRT . investigation and for reasons of security, it was desired that she refrain from discussing incident with anyone and that she also counsel her friends to do likewise. Physical survey of the University Court Resort Motel revealed that the room selected for the meeting vas vulnerable. . Attached to the original of this report are Exhibits 1 through Cy REPORT NO.
14-00000 AS ! 219000” BO 2 August 15960 GENERAL: "At Coral, Gables, Florida On 22 and 25 July 1960 Chie?, Forward _ Operating Base (FOB), was in ce relative to the security violation at Coral Gables (eee Exhibit #1). . | [ndicated thet he ws on his vay to Hashington, De Cay @ *hat the incident was reported by the FRI to Bernard REICHSARDT, a steff employee who maintains bis office. outside of FOB. O'MARA further stated that he had been briefed on the security leak while he vas in Washington, D. C. who ala not attend the meeting where the security violation occurred, prevered a memorandim for the record (see Exhibit #2) setting forth the detaile of the arrangements and Giscussions leading Up tO tne ae ns ee eect pela in Room 209 — gt the University Court Resort Motel, 13 Dixle Highway, Coral Gables, Florida. On 22 July 1960, Case Officer - DROWN, jstaff employee, was interviewed at ‘the Atlantic Motel wheye\he is currently - _xwesiding. He was most cooperative and appeared to be sincere and reliable in his statements. y My. BROWN, alias stated that Jerry DROLIER, aitas Frank BESDER, 3 on Monday evening, 15 July 1960, frem Washington, D. C. BROWN added that a meeting was held at a safehouse at 2300 hours, 18 July 1960, in order to discuss . the program for the f of MRR. Staff employees William KENT, Jerry DROLLER, and BROWN were present at this meeting. Me, BROWN cemtinued that the reason that Mr. DROLLER came to ‘Coral Gables was to have a meeting with several members cf the MER on 19 July 1960 in arder to “iron out" internal dissensions. At 0810 hours, 19 J O, Gase Officer BROWN arrived at ” the home of a friend of TARTIME] vhose address he recalled to be 623 Velarde Avenue, Coral Gedles, soles, Florida. BROW could not further identify ARTIMG's friend other than the fact that he was a Cuban and a Harvard University graduate. Upon arrival, BROWN observed that ARTIME vas "still in the sack". _ARTIME and BROWN departed the residence at 0905 hours, proceeded direc’ directly to the motel, and arrived there at aporoximately 0920 hours. He used a sterile rented vehicle in trensporting ARTIS and arrangements for the motel to be used for the meeting vere made by Jerry DROLLER. | 2 yA - % : le Ta) aroncy _ “4 Af SEGREL 7 pO fPY oe ee ee (ne en ee eee were oem =
14-00000 Officer Jerry DROLLER teek before, during, acd after the nesting. were mentioned during the meetings: 63 XY ry #229000 oe Fe 2 Angst 1560 Case Officer BRCHN further elaborated that he was not evare of Mr. DROLIER's soon musber uabil the actual morning of the meeting. - DROLLER hed checked dato the University Court Resort Motel unier the name Prank EENDER end he decided to ubilize his quarters for the meeting. After determining DROLIGR'sa roas mmber, BRCWN went baek te the car whers he had lafb ARTDE, picked him up, and pro- ceeded te reom 209 at the motel. He stated that ot all tines while he was in bis ces he made sure that he was not being sur- vellled and took necessary action to precluis any mobile surveillance. Be G24 net expose the indigesous participants umecessarily voile - at the metel. During the bers 0915 to 1015, 1120 te 1530 and 1430 to 1600, 19 July 1960, when the meetings occurred, the doors were locked aud there was no eating or drinking as there was no room service afforded by the motel. To the best of BROWN's re- eollaction, neither he nor the indizenous persomnel were seen by any of the occupants of the motel. ERO mentioned that he was not aware of any security preteutions that the responsible Case The primary duty of BROWS during the mestinge was serving 08 Sn interpreter for Mr. DROLLER. the conversation was lowler thas nomal and it waa noted that Jerry DROLLER spesks.with an obvious Germanic eccent. English and Spanish were spoken freely throughout the meetings. oe BROWN indicated that the following - names, areas, and terms k. BENDER Group 7 Lb fo, eri oT; g - 4 : ~ ” . ‘ 1 ete eneetentengtenee tenets eterna te eth rete thet tert terre eet -
14-00000 Be We Ve We bb. CC o ad. >? “4 awry iF ef he 2 Auguat 1960 Lionel (used frequently and this is the code name for one of the MRR men) hie. HUNT Oriente and Havana, Cuba References as to Washington, such as, "What are my friends ‘in Washington going to say?” Mexico Frente National Directorite MRR ‘Executive Committee Junta | Visas Discipline (often used) Pilots (mmbers such as 40 or 50) Revolutionary Front (referring to FHD) Executive Cammittees and Secretariats (example: "Why hasn't the front come up with the Executive Committee?”) Airplanes (Example: Frank BENDER stated, "I have plenes in the training areas, but you have not produced the pilots.") At our meetings in New York "You have not cooperated with ny Jimeaie who came to Miami ag my military representative.” BROWN stated that to the best of his Imowledge no mention waa made of the United States Goverment or the CIA. —
14-00000 PROWS stated that no calls were received at the motel during the first meeting nox were there auy cutside calla made. There were no incomizeg or outgoing calls made during the second meeting. Two incoming calls were received by Jerry DROLLER at 1500 and 1530 hours at vhich time Mr. ARTIME called and tabled to BROWN who in- terpreted for DROLLER. EROWN further recalled that at the end of the third ting, about 1600 hours, Mr, DROLLER telephoned and Jake ESTSRLIME on their unlisted 3a fran the motel room. When ir. DROLLER was talking 7 ESTERLINS, oaly BROWN was present. No outgoing were made by the indigemous persorme] during the entire session at the motel. All calls were made through a switchboard. EROW pointed out that at ao time during. the sessions with the indigenous personnel were they interrupted by motel employees or occupants. He added that _ the notel reem’did not have a radio, however, there vag a tele- visioa set waich was not used during the meetings. , res sitving next to his teble. ‘He pointed out that although his. chatting with the Cubans during lunch was in Spanish, they did not discuss business. . There was no discussion between tables. After limch the group.returned to the room at about 1425 hours and waited for Mr. DROLLZR to return. Mr. DROLLER returned to the roem at about 1440 hours at which time the third meeting . Commenced. BROWN noted that while waiting for Mr. DROLLER, little or no discussion transpired between he end the three Cubans. Attention is invited to Exhibit #3 which is a memorandum for the record, setting forth in detail an account of the meetings om 19 duly 2 BROWN mentioned that had never been at the University Court Resort Motel t before jhe meeting nor has he been there since. ca 22 and 23 July 1960 yin his office and the office of He vas cooperative sha . gave what appeared to be trut. > RETCHHARDT stated that he does not have much more information to offer thas has been cited in his cable (Zchibit #1), dated 20 July 1960. Mr. REICHEARDT was instructed by the Reporting Agent Le le? 7 w ~h. Ltd or ia LAS ar -wetteetrertttrenteieretanshpasinaenn eh SA anne renter tc RA ne ee etn eset eee te eee ctr nee tne tention tenn eth eer tetstenrtere reer neater henyftretevetteeth ren ert Pn rte
14-00000 a rt nt oF tf ame “4 2219000 a oo ~2 August 1960 _ to urite a memorandum for the reeard as an addendum to Exhibit #1 setting forth in detail the receipt of information from the FSI end what subsequent action was taxen by him in this matter. Attached ag Ibhibit #) 1s a memorandum for the record, dated 23 Jaly 1960, voluntarily submitted by Mr. NREICHHARDT. Mr. REIGHHARDT volumteered the information that he haa : : PSCUr's ta this coanection, SEIGHHARDY briefed GLAECHADE om the cocmrity Leak ao that he , any mention of thie incident during his meeting - LELCEAUF subsequently advised REICHHARDT that no mention of the incidest to him. REICHBARDT had no further pertinent information to offer. Attached as Ixhibit #5 1s 0 memorandum for the recor’ pre- ae dad John J. SULLIVAN, Security Officer, FOB, on 25 July At Mian Beach, Florida Aeting Special Agent in Charge, Richard BAKER, of the Miami FBI was contacted in his office, third fleer, Justice Building, 3915 Biscayne Blvd., at 0955 hours, 25 July 1960, by the Reporting Agent and FOB Security Officer, John J. SULLIVAN. Mr. SULLIVAN briefed Mr. BAKER why we were there and requested that he furnish any information available relative to the incident that cccurred at the University Court Resort Motel on 19 July 1960. Mr. BAKER at 1005 hours requested FBI Special Agent George DAVIS, the in- vyeatigator handling this matter, to participate in the diacussion. Special Agent DAVIS indicated that at 1500 hours on 19 July 1960 & call was received from Mrs. Clark VALENTINER, wife of an executive of the Continental Can Ccampany, Havana, Cuba, who re~ ported that she had overheard a discussion of an anti-CASTRO group. At this point, Me. DAVIS pointed ont thet his detailed report on this matter which ia incorporated in e larger report dealing with unsolicited information, was forwarded to the FBI Headquarters on Saturday, 23 July 1960. DAVIS added that the only matter that he di4 not inchule in his investigative report vas tvo license plates mumbers which Mra. VALENTONSR hed provided him. brs. VALZOUTOUGR had noted the license plates of the participants in | the meeting conducted in Roca 209 at the University Court Resort Motel. -5- omate reancty SEGHES
14-00000 geo Shortly after the call vas received by the - FBI fren Hrs. VALENTINER, FBI.Special Agent Howard ALBAUGH informed "Bernie" RETCHHARDT of the aforementioned telephone call. “Bernie” sub- sequently asked Special Agent DAVIS to contact Mrs. VALENTINER for the purpose of determining what she had ‘overheard, refrain from discussing this matter further with anyone, and.also to caution her friends wnom she had told cf the incident to do like= Spectal figent DAVIS mentioned that Mrs. VALENTINGR hed returned to her ream, 210, at the University Court Resort Motel at 1130 hours, 19 duly 1960, and noticed bellows of cigar ameke emanating from underneath her kitchen deor. Upon examining the situation, she overheard lowl conversing im the connecting recon. In listening further, Mrs. VALENTINER was able to record the conversation in Room 209 by taking copicus notes. Mrs. VALENIZHER belteved there vere three Cubans present together with tye other james she established to be Frans HEIDER and "Jimmie." One of . > the Cubans served as an interpreter and BENDER spoke with a dis- tinct Germanic accent. Mrs. VALEVTINER told DAVIS that Mr. BENDER during the meeting had stated that he was “hired by the United States to do away with CASTRO." Mrs. VALENTINER also noted during | the meeting references. to Howard and HUNT, which she surmized to be one Howard HUNT. Special Agent DAVIS indicated that he interviewed Mrs. VALENTINER in her quarters in the motel during the hours 2300 te O145 on 19 and 20 July 1960. ‘The writer, at thia point, ingnired | as to the size of the crack underneath Mra. VALENTINER's kitchen door. DAVIS answered by stating that it was large (exact dimen- sions not noted). He further declared that she had mentioned to him that she was able to cbserve the portion of the leg (to the knee) of many of the individuals participating in the discussion. The weiter further queried DAVIS as to vhether she had any mnow- ledge of Spanish. DAVIS replied that she advised him that she posseases flnent lmowledge of Spanish after having resided in Cuba - for ten years. Her husband has lived in Cuba for thirty years. While at the motel, DAVIS chaerved that she had notes of the conversation which she referred to during the Interview. It should pe noted that these notes were not confiscated by DAVIS. DAVIS stated that Mrs. ROBINSON, who is also a reaident of the notel, was present during the meeting for a very short period (exact times unlmown). Mrs. ROBINSON is the wife of en American businesaman in Cuba. Mr. lawrence BREWER of the Esso Company of -~ 6 - eagty crac] rma ee BABE om Cy ‘ .
14-00000 i. , : A a PELGCRIL 2 August 1960 Cuba is also knowledgeable of the incident since she called hin for aiz=ice. BREWER advised her to call the PBI. She telephoned the FEC trem the home of Hrs. MOSRIS or MORRISON (not further _ identited). ; | iis. VALENTTNER, accordimg to DAVIS, did a little investigating on her own. After the meeting; of the group was over, Frank BENDER called. ational Airlines to comfirm his reservations for 19 July 1960. Shortly thereafter, Mrs. YALENTINER called National Airlines and Garsexeined that BENDER was destined for Washington, D.C. She also comducted discreet inqui=-ies at the motel ani ascertained that ine occupants of Room 20S were a aroup ef businessmen using WO. the remm for the day. Mrs. VA-LENTINER was careful to note the license: plates of two cara thet vere used by the conferees: . She conduerzed no further investige-tion. cooperczcive, intelligent, ansi-CASTRO, and anti-Coxeumist. DAVIS feels =nat this varticular incident will "@teca natural death" and the the people who have trecene knowledgeable to some extent of cur activity are discreet enough to not discuss it further... “ During bis discussion with Mes. VALEIFPONER, DAVIS at no tine divulged any United States Goverment mpensorahip of this matter. 28 far 2s the local FBY Office was concerned, this was a closed. matter. Ee added that any other participation by his office weld | have to be approved by FBI Headquarters, At Com=2 Gaoles, Florida Am 1100 hours, 24 July 19:50, the Reporting Agent, under alias, moved <imte roan 206 at the University Court Resort Motel. A physica. survey at the motel was made on this day. Attention is invitet to Exhibit 7. Bulldimg "C" where the meebings were con- ducted ksve completely equipped cennecting dinette kitchens. Mrs. Clark WALSNTINER currently ocempies room 210 at this motel where, hed she elected to do so,would be able to cverhear the entire . conversuation in room 209 fem ther kitchenette. As will be noted on the bese 7 diegraa of Exhibdt 46, her kitchen extends three to four feet (actual measurement) into ron 209. The kitchen door is of piyvood construction. Im building C there is a 3/4 te 1 inch Gap vetareen the floor and the Mase of the sitchen doors to apparently allow cor vall to wall, carpeting. Between reems 208 and 2C9 there is a sueel reinforced plastersd| wall. It is the writer's epinion that t= is impossible to monitor conversation talcing place in 209 fron 225 without the use of proper listening devices. According s Steerer erat Mert Reena Wn ee Re te Hutte at wn noe |
14-00000 to bir. GROWN, previously identified in this report, the windows vere closed and the air conditioing vas on when the meabings were comiucted. . _ a - . It would be difficult for anyone to monitor the conversation - in roca 209 from either the back or front doors as they are of COO EO eee ee eT es Thereby affarding the occupants ef the room te note anyone standing in front of then. At Washington, Db. C. Attached aa Exhibit 77 is a comy of 5 THX summary sent fran Special Agent in Charge, } » Vlorida, to FBI Headquarters on San PAPIGR, 7) Mn? Svaise to this Agency Vy Special Agent Tuly 1960 by the Reporting Agent and ifr. Joseph ity Officer, Project JMARC, in his Office jak Barton | B cocperative. Me. DROLLER prefaced his remarks by indicating tint be hed completed @ memorandum for the record, requested by Mr. TARGAT, and made 2 copy available (see Exhibit 78). Mr, DROLIZR indicated that the gist of his cover story for the indigenous persome] is that he is a private American citisen and & member of a group of American citizens (business, education, etc.) whe sometimes in the past find themselves in minor diaagree-! ment with the United States foreign policy in Latin America (favor~ ing THUJTLLO and the like). That this group has noticed a mich more "forward look" by the United States Government and that the group i3 therefore directed to de anything which can be of assistance to patriotic citizens who will bring about.a change of the CASTRO Goverment. DROLLER further declared thet operating with thia cover stery, he has never mentioned that he wea an employee of the United States Goverment. Mr. LANGAN, at this point, queried Mo. DROLLER whether any mention of the United oo States Goverment had been made by the indigencus personnel who participated in the meetings. DROLLER could not recall. Ee further pointed out that United States Government cama up in meetinga when discussing United States foreign policy, but never in connection with employment by the United States Covernment. ix, DROLLAR displayed the elias travel doowentation which ne has been using on his excursions to Miami Beach, Florida, ares. Tt was noted that the address 144 West €6th Strset, New Yors City, was listed on this docimentation, but aceerding to Mr. DROLLER is not backstouped. r\4 i mip evan) f eu vd a oa ry
14-00000 “7 lir. DROLLSGR declared that he had conducted meetings on 24 May, aud 7 and 19 June 1960. ‘The meetings were held in different roons in the same building, ca the game floor on two occasions _ and once on the ground floor. During thease meetings, which vere held for business and social reasons, the following were present: Hr. DROLLER pointed cut that on these previews occasions in which the Court Resors Motel was used, Mr. REICHHARDT made the reserva- tions. nie. DROLER stated that at no time dia the agente know be- forehami where the meetings would take place. He had no further pertinent information to offer. Search of O8 indices revealed that on 29 Hay 1956 bo permite the object's on 29 May 1956 to perme +