AGENCY INFORMATION AGENCY: © FBI RECORD NUMBER: — 124-10291-10032 RECORD SERIES: HQ AGENCY FILE NUMBER: CR 105-141949-4 DOCUMENT INFORMATION ORIGINATOR: FBI FROM: TO: TITLE: DIRECTOR, FBI DATE: 09/21/1967 PAGES: - SUBJECT: _DOCUMENT_TYPE: ORIGINAL CLASSIFICATION: REVIEW_DATE: . STATUS COMMENTS: 44 PAPER, TEXTUAL DOCUMENT Secret 09/15/1998 Redact RESTRICTIONS: Consultation JFK Act 6 (4) REFERRED TO INS NW 45701 Docid:32306892 Page 1 NEW CLASSIFICATION: UPDATE DATE:
On 6/11/63, Gilberto Rodriguez Fernandez {200-420590) made available information in connection with the July 26 Movement for the short time in the latter part of 1958 when he served as advisor to this group in the Miami section. He explained that he had no access to the-arms or supplies of the July 26 Movement and only saw one cache of arms, consisting of M-1 carbines and pistols. This was in the house of Orlando Bosch in Miami, but the address was not recalled. Bosch did business with two individuals in Hialeah, one, a policeman and the other_was a brother-in-law of the policeman, names not recalled. However, Bosch gave them a boat, valued at $2500 on 1/1/59. Interview set out in detail. 100-420590-41 p.24,25 (379° Orlando Bosch Avila's name appeared on a list dated 10/14/60 prepared by INS, which included background data of Cubans claiming to be political refugees who had entered or departed the US since January 1, 1959 and were processed by INS since that date. List Shoaeae - 109- -2695 encl.p.7 (167k Manuel Paneque Y Batista, a former major in the Cuban National Revolutionary Police. These references revealed that Paneque was a close associate of Dr. Orlando Bosch Avila from 1959 - January, 1961. Information included the activities and contacts between the two men in Cuba and in Miami, Florida area. Interviews with Paneque in October, 1960 and interviews with Bosch in December, 1960 and January, 1961 regarding the MIRR and their association also set out. Bosch claimed to have known Paneque for several years and had complete confidence in him. Description and background information of both men set out. | The following references appear in the main file of Victor REFERENCE SEARCH SLIP PAGE NUMBER» 105- 92195- -3 “s 135387 Ane p.2,3 p.1,3-5,8-10,17-19 p.1-7,12, 13,17- -26 Na eee NW 45701 DociId:32306892 Page 2
NA oS. MM-639-S on 1/11/61 stated that Frank Fiorini was at that time co-operating and associating with Victor Paneque and Orlando .Bosch, leaders of the MIRR, which had established a training camp in Florida and anticipated a. military expedition against the Cuban Government in the near future .(X) U This serial revealed that Frank Fiorini was an assistant to Pedro Luis Diaz Lanz, President of the Cuban Constitutional Crusade, an anti-Castro organization, |; a rénz /10/61) 105-89923-126 p.3 oy (Ilona Martit _interview 1 By letter dated 1/23/61, the Philadelphia Office made available two photostats of a three-page document entitled "Cuban Counter-Revolutionary Organizations," received from INS. This document contained the names of anti-Castro organizations. Among these organizations was the MIRR, headed by Dr. Orlando Bosch Avila, former chief of the 26th of July Movement in Las Villas Province, Cuba (G ) [ Documeritenctosea 798 () {oS p ea 7093 encl.p.3 (155 449° On 1/26/61, Dr. Orlando Bosch Avila, M.D., who appeared at several unity meetings of Cuban exiles with Luis Ernesto Conte Aguero (105-86025) in the Miami, Florida area, advised that Conte Aguero had recently gone to NYC and Washington, DC to hold political meetings. The meetings were regarded to be without significance by Bosch, who stated that his organization (MIRR) would not be represented. Bosch possessed no specific details. . 10586025-23 p.1 (13337¥ SI 105-86025-31 encl.p.1 (133377 NW 45701 DociId:32306892 Page 3 ~ | ; -3- ys
a . cr re lam) : nl oa an er Se . ™ AZ TR I: According to a Bureau memo, on 11/28/61, the Department of Justice announced the creation of a special committee of anti- Castro leaders to help screen security risks among Cuban refugees. Dr. Orlando Bosch Avila was among the members of this committee. A summary of. information appearing in Bureau files concerning - Bosch was set out. Attached to this memo is an INS report which contains background concerning the formation of this committee. Bosch attended meetings of above special committee in the office of INS District Director, Miami, on 11/8,11/9,11/15 and 11/16/61. (INS report enclosed) (933 3163-428 encl.p.2 1 On 11/29/61, Ray Dubois, (protect identity), CIA, Miami, Florida was contacted regarding the activities of Dr. Orlando Bosch, who reportedly had come into a sum of money and had become active and interested in setting up a radio network between the US and certain unknown points in Cuba, ‘(% u) Dubois advised that CIA 8S aware of certain activities of Bosch and that Bosch was at that time engaged in training a group of radio operators who would be placed in the underground in Cuba, PO(u) 109-584-3045 p.2 (4la~ A review of INS file concerning Claudio Vito Alberto Torres y de la Vega (105-104085) revealed that Orlando Bosch Avila was among those who sent a letter (date not given) to INS which urged the release of Torres from the INS detention facility at Miami, Florida. Torres who was to be deported had been transferred to Miami, Fla. from El Paso, Texas on 11/2/61. 105-1 104085-7 p.7 (14s404~ NW 45701 DociId:32306892 Page 6 a
C4 PN Nye es Ys LZ? are ae . William Johnson, airplane pilot and automobile salesman, 1271 N.W. 180th Terrace, Miami, Florida, advised that he had been contacted by Frank Anthony Sturgis on 6/1/64, regarding a set of questions Sturgis wanted Johnson to show to Dr. Orlando Bosch, in connection with an investigation by the Department of Defense concerning an alleged air raid over Cuba on 5/25/64. Johnson was of the opinion that Sturgis might ingratiate himself in some way with Bosch, Johnson stated that he showed the questions to Bosch, and Bosch indicated he thought the whole thing was a fraud. According _ to Johnson, Bosch had no faith or trust in Sturgis. This serial indicated that Sturgis was head of the organization known as the International Anti-Communist Brigade, and also indicated that above alleged flight had been determined to be a hoax, 109-584-3960 p.9 (457 PSI (protect identity) on 7/16/64 OTHER 4 made available information pertaining to the activities of members of the "Secret Organization of Continental Action" (OSAC) (105-131113). stated that Nelson Rodriguez may have contacted Marcelino Garcia, an associate of Dr. Orlando Bosch of MIRR, concerning torpedos which MIRR had built in the past. This serial revealed that Nelson Rodriguez was identical to Nelson Iglesias Catala, a Cuban exile associated with the OSAC. 105-131113-6 p. H (42 On 9/9/64, Ramon Font Saumel, 1184 N.W. 37th St., Miami, Florida advised that he continued to be one of the military leaders of "Comandos L" (105-117222), an anti-Castro organization which conducted raids in the past against cuba. (€ uy Font advised that several months previously, "Comandos L" Signed a military pact with the MIRR. This pact was promoted by Pedro Muinas, Civilian Coordinator of "Comandos L," and Orlando Bosch. The military leaders of "Comandos L" agreed to go along with this /(u) (continued ) -14- NW 45701 DociId:32306892 Page 7
_ (continued ) REFERENCE 97-4474-111 p -116 p.l, -118 encl -119 p -122 encl -124 encl -129 encl. -132 encl -143 p.1-3 -145 p.l -147 encl.p.1,3,6,10-12 -153 p.l -158 encl.p.1-3 105-114543-149 p.2 105-126660-21 encl.p.1,2 109-584-3884. p.15 -3976 p.12,13 -4069 p.4-6,25 -4114 p.9,10 SEARCH SLIP PAGE NUMBER PSI (protect identity), who was active in W206 5426 5427 oT” ery CF) Kozy - OTHER 4 Cuban exile activity in Miami, advised that on 11/29/64, Dr. Manuel Urrutia Lles, the first Cuban President under Fidel Castro, currently in exile at NYC and head of the"Alianza Revoluncionaria Democratica" (ARD) (105-134875), assisted by Jesus Dieguez Llamazares, a close . associate of Dr. Urrutia, visited Dr. Orlando Bosch in Miami, Florida. Dr. Urrutia subsequently indicated that he did not desire to receive the MIRR into the ARD. MM-974-S advised that Dr. Urrutia had appa ently declined admission to the ARD of the MIRR, headed by Bosch. (¥) U NW 45701 DociId:32306892 Page 8 105-134875-5 p.4,5 sal a7.
Ci -_ a MM-776-S on 9/23/64 advised that Dr. Virgilio Sanchez Acejo, 334 S.W. 8th Ave., Miami, Florida, leader of the "Instituto Cubana De La Democracia" (Cuban Institute of Democracy), .several associates, and the organization "Armed Forces of Cuba in Exile," were interested in overthrowing the dictatorship of President Duvalier of Haiti, establishing a military base in Haiti for use by anti-Castro forces, and setting up a Cuban Government in exile at Port-au-Prince. Dr. Sanchez, according to this informant, stated that after the overthrow of the Duvalier government, Dr.,Orlando Bosch would be the Minister of Health in thenew government «} U) 97-4691-4-encl.p.2 (364% MM-776-S on 12/23/64, advised that to his knowledge Orlando Bosch and his group, the MIRR, had not been active in any plans to ~ overthrow the government of Haiti in recent necks OX 1 . a wey encl.p.4 36Y OTHER 4 a Cuban exile in Puerto Rico, (protect identity), on advise at Orlando Bosch of the MIRR was recently in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, conferring with persons in an attempt to set up a base in the Dominican Republic. According to source, Bosch was in Puerto Rico for a day or so trying to raise money. (no further details) — \ 105-114543-231 encl.p.1,2 (417 Enrique Chau Espinosa (105-144627) on 10/14/65 made available information pertaining to his knowledge of Chinese Communist activities | (in Miami, Florida. In this connection Chau stated that two Chinese Cubans who owned and operated the Pekin Restaurant were communists. His reason for stating this was that at least one Cuban exile group had asked for a contribution of funds to wage war against Castro, and had been refused. | With regard to the above incident, MM-365-S, who was acquainted with Orlando Bosch and members of the MIRR, advised on 3/11/65 that the above restaurant and home of the two Chinese Cubans had been (continued ) -18- i ul es NW 45701 DociId:32306892 Page 9
- . C! ’ a ’ ( continued ) CRET searched, based on charges by the MIRR that those individuals were communists and trafficked drugs. The reason for the denouncement was that these individuals refused to contribute to Bosch and his MIRR. 105-144627-2 p.7 (4397 This reference sets out a list of Cuban exiles involved in plans for a coup in Guatemala. Among those names listed was that of Evelio Alpizar Perez who was described as having been associated with Orlando Bosch Avila. (CIA - Late March, 1965) u) 2+-1901-11 p.2 (1921 | 0 ———— PSI (protect identity) on OTHER 4 4/13/65 advised that Everett Dennis Jackson (105-126660) during:.1964 was associated with members of the MIRR, which organization was interested in Jackson's plans to parachute into Cuba to take photo- graphs. According to this informant, Jackson also had made plans sometime in April, 1965, to drop a bomb on Cuba. This informant stated that the MIRR as an organization had nothing to do with this planned flight and that Orlando Bosch had severed relations with Jackson. Bosch considered him an unreliable adventurer. 105-126660-22 encl.p.2,3 (4oy¥ On 4/1/65 the State Department made available Biographic ° Data Reports on Cuban Exiles. One of these reports concerned Orlando . Bosch Avila which set out description, background and personal data concerning Bosch. (x (4 109-584-4226 encl.p.12 (7sy | | | | ~ SECRET a NW 45701 DocId:32306892 Page i0
| Opt ope. ; . ON LLU iL - a _ } Eats ‘\ CIA advised that as of late May, 1965, the "Libertarios" (105-143898) was interested in aligning itself with the MIRR, which was headed by Orlando Bosch Avila. 0X) U) 105-143898-4 encl.p.1l (1% 43¥ In connection with the above, on September 15 and November 30, 1965, MM-635-S, who was in contact with Bosch, advised that he had never heard of "The Libertarios, " possessed no knowledge that it had any connection with the EAC On September 23 and November 24, 1965, Orlando Rego (protect identity), accountant for the MIRR, advised that he had never heard of the “Libertarios," and knew of no relationship between that organization and the MIRR. He stated that on various occasions Bosch had negotiations with other organizations, but never aligned himself with any of them because Bosch was too egotistical to surrender any of the publicity he received as chief of the MIRR. 105-143898-6 p.1 (1397 On 4/19/65, Everett Dennis Jackson (105-126660) advised that he intended to maintain contact with Orlando Bosch to determine if any future attacks were being planned against Cuba. Jackson stated he would offer his services to Bosch as a pilot. On 4/27/65 Jackson reported that he had made arrangements to meet Bosch and other MIRR members at the MIRR office in Miami, Florida. It was determined that Jackson was the only one who showed up at the MIRR office on 4/27/65 (Fisur). OTHER 4  psitS—CS ached nn 5/7/65 that Jackson was in contact with Ramon Baz, 900 block of S.W. 31st Ave., Miami (not further identified), relative to a bombing mission to Cuba but Bosch was not interested. According to the informant Bosch did not trust Jackson. Customs Agent, Al Yarborough stated on 5/7/65 that he had been in contact with Jackson with the purpose of developing evidence of violation of the Neutrality Law on the part of Bosch and members of the MIRR. 105-126660-24 p.1,2,3 (42x -20- Co gh NW 45701 DocId:32306892 Page ii
_ Sergeant Joseph Fernandez, Criminal Intelligence Section, Dade County Sheriff's Office, Dade County, Florida, advised that Dr. Orlando Bosch Avila would attend and allegedly attempt to create disorder at the "Students For a Democratic Society" (100-439048) Sponsored "Teach-in" at the University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, during the evening of 5/11/65. SS ee MM-635-S advised on 5/10/65, that Bosch was head of the MIRR. According to this source, Bosch had recently acquired explosives and other ingredients that are used to fabricate bombs. Bosch acquired this material forattacks on cua. By) U) Bosch was contacted by officers of the Coral Gables Police Department at which time Bosch stated that he planned to attend the "Teach-in" on 5/11/65; however, while there the only manner in which he would express his protest would be by carrying a placard. (Assistant Chief of Police, Del Edwards) Chief Edwards on 5/12/65 advised that the "Teach-in" had proceeded in a peaceful manner and no incidents had occurred. 100- 39048-199 (1253797 | ct oo | (Ge encl.p.1l | The following references pertain to the activities, contacts | and close associates of Orlando Bosch Avila from 1/17/65 through 5/12/65 in connection with his position as leader of the MIRR in Miami, Florida. Included in these references is information concerning reported air raids on:Cuba; Bosch's contacts with pilots to fly bombing missions; Bosch's contacts with individuals skilled in small boat operations, requesting them to cooperate with the MIRR in a maritime project in the Bahamas; and Bosch's activities in connection with a 7 | fund raising for the MIRR. Interviews with various individuals regarding Bosch and the operations of the MIRR also included in these references. REFERENCE A SEARCH SLIP PAGE NUMBER 2-1900-7 p.3* (auf 97-4474-167 p.1-4 6 29 -168 p.1 F207 -174 p.1,2 29 (continued ) NW 45701 DocId:32306892 Page i2
— . (continued ) On 9/7/65 it was reported that the above meeting was not considered to be successful, that the attendance was very poor. (PSI Conrado Marrero, protect identity; TP-59-S and TEXTES) B®) () > 105-112098-639 p.1 | (4oy” On 9/17/65 MM-635-S advised that Herminio Diaz, 732 N.W., 3rd St., was acquainted with Dr. Orlando Bosch Avila, head of the MIRR, and that one of Diaz's friends had been observed by this informant in the office of the MIRR in Miami, Florida on at least one occasion. MM-635-S further advised that the MIRR had been making plans for a raid against Cuba, and allegedly possessed some arms. This informant was unable to det ine if the MIRR had a joint interest with Diaz in any kind of boat ¢: U) This serial indicated that Diaz was a Cuban, currently living at 732 N.W., 3rd St., Miami, who had an interest in a boat, which he was suspected of planning to use in some sort of clandestine revolu- tionary operation against Cuba. 92-6692-44 encl.p.3,4 | (2723)" The following references pertain to the activities and contacts of Orlando Bosch Avila from July, 1965, through October, 1965, in connection with his position as leader of the MIRR, in Miami, and Tampa, Florida. This information includes in detail the bombing of the Spanish vessel "Satrustegui" on 10/9/65 in San Juan, Puerto Rico; plans of sabotage on vessels trading with Cuba; acquiring of weapons to be used in air and sea attacks on Cuba. Interviews with Bosch and others in connection with their activities in the MIRR, as well as 2] MIRR by laws and financial data set out. Also included is information developed concerning the dissension among MIRR members who questioned Bosch's leadership and who wanted him replaced, and contacts and activities of Bosch with the anti-Castro organization RECE. REFERENCE SEARCH SLIP PAGE NUMBER 2-1622-292 encl.p.2 (207 (continued ) | -23- _ a NW 45701 DocId:32306892 Page i3
~~ er ee . nn) MM-974-S on 10/30/65, advised that he had learned from a close associate (name not given) of Orlando Bosch, that Bosch had been in contact with leaders of the SNFE, (105-112098) which included Aurelio Nazario Sargen, Armando Fleites, and Dr. Diego Medina. Bosch and the SNFE leaders were in complete disagreement. with the policy of the US toward Cuba at that ame) | ' 105-112098-656 encl.p.3 (Hay The following references pertain to the activities of Orlando. Bosch Avila and the MIRR in connection with plans to blow up the tanker "World Sincerity" while in port in Puerto Rico, during November, 1965. Bosch believed that the tanker was carrying oil destined for Cuba. Information on 11/9/65 revealed that the ship was not on the schedules for (uy but as of 11/9/65 had cleared New York for a Venezuelan port. REFERENCE SEARCH SLIP PAGE NUMBER - 45-10533-4 encl.p.l . 22)” -12 p.2 20s 97-4474-254 encl.p.1 32" -257 p.1,2 a3 -258 encl.p.1,2 9933} On 10/16/65 Orlando Bosch Avila stated that MIRR members would attend a conference of Foreign Ministers in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil on 11/17/65 u) On 11/5/65 Bosch oe tu) was trying to arrange travel to ) the above conference. (CIA) ey oe 1095984-4313 p.3,4 (hey NW 45701 DocId:32306892 Page i4
Following the press conference which RECE (105-126039) held on 11/14/65 to announce the attack on shore installations in Havana City, Juan Fernandez De Castro Sanchez, 1220 N.E. 81 St., Miami, (not further identified), told one of the . individuals at the press conference that he was interested in obtaining the weapon (not further identified) which he owned and which had been used during the 11/14/65 raid. lent the weapon to Orlando Bosch Avila, so that MIRR could use it for were planning. (¥) some action the RECE. (CIA) ) On 11/30/65, Antonio Cuesta Del Valle, 2155 S.W. 5th St., Miami, Florida, advised that during a recent meeting held at RECE (105-126039) headquarters, Miami, was issued concerning RECE's attitude toward Dr. .Orlando Bosch Avila. This declaration was not in favor of Bosch. Jorge Mas, member of the Executive Committee of RECE, stated that the MIRR and RECE were not cooperating and did not have any Mas indicated that RECE realized that Bosch was only interested in fund collections and realization of his own personal (Antonio Cuesta Del Valle) agreements. ambitions. MM -635-S advised that Ramon Font, one of the > SECRET believed to be residing at De Castro stated he had originally Bosch in turn lent the weapon to { eS 105-126039-63 p.2 (inZuey” SI 195-126039-69 p.2,3 (15342) (date not given), a public declaration Military Coordinators with "Commandos L," had been in contact with Bosch prior to the 11/14/65 raid on Cuba, equipment. On 12/18/65 Orlando Bosch Avila stated that the MIRR planned to attack a ship in Cuban Trade. kept secret, even those who would participate in the attack would not be informed of the details until the attack was to take place. NW 45701 DocId:32306892 for the purpose of borrowing some military Bosch wanted to participate in the above raid, but Commandos L refused his cooperation and therefore did not receive any arms or ammunition from the ee &) u) 105-]26039-70 encl.p.2,3 (1afhoy However, to assure that the plan was (cIA) (2)¢) | 105-4 pee-228 p.2 | | -26- Page i5
Re Le Ne 7 This reference sets out information pertaining to the | activities.of the MIRR, led by Orlando Bosch Avila, in connection with public demonstrations held in January, 1966, protesting the treatment of Jose Rodriguez Perez, who was arrested and charged with the bombing of the Spanish ship "Satrustegui" in Puerto Rico, on 10/9/65. Included was a plan of the MIRR to infiltrate men into the north coast of Las Villas Province, Cuba during January, 1966.--This plan, according to Bosch, was very important action O(u) Cuba. It was not indicated whether this operation took place. RU Add. info. . 109° -584-4359 p.1,4,5 {i rh CaCO AT MM-974-S'on 1/13/66 advised that Jorge Mas of RECE (105-126039), Miami, had been invited by Dr. Orlando Bosch Avila to participate in discussions for the purpose of forming a unity of Cuban exile groups. Bosch explained that by forming a single organization it would make it more difficult for the US. government to pinpoint exile action against Fidel Castro. U) This serial revealed that Jorge Mas was one of the principal leaders of RECE., 105-126039-78 encl.p.1,2 of “ee ly, On 1/27/66, Sandalio Herminio Diaz Garcia (105-143565) was interviewed concerning information developed that. Diaz and other Cuban emigres from Miami were going to Cuba to attempt to assassinate Fidel Castro. Diaz advised that the MIRR, under the leadership of Dr. Orlando Bosch: Avila, was not cooperating or participating in any manner in his, Diaz's, plans. Diaz regarded Bosch as a "crazy man" who was engaged in a war with the US government, and who had the complex of another Fidel Castro. Diaz recalled that several weeks ago he did have some negotiations with Bosch but that the real purpose of these negotiations was to obtain some equipment from him. He described Bosch as being a Cuban racketeer, who was collecting money from his fellow Cuban exiles under false pretenses. 1055143565-4 p.6,7 (15,43 3 NW 45701 DocId:32306892 Page 16 *.
On 1/12/66 it was reported that Rolando Masferrer (2-1622) had been in contact with the MIRR in order_to influence this. organiza- tion to carry out sabotage activity against Haiti. (CLA) de) u] , On 2/7/66 Roland Masferrer during an interview fur hed information concerning details of the planned invasion of Haiti. He stated, in part, that Dr. Orlando Bosch Avila of MIRR was among the prominent Cuban exiles involved in this invasion. 2-1622-318 encl.p.1,6 (¥7209” SI_2-1622-301 p.2 | (1720 SI 105-95677-618 p.2 (13738)? (Rev, Diego Madrigal | . . Alvarez) | (Roman Catholic Priest and .Cuban exile) SI }05- 5677-622 (14,399 (Rev. Diego Madrigal . _Alvarez) (Roman Catholic Priest and Cuban exile) On 1/18/66 TP 225-S advised that Enrique Someillan, local delegate of MIRR, was Selling bonds, astensibly for the purpose of raising money to help pay for the attorney's fees for the defense of | Orlando Bosch, who was under indictment from charges made by US Customs, | following his arrest for possession of explosives. This informant made available one of the bonds, which was selling for $1.00. This bond did not mention or contain the name of mG To) TP 52-S advised on 2/18/66 that the bonds d by Enrique ! Someillan and other members of the MIRR were not specifically designated as a fund for Bosch's attorneys Fees) (li 97-4474-273 | . (33 -29- a NW 45701 DocId:32306892 Page i7
SECRET ~~ MM-635-S and MM-639-S, who were well acquainted with Orlando Bosch Avila, on 4/11/66 advised they had never received any evidence that the MIRR had ever created or had anything to do with an organization known as the "Center of Information and Documentation" or that the MIRR had ever been responsible for placing an advertisement in a Caracas, Venezuela newspaper for any purpose whatsoever J¢ These informants further advised they had never heard Leland Perks Johnston (97-5069) and had never heard Bosch mention such a person. u) . . It was noted that the advertisement mentioned above stated that the Communists were seeking to force the selection of Colonel Caamano on the Revolutionary Party ticket in the Dominican Republic. 97-5069-27 encl.p.1 (1 3677 This reference sets out the activities of Dr. Orlando Bosch Avila from June, 1965 through June 14, 1966, in connection with his duties as head of the MIRR. Included in this reference is information made available by MM-635-S and Carlos Zarraga Martinez - Key Source \ (protect identity) relative to Bosch's reputation among the Cuban Exiles \ in Miami, mos Qu) 1095584-4409- p.8-10 (ivney MM 635-S advised on 10/17/66 that Felipe Rivero Diaz, head of the Asociacion Nacionalisto (97-4194), an anti-Castro organization in Miami, stated he was interested in bombing an embassy or ship. Rivero indicated he had recently traded some M-1 time delay devices (detonators) for pentolite explosives, with Orlando Bosch Avila, head of MIRR, another. anti-Castro organization at stay Ley -99 p.l 3 The following references pertain to the contacts, associates and activities of Orlando Bosch Avila from 12/23/65 through 11/13/66. These references include details regarding air and sea attacks against installations in Cuba as well as vessels trading with Cuba. Also included are the details pertaining to the arrest of Bosch in April, 1966 for transporting explosives. . Information regarding the possibility of (continued ) eCppEy -30- NW 45701 DocId:32306892 Page i8
. ‘ . me pen a > SECRET \ . WA (continued) © moving MIRR headquarters to New Orleans, La., and the activities of Bosch's wife also set out. oe . REFERENCE | SEARCH SLIP PAGE NUMBER 97-4474-262 p.1,2/ 10%3 -265 p.1/ 10% 33 -271 p.2v 10%3 -280 ply.) 10434 -284 p.1-4 encl.p.1 1¥y3 -295 p.l 1¥, 34 -297 p.1,2 1¥%3 -298 p.1-4 encl.p.1-3 1¥%3 -301 p.1-3 11434 -303 encl.p.1,2 11443 -305 encl.p.1,2 1y 3 -306 p.l 35 -307 encl.p.1,2 Lar -308 encl.p.1,2 (35 ~312 encl.p.1-3 11935 -320 encl.p.1-3 1273 -323 p.l 3 -324 encl.p.1-4 15 -325 encl.p.1 35)" » 105-92196-123 encl.p.8,9 » (134837 105-126039-82 encl.p.3 (15442) . 105-147627-5 p.2 aXusf ~ | 109-584-4473 p.1,5-7 rhe, MM-839-S advised that on 11/16/66, Orlando Masferrer Rojas, former Cuban Senator, was in Miami, Florida, at which time he contacted Orlando Bosch Avila for the purpose of trying to buy Aerial Shell casings. It. was unknown if Bosch had any to sell, -105-95677-744 p.2 (1493937 3 >i ra -31- a ea NW 45701 DocId:32306892 Page i9 a |
| - This reference sets out information concerning the possible affiliation of SNFE (105-112098) with the MIRR, headed by Orlando Bosch, from 11/11/66 until 1/17/67, and other anti-Castro organizations, in Miami, Florida, in connection with military plans against Cuba. U) 105-112098-720 p.3,5-7 (May a . m™ \ Le yar a eee | The following references appearing in the file captioned "Movimiento Insurrecional De Recuperacion Revolucionaria" disclose information pertaining to Dr. Orlando Bosch Avila, who was appointed the Civilian Delegate of the MIRR in the United States in August, 1960. Bosch was also known as the Secretary General of the MIRR. In this capacity he directed the activities of the MIRR, an anti-Castro group formed by army officers and personnel who defected from Fidel Castro's Army. From the time of its inception the MIRR, under the leadership of Bosch, has been involved in numerous raids against the Cuban government. A brief description of each reference is set out below: INFORMATION REFERENCE AND SEARCH SLIP PAGE NUMBER Article appearing in the "Miami Herald" dated 97- 74-1 p.1,2 8/10/60 indicated Bosch named as MIRR delegate © ( in exile in Miami, Florida. MM-726-S on 11/1/60 advised that a yacht owned by Bosch scheduled to make a clandestine trip to Cuba for purpose of bringing equipment to MIRR in the Escambray Mountains of Cuba./\/) CU) Information set out concerning the establishment 97-4474-10 p.1,3-9, of MIRR in the US;. details of planned expeditions 12-19, to transport arms to Cuba in November, 1960; 24,25, interview with Bosch concerning his associates, 29-33 contacts and activities in the MIRR, (on 12/19 - ~ (oy 20/60; ). . SI 109-584-2622 encl.p.5s;: Included in this reference is a description of Bosch. (vis >" (ora) | (continued ) in ee oe Ny . iN . aA t~ NW 45701 DocId:32306892 Page 20
LL (continued) \ INFORMATION Bosch voluntarily admitted on 12/19/60 and 1/3/61 that the MIRR had sent three separate missions to Cuba - two being aboard the "Jolly Roger" in November and December, 1960. Bosch expressed desire to cooperate with the US Government against Castro regime. {.MM-726-S advised that on 1/16/61, Bosch stated guns would be transported from Green Cay, Bahama to Miami, Florida and flown to Sau) MM-369-S advised t Bosch was a boatyy n Tampa to obtain possession of a boaty: ~(U) {Details regarding information received in January, February, and March, 1961. concerning the activities and contacts of Bosch in connec- tion with several attempts by Bosch to land ‘some anti-Castro groups in Cuba set out RZ) ry) One such group was captured on 3/20/61. Bosch was interviewed on 3 27/61 regarding this. Interview and information pertaining to Bosch's foreign agents registration set out. Letter from the Department of Justice sets out information regarding the activities of the MIRR, Aliso set out information concern- ing the activities and contacts of Bosch from August, 1960 through May 2, 1961, in connection with the MIRR, Interview with Bosch 5/25/61. Bosch advised MIRR inactive at that time. Bosch stated he had sold all of his radio equipment. Details set out. ((MM-726-S advised that Bosch was not doing anything at that ot and was Au to sell his equipment. (5/2/6105 -33- NW 45701 DocId:32306892 Page 21 “| SECRET REFERENCE AND SEARCH SLIP PAGE NUMBER 97-4¥74-9 p.1,2 (Ly Q7-4474-22 p.1,1A, 4,5,7,8, 11-15,17, 23,2 (ofews fu SI 97-4474-17 p.2,3 (uy SL,97-4474-21 p.1,2 oA (424 QT754474-25 p.l-3 > Bony 3
LL _ (continued ) INFORMATION a check of logical local banks failed to identify banking facilities, although investigation revealed that Bosch paid some air raid expenses with checks. Bureau letter of 3/10/64 to Miami denied this request. Bosch intended to set up a_ base of operations on Andros Island in the Bahamas to further launch attacks on sugar refineries in Cuba, also on a Russian freighter off the coast of Florida., JMIRR, under Bosch's direction, was cooperating with "Comandos L" an anti-Castro action group in Miami A Aa {Bosch also interested in plan of establishing ‘a base of operations in the Dominican Republic. Bosch known to change plans fr ch 25 and 26, 1964 PSI; protect identity} \A U Armando Fleites Diaz, executive member of the egundo Frente Nacional del Escambray (SFNE) reported to be very close to Bosch. Members of SFNE unhappy because of contacts between Bosch and Fleites. Bosch regarded as having communist leanings. (CIA - 7/10/64) 1%) (i) (Bosch scheduled to make an overflight of Cuba on the night of TAX Plu) {On 7/11/64 Bosch took a short flight up and down the East Coast of Florida. CCansTX (u) -35- NW 45701 DocId:32306892 Page 22 SECRET REFERENCE AND SEARCH SLIP PAGE NUMBER wm 97-4474-104 encl.p-3 (4, 2697 | OTHER 4 ry p.1,2 (continued )
» (continued) | INFORMATION (on 8/20/64, according to Ted Eddiger, an ssociated Press Correspondent in Miami, Bosch stated that he was planning to take the MIRR to Santo Domingo. Bosch maintained that he had found it too difficult to operate from the US in - conducting his sea and air strikes against Cuba. (crayl af) u) (Leaders of MIRR expressed dissatisfaction with the MIRR because some of the officers, and- particularly Bosch, were utilizing extralegal means for obtaining aid to achieve the aims of the MIRR. Bosch described as "irresponsible, vulgar, rude, thoughtless, and negligent." (CIA - 9/28/64) 7 (RK u) On 12/16/64, INS, Miami advised that the status of Bosch at that time was that of being in an indefinite voluntary departure Status. He originally entered as a visitor, overstayed, and was granted an extension, which ran out. INS did not propose to do anything about forcing Bosch out of the US because INS knew of no place where he could be sent. (Prior to December 31, 1964, Bosch had meetings with Bill Johnson in an unidentified parking lot in Miami, Florida. The purpose of these meetings was to prepare plans for carrying out an air raid over Cuba on either 12/31/64 or 1/1/65. (ora) #(u) a -36- - NW 45701 DocId:32306892 Page 23 . . ‘ MEP RT ee F = 7 S . . Lot ! _, wil ded ft REFERENCE AND - SEARCH SLIP PAGE NUMBER 97-4474-149 p.l (Of287 3 9774-154 p.2 oy | ,2 a (continued )
(continued ) INFORMATION Letter from the Department of Justice dated 7/12/65, regarding failure of MIRR to register under Foreign Agents Registration Act. Requested Bureau interview persons close to Bosch and US Customs in Miami be interviewed to determine any evidence which would tend to establish the identity of a foreign principal and any activity by the MIRR on behalf of such foreign principal. | Outgoing letter toSAc Miami dated 7/15/65 with a copy of above letter, instructing that above interviews be handled. | This references contains details of the investigation conducted to determine if the | MIRR, headquartered in Miami, Florida, had a foreign principal and whether it was engaged in any activity on behalf of a foreign principal. (7/23/65 - 8/10/65) US Customs, Miami; William Johnson; and ? other sources well informed concerning activities of the MIRR and its leaders, possessed no evidence that this organization or Bosch had a foreign principal inside Cuba or any other country, or engaged in any activity on behalf of a foreign principal. Interview with Johnson regarding above set out. {Bosch lanned trip to Tampa, Florida from i | 8/12-14/65 104) | U MIRR public meeting to be held 8/14/65 in ampa. (SITP - 2 Iu) -38- NW 45701 DocId:32306892 Page 24 ~ — - SECRET REFERENCE AND SEARCH SLIP PAGE NUMBER 97/4474-219 (8,307 97-4474-224 encl.p. (hu O7T-HATH-225 encl.p.2 (Way (continued ) SECRET
_ . “the | (continued) INFORMATION . REFERENCE AND SEARCH SLIP PAGE NUMBER ¢ Plans for picketing the Federal Building 97 TA 253 p.l in Miami, Florida, in protest against the (9432+ arrest of MIRR leaders on 11/26/65. "The SI 97-4474-A "NY Miami Herald" of 11/26/65 reported the Ay” Times" arrest of Bosch and Marcelino Garcia Jimenez, (12%3 extortion. (CIA)? in Hartford, eae on charges of On 1/7/66, Jack Honig, Manager of the Cypress 97-4474-268 encl.p. Furniture Factory, Miami, Florida, advised 1-3 that he had been contacted by Bosch and (10°/339¢ asked to contribute $1000 to help in the legal defense of Jose Rodriguez. (Details of this contact set out) Add. info. {On 12/17/65, Bosch claimed Jose Rodriguez 97-4474-276 encl.p. Perez had nothing to do with the bombing 1-5 of the "Satrustegui;"(CJanuary, 1966, Bosch (1073437 in contact with leaders of the "Movimiento Revolucionario Frank Pais;" asked for their Support in a protest demonstration against | arrest of Perez.| \ 1/13/66 Bosch and Marceleno Garcia disclosed | they were going to attempt to form a unity | of Cuban exile groups. 1/27/66 Bosch,tried to buy explosives for making bombsxyV- Financial statement of MIRR set out. {This reference set out information furnished 97-4474-275 encl.p. by MM 635-S regarding a press conference held 1-2 by Bosch on 3/5/66, in Miami, where he stated (10433 f_. he had received information relative to ) Cr. (continued ) -4i- l ny OLvirs wos ‘ we S Qo wae ee eee wae NW 45701 DocId:32306892 Page 25 LL
(continued ) INFORMATION location of alleged missile sites in Pinar del Rio Province Cuba from his agents in Cuba. Informant learned that Bosch received this information from a Cuban newspaperman rather than his agents. Informant pointed out he had no way of evaluating the information reported by Bosch -( ] U MIRR, led by Bosch, picketed the Hotel Fontainebleau, Miami, Florida on 3/9/66. (State -Dept. ) On 1/15/67, US Customs Agents arrested Arthur | Andrew Gertite, Marcos Rodriguez Ramos, and Barbaro Balan Garcia. These individuals were in close contact with Bosch and were planning an air raid off the East Coast of Florida against commercial shipping trading with Cuba. Gertite had been closely associated with Bosch and had flown some aerial search missions looking for lost Cuban exile boats in the Bahamas. (Wallace D. Shanley, Assistant US Customs Agent in Charge, Miami, Florida) ( REFERENCE AND SEARCH SLIP . PAGE NUMBER 97-4474-275 encl.p. 1,2 (107334 97-4474-278 (1073 97-4474-328 p.1,2 a a5y i PSI Qsvialdo Iglesias (protect identity) advised that Raul . Lastra, a representative of the organization known as La Patria Libre, | had gone to a meeting on 1/28/67 in Tampa, Florida expecting to be one of the speakers, but that he was prevented from doing so after Orlando Bosch sent word from Miami that Lastra should not be allowed to speak and Bosch threatened to have the meeting disrupted if he spoke. TP 52-S stated that it was not true that Bosch gave the above orders because Bosch had nothing to do with it. ) u | REVIEWED BY BBU.IFK TASK FORCE ON _2/22. C] RELEASE iN FULL hoe (] RELEASE IN PART ’ L} TOTAL DENIAL es a | ] NW 45701 DocId:32306892 Page 26 (continued )
—— (continued ) This serial revealed that the above meeting was in honor of the birthday of Jose Marti, considered the father of Cuba's independence | from Spain. This meeting was sponsored by the anti-Castro organizations | in Tampa, Florida. | 109-584-4497 p.2,3 (46 MM-635-S advised that Dr. Orlando Bosch Avila, on 1/23/67 | revealed plans for his group to attend a mass meeting of Cuban exiles in Miami, Florida on 1/28/67 for the purpose of harassing the speakers. This rally was planned by Dr. Enrique Huertas, President of the Cuban Medical Association in Exile, and head of the Jose Martj Cuban Liberation Bank (105-156018), an anti-Castro fund raising group. 4 U) MM-635-S advised that Bosch attended this rally on 1/28/67. He attempted to speak but was stopped by Huertas. After an argument with Huertas, Bosch was allowed to make a presentation to Dr. Eduardo | Ritter Aisland, Panamanian Ambassador to the Organization of American | States, and guest of “honor at this rally. GX U) 105-356018-6 encl.p.2,3 (19743 3 7 56 8 ST 105-156018-5 p.3 asi (BER) - The following reference contains information of an administra- tive nature. There is no activity of Orlando Bosch Avila involved. _ REFERENCE SEARCH SLIP PAGE NUMBER 97-44 74-8 — (26239 - The following references appear in the main files of the - | informants listed below. The information pertaining to Orlando Bosch Avila was set out because of justification for developing and retaining informants. INDIVIDUAL REFERENCE SEARCH SLIP PAGE NUMBER ne /105-78969-20 p.1-3 19,3 OTHER 4 —_ -24 p.2,3 13337 / -32 p.l 1337 CI 134-12875-2/ p.1,2 (46x (Ul) , -4 _. re 7 MAyryr 3 wl iw | NW 45701 DocId:32306892 Page 27