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180-10143-10456

2025 RELEASE UNDER THE PRESIDENT JOHN F. KENNEDY ASSASSINATION RECORDS ACT OF 1992

SECRET

Betsy Palmer

Review of Files - Manuel Pay y Rivero

DCD Documents

May 2, 1978

11110819

1. Meno dated 24 Oct 1952 to Chief, Contact Division, from Chief, San

Francisco Office

subject:

Suitability of Manuel Ray and Miro Cardona for Important

Roles in a Possible New Cuban Government

05

HAS NO OBJECTION TO

Information received from Robertzorth Professor of Political Science

at IStenford. Universitiana long-time source of exceptional value. Mostan of

DECLASSIFICATION AND/OR

RELEASE OF THIS DOCUMENT

AS SANITIZED

representing

Pon reluctant to pass along this information, because accusations were

2. Halomation report dated 16 July 1962 and Earlier

Source: Cuban National (Alien File #A-12570921) who asked for an

interview on occasion of first contact with CIA.

Cannot vouch for his bona fides. Had credential indicating membership

branch of revolutionary army's intelligence service, now in exile in u. Saen uso fr

and maintaing connections with colleagues in that country.

A friend of his reports plans to assassinate top Castro leadership in Cuba.

To be done by poison - "Clostridium Botulinum" which is strong, odorless,

and tasteless.

Takes about 12 days to kill. About 5cc would do the job.

Waiting for next visit of major delegation from a Communist country --

dinner in honor of the occasion should bring together most of the important

members of the regime and that is when the attempt will be made.

2. Cable dated Oct. 3, 1951 - WA CITE NYOP 4902 Support (Travis) info i/A

Branch from Daniels. Source is Ernesto Dezaldo - Cuban lawyer now

living in New York City.

Stated the MRP in Havana is far less radical than

under the leadership of Ray, who has been completely discredited in recent

months. Primary purpose today is (a) assassination of top leaders in Castro

regime and (B) sabotage of important industrial and government installations

in Havana.

Strength of MRP in Havana estimated to exceed 1, 000 -- success

measured more in terms of fund raising ability and blowing up of buildings.

3. Information dated June 4, 1901, Subject: Underground Student leader

Comments on Post-invasion Cuba.

Reporting officer talked with

ISIDRO BORJA, on the leaders of BRE.

Borja says top DRE members in jail

or in a friendly embassy in Havana but said new leaders have been selected

and will resume sabotage activities shortly. Thought the underground could

restore tension in Cuba in 3-4 months.

However, said outside help needed

to get rid of Castro.

Claimed that prior to invasion, is was possible to

buy almost anything in Cuba from Castro officials -- they were tainted by

corruption. Since Castro's victory at Bay of Pigs, his popular support is

estimated to be around 80-85%. Most support is out of fear because the

people believe he will be in power permanently. Borja said DRE outside of

Cuba working hard for release of former leader, Alberto Muller from prison.

"...

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Betsy Palmer

11110820

DCD Documents - Manuel Ray y Rivero

Page 2

4. Memo to Acting Chief, Contact Division ata 20 May 1964

From: Chief, Miami Field Office

Subject: Alleged "New York Ilmes" Publicity Build-up for Manolo Ray

Hel Hendrix, Scripps-Howard L.A. correspondent believes NY Times publicity

buildup for Ray In full swing. Tad Szule reporting Ray's war movements from

Also with Szulc is close friend, Henry Raymont of the Times.

Hendrix said Times playing up Ray while

downplaying Artime and Gutierrez

Menoyo. Think's Times exaggerating Ray's plans to take teams of highly

trained guerrillas into Cuba, and that Ray's "war" is little more than an

MGM-type New York Times production so far.

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*

*

*

SEGRET

Betsy Palmer

11:10821

Review of Manuel Ray y Rivero Files, Volumes I - VIII

March 29, 1978

Volume 1

Undated to September 1960

I.. Cable suggests that an offer of financial assistance to Ray's wife

nd children from CIA rather than through the FRD may pay large future

dividends.

Family to arrive circa September 1960.

2. Cable to Director

From: MASH

19 September 1960

Increasing sUSpiCiOn RAUL CHIBAS a Castro plant. Since exfiltration by

KAPPES, CHIBAS has laid low but back in picture as representative of RAY.

Common knowledge that CHIBAS brought KAPPES out of Cuba, but should be

noted that KAPPES has since been In and out of cuba three times waw

no apparent difficulties.

CHIRAS' sources of information:

Mason In U. S. government

Manuel de Jesus and Bender as FRD representatives

Nino Diaz as Aljanza representative

Don Hogan Kappes as Alberto Fernandex representative.

This should get a good picture of the U.S. anti-Castro activities.

Summer 1960. Ray very actively recruited to become FRD member.

Tan considered him an important political asset. RALLCHIBAS, Ray's

assistant, spoke for him with U.S. authorities. Urged strong organization

inside quba before outside help could be effective. CHIBAS meets wit

Bender 9/7/60, says he is in favor of FRD but completely comdtted "

Ray and would check with him.

4. 27 September 1960.

Memo to Western Henisphere/4 Chief

From: Rudolph E. Gomez, Acting Chiei, Wil

Subject:

Approval from State to Include Manuel Ray Rivero in the

FRD Complex

At a 20 September 1960 meeting, Ray's name was suggested for inclusion

In FRD and State desired to lo0k further Into his background. Ray was

discussed again on 9/27/60 with Mr. Divine who further conferred with

Ambassador Mallory same day and Mallory approved Ray's Indusion.

September 29, 1960 cable from MASH to WH9 Indicates MASH somewhat

doubtful about Ray's feelings toward U.S. and continued dealings with

this group needs further policy consideration.

There 1s g restricted CI/OA lolder on Ray of this 201 file held under

(CH85524

Ask about

-

documents sent for microfilming In July T, 1967.

UGA 12222|3. November 1963 201 239298

Ray granted Provisional Operation Approval (POA) on 25 October 1960.

(form says, Green list attachedo 104591)

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Betsy Palmer

11110822

Volume I - Manuel Ray

Page 2

T. PRQ Part 2

169 C85514

Section I

Contact and Development

Woodrow C. Olien met Ray October 1958 when Ray was head of Civic Resistence

Movement in Havana. Three clandestine meetings were held prior to

I January 1959, attended by Olien, Wallace A. Growery, Ignacio Mendoza" (MRC

member) who originally introduced Olien to Ray. After 1 January 1959,

given important post in revolutionary government and Olien has seen him

only twice since, Olien paising as political officer to State Department.

Section II of PRQ states Ray 1s friendly to U.S., once having received

a guant for special study there. A dedicated, patriotic Cuban, opposed to

Communism but taken no active part in combatting It.

8. An undated, unaddressed letter from Antonio Gonsales Mora, JI. --

P.S.

Says Joaquin Sanjenis appears to be a person in whom CIA has great

confidence.

Linked to Artime conspiracy. Responsible for all "inter-

Cuban" intelligence matters. Is a "shady character" -- gangster background --

gives impression of mental retardation. Not known as individual of any

importance, but he is! "An inexplicable affair"

9. PRQ Part 2 (conta)

Section VI -- Subject has definite political action potential, is

a pro-democratic official of government who is not in sympathy with aims

of international Communism and who is interested in strengthening ties

between Cuba and U. S. Probably would never consent to agent status, but

could by persuasion and argument be encouraged to influence policies of

his government along lines compatible with U.S. government policies.

Section XIV

-- Information in PRQ Parts I and II were obtained from

file research and personal contact with subject.

"...

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Betsy Palmer

11110323

Volume II

October I, 1960 - November 22, 1960

As of 21 November 1960, MP organized as follows:

Manuel Ray - Chief

Ravl Chibas - Sepcial Assistant to Ray

Juan Esteves Ramires - Secretary

Ramon Barquin - Military and Intelligence matters

Cisneros - Chief of MRP In Cuba

part of FRD but in touch with it.

* 2. 10/7/60 Cable from Havana. AURELIANO SANCHEZ ARANGO has withdrawn

from FRD. JUSTO CARRILLO and FELIPE PAZOS will be integrated into Ray's

MRP. VARONA wishes to Join, also, but Ray Insists VARONA return to

Cuba to do so.

3. 10/12/60 Cable to Director. RAMON BARQUIN claims CARRILLO and ARANGO

are going to boycott FRD Executive Committee and sabotage its worki

Barquin planning to join with Pazos, Ray, Chibas, MIRO and QUEVEDO to

would become military head.

and win election on an anti-Yankee platform.

14398

Cubans said Ray's group will not lower themselves to answer "Fidelismo

without Fidel" charge and let their actions speak for themselves. MRP

Is highly disciplined and feel the majority of Cuban people favor thir

platform. Its leaders are interchangeable. If Ray comes out of Cuba,

5. 10/24/60 Memo for files

subject:

Representative of Manuel Ray to Professional Groups

ENRIQUE HIRAM GUTIERREZ y RODRIGUEZ (aob 5/20/31, Havana) travels

¡requently to Puerto Rico on architectural business. Also frequently

enters U. S. at Miami. Represents Ray's organization to various pro-

fessional groups in Havana. Also serves as courier to Miami.

6. DRE information. 10/24/60 Cable states MULLER reported receiving

letter from ANTONIO GARCIA, DRE representative in Cuba that organization

is going well but needs funds and material aid. MASH asks Mueller to

get details of Garcia's "groupos de accion" and details of organization.

MASH gave Muller $500/for Garcia. [Muller is concerned about Manolo Ray

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1938804

SECRET

Betsy Palmer

File review, Manuel Ray

Volume 11 of xvill

Page 2

11110824

whom he says is gaining strength in Cuba.

Says students eager to jon

active group and will go to Ray If DRE can't get help soon.

T. ProvisIonal Operational Approval granted to Ray on 10/26/60.

-

* 8.

10/26/60 Cable to Director from havans reports Rey held MRP meeting

on 10/23/60 and made following statements:

8

MAJOR HILLIAM MORGAN had been very helpful to MRP - responsible

for obtaining most of their weapons.

b.

could not take place for 4 months but FRD still In favor of

earlier date.

C. CARRILLO and ANGEL del CERRO have left FRD and now with MRP

MRP urging Ray to escape Cuba and they feel It is only a matter of time

until he 1s picked up and executed. MRP manifesto will be released this

weekend.

ben 10/28/60 Monthly payments o: t00 approved for Ray's wife in

behalf of Bender group.

* 10. 10/28/60 Memo for Record

Subject: Conversation of CARRILIO and PAUL J. MANSON, Chief, MASH

Economic philosophy: When FRD first formed it was attacked by RUBIO

PADILIA as "Fidelismo without Fidel." Now FRD saying same thing about

MRP.

a1. 11/5/60 Cable to Director from MASH

Verona tells HUNT that he received information that Ray wanted to leave

Cuba and was to be exfiltrated clandestinely by Bender group.

12. 11/8/60 Memo for Record

John D. Peters

subject: Contact report on meeting with ROCBLIO CONZATS

Gonzales considers Ray highly dangerous because of his ambition to play

Thinks he

FRD, Gonzales thinks he will still operate on a unilateral basis while

seeking to supercede FRD with MRP.

13. 11/11/60 Cable to Director from JMASH

Ray arrived Tampa morning of 11/10/60. Mash officer staying with him

until surfacing date which depends on safe arrival from Cuba of two other

individuals.

They are the last of the HUBER MATOS escapee group known by

Ray to still be hiding in Cuba.

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Betsy Palmer

Review. Of Manuel Ray

Volume 11 Of xv211

Page 3

11110225

14. 11/14/60 Cable to Director from MASt.

Ray to surface at press conference scheduled for 11/16/60 in Miami.

15. 11/17/En Cable to Director Brom MASti

on 11/15/60 Parlett/alla Bender, net with Ray In complete privacy.

"Unquestionably, the youthful, sörtspaben, assuming, almost humble Ray

18 & natural leader of kighest Intellect, deepest sincerity and convistion."

Ray's political posture doubtful as far as U.S. government acceptance is

concerned.

Explained to Ray the U.S. government's desire to have all Cuban exles

unified In their efforts. Ray says MIP does not wish to reinstate 1950

constitution. Provisional governt of 30 honorable Cubans would be

established and elections held 18 months thereafter. Castro laws passed

at beginning of his regime to be promigated. State would regulate

private Investment and utilities would be nationalized.

Ray wants to keep MRP "lean and hungry" - each member to have specific

responsibilities and feel impattant to revolution.

Ray asked for permission to start a fund drive in Cuba and U.S. Also

asked for $10, 000 by next Wednesday - Bender made commitment.

Parlett believes net result of meeting was establishment of private MRP-

T.S. Jink and door remains open for some kind of relationship with FRD.

Ray agrees to discuss this with Miro Cardons. Of all the groups being

supported, FRD, MRP and MRR are most significant. All Cuban groups seem

to be looking to Bender group to show a preference before joining one of

the above three. How long current fledbility can be maintained 1s

problematica..

16. 11/21/60 Memo for Record

Subject:

Meeting with King and Esterline on subject of handling

MRP, 11/18/60

Consensus was that Ray did not politically represent anything to cheer

about. Writer felt MRP opposed to joining FRD and recognized need to

control MRP and wean it away to the extent possible from its leaders.

could be done by controlling financial and military support. It was

agreed In meeting with Mr. Barnes that financial and military support

for MRP be channelled through FRD.

17. 11/23/60 Contact Report: Meeting with Ray and Chibas in NIC, 11/22/60

Ray says MRP has contacts at Isle of Pines with two garrisons and can

expect about 750 men to desert Castro at proper time. CAPTAIN CAPOTA is

contact with Ray's group.

Ray's people also in contact with commander of prison where Huber Matos

is incarcerated. Matos believes PADILLA, the prison commander, would assist

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Betsy Palmer

File review of Manuel Ray

Volume 11 of xvill

Page 4

1111.0826

him In an escape. Ray Interested in single operation to get military

defectors and free Matos. Wants to effect plan on 11/27/60.

Ray wants assistance from U.S. -- military information and supplies.

18. 11/24/60 Cable to Director from JMASH

Meeting with AMCHIRP-1 on 11/23, revealed he had Information that MRP in

Havang had capabilities to blow up power plant and TV stations in Havana --

a diversionary tactic planned to coordinate with Isle of Pines operation.

Ray expects Isle of Pines operation support about 12/15/60.

* Notation about Cable: "Operation Unity" 1s to create dramatic show which

will demonstrate that Manolo Ray Is wrong when telling contacts In U.S.

that his group 1s the only one capable of action."

19. 11/24/60 Cable to Director from Havana.

Operation Unity Involves MRR, MDI, OA, 30th of November Group and MAR (not

MAR Of PEPIN RIVERO).

MAR and OA groups to blow electric cables In Regla area. MDC group, at

same time, to make assassination attempt on CARLOS RAFAEL RODRIGUEZ at

University of Havana.

20. 11/30/60 Cable to Director from Havana

JULIO ANGEL METRE advised planning to travel to Miami 12/1/60 escorted by

Brazilian ambassador to Panama. Accompanied by ambassador's wife. MESTRE

will be introduced to Ray and will offer services of MDC to Ray at that

time. Mestre says plan is approved by "DR. IUCAS" (JOSE FERNANDEZ BADUE)

MDC coordinator in Cuba.

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SEGRET

Betsy Palmer

File Review - Manuel Ray Y Rivero Volume III Of XVIII

March 30, 1978

December 1960 - January 1961

11110827

1. Cable 12/6/60 to Diregtor from Gola

Ray contacted by Weisinger and made statement that Isle of Pine's

In his opinion because Bender falled to forwara paper

to Havana with key to operation.

2. 12/8/60 Cable to DIrector from WAVE

Ray advised lesingen he 1s departing for Washington same day to visit

ERNESIA BEVINCOURT OI OAS and Others.

In New York on 12/9 to contact

Raul Chibas. Return Miami about 12/11/60.

3. 12/23/60 Cable to Director from Havana Indicates Ray Wishes return to

Cuba as soon as possible and asks that OLIEN male arrangements through

his official channel. Doesn't want Cubans In WAVE or Cuba to know of

his return.

4. 12/22/60 Information report from U.S. citizen, free-lance writer and

part-time sugar broker DONAID HOGANJ

Says Miro Cardona has accepted teaching position in Puerto Rico effective

early January 1961. Is disgusted with bickering among anti-Castro Cubans

and will sit on sidelines for time being. Is partivularly opposed to

Ray -- program 1s too Marxist and Ray 1s an opportunist.

* 5. 1/16/61 Information Report from U.S. national In a U.S. governent

agency. Source bad contact with DR. GUILLERMO SALAZAR SANCHEZ, former

Cuban ambassador to Switzerland and DR. SERGIO ROJAS SANTAMARINA, former

Cuban Ambassador to United Kingdom.

reliable source that Ray was not a bona fide defector and still acting

on behalf of Castro and is a member of the "Blue legion". (n0 further

explanation.)

Dr. Salazar mentioned group called "The Ten Unknowns" who are key figures

in making communist policy In Latin America.

Ray not Implicated as

one of these).

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SECRET

Betsy Palmer

Review of Manuel Ray y Rivero Files, Volumes 1 - XVIII (201-239298

April 6, 1978

11110828

VOIUME IV - February 1, 1961 - March 31, 1961

1. Operation Approval granted for Ray's use as a political asset on

T February 1961

2. Memo to WH/43Securlty, From WH/4?CI

Subject: Eloy Gutierrez Menoyo Group

Date: 23 February 1961

Ray pressuring Mr. Droller to have lour Individuals freed from McAllen

Detention Camp who belong to Gatierrez group. Ray claims they are

members of his group and have been most active against Castro regime

In Cuba. They are as follows: ASENCIO, Suarez, Lazaro

LESNIK, Menendez, Max DPOB & Sept 1930,

Vueltas, Las Villas

PORIA Bolanos, Gustavo

REDONDO, Gonzalez, Roger

3. Cable to Bell, from JMWAVE

Date: March 1, 1961

Artime advises that Ray's group opposed to banning Communist Party and

in favor of "nationalizing everything". Ray favors maintaining trade with

USSR, wants no change in present agrarian reform program.

4. Cable to JMWAVE from Bell.

Date: March 10, 1941

INS is concerned over the increased news coverage of Ray's arrival in

U.S. and activities here. Afraid they will be confronted about Ray's

arrival (which was describad as "black" in another comminication) s0

JMWAVE asked to re-advise Ray that his story is that on 10 Nov 1960, be

landed somewhere on keys in a fishing boat, made way to road where picked

up by INS patrol car, taken to WAVE area, examined, declared refugge and

released with admonition to always keep INS advised of his address.

5.

Memo to S - Dr. Berle, From: ARA - Philip W. Bonsal

Subject:

Recent Cuban Developments

Date: March 16, 1961

38.2060 6

• 10200

believes Ray has any considerable support inside Cuba. Thinks Ray group

endeavoring to exercise influence in our government so as to be the major

recipient of whatever assistance can be obtained here.

He is particularly

Appeast concerned about the role played by Felipe Pazos.

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SEGRET

Betsy Palmer

Review of Manuel Ray files

Volume 11 of sv111

Page. 2

11110829

6.

Field Information Report

Subject:

Background, Character and Economic Concepts of Manuel Ray Rivero

Date: 16 March 1961

Sources:

Tr. Oscar SALAS Marrero (paragraphs 1-11) Knew Ray in Cuba

DI. Jose ALVÁREZ Diaz, former Minister of Finance under Prio (Pg 12)

DE. Jorge RERUFF, former president of Banco de Desarrollo

Economico de Cuba, (pg 13)

Note: Cover note pencilled comment (The content is so biased and mixed

with untruth that It would be a disservice to the intelligence community

to disseminate it.

Synopsis of paragraphs 1-11. Dr. Salas says during his childhood Ray was

a Protestant but today is completely atheistic. Said Ray organized the MRC

against Batista and shortly after Batista's fall, MRC and 26th of July

Movement fused into one, and as soon as Castro came Into power, control

of the organization was given to the Communists. Tells of Ray's association

was renounced by Castro. Stated that Ray's rupture with Fidel was due

traitor. Ray resigned his post but said publicly that he approved and

supported the Castro regime without any mental reservations..

Says in

Cuban clandestine circles Ray 1s regarded as boastiul, ostentatious andd

deceitful. Intimate friends of Ray feel that he 1s & man of anti-democratic

procedures, and does not like to take advice, even from members of his own

movement.

Symppsis of paragraph 12. Dr. Alvarez said" Ray was in favor of maintaining

relations with USSR and not making Communist Party Illegal. Said that

although Ray withdrew all these statements when threatened with press

coverage, (Alvarez thinks they are representative of Ray's thinking and

would try to put Ideas Into practive 1f he ever came to power.(Alverez

also mentioned Rays thinking on nationalization of public services,

socialized medicine, nationalization of banks, etc.

Synopsis of paragraph 13. (DI. Beruff said Ray well-Intentioned with no

Communist tendencies.

Cited a meeting at which the basic points of the

MRP platform were discussed and said that since Ray was In disagreement with

the others on most of the points, Dr. Fellpe Pazos acted as chairman of the

meeting and Ray argued his case as a simple member of the group.

Out of this

meeting came a declaration of I4 points, including the nationalization of

the banks and public utilities.

On 9 March, Ray said that Ideas attributed to him in paragraph 12 were not

true and part of a "campaign against him by Mr. Pawley of the Miami City

Transit Company"

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Betsy Palmer

Review of Manuel Ray files

Volume 14 of xvi11

Page 3

11110230

Report dated March 17, 1961, Marked Urgent

"It has been reported by a very reliable source that Manuel Ray (MRP)

is bringing as an Adviser, Professor Fiterre from Habana University -

This man Fiterre 1s an undisclosed Communist that has always openly admitted

and braged about being acommunitt.

8.

Memorandum for the Record

Date: 27 March 1961

Subject: Ray accepts appointment to Council:

Signed: Gerard Droller

Miro was able to convince Ray to join CRC. Thus, as of 27 March 1961,

Council's composition Isas follows: Chairman: Miro Cardona; Board of

Directors: Verona, Hevia, Carrillo, Maceo, Ray and Artime.

9.

Memorandum for the Record

Date: 27 March 1961

Subject: Reported Anti-MRP Rally Promoted by Aureliano Sanchez Arango

Signed: B. E. Reishharat

Jullo Lobo reported that Sanchez 1s planning a rally in Miani, 29 March to

protest against the Ray/Pazos combine in the revolutionary council. Writer

says, obviously, such a rally at this time could be most damaging and some

attempt should be made to get to Sanchez to take the steam out of this

maneuver •

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Betsy Palmer

Review of Manuel Ray y Rivero Files, Volumes I - XVIII

01 / - 4072 1961 - ли 2961

11110831

*1. Cable from JMWAVE to Bell

Date: April 3, 1961

Bay meets witholten and said he was not as yet prepared to join ff. said

Miro had welshed on commitments and while willing to accept Ray Into CRC,

not willing to give him any voice in the Council. COlein apptempts to

convince Ray he was doing great disservice to cuban people by refusing to

serve withtr tid.

2. Cable to JMWAVE from Bell

Date:

Apr11 4, 1961

"To test actual MRP Capabllites Inside request you Inform Ray to bit

targets G, I and K during period 5-10 April. Attack target O Including

diesel locomotive engines Immediately. Will forward additional targets 1f

Ray shows any capability."

"I am a Cuban who still thinks that Cuba can be rehabilitated after tbe fall

of Castro. For this reason many Cubans have been baffled by the list of

names now given as the saviors of Cuba for & Provisional Gova rument. Among

these are such notorious Castro followers as: Ray, Barquin, Pazos, Rufo

Lopez Fresquet, Chibas and others whose names remind us of an era of

mourning, persecution and misery."

* 4.

Report on Manuel Ray received from Enrique Molinets a road and airfield

construction engineer under Batista regime. Cover note dated 4/7/61.

Molinet outlines his distaste for Ray, citing at the beginning his refusal

to leave castro even after the questionable suicide of his brother, Rene.

After Ray was ousted frol his Cabinet job, he continued to visit Castro,

occupying a prominent position In all Castro's public appearances.

Said

that even before Castro, Ray was an active member of the Cuban Orthodox

Party, highly Infiltrated with communists. Claims that when Ray In his

cabinet position, Indoctrinations programs were held expousing communistic

1deals. Also while Minister of Public Works, claims he (Ray) threw out

hundreds of employees without due cause and destroyed every successful

contractor that existed.

- 3.

Memorandum for the Record

Subject: Custody of Revolutionary Council, 19-20 April 1961

Signed: Robert F. Moroney

Date: 24 April 1961

Relates that on 19 April 1961, President Kennedy met with the six members of

FRD's Revolutionary Council where President expressed his deep sorrow and

concern over the failure of the military effort (Bay of Pigs). Ray one of the

group.

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Betsy Palmer

Review of Manuel Ray Files

Volume iv of xv111

Page 2

11110332

6.

Memorandum for the Record

Date: 5 May 1961

Subject: Manolo Ray - Comments on his Anti-Castro Activities

signed: Calvin Hicks WE/4/PM/Operations

"Ray is balieved to have accomplished pratically nothing towards the effort

to overthow Castro. Instead, it seems that whenever we played with his so-

called assets, we were burned. He Is notorious for claiming assets or

operations, several days alter some other group had already set them up or

claimed them.

Whenever It came to producing and backing up his claims, he

always came up with excuses for not producing, rather than results. He has

always tended to try to take over other goups, rather than cooperate with

them, and when he couldn't take them over he would "politic" against them.

His actions all seemed to be directed toward making him the future power

In Cuba rather than toward overthrowing Castro. It is believed that Manolo

RAY Is so far "left" in his thinking that he would be as dangerous (or more

so in the long run) to United States interests as Castro, 1f be ever got to

be the power in Cuba."

T.

Memorandum for the Record

Subject:

ManoloR Relations with Manolo Ray and the MRP

Date:

2 June 1961 03

signed:

James - Ao NoellO

In a 12 May 1961 meeting, Ray promises to write a prospectus of his plans

for MRP within ten days.

Not received by 2 June, but Ernesto Betancourt

Ray is asking for support separate from FRD since Ray has withdrawn Irom

this group. "Noellfurther states in Memo, "I'-I would like to point out the

security risks inherent in any arrangements with RYA-BENTANCOURI-CISNEROS

trio. These fellows have had easy access to the White House and to the

Department, are notorious for their 'planned leaks', will probably presume

all the Department officials they deal with are privy to the arrangement, and

before we know it the whole exile community will be well aware that we are

providing financial and material support to the RAY group."

# 8. Cable to Bell from Caracas)

Date June 8, 1961

"..

On June 2, Venezuelas governemat refused to issue a visa to Manolo Ray.

9. Cable to Director fron(Caracas,) dated June 28, 1961. re: meeting with

Jose R. Barbeito on 20 June in Valencia. Barbeito claims was member of

MRP of Manolo Ray and took part clandestine activities Havana. Admitted

was communist "many years ago" but now completely opposed to Castro and

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## Page 15

SEGRET

Betsy Palmer

Review of Manuel Ray FIles

Volume v of xvij1.

Page 3

11110833

10. Intelligence Report

Date: 7-11 July 1961

Place: San Juan, P.R.

source: Cuban Edle Lawyer

Evaluation: F-6

Report transmits Information concerning activities, persons visited and

purpose of visit of Ray to Puerto Rico, terminating when Ray hurridely left

fuerto Rico following press account that he had been removed as Coordinator

of the MRP.

Source said MRP leaders In exile believe Rays dismissal due to propaganda

and pressures by the CIA which brought about the Impression that the obstacle

to receipt of help from outside (money, arms, etc) was Ray himself and that

A she fouet cous tho

one Ray removed, they would receive all types of help. The exile leaders are.

of opinion that it was also brought about because Ray was a divisionist

inasmich as he had abandoned Cuban Democratic Revolutionary Council.

3000028 20816404.08

"""•

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Betsy Palmer

Review Of Manuel Ray Y Rivero Files Volumes I - XVIII

Apr1l 6, 1978

Volume VI - August 1, 1961 - June 30, 1962

11110834

1. Cable to JMWAVE from Director

Date: August 1, 1961

FBI conducting investigation on MRP and Ray and Director Indicates he

needs to know purpose of Investigation to respond properly.

#2. Dispatch from chief of Base, JMWAVE

Date: August 4, 1961

subject:

Debriefing of Father Bastarrica

Father Bastarrica recently arrived from Cuba as a political exile. At a

luncheon meeting, he reported as follows:

MRP formed in Cuba around 26 July 1960. Organizers were Dr. Amallo Flallo

Gonzalez, Dr. Antonio Fernandez Nuevo, Reynol Gonzalez, Humberto Perez Herrera.

All these men belonged to group called Accion Democratica.

The name of MRP

was suggested by Raul Chibas and In itself It does not constitute a party

or group but rather a coalition of several small groups, which were the

following:

8. The 20 May group, led by Manuel Ray

b. Accion Democratica, led by Dr. Flallo

c. Accion Verde Olivo, led by Dr. Rufo Lopez Fresquet

a. 30 November Movement, led by David Salvador (never really joined)

e. Chibas' group with Jorge Beruff and Felipe Pazos

1. Di. Valdez Pino, in asylum in Embassy of Peru and belonged

to Accion Democratica.

Father Bastarrica's opinion of lay is that he had no way of juaging whether

Ray is Communist or Marxist.

Lacks quality of leadership because he

does not publically hold to a definite political, social and economic Ideology.

He appears to agree with every person he talks to, never arguing with them

or opposing them, all of which shows he has no ideology and makes him a

very dangerous man. Is extremely ambitous for himself, with great desire

Memorandum for Chief, WH DivisIon, dated 10 October 1961, fromWarren S. J

Yauger, Subject: General - Cuban Matters; SpecifIc - Manuel (Monolo) Ray

-Planning Board of Puerto Rico announced on 9 October 1961 that Ray has

accepted position as consultant to that Board. Board is an Important agency

of Puerto Rican government, attached to the Office of the Governor. Has

broad powers over economic and social planning and 1s active in exercising

these powers. Ray to receive $12,000 per year. Ray presently 1n

Venezuela but expected to arrive Puerto Rico within a week.

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Betsy Palmex

11110935

Review of Manuel Ray y Rivero Files

Volume vi of xvili

Page 2

4.

Cable to Director from JHAVE, dated May 27, 1962 discusses front page

article in Miami Herald of this date by James Buchanan entitled "Miro Lades

as Idle Chief: Three Latin Leaders Behind Ray". States that Rey has the

backing of Gov. Monoz Marin, Pres. Romulo Betancourt and lormer President

Jose Figueras and that Ray has taken over post with blessings of the U.s.

'Further states Ray's appointment as "Chief In Edle" came from underground.

In Cuba according to Joaquin Godoy, Provisional MRP head In Miami. Article

credits Cubans In Mant With saying "new man In field" 1s Adolf A. Berle, Jr.

who has been special asst. to State Dept. and is also member of Pres.

Kennedy's special task force on ledtin America. Implication being that

Berle 1s Junning new U.S. sponsored Cuban effort. Release causing furor

In local Cuban colony.

Cable to JMWAVE from Director, 28 May 1962 states State Department spokesman

will state story without foundation at a noon press briefing this date.

5 Listing of principal persons in Puerto Rico with the MRP

RAY, Manuel

PORTELA,

• J• Migues

PAZOS, Felipe

CARMONA,

Claudio

BARQUIN, (Col) Ramon

ESIEVEZ, Jeromino

MELENDEZ, Juax

BERGNUS

GELAVERT

ALVAREZ, Gabriel

NODAL, ROdOlfO

PORTELA, Sara

6. On 9 June 196J, Ray transmitts a detalled study of a general program

designed to attain the liberation of Cuba.: General Thesis states that

MRP believes that the strongest position for representation and canalization

of aspirations of the large majority of the Cuban people is offered by the

set of ideas and aims of the democratic left.

Her 0

421120u92

S0erd21130

23200hr c!

Sastr

123

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Betsy Palmer

Review of Manuel Ray y Rivero Files, Volumes I - VIII

April 24, 1978

11110235

Volume VIlI

-Juy 1962 - August 1962

1.

Cable dated July 2, 1962 to Director from/Sen Juan

]

flear that Manolo Ray fooked upon with great favor by Puerto Rican

government.

No evidence, however, that puerto Rican goverment 1s

supporting the MRP.

Belleve record will show that while our past

contact with Ray has not always been happy one, it always revealing

of Ray's Intentions.

2. Memo for Chief, Task Force W from Alfonso Rodriguez

Subject: Manolo Ray Rivero

12 July 1962

"Ray has Indicated to WAVE sources that whereas he is not persona grata

with the Agency, he has Important political connections in Washington and

1s thus kept Informed of much of the Agency's activities. Ray's new

organization is not to be milltary or engage in military thrusts against

Cuba because military activity is presently controlled by the Agency and

cannot be wrested from it at this time. Ray's new organization will

cooperate with the Consejo and attempt to move in on it with the ultimate

alm of taking over and dominating 1t."

3..

Memorandu for Chief, Task Force W from Alfonson Rodriguez 25 July 1962

Subject: Manolo Ray Meeting in New York

Ray sorry he joined FRD prior to April Invation. Let tide of time suck

him In and take him along. Obvious to him that show run in good faith but

bad judgment.

Ray discusses hope that JURE will be long-lasting organization

Ray's political views are assessed as democratically oriented, and

If he became ruler of Cuba, his greatest preoccupation would be with economic

progress. Rodriguez says Ray is not to be under- estimated. Commands

respect because he 1s well educated and has something to contribute.

Degrooded do wrote

*

4.

Ray begins to give information about possible defectors from Castro.

Cable dated 25 July 1962 reports that Ray told Willard R. Nauman/that

[Armando Hart Davalos is a feasible target.

former mgr., Kings Ranch, Cuba

Additional information to a July 1962 memorandum from Jack Malond (named

on interoffice route slip). Information obtained from difference sources

from persons close to Ray and their views are complete reliable. Ray did

not leave Castro's cabinet because of Ideological or policy discrepancies

with Castro but because of a heated discussion with the Minister of Labor.

Martinez Sanchez, who almost shot Ray after a Cabinet meeting. The sources

of information agree that Ray is not any different than Castro. Some of

them believe he may not have completely severed his relations with Castro

and think he may still be in contact with him. Diplomatic relations were

suspended but recognition was not withdrawn.

Bp..

Memo from Jack Malone dated July 16, 1962 Cover letter addressed

to [C. Mechen?

Says Ray's ethics are poor and he is capable of sacrifycing

his own kin and friends if such sacrifice turns out in favor of his personal

plans.

Claims Ray is irresponsible and Ignorant of present international

conditions and particularly of the Cuban social and economic reality.

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11110837

Betsy Palmer

Manolo Ray

Volume VII continued

Quotes Ray as having said, "When I was Minister of Public Works, we, the

Inner circle of the Department, took a course in Marxist economics, and If

What we were taught is commnism, I must say that communism 1s not as

bad as 1t 1s claimed to be."

June, 1962, submitted by Winterrowd through alt Raymond. Winterrowd

states his general impression of Ray was & good one - seems of be a moderate;

Intelligent man, a little given to hysteria and slogan-mongering.

Best

quality 15 in his skill as an organizer

9.

Cable to Director from JWave, dated Aug 15, 1962 DIR Cite WAVE 7062

Ray had meeting in Miami area ll or 12 August In which an informant says

Ray stated that he has arsenals in Venezuela and Dominican Republic, has

a B-26 plane, territory available for training in Costa Rica and has the

support through indirect means of U.S. Has invited journalists from New

York Times and Time Magazine to cover his announcement. of the formation

Of JURE.

Cable to Mexico City from Director, dated 6 August 62 says Ray plans

to travel to Central America late August or September and needs visitors visa

for Mexico. Says he has close acquaintance and wants to make personal

effort to recruit him or talk him into defecting.

CIA makes inquirles in an effort to obtaia visa for Ray..

Cable to Director from (San JuanI dated August 20, 1962. Ray believes

Ilanusa will defect but needs financial support.

Jose Gelabert

to make pitch to Ilanusa. Later cable says CIA willing to offer Ilanusa

$5,000.

or, 23 August 192 with directior

connection. Ray had agreed in N.Y. meeting to make recruitment or defection

effort towards Cuban Ambassador in Mexico.

* 13.

Memo to Chief, Task Force W from Alfonso Rodriguez dated 24 Aug 1962

Subject: (Operational Use of Ray Expenditure of Funds ]

Rodriguez feels beginning collaboration with Ray can be based on three

specific proposals:

1. creation of an intelligence network inside Cuba

2. creation of recruitment or defection capability

to assist our efforts in MEXI, RIO, SAGO, and MONT

3.

immediate effort to recruit in place Carlos LEGHUGA

and Raul PRIMeLLES.

Recommends paying Ray

operation.

$04, 700 over a six month period to begin this initial

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Betsy Palmer

Review of Manolo

• Ray y Rivero Files - Volumes I - XVIII_

April 24, 1978

11110838

Volume VIII - September 4, 1962 - December 27, 1962

1.

Telegram Information Report (circa Sept. 10) Unevaluated Information.

Ray in the U.S. 8-9 September.

Intends forming new organization. Some of

those participating with Ray in this effort are Felipe Pazos, Raul Chibas,

Ramon Barquin and Justo Carrillo.

Ray is of the opinion that nothing

will be done about cuba in the immediate future as the President of the

United States is fulfilling "an expedient of a political nature."

there is an ally in the White House who has assured Ray that if he organizes

a purely revolutionary group, he will be heard.

2. Junta Revolucionaria Cubana

Declaration of Principles outline the following areas:

1.

2.

Cuban Reaffirmation - recognition of sovereignty of the people, through suffrage

Human Rights

- human fraternity and social solidarity for all Cubans

social Justice - equality of opportunity for education, work, homes, etc.

Economic Development - Intense industrialization

Agrarian Reform - Cuban pesantry to own land he cultivates

International Relations - break with Soviet bloc

7.

8.

9.

10.

Restoration of Legitimate Property - not that under public power

Political Parties - Communist Party will be proscribed

Political Prisoners - immediate release

Elections - within 18-month period

2.

Dispatch to Chief, Task Force ₩ from Chief of Station, JMWAVE

Date obscured

(AMTIRTLL-I provided information on Ray obtained from Silvia KOURT de

Pendas, Ja fellow student of Ray's at Instituto de Segunda Ensenanza #1 in

Havana.

Ray never knownto have sympathy for Communist cause. However, one

of his good friends, Pedro Valdes Vivo, 1s active member of Communist cell

and a brother of Raul Valdes Vivo, now

sub-director of Communist paper

"Noticias de Hoy."

3.

Cable to priority San Juan,) Into: Priority IMWAVE, Priority Mexico City J

From: Director (Rodriguez originator) dated 9 Oct 1962

Admission visa not pauched 00 forwarding document will be in WAVE hands

10 October forpass ing to Ray, Lechuga is principal target in area of

Ray trip. Stress desire keep Lechuga in place in preference to defection.

4.

Memorandum for the Record dated 8 October 1962 from Patrick I. Karnley

Subject: Notes on Manolo Ray

In conversation with luis Laboy,

Laboy said Ray does not have any

significant following among Cuban exiles -- says Ray is honest person

completely motivated by patriotism but lacks qualities of a politician.

Says Ray is too blunt and even Cisneros is not happy with him these days.

Puerto Rican Police are apparently canvassing Cuban exiles regarding Manolo

Ray. In@IN-/Report #54 datea 30 Sepü 19ú2, he refere to fact that both he

Fermin Alvarez Silva were visited by officer of PR Internal Security Force

soliciting their opinions of Ray.

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Betsy Palmer

Manuel Ray

Volume VIII continued

11110239

5.

Excerpt from Bohemia Libre 21 October 1962, page 85 Engineer Ray'&

Datest Attitude

Ietter to magazine from Olga Hernandez, Santurce, PR - an exile

who believes Ray really & Communist. Her reasons based on Ray's statements

to "El Mundo" on his arrival in exile that after Castro's defeat there

should be maintenance of cultural and economic relations with Russia,

maintenance of militia, minenance of confiscated property, socialized

medicine, supervision of national schools and gradual supression of private

schools.

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Betsy Palmer

Review of Manuel Ray y Rivero Files, Volumes. I - XVIII

April 24, 1978

1111.0840

Volume IX = January 1963 - July 1963

I. Cable to Director from Caracas, Jiated Feb, 22, 1963

FRANCISCO SUAREZ QUINONES wishes travel to Maimi to attend JURE rally

• 24 February•

In view Ref B (WAVE 2462) info that Suarez communist and also

MRi member, DCM has asked if any info that Suarez was undercover agent for

MRP or 11 he may be double agent working for Castro.

2. Confidential Controlled Dissem. dated 3 June 1963

Title: Plan of Manuel Ray Rivero to Infiltrate the Ranks of the

Central Intelligence Agency

On 30 April 1963, Rogelio Cisneros reported on meeting of JURE exec. board

in his home attended by, among others, Antonio Arias. During meeting,

Cisneros said it was mentioned that Ray had issued orders to infiltrate a

trusted man into the CIA in order to learn details of any plans with regard

to Cuba and if possible infiltrate this man into Cuba. Cisneros also said

JURE planning leaflet drop into Cuba which will include such matters as Ray's

Manifesto against the U.S. Government and against the CIA.

3. Cable to Director from Paris, dated 19 June 1963 #T7Z7Z

Ray in Paris contacted by Jervay. Ray driven to airport by Alberto

Baez with whom Ray spent much time and who seems to be closest to Ray

among his contacts in Paris.. Ray in Paris and Brussels for purpose of

turing frangui and Arcos to agents in place, or defection. Also Cabrera.-

Ray convinced Cubans here disillusioned with Castro. Asks for upaate of -

Mist of personnel and addresses of all Cuban embassies in Europe to be

passed to him in San Juan anded RUMBLE 6 in Paris. Wants to be trained in

short wave system between himself an(od UMBLE 6 and station felt these

were good ideas and could be done:

-

4.

Memo for the Record from Alfonso Rodreguez, dated 19 June 1963

Subject: Manolo Ray

Ray's attitude towards CIA - feels that the Agency has in the past purposely

actively attempted to destroy him as a political leader and has proof

of at least one CIA officer plotted with certain MRP officials to remove him

from the Mrp as a condition for CIA assistance to that organization.

Ray cannot be overlooked in the struggle for Cuban freedom. "-- of all the

Cubans I have met, he is the nost purposeful, methodical, as well as the most

experienced clandestine operator.."

5. Confidential Controlled Dissem. dated 27 June 1963

Re: Creation of an Intelligence Corps within the JUre

Reliable information from former Rebel Army member (F) active in clandestine

movements.

JURE meeting pabout 30 March 1963 at home of journalist

Antonio Arias said JURE national executive board had created an Intelligence

Corps with JURE whose function was to infiltrate JURE mempers into various

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Betsy Palmer

111:0841

Volume IX continued

organizations operating in Miami, as well as into some of the agencies of

the U.S. gort. Said Intelligence group would produce great results and

stated as an example the infiltration of the U.S. Army.

6. Dispatch to Chief, Special Affairs Staff from Chief of Station, UMNaVe

Dated July 22, 1963

Subject: Manuel Ray Rivero's Opinion of CIA (AMTAUP-2 source of info)

"During a conversation on an unspecified date, Involving lAMTAUP-2. Ray ano

Rogello Cisneros Diaz, Ray told Cisneros that they had to be very careful

with CIA agents because they were more dangerous than the Kennedy Administration.

The Kennedy Administration would end but the CIA agents always stayed, and

their memory was longer than the memory of elephants and they never forgot

or forgave.. Ray told Cisneros that he feared CIA agents would try to

assassinate him because they were irreconcilable enemies."

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r

Betsy Palmer

Review of Files of Manuel Ray Y Rivero, Volumes I - XVIII

April 24, 1978

11110242

Volume X - August 1963 - September 1963

1. Memorandum for the Record from Alfonso Rodriguez, dta. 2 August 1963

Subject: Meeting with Ray (27 July 1963 in Miami)

Ray to attempt a sabotage operation against the Havana power plant and wants

20lbs high explosives as well as 6-8 thermite grenades. Requested that the

materials be cached Inside Cuba (preferably) or in San Juan. Requested that

arrangements be made for Rogello Cisneros to visit Guatanamo to visit his

brother to inform him of JURE plans -- Rodriguez says possibility remote.

Ray planning to visit Caracas and Costa Rica later if he has a visa from

Mexico. Purpose of trip is fund raising.

2.

Cable from JMWAVE to Director #63249 ata 22 Aug 1963

6 Ray's Mexican visa forwarded WAVE by safehand Sept 62 and request it

be airmailed to Ray in Puerto Rico. TRay planning trip Costa Rica, Caracas,

Dom. Rep. and Mexico. Departing San Juan 29 August for first leg.

*

3. Memorandum for the Record dated 23 August 1963, from A. Rodriguez

Subject: Ray, Contact Report

Met with Ray in N.Y.C. on 19 August. Rodriguez recommends to Ted Shackley

that ammunition for JURE be cached near Florida Keys.

Thinks it necessary

to help Ray this mich in order to measure his capabilities. Ray is having

a 25-foot boat outfitted in Miami area to be operational by about Sept. 10.

Will be used primarily for infiltration and exfiltration of personnel into

Cuba.

Ray also says he has been offered & 210 ft. Corvette, flying a

Venezuelan flag and owned by Spaniards friendly to JUrE. Said he could extend

operations along the south coast of Cuba for as much as 2 - 3 weeks with

this vessel.. Ray was interested in whether or not KIM flights were to be

resumed into Cuba as he is hopeful of returning by legal means which would

not pose as many difficulties as present Mexican and Spanish air travel

conditions.

Ray says he hoped to soon penetrate the Cuban delegation to the U.N.

Said his contact with Ambassador Lechuga, through a woman member of the

JURE, continues,

but without significant progress. Lechuga is most

friendly towards her but does not wish to discuss any of his problems with

her.

Rodriquez recommends continuation of monthly $10,000 payments to Jure and

an additional $15,00 to cover cost of vessels to be acquired. -- total of

$25, 000 monthly for 6 months.

4. Cable to Director from JMWAVE, dated 24 August 1963 #232228z

Ray Mexican visa waiver number 50844 issued 3 Sept 62 valid for six months,

hence now expired. Under circumstances, WAVE not mailing to Ray unless

otherwise instructed.

5. Cable to JMWAVE from Director, ata 24 Aug 63 Cite Dir: 63774 Please

air mail as Ray will need to procure new waiver.

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Betsy Palmer

Volue x continued

11110813

6. Cable to[san Jose, Caracas, Santo Domingo, Mexico Cityk UNHAVE

FrOm: Director dated 31 August 63

Ray departing 29 Aug. on trip to first three addees. Attempting renew

Mexican visa waiver for travel there later. Purpose of trip to solicit

political backing, raise funds, tighten JURE organization, streamline

communication and establish take-off points for operations against target.

7. Cable to Director from JMWAVE ata 7 Sept 63, Ref WAVE 3895:1

Reported conversation with Ray's sister-in-law wherein she stated Ray

visited her home on 30 August to say goodby.

He was going to be infiltrated

Into Cuba and would not see her for some time. Said he was not in accord

with certain U.S. officials on Cuban policy and has no confidence in U.S.

ability to Iberate Cuba. Said he had refused two invitations extended

by REK to discuss Cuban situation.

8. Document transfer and Cross Reference dtd 10 Sept 63 {UFG-03590 -

Ray arrived secretly in Miami from Puerto Rico, had secret meeting with

Manuel Quiza Docal, IDR of Cubanos Libres, in which Quiza officially

connected his organization to JURE for all action. Later traveled to

N.Y.C. to purchase c-4 explosives.

Cable to Director from MWAVE dta 11 Sept 63, report from AMTAUP-2 7

who spoke with Rogelio Cisneros on 6 Sept. Cisneros stated Ray departed

for Costa Rica on 5 Sept to interview President Orlich.

Said on Ray's

last meeting with RFD; the private secretary of President Romulo Betencourt

was present.

Cisneros said JURE objective is to have different prominent

figures in Latin American goverments witness promises made by U.S. govt.

Cisneros said JURE not obligated to report military or political plans to

-CIA but CIA obligated to deliver to JURE all military equipment needed to

fight Castro. Delivery of equipment will be on high seas from a CIA boat

to JURE boat which will proceed to Cuba.

0.000006. 0001

10.

Cable to Director from JMWAVE, dated 6 Sept 63. Elania Germania (Bernal)

de Paula reported she learned from her brother-in-law, Manuel Ray, that he

had recently been in Europe negotlating arms purchases in Belgium. Contact

man for purchase pe Col. Ramon Barquin.

: to Sept

11. Cable to Director from MIXI ata 27 Sept 1963

#6301

start military operation against Cuba using Mexico as a base. Lanier says

activity.

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*

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Betsy Palmer

Review of Files

s_on Manuel Ray y Rivero, Volumes I - XVIII

April 24, 1978

11110244

Volume XI - October 1963 - December 1963

1. Field Information Report dated 1 October 1963 Notes that source (a

former Cuban diplomat who is a reliable source) said Ray in Tegucigalpa,

Honduras about week or 10 days ago -- had spoken with Foreign Minister

Roberto Perdomo Paredes (has a 201#). A radio station manager says Ray

there about 20 September.

2. Memo for the Record, 2 October 1963 from Alfonso Rodriguez

Met with Ray 12 San Juan Sept. 24-25, 1963. Said Ray departing Puerto Rico

October 7, 1963 for Veneçuela and perhaps Mexico. Ray and JURE involved in

infiltrating Cuba and subsequently Invading.

Dispatch 3 October 1963 to Chief, WHD from(Cs/Panama.) On 26 Sept 1963,

aTSAGE-1 flearned that Jose Puente Blanco recently met with Ray In Costa

Rica for a 3-day meeting.

4..

Draft, ata 4 October 1963 by Rodriquez

Subject: Manuel Ray Rivero

Ray, unlike many Latain American political leaders, is convinced that

organization and work alone can assure lasting political success. Ray's

philosophy is a way of life. He is a prodigious worker, given to study

of details (training at U. of Utah mentioned) Ray devoting full time to JURE

5.

Contact Report 15, dta 8 October 1963

Contact with MRR member by CO Warren K. Guertler

would like to know what position to take re: Ray if A-19 asks about U.s.

backing. A-19 ponsiders Ray part of Kremlin conspiracy to put someone in

power in place of Castro. CO has told A-19 that MRR are CIA's "chosen

people" but if someone in U.S. (maybe State Dept) wants Ray, CIA will have

to accept him.

6. Cable to Director from JMWAVE, ata 11 Oct 63

SIR InTO, BARR_ MEXI Cite WAVE 5656

Persecution of JURE's Mexico City delegation by local secret polic

DOI: 26 Sept 63

Information received from Rogelio Cisneros Diaz. Cisneros advises delegation

to work clandestinely, operate in cells, and not maintain public offices

as they had in the past.

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Betsy Palmer

11410845

Volume XI continued

-page 2

7. Cable to Director from JMWAVE, dto 11 Oct 63

In October 1, Cisneros tells AMTAUP-1 that Ray to visit Betancourt later ir

week to report on status of JURE negotiations with U.S. and promises made

to Ray by RiK during recent interviews.

8. CAble 172301Z 17 Octobar 63 to Director from JiAVE.

on 15 October 1963, Jose (Gomez) Rodriguez, aka Cabeza, JURE member tell:

AMTAUP- that CIA officials from Washington, D. C. coming to Miami to

finalize agreements with JURE. Also said JURE would never tell CIA exact

landing sites on Cuban coast.

9. Cable to Director from Mexico City, 26 October 1963

Secret 260035z

Dir WAVE Cite Mexi 6677

Ref A Mexi 6455 (not sent WAVE) (IN 36021

REF B HMMA 22285

JURE representative Julio lanier pressing I (ol) -2]to obtain Mexican

visas for luis Giun Figueredo and Rogelto Tisneros Diaz who want to inspect

plane of Ref A.

Fast action needed on I-2 will not be able to meet Cisnero and have an "in"

with JURE group for purpose of coverage of JURE PM activities Mexi. Lanier

will set up meeting in Miami or San Juan.

10. Dispatch to Chief, Special Affairs from CS/JMWAVE, ata 21 Oct 63

Information received from AMTAUP-2

Ray to arrive in Miami 26 July, in secret, because he wantea to hold private

meetings to discuss military affairs with action groups in Miami. Met at

home of Rogelio Cisneros Diaz on 28 July.

Met with Armando Alanis Angulo and

askeà him to join JURE. Alanis former Chief of Fiscal District of the

Treasury in Camaguey Province. Ray says he has organization inside Cuba

but needs personnel on outside with which to operate. Claimed to have 300

weapons in Miami.

•On.10. August, Cisneros meets with Alanis and Iuis Aguiar (who belongs to

¿lanis group). Talked of plans for Aguiar's men to infiltrate Las Villa:

Province and open a JURE organization.

Alanis officially joins JURE on 20 August 1963 and received Cisnero assurances

they will get financial help from JUrE.

Cable to Chief, Special Affairs Staff from JMHAVE/CS ata 22 Oct 1963

#6. On 30 September, Ray departed for San Juan from Miami, after having

visited Venezuela, Costa Rica, Honduras and Panama to gain support for

operations against Cuba.

12.

Cable 79065 on 29 October 1963.{ Willard R. Naumandwill arrive San Juan

october 31, 1963 to met Ray in St. Thomas. [Do not plan contact unless need

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Betsy Palmer

Volume XI - continued - Page 3

11110346

13. Fleld Information Report dta 26 October 1963

Ray In Miami 10/26/63 to meet with Ernesto Betancourt, former MRP and now

washington, D. C. delegate of Eld. May have met in an effort to merge ELC

with JURE.

Ray. feels need to be in Cuba In 90 days - hurricane Flora har

seriously damaged Cuba and this 1s an opportune time.

14. Memo for Record from Alfonso Rodriguez

Subject: Meeting with Ray In St. Thomas on 31 October and 1 November 1963

Discussed JURE plans to begin operations inside Cuba by end of December.

15. Cable at an o a19e8 to are to go, O0 1o at cate bay times meets

16. Cable dta 18 November 1963 to JMWAVE froM Director confirms understanding

that all dates mentioned In Rules of Engagement this operation are moved up

two days. Thus, WAVE will begin operation by caching materials and departing

scene by 1200 on 25 November 1963.

17. Cable dated 3 December 1963 to JMWAVE from Director indicates Ray

Involved in Infiltration plan, Operation BOLA, and CIA doubts his story

as to why he couldn't complete mission - said low on gas.

18. Payments to Ray 21 June 1963 - 5 December 1963, totalled $107,925.00

No payments in November.

19. Memo for Record from Alfonso Rodriguez, ata 13 Dec 1963

Meets with Ray In N.Y. C. 12/6/63. JURE ship failed to pick up materials

deposided on Roncador Cay on 25 November 1963. Ray had no full explanation

for failure. Low on gas theory doubtful as ship did arrive a Puerto Ilmon

on 27 November as scheduled. - Ray doubts this story: Alternate date of

20 December set up, embarking from Puerto Limon, Costa Rica this time.

SECRET

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## Page 29

SECRET

Betsy Palmer

Review

• of Manuel Ray y Rivero Files - Volumes I - XVIII

May 1, 1978

Volume XII - January 1964 - February 1964

11110347

1. Intelligence Information Cable, 4 January 1964 - Information from

Carlos Hernandez Hernandez, an Executive Member of Brigade 2506 veterans

Association said the Brigade rejected a proposed alliance with JURE on

December 7, 1963. Brigade 1s apposed to Artime, but more opposed to Ray.

2. Identification provided by CIA for Ray In his attempt to Infiltrate

Cuba.

Request made 6 January 1964 - Ray to use identity of Juan Cardenas

Mendez.

3. Cable to Director from JMWAVE, dated 8 January 1964, Dir Cite WAVE 0106

AMOT-84 said he learned from newspaperman Abelardo (Garcia) Berry that Ray

had met In Paris with Carlos Frangui Mesa to propose that Frangui j01s

Ray's organization, that is, sector of "Betrayed Revolution". Garcia

believes that in order to obtain Franqui's defection, Ray told him about

alleged plans of U.S. to overthrow Castro in which Ray was to play a

prominent part. Garcia further believes that Franqui's "falling into

disgrace" In Cuba is a trick of Castro and Franqui.

4. Cable to DIR frOM JMWAVE, dated 8 January 1964 states that Governor Munoz

Marin, Puerto Rico, pledged: to give Ray double any amount Ray raised on a

bond sale by JURE to buy guns. JURE has large quantity of arms in P.R.

5. Cable to DIR from JMWAVE, dated 14 January 1964. Cisneros said JURE

has military training base in Costa Rica under command of Julio Cesar Alonso,

Military Chief of JURE. All JURE boats now at Costa Rican base and also

arms which had been in Puerto Rico.

sala JUrE leaders do not plan "to

to work in Miami area or anywhere else In U.S. because they are afraid

CIA will seize their military equipment.

Cable to DIR from JMWAVE, ata 16 Jan 1964 _Amtaur /3 reported that

Julio Cesar Alonso replaceá as Chief of Costa Ricar

military base of JURE because of his failure to go on a scheduled operation.

(Check to see if this was the aborted mission of 25 November 1963)

WAVE, dated 30 January 1964. AIraup/2 reported

sanchez and Rogello Cisneros. Cisneros said FBI ano

up JURE arms and explosives cached at Cajon de

Id pick cachup, it was discovered by a fisherman who

RE boat found and searched, but not retained as they

guns overboara. Governor of P.R. called newspapers

ught Castro had cached the arms in order to duenthrow

id this to sidetrack FBI and INS investagations and

Ray's activities would be revealed. isneros

n P.R. and registered in Panama in name of person

o governor P.R. and bitter enemy of CIA. LAntauple J

oR. was trusted by Jure, to which Cisneros replied

nationalist and enemy of U.S. imperialist politics

if CIA.

SECREL

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## Page 30

SECRET

Betsy Palmer

Volume XII - Manual Ray

Page 2

11110848

* 6. Cable to DIR From JWAVE, atd 31 Jan Q4 - Article in Miami Herlad about

he discovery of arms cache in Puerto Rico confirms accuracy of Amtaup/c _

eporting that Ray involved in robbery U.S. Military installation and tiat

Governor Marin 1s misleading FBI investigation.

WAVE believes the C-3

explosive found in cache was provided Ray by WAVE as directed by Hagtrs,

but WAVE did not provide any weapons. WAVE will tell loaal FBI that they

know nothing regarding background of cache discovery and assume Hdgtrs will

coordinate case at Wash.D.C. level with FBI.

7. Intelligence Information Cable, dated 4 Feb. 1964 - reliable source

says RAY expected in Caracas, Venezuela middle of February 1964 to establish

a guerrilla training base for JURE in venezuela.

Will be a regional center

used by JERE members in Venezuela and Panama. (Likely that if Ray succeeds

in setting up camp, it will be with tacit consent of Betancourt governnent.

Field Comment). Ray claims he will be inside Cuba by 20 May 1964.

8. Cable to DIR from Panama City, dated 9 Feb 1964 states JOSE MARIA PUENTE

BLANCO, Panamanian/Cuban, DOB 17 July 1930, Havana, Cuba, Keft Panama City

for Caracas on 8 Feb. He is possible Castro agent ano Panama City would

appreciate information re his activities in Caracas and/or subsequent travel.

9. Memo for the Record, ata 12 Feb 1964 from Alfonso Rodriguez

subject: Meeting with AMBANG/1

ELC, according to Ray, was now disolved and became a part of JURE on 17 Jan.

1964. This brings to JURE the best former rebel army officers in exile and

should give JURE a military background and support seond to none in the

exile community.

Comments: AM'AU»/2 reports have indicated Cisneros activities and statements.

are directed against the CIA. Rodriguez discusses Amaup/2 s reporting with

Tony Sforza and Warren Frank.

Il Cisneros is in tact directing a program

of denigration against the CIA, suggest agency follow the activities of

Dionisio Suarez Esquival, who reportedly has been selected to carry out such

a program in various Latin American univerities.

1C. Cable to DIR from Farama City, dated 22 Feb, 1754. Tie PUPNTE BLANCO

brothers have been under some suspicion since their arrival in dAcY following

their release from Cuban prison as result of intervention of Thelma King.

Part of suspicion is a result of activities of their brother, Jorge, still

in Cuba.

SECRET

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## Page 31

SECRET

Betsy palmer

Review of Manuel Ray y Rivero Files - Volumes I - XVIII

May 1, 1978

Volume XIII - March 1964 - April 1964

11110819

1. Memorandum to Acting Chief, Contact Division, dated 6 March 1964

From: CIncinnati R.A.

Thru: Chief, Detroit Office

SUBJECT: Castro Type Subversion Likely/Manuelo Ray Dangerous Exile Leader

now in Puerto Rico

REFERENCE: CR-64-2 and WH-1604

Architect, Nocholas Quintana, residing in Cuba, told the following to & Mr.

Raphael Katzen, consulting engineer in U.S. Manuelo Ray is in Quintana's

opinion more dangerous to U.S. than Castro. Ray is not a soviet type

Communist according to quintana, but his socialism 1s so extreme and his

anti-U.S. feelings so deep that he considers Ray a dangerous exile leader,

at least to the U.S.

Manuelo Ray is known to be of interest to the local FBI (Cincinnati).

CD sile

Check -- 1s- this CTA memo?

2.

Memorandum for the Record, dated 16 March 1964

From: Sidney P. Di Ubaldo

Subject: Contact Report, Meeting with Ernesto Betancourt

Betancourt has known Ray for several years and admired him through all various

seasons of their relationship. Betancourt impressed with Ray's organizational

talents and talents as an engineer..

Says Ray an effective and judicious

personality and appeals to Cuban exiles of various stripes.. Betancourt 1

expressed a fear that Ray, in his zeal, might commit himself to such tight

timing that he would be forced to undertake action at a disadvantageous

moment.

Di Ubaldo comments that if Betancourt was leading him on in an attempt to

sell Ray to him, it was done with & "subtlety to which I am definitely not

accustomed".

JURE boats and therefore Cisneros had instructed his crewmen to fire on

AMMORID boats wherever encountered. CITE WAVE J691

Cisneros had meeting at his home on 15 March, atrended by Armando Alanis

Angulo, Dunney Perez Alamo, Jose Puente Blanch, National Chief JURE youth

and member of JURE national Executive, anà AMAUI/¿Cisneros related tha

Romulo Betancourt told Ray in Caracas that Betancourt will work in favor o

JURE. Puente oonfirmed this. Betancourt promised to arrange urgent meeting

with U.S. officials in Washington to get promise from them that CIA would

not sabotage any of JURE's planned operations.

SECREL

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## Page 32

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Betsy Palmer

Manuel Ray - Volume XIII

Page 2

11110250

4. Cable to DIR frOM JMWAVE, dtd 28 March 1964 - LAM AUF/2 spoke with

BLas Enrique Comas Castro, captain of JURE boad VENUS nich Is in Puerto

Rico.

Said..Cisneros and Ray recently arrived In P.R. from Caracas and said

Venus would be used to infiltrate. Ray Into Cuba in a few days.

LAM'AU /?.)said Armando Alanis Angulo said he was leaving Miami On 30 March

or new JURE base within 6 hours of Miami. Said base under responsibility

of Dunney Perez Alamo and himself. Also said Ray had chosen Venus to make

trip to Cuba and Venus armed with 20MM gun, four 50 Cal and one 30 Cal

machine guns.

cable to DIR from JMWAVE, dtd 28 Marah 1964 - AMAl le reports that

Alanis, Perez and Antonio Arias Gonzalez, JURE members, are lissatisfied with

Ray's organization because they had now been forbidden to critieize U.S.

govarment policies, and the fact that they were allowed to have a training

camp near Miami Indicated that Ray 1s accepting CIA aid. Cisneros claimed

the main objective of JURE was to keep U.S. gout. entertained with the

training base set up in Miami area and that departure of JURE members to

infiltrate Cuba will be outside U.S.

6. Accounting of funds received by Ray, from June 21, 1963 - April 8, 1964,

show a total expenditure of $217,924.28 by CIA.

7. Memo for the Chief, WH Division, dated 14 April 1964, from Alfonso

Rodreguez - Subject: My Meeting with Ray on 13 April 1964.

Essense of Ray's plans: 1. Two teams expected to go into Oriente Province

this week. Is acra

2. Ray will turn over JURE contact with us to

Cisneros, effective 23 April.

1X8"

Ray's immediate objective once in Cuba will be to initiate systematic,

continuous bombings of strategic and non-strategic targets. Power plant in

Havana, major refinery and aquaduct in Santa Clara are immediate objectives.

Cable to DIR from JMWAVE, ata 26 April 1964. LAM

I2 reported that

JURE training base opened near Tamps, Fla: for 30 men and planning to set

up a base in Dominican Republic.

SECRET

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## Page 33

SONNER

SEGRET-

Betsy Palmer

FIle Review, Manuel Ray y Rivero - Volumes I - XVIII

May 1, 1978

Volume XIV - May 1964

11110851

1. [AMWORLD Meeting in San Juan, P.R., 2-5 May 1964

Subject:

Ray's Plans

Submittu bypiens 1. Hecksher] wH/SA/so/нн

Ray's plans to Infiltrate Cuba by 20 May were discussed at meeting. Questions

Hendere ge counteered ed tim tom diete surther details" at vindch

point JAMM 19/commented that GUERILER had reacted in a similar way when

offerta facts and figures about Ray's activities. Artime stated he would

not put it past Ray to go into hiding in a secure place while pretending

to be in cuba.

2. Cable to MWAVE from DIR, 7 May 1964 - After lOoking atLANTAUP/material,

it is obvious much of conspiratorial talk in JURE is for Internal consumption

only, the purpose being to protect myth that JURE is independent as basically

hostile to CIA. In a desire to obtain proof of any anti-CIA or U.S:

i govt.

activity by Ray, urge every effort to check accuracy of AMTAUF / AMOT reporting

and follow through for any overt manifestations of many aliegations made.

Memo for the Director of Central Intelligence, from Richara Helsi,

DD/P, dated 13 May 1964. Subject: Plans of Manuel Ray and the JURE to

Infiltrate into Cuba.

Helms says there is no question but that Ray seriously plans to enter Cuba

sometime in May 1964. JURE has 6 teams ready to infiltrate -- a total of

27 men.

Ray hopes with aid of 40 men, he can demonstrate that resistance

is possible and that Castro can be defied.

*4. Cable to Info ME, at 20 May I% Sure See on

assigment with Time-Life, left Miami 18 May with JURE elements for

rendezvous with Ray.

JURE Purchase of Arms

Chronological resume of reports reaching WH/SA desk regarding attempted

purchase

of sems by JURE in El Monte, California.

Revenue officials queried CIA re its knowledge of certain

arms being handled by Juan Erquiaga Alzcorbe In L.A. area

¡or shipment to Florida.

Discussion about 20 May 19ät SA denied knowledge.

SECRET

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## Page 34

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11810852

Betsy Palmer

Manuel Ray - Volume XIV

Page 2

B. Rogelio Cisneros calls Rodriguez (Halpern) on 20 May to advise

him certain arms being manufactured to JURE specifications

1n El Monte and being investigated by U.S. Treasury: Cisneros

says JURE has invested $50,000 in these weapons being manu-

factured bu Knuson (sic) Manufacturing Co.

C. Rodriguez (the/undefetened tells Cisneros this is pretty sad

situation that JURE must make use of Costa Rican, Venezuelan

and other L.A. connections or they were going to get "clobbered"

In U.s.

Es:. Halpern and Rodrigaez advised Mr. FitzGerald of the above. He

agreed agency could not assist JURE in this matter. On 20

May, Mr. Bowdler of St. Dept. notified of the matter, and

Deputy Chief, WH/SA advised.

E. Joseph O'Neill of OGC called on 20 May and informed that JURE

was involved but agency did not want Revenue called off its

investigation because of the "autonomous" nature of our

relationship with JURE.

Cable to DIR from JM.AVE, ata 22 May 1964. Sender states that the

manner of Tad Szulc in an office visit on May 21 and new confident tone

expressed by Cisneros conveyed feeling to cable sender that Ray has made it

into Cuba.

Cable to JMWAVE from DIR, dated 23 May 1964. Request Reuteman edvise

AMCARBON/1] that he has checked with hagtrs and that Ray Is not receiving

CIA support. Reuteman should trace history of intimate relationship of

LAMCAPE/] with Ray noting that since Bay of Pigs, AMCAPE/Lhas been serving,

a public relations man and lobbyist for Ray. Further explain

to AMCARBON /1 that AMCAPE/I must be credited with single-handedly placing

entire Cuban nation on alert and causing withdrawal of masses of conscripted

workers from cane fields merely by articles playing on theme of threat of

infiltration of Ray and a few men. Tell AMCARBON/l that CIA would not

become party to Ray operation knowing close relationship with AMCAPE/L,

particularly since latter well known to be less than friendly to CIA.

8. Intelligence Information Cable, ata 26 May 1964. Cisneros says that

as of 23 May 1904, no contact has been established

with Ray but Cisneros

believes he has reached Cuba.

9.

Intelligence Information Cable, ata 28 May 1964 - Cisneros says Ray has

not as yet been able to infiltrate Cuba and will make another attempt night

of 28 May 1964. Cisneros says vigilance by U.S. authorities over activities

o? ¿UPS reps. in Florida making support of Ray's effort extremely difficult.

SEGRET

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## Page 35

SECRET

Betsy Palmer

11110853

File Review of Manuel Ray y Rivero - Volumes I - XVIII

May 1, 1978

Volume XV - June 1964

1.

Intelligence Information Cable, dtd 30 May 1964 - information from

Rogelio Cisneros Diaz - as of 30 May 1964, Ray had not entered Cuba. Boat

to be used in final infiltration developed motor trouble. JURE reps were

taking all out effort to go to Ray's aid with replacement for boat and an

additional supply of drinking water.

2. Cable to JMWAVE [rOM DIR, dated 2 June 1961, Ref: WAVE 7218 (In 95616)*

Please note similarities rumor reported Ref Para 2 and statement attributed

to Rogelio Cisneros that CIA had Instructed AMWORLD boats to fire on JURE

boats per WAVE 3691 (IN 41477). Is this significant?

* Artime's followers authorized to attack any of Ray's or Gutierrez's men

on high seas.

2.

Cable to DIR from JMWAVE dated 3 June 1964) stating that Ray and Andrew

St. George were among the individuals arrested by the British near Cayo Largo.

(Location of Anguilla lay also used in cable). Detainees taken to Nassau.

Tom Dunisan, Life photographer, also in group..

§• Cable to DIR from MilAVE, ata 4 June 1964 - AMTAUP/2 reported that Ray's

organization going to make press statement that Ray's failure to enter

Cuba was fault of CIA.

Cable to DIR FrOM JMAVE ata 6 June 1964 reflects feelings of Cuban

exile community over Ray's failure to enter Cuba.

8.

Ray made a fool of himself by taking a girl and two non-Cuban

newsmen with him, none of whome adapted to rigors of guerrilla

warfare.

bo. British and U.S. participated in Ray's capture

c.

Whole thing was a publicity stunt which went wrong.

id. Inrique Huertes jubilant over Ray's disgrace, but feels it is

a loss of exile prestige and harbingers bleak and hoppless period

e.

DI. Antonio Maceo says many have lost faith in Ray for lack of

accomplishment this past year.

I. Ray is laughing stock.

Those who had hopes now feel he is

only an ambitious politican not will to keep promises.

JUrt members confused and undecided over how to defend Ray.

h.

Alanis and Zarrage wish to remove their followers from JurE.

Cisneros states to AMTAUP that Ray will accuse U.S. govt of

treachery for cutting off economic aid one month ago and for

searching his home, automobile and offices (Cisnero's?) (Photostats

in volume XIV)

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## Page 36

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11110354

Betsy Palmer

Volume XV - June 1964

Page 2

5. Memo for the Record, ata 9 June 1964, from Alfonso Rodreguez

Subject: Possible Plans of Ray

Opinion of Rodriguez that Ray will attempt asap to mount another infiltration

Tort. he is relatively certain JURE has or can procure & small craft

capable of making trip from Florida to Cuba. He also thinks that either

IIO$/44 Ray "would be willing to publicly give the lie to the TIME

magazine article of 12 June 1964.

6. Cable to DIR IrOM JMWAVE, ata 10 June 1964 - re-canvassing of exile

community reveals Ray's prestige at near-absolute low point. Trend is

Information that JURE in considerable

dissension. Threats of various factions to withdraw unless Cisneros dismissed

and national board reorganized.

7. Memo for Record, ata 12 June 1964 from Samuel Halpern

Subject: Information from the British in Answer to Questions Re;

Identify of American Who Allegedly Paid Manuel Ray's fine in

Nassau.

05

Chris philipotts called 12 june to say Gov. Of Banamas haà replica to our

query as to the identify of American who allegedly paid Ray's fine in Nassau.

(see TIME of 12 June 1964, page 48 -- alleged CIA paid). Governor stated

he had seen no such figure and to best of his knowledge, there was no such

person. "I of course did not tell fars phillpotts) that we knew the identity

of the American as reported to us by Rogelio Cisneros of JURE."

8. Memo for Record, ata 12 June 1964 from Alfonso Rodriguez

Subject: JURE telegram to TIME Magazine

Protest falsity of information published by TIME re: capture of Manuel Ray

and his group. False that a CIA ship participated in any phase of operation.

Also false that a CIA individual paid fine -- the $84.00 was sent to JURE

by an American citizen at request of one of his employees.

9. Cable to DIR frOM JMWAVE, dta 27 June 1954: According to AMFAST/6,

Ray informed Pepe Catillo (Jose Garcia Valdez) their departure

Cuba

would be July 1. Boat to be used is unnamed Rybovitch rented in It. Lauderale.

Ray planning to stay in Cuba about 15 days.

10. Memo for Record, ata 29 June 1954, from Alfonso Rodriguez

Subject: Establishment of Base Abroad; Manuel Ray Rivero

On June 22, the Special Group agreed "no monies would be forthcoming,

specifically a requested $25,000, until he ceasea" all activities fron U.s.

mainland.

SECRET

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## Page 37

SECRET

Betsy Palmer

File Review - Manuel Ray y Rivero - Volumes I - XVIII

May 2, 1978

11110855

Volume XVI - July I, 1964 - August 28, 1964

1. Draft on Manuel Ray by Alfonso Rodriguez ata 6 July 1964

After his failure to reach Cuba during May 1964, Ray believes he must go

into Cuba as soon as possible.

Within JURE, according to Ray, his detention

by the British is viewed as an unfortunate incident. Ray said some JURE

members considering demonstrations before British embassies and consulates.

2. Memo for the Record dta 7 July 1964 from Alfonso Rodriguez

Subject:

Tad Szulc Relationship with Manuel Ray

Rodriguez questioned Ray's using newspaper correspondents as emissaries to

departments of the U.S. govt. Ray stated that Szulc took it upon himself

to speak about matters related to assisting Ray.

Rodriguez says it would

be wrong to assume that Ray is controlled by Szulc but Ray "undoubtedly

knows that Szulc has worked hard, first with President Kennedy and now, for

him and his interest. This cannot but influence Ray."

2.

Intelligence Information Memo, 14 and 15 June 1964

05

Sourcel

Jose Alverez sola, private chauttew or logelo lisneros Dies)

JURE's national executive met 14/15 June to discuss crisis within the

organization concerning Cisneros.

Dr. Raul Chibas Ribas stated that if

Cisneros not removed from his position, Chibas would make public his

resignation.

3.

Memorandum for Director of Central Intelligence, dta 9 July 1964

From: DEsmond FitzGerala, Chief/WH DiviSIon

Subject:

Chronology of Concept of Autonomous Operations and

Summary of Financial Support to Manuel Artime

Attachment A is listing of origin, briefings, discussions, and approvals by

appropriate policy levels of the concept of autonomous operations and

beginning the problems inherent in autonomous operations were clearly

stated at all times by the Agency and that appropriate policy levels were

kept fully and regularly informed of the status of autonomous operations.

Attachment B contains summary and breakdown of financial support for Artime:.

Summary states that,

"From June 1963 through 30 June 1964 the Agency spent

$4,933,293 in support of the Artime operation." Fixed monthly subsidy is

$225, 000.

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## Page 38

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Betsy Palmer

Volume XVI - continued

page 2

11110856

Origin of Autonomous Operations

Integrated Covert Action Program for Cuba, approved by Higher Authority

In June 1963, provided for "support of autonomous anti-Castro Cuban groups

to supplement and assist in the execution" of other courses of action.

Concept was first voiced in Sept. 1962 In Walter Rostow's proposal for a

"Irack Iwo" approach to Cuban operations. Parallel to regular CIA-

controlled Cuban teams, CIA would extend financial aid and some advice and

guidance to independent and uncontrolled Cuban leaders such as Manuel Ray.

Rules of Engagement Incorporated into June 1963 program.

"It is the keystone of autonomous operations that they will be

executed exclusively by Cuban nationals motivated by the conviction that the

overthrow of the Castro/Communist regime must be accomplished by Cubans,

both inside and outside Cuba acting in consonance.

2. The effort will probably cost many Cuban lives. If this cost

In lives becomes unacceptable to the U.S. conscience, autonomous operations

can be effectively halted by the withdrawal of U.S. support; but once halted,

they cannot be resumed.

3.

All autonomous operations will be mounted outside the territory

of the United States.

4.

The United States Government must be prepared to deny publicly

any participation in these acts no matter how loud or even how accurate may

be the reports of ts s. complicity.

5. The United States presence and direct participation in the

operation would be kept to an absolute minimum. Before entering into an

operational relationship with a group, the U.S. representative will make 1t

clear that his Goverment has no intention of intervening militarily, except

At experienced CIA officer would be

assigned to work with the group in a liaison capacity. He would provide

general advice as requested as well as funds and necessary material support.

He may be expected to influence but not control the conduct of operations.

6. These operations would not be undertaken within a fixed time

schedule."

Article fron New York Times, Wednesday, July 15, 1964, bylined Ted Szule

"Ray Said To Leave For Cuba Landing - Castro Foe, Balked in May, Reported

on way Again."

* 5. Cale tO DIR FroM IMBAR ata 15 Jul 1964. M/VIrue with ManoLo Ray

and crew returned Key west area --- had motor trouble.

6. Cable to DIR IrOM JMWAVE, ata 18 July 1964. Ray's latest misadventures

trying get into Cuba mid-July greeted with relative indifference majority

Cuban exiles Miami area.

*7:

Wireservice prinout - Miami, Flay, July 24, 1964. Three exile groups

withdrew from Ray's JURE today protesting that Ray failed to make good

his promise to enter Cuba to reactivate the anti-rastro underground.

Spokesman was Jesus Dieguez of the Revolutionary National Assembly.

SECRET

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## Page 39

2102

SECRET

Betsy Palmer

Review of Files - Manuel Ray y Rivero - Volumes I - SVIII

Volume XVII - September 1964 - February 1965

May 2,

I978

11110857

Memo ata 1 Sept 1964, Subject: [ANTAUP-2 Production

"Chief of Reports Comments: It would appear that AMIAUPi?'y reporting os

JURE matters have been generally reliable.

2.

Autonomous, Operations - Operating Plan

Activity: AMBANG

For the Perlod: 1 October - 31 December 19Q. Total of $75,000 paid

to effect move of JURE activities from U.S. territory and as a final payment

to JURE.

3. Intelligence Information Cable, dta 9 Sept 1964

Source: Jose Garcia Valdez, aka "Pepe Gatillo"

Subject: Plans of JURE leader Manuel Ray Rivero to depart Miami for an

Undisclosed Location.

Ray, asked Garcia on 9 Sept of to take him, St. George and Mirta Borras on

trip to unspecified destination. To depart on JURE catamaran.

4. Memo for the Record, ata Il Sept 1964 from Alfonso Rodreguez

On Aug 24, 1904, Rogelio Cisneros called to report his resignation from JURE.

Stated Ray Incapable of directing both political and military activities.

Cisneros thinks Raul Chibas will soon also resign. Cisneros said Ray not

prepared for ill-fated May attempt into Cuba and Cisneros thinks Ray had

believed he could arrange for CIA to take him into Cuba. "Ray is politically

unformed - politically that which he last read". Cisneros further stated

that he believed Ray had planned his entire return-to-Cuba angle with President

Kennedy and the presidential elections of November 1964 in mind. According to

him, Ray planned to make JURE and Ray outstanding : liberal and democractic

exile group with the thought that prior to the 1964 elections, Mr. Kennedy

would have to do something about Cuba. With Kennedy's death, according to

Cisneros, all of Ray's plans went awry. Rodriguez expresses to Cisneros

that this seems like a far-fetched possibility and Cisneros admits he got

Idea out of thin air, but said theory widely held within Directorate of JURE.

5.

Memo for the Record - draft - dta 22 Sept 1964 - Alfonso Rodriguez

Conclusions "I recommend we give. Ray what he asks and close the JURE books

for good.

If Ray is succesful in Cuba he will not need our help, if he is

not, our help won't do much good.

purpose he wants to achief.

"He is honest and at least the money will largely be spent for the

"Whatever Ray may ever say, he was treated the way he asked to be

treated. We have played the game In a manner beyond reproach."

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## Page 40

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Betsy Palmer

Volume XVII - continued

Page 2

11110858

6. Erquiaga Arms shipment to JURE episode.

Sam JOSES DIR CITE 13JOS: 7152 REF: DIR-63886

21-15

Please pass to Asst. Sec. Mann from Ambassador Telles: "I saw President

Orlich and Minister Quiros Sasso on 18 November and conveyed reference position.

The President was visibly shaken to learn that US government was not in-

volved in this arms shipment.

After some discussion with Minister quiros,

President Orlich requested that we not issue license for AMBANG-1 shipment.

President Orlich made clear he would be happy at any time to undertake

action such as this if US government wanted him to.

While he does wish

see Cuba free he inclined to agree with US position Re Hit and Run raids

undertaken principally for publicity sake. President Orlich's decision

based on (1) relaization that he would not be doing us a favor and, (2)

further realization that CRG would be hard pressed to explain such a

$70,000 purchase of arms if it became a campaign issue in 1965."

"...

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## Page 41

SECRET

Betsy Palmer

File Review Manuel Ray y Rivero, Volumes I - XVIII

Volume XVIII - March 1965 -

May 2, 1978

11110853

1. Memo dta 18 November 1965 to: United States Secret Service .

From: Deputy Director for Plans

subject:

Ray, Rivero, Manuel Antonio aka: Ray, Manolo

In response, to a telephonic request of 15 Nov. 1965 for a name trace

on Ray• CIA files contain voluminous Information from sources of

varying reliability re: Ray who 1s well known to Intelligence Community

as a prominent anti-Castro Cuban esdle leader and head of JURE. If par-

ticular info is desired, please specify.

2. Memo ata 6 Dec 1965 to Secret Service from DD/P gives 2 1/2 page

standard bio information on Ray.

3. Memo dta 15 Dec 1965 to Commissioner, INS IrOM DD/P

Subject: Roige Cerezo, Jose

(A 12 399 923 IC)

According to CIA files, Information ata Aug 1963 from a Cuban emigree source,

Roige was designated chief of intelligence by National Direction Abroad of

JURE.

Source said intelligence group creaded in March 1963 on orders of

Manuel Ray for purpose of infiltrating JURE members into various organizations

which operated in Miami area, as well as into agencies of U.S. govt.

Further,

that In April 1963, Ray had issued orders to infiltrate a JURE member Into CIA

in order to learn details of plans regarding Cuba. JURE also intended to

drop leaflets into Cuba of & derogatory nature regarding U.S. govt.

In-

cluded in these leaflets was Subject's manifesto against the U.S. govt and

against this Agency.

4. Iti. ata June 2, 1966 from Dr. Julian Gallo to Harry (Mahoney?)

Gallo is contact with Ray. In Puerto Rico and trying to discover the names

.of Ray's contacts in Cuba. Ray, apparently is seeking a Mexican visa from

Gallo and unhappy that it did not come through.

Refused to reveal names

or addresses to Gallo and would not give information about where his radio

broadcast tapes were to be sent for transmission into Cuba.

5...

Memo for the Record, atd 21 June 1966 from Charles Anderson

Met with Ray on 28 April 1966. Anderson said in general Ray had less

information on the "purge situation that I did.!

of Gustavo Arcos in P.R. had telephone contact with Arcos family in Cuba,

about 25 April and that Arcos still in prison but charges against him

were thin. "( This means there was at least one more telephone call than

we knew of previously, and this has probably served to increase the pressure

on Arcos)." Anderson tells of his concern and strong interest in Arcos on

the chance that Ray might assume Arcos had been CIA agent. Doesn't know

if Ray will construe remark this way but it seemed like an opening "to use

an important exile channel as a possible deception mechanism."

• "I believe that later in the summer it might be a good idea to have

another talk with AMBANG to keep up with exile thinking, and feeding more

deception thoughts.

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Betsy Palmer

Volume XVIII continued

Page 2

11110860

6. Intelligence Information Cable, ata 28 June 1956

..

Source:

Qualified American Ouserver.

on 15 June 1966, Rafael Garcia-Bango, Cuban exile in Spain, received call in

Madrid from Ray in P.R. regarding Ray's plans to assume power in Cuba.

Garcia-Bango told Ray it was essential he come Madrid before 25 June

and return to San Juan in order to talk to a member of Cuban delegation for

10th Caribbean and CenAm games in P.R., prior to return of delegation to Cuba.

Ray agreed to do so.

Ray enthusiastic over possibility of overthrowing Castro in next several

months. Knows Garcia-Bango has bad reputation but feels he could prove

useful. Also useful would de Garcia-Bango's brother, Jorge Garcia-Bango

Dirube, who has more respectable reputation. Ray also state that he had

received indirectly a message from Jose Llanusa Gobel and c onsiders him

a potential ally.

T. Harry Mahoney debriefs Ray, described in Memo for the Record ata

8 July 1966.

Mentions Julian Gallo at this time and Ray indicates he

knows and respects him.

8. Memo No. TT1, 1 Sept 1966 for: Chief, OPS Cuba/WH Division/DDP

Attn: Mr. Harry Mahoney, Subject: MIG-21. Attaching communication

from DIA authorizing $100, 000 should MIG-21 operation succeed. Funds

to come from Air Force escrow fund now held by CIA: .

(Note:

Other memos refer to MIG which Ray said he knew a Cuban pilot

would fly out of Cuba.

Ray never comes through with any information

that is usable, and finally says he cannot contact pilot)

9.

Cable dta 4 Jan 69 CITE WH/Miami 2233

Ref: Carecasl1490

16•107

AMOT (reports on 9 Aug 68 indicating Ray plans to dissolve JURE and hold a

new don, re to cont

....

10.

Memo ata Feb. 8, 1971 to Director, FBI from DD/P indicates that CIA

has no current operational interest in Manuel Ray Rivero.

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Betsy Palmer

April 5, 1978

Review of Manuel Rey Rivero files

11110861

Assortment of documents not in files at time review began on 3/29/78

1.

10 June 1966 Dispatch to Chief, WH, From Chief of Station

VIsapto 16-10

Domingo Subject: Haitian Edle Activities In the Dominican Republic.

0₴

provided information on Haitian exile activities. On May 30,

one i as taken to a meeting by stafray Moscoso at the toted

was taken to meeting by Gerard Max Lafontant, a Haitian Communist

At the meeting, Lafontant told Moscoso that Manolo Rey had obtained

explosives for him to use in the first Invasion against Halt and that

Rey was now living In the Dominican Republic. Lafontant described Rey

as & former collaborator of fidel Castro, but was not now on sepaking

terms with Castro. He said the Communist oriented 14th of

June Revolutionary Movement had on one occasion accused Rey of being a

CIA

THoretagent, but this was not true. Rey can obtain explosives within

*24 hours after the request is made.

* 2.

Cable to Director from Hunt, August 25, 1960 states that Carrillo advised

that FRD should keep an eye on new anti-Castro group being formed by Raul

Chibas and Manuel Ray, Marcel Fernandez, Julio Durate and Jose Pepin

Bosch. Chibas tolâ Carrillo that Miro would follow Chibas line which

would be neither join nor fight FRD but help if necessary. Bosch

Can i to en Not in thal at suit meet ve when

Carillo invited new group to join FRD.

succeeds, it will try to draw in Feliue 'Pazos and Ramon Barquin.

(Note date of cable)

*

3. Dispatch to Deputy Chief, WH/SA from Chief of Station, JMWAVE

dated 14 April 1964 in Mexico, D. F... Lengthy and very rambling

letter which, among many other things, states the story about Manuel

Ray being closely associated with ALBIZU CAMPOS and friendly with

Puerto Ricans who were working on the renovation of the White House

and the group that tried to assassinate Truman. (Pencilled notation

Not a Cuban citizen - wife

Trying to get a Mexican Visa.

4. Cable 21 May 1964 or information report.

On 21 May 1964, unidentified members of JURE stated that

Manuel Ray Rivero entered Cuba successfully on 17 May 1964

and is still there.

He departed from an unidentified embarcation point

near Cuba at 3 am on 17 May and reached his destination by 10 am that day.

Ray was accompanied by & labor leader believed to be JOSE COMEZ RODRIGUEZ

and a 22 year old man who was to serve as Ray's comminications clerk and

Guide.

•...

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Betsy Palmer

Miscellaneous docunents not in files

Page 2

11110862

5. Fleld Information Report on Cuba

subject:

Lecture of Manuel Ray Rivero to Member of JURE'S

Delegation from Tampa, Orlando, and Miami, Florida

Date:

26 May 1965

source: A young cuban exile trained in information collection.

Ray gave opening lecture to 25-30 JURE delegates gathered in Miami on

22 May 1965. Ray claims JURE has men and equipment to win war of Liberation

in Cuba and reiterates that only an Internal revolution will overthrow

Said some arms had been left on a military base in the Dominican

Republic and that, regardless of who takes over in the DR, the arms will

be returned to JURE. Made an appeal for money so that organization would

purchase the M/V VENUS

(Previous

TDCSDB-315/00539-65, 16 Feb 65; TDCSDB-315/00301-65, 38 Jan 65;

IDCSDE-315/00383-65, 27 Jan 65; and IDCSDB-315/ 00269-65, 28 Jan 65.

# 6. Fleld Information Report on cuve

Subject: Plan of Manuel Ray Rivero to Infiltrate the Ranks of the

Central Intelligence Agency.

Date: 30 April 1963

Source: Former Rebel Army member (F) active in clandestine movements

Appraisal of Content:

On 30 April 1963, Rogelio Cisneros, JURE Exec. Ba. member, said a meeting

hela in his home and Antonio Arias, propaganda chief in Miami, in attendance.

Cosneros said it was mentioned that Ray had issued orders to infiltrate

a trusted man into the CIA In order to learn details of any plans with

regard to Cuba and 1f possible to Infiltrate this man Into Cuba. CIsneros

said it might be possible to use contacts of George Volsky (sp?) who had

CIA contacts.

In regard to future propaganda, JURE plans to introduce

thousands of anti-American phamphlets into Cuba, Including Ray's manifesto

against the U.S. government and the CIA.

* T. Report on Cuba/Dominican Republic

Subject:

Urgent plan of Manuel Ray Rivero to Enter Cuba

Involvement of Ray with Eloy Gutierrez Menoyo and Haiti

Date: 18 Septemher 1964

source: [:.l ialiu a part of group of Cuban emigres trained

in techniques of information collection..

Andrew St. George said Ray 1s attempting to drop himself into Cuba, regardless

of risk, to regain his political prestige. Ray feels he cannot now compete

with Eloy Gutierrez Menoyo, willtary leader of SNE, and other revolutionary

organizations, unless he enters Cuba. He wants to have same influence of

others when Halti leadership starts distributing bases to Cuban exiles and

providing them belp for their aid in overthowing Francois Duvalier (a trade off).

According to St. George, the Haiti combine is composed of Gutierrez,

Antonio Cuesta del Valle of Commandos I, and DRE members. Also, Rolando

Nasferrer Rojas on the inside of Haiti operations and has the most influence

among the Haitians.

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Betsy Palmer

Miscellaneous documents no in files

Page 3

11110863

8.

Information Report - Cuba/Dominican Republic

subject:

Purchase of a Boston Whaler for Manuel Ray Rivero,

Leader of the Junta Revolucionaria Cubana (JURE)

Date:

Source:

18 September 1964

Naturalized American citizen - formerly in shipping business

In Cuba, well-trained and experienced debriefer

On 14 Sept 1964, a Miand yacht builder firm purchased a 13-foot six Inch

Boston whaler for Ray. Purchaser, Angel Aixala Pertierra sala he planned

to go to Santo Domingo to get permission to operate the whaler in Dominican

waters, and once this had been granted, would deliver the boat to Ray.

It was on Aixala's Catamaran ct 1208 D, that Ray made his 111-fated Initial

attempt to enter Cuba. Alxala 1s not a member of JURE.

* 9. Class led Me a to Director, From Parts]

Date: 8 June 1963

Ray and Emio Guede arrived in Paris and Ray contacted by Nauman on T June.

Reviewed plan for Franqui recruitment in place. Urged Ray to take

Immediate action before his presence in: Paris was leaked. •Guede tries

to contact Franqui by phone and on all occasions, phone answered by Edith

Sorel or her roomate, Helene Pulish (phonetic).

Guede leaves message rach

time and on last call told Franqui going to Brussels and may have already

leit. In ? June Guede sees Franqui at the opening of his exhibition and

talks to bim. Franqui listened to him, but made no responses to his

veiled overatures.

Guede surmizes Frangui not interested -- thinks he is

Incapable of defending regime but not willing or capable of breaking with

Grovery and JERVAY met Ray.

Feel this important re possible future

use Ray Europé. Pari support excellent. (C/S corment: HQS has reason

believe no obstacle convincing Ray push for Franqui return for period to be

eyes and ears anti-Castro conspiracy.)

* 10.

Cable Report to Director, from Paris ]

Date: 14 June 1963

Ray and party travel to Blyssels on Il June, and Ray continues his efforts

[to recruit an agent in place for CIA. Contacts Guillamo Cabrera and

surmised Cabrera held back from a break due to his concern for a brother

inside who is 1ll. Ray asks Cabrera to arrange a meeting with Gustave ArcOS

out Cabrera unable

resolve all the personal problems of those he has contacted and Ray must

show them the wisdom and practicality of working in place as a means of

eliminating the regime.

Ray willing to settle for defection as he believes

this has an impact on the regime.

Report states that Ray extremely active,

moves fast and purposefully, and has given impression of frank cooperation.

Has volunteered to assign a man to be station contact, but feelso? RUMBLE 2

is too young but should be aware of whomever is designated.

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Betsy Palmer

Miscellaneous documents not in files

P age 4

11110864

#II. Information Cable to Director ITOR JMWAVE

5 November 1963

Subject: Unification Activities by Manuel Ray Rivero, 23 Oct 1963"

A trained observer with access to wide variety of Cuban exiles.

Source is known to most of his contacts as a channel to U.s.

Intelligence. Obtained Information from Reinaldo Pico Ramon,

officer in the Allanza de Irabajadores Cubanos (ATC, Alliance

of Cuban Workers) •

Pico was told by an unidentified Informant, who is probably on the JUrE

National Executive, that Luis Manuel Rodriguez, a former rebel army

Lieutenant from Santiago de Cuba, and who was known as "Mama Dolores"

while a member of Brigade 2506, is serving as a Ray agent at Fort Benning,

Georgaa. Individuals who are working with Rodriguez are SILAS CUERVO

CASTILLO and INIS CLEMENTE BARCENA SERRANO, both former members of

Brigade 2506.

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