Report
Originator: FBI
From: [RESTRICTED]
Document date: 08/21/1953
Document type: Paper

## Page 1

Heleased under the John F. Kennedy

Assassination Records Collection Act of

1992 (44 USC 2107 Note]. Case#:NW

64954 Date: 11-14-2022

Date

Page

:

:

10/15/98

1

JEK ASSASSINATION SYSTEM

IDENTIFICATION

FORM

AGENCY INFORMATION

AGENCY : INSCOM/CSF

RECORD NUMBER: 194-10002-10106

RECORDS SERIES : FOREIGN PERSONNEL AND. ORGANIZATIONS

AGENCY FILE NUMBER

: C8005823W - PAGES

25-125

DOCUMENT INFORMATION

ORIGINATOR, : FBI

FROM

: [ RESTRICTED ]

TO

:

TITLE : REPORT

DATE : 08/21/53

PAGES : 102

SUBJECTS : [ RESTRICTED ]

[ RESTRICTED ]

REGISTRATION ACT

ANTI-BATISTA ACTIVITIES

ARMS MOVEMENT ABOARD THE "ARB"

, "CRISTOBAL CARRIER" AND

"ANCON TRADER"

SANCHEZ, AURELIANO ARANGO

PAULINO, ANSELMO

DOCUMENT TYPE : PAPER, TEXTUAL DOCUMENT

CLASSIFICATION: SECRET

RESTRICTIONS : 1B, 2, 4

CURRENT STATUS : RELEASED WITH DELETIONS

DATE OF LAST REVIEW : 10/12/97

OPENING CRITERIA : COMPLETION OF REVIEW BY FBI

COMMENTS : COORDINATION WITH FBI HAS BEEN COMPLETED AND

DETERMINED TO BE RELEASED WITH RESTRICTIONS,

PER MEMO

DTD 12 FEB 98.

*PAGE 66 WITHHELD IN ITS ENTIRETY.*

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 1

---

## Page 2

FD-72

(1-10-49)

FORM No. 1

THIS CASE ORIGINATED AT

LoT

FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION

SECURITY INFORMATION -

FILE NO:

NEW YORK

REPORT MADE AT

MIAMI, FLORIDA

DATE WHEN

BUG 2. 1 1868

TITLE

CARLOS PRIO SOCARRAS

PERIOD FOR WHICH MADE

1/13-27,20=11.

27-30;5/4-8

18-22

751-3072,2337

25-29;

8/1-11/53.

REPORT MADE BY

GED: FJH

GEORGE E. DAVIS,

CHARACTER OF CASE

FOREIGN POLITICAL MATTERS-

CUBA; REGISTRATION ACT;

NEUTRALITY ACT - CUBA

SYNOPSIS OF FACTS:

CARLOS PRIO publicly denied having

had anything to do with

7/16/53 uprising against

BATISTA.

Reliable informants reported

PRIO and his associates were completely surprised by up-

rising and PRIO thought that the whole affair was "crazy."

assaulted 7/11/53 Miami during Cuban Day

Cuban Consul, Min 7/28/53 threats were made to wreck the Cuban

celebrations.

Consulate and attack the Consul.

At same time plans by several

EXCLUDED FROM AUTOMATIC REGRADING:

APPLY

Cubans, claiming to be members

of Cubans for Civic Action, NYC

to picket Cuban Consulate Miami in protest against present

Cuban Government were prohibited by Miami police.

Informant

reported information reflecting that these picketers were in

indirect contact with ANTONIO PRIO; brother of CARLOS. During

the period of this investigation informants and newspapers

have reported information disclosing that PRIO and some of his

associates have made statements which indicate CARLOS PRIO

group plans action against BATISTA in near future.

In April,

1953,

according

to one report, a number of PRIO followers were

arrested in Mexico and a number of blank Panamanian and.

Guatemalan passports were seized. CARLOS PRIO and other. leading

members of Authenic Party had joint meeting with several members

of Orthodox Party 6/1/53, Montreal

, Canada. to unily plans Ior

joint action against BATISTA.

PRIO disclosed to one informant

that as soon as these two parties dispose of BATISTA, a provisional

government will be installed with thio as its head, after whicr

elections will be held.

Informants reported that 2 ships,

"Cristobal Carrieri

and "Ancon Trader'' in port of Miami are being

used by PRIO group.

Other informants advise that "The Arb,"

converted

BIED BY FUNK.

cor Forefat, departed Miami 6/5/53 for Gay Sal, B.W.I.,

10/12/9201

DO NOT WRITE IN THESE SPACES

IN CHARGE

PELEASE SOME

MOUS OF THIS REPORT

AS GAME

• AL PAN

i INFORM

This confidentis report aua incestenta

are loand to gou by the fit and are

nos to be dia crued cotside of avengy

nich dosned. Thie is the result of

-considered as a clearante

INFORMATION FURNISHED

PEPPERTY

OF

Antilles

16-60637-1

DECLASSIFY ON. 20%

(JFK) 1t0 b0

SECURITY INFORMATION. -

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 2

---

## Page 3

SECRE

MM

2-165

COPIES OF THIS REPORT

- Bureau (109-430) (RM)

- New York (109-43) (RM)

- New Orleans (109-9) (Info) (RM)

9 - Miami

(2-165)

(1 - ONI, Miami )

0S Tampan

(2 - U.S. Customs, Miami )

-

-

SYNOPSIS

67-3/8/7

62-37

Audibles

(Continued And

captained by THOMAS J. MC CRORY, Miami yacht broker with

Cuban associate of PRIO

on board.

Miami 6/9/53 and later MC CRORY

bragged about transporting arms and ammunitions on behalf PRIO

for revolutionary purposes.

These 3 vessels cleared customs

7/18/53 to travel in convoy together as far as Panama, C.Z• but

did not weigh anchor until 7/2/53 and the "Arb" failed to

travel in convoy with the other two. On 7/26/53 the "Arb"

arrived Key West where Customs has placed a $1,000.00 penalty

against it. Informants advise that on 7/19/53 Cuban Navy

seized cache of arms on Cay Sal, B.W.I.; that these arms bore

identification marks reflecting same came from Mexico and

from U.S. [AURDLIANO SANCHEZ ARANGO, leading PRIO associate,

reportedly arrested Kingston, Jamaica, 5/2/53 on charge of

illegal importation of arms while traveling on Mexican pass-

port under false name: According to informant, SANCHEZ

ARaNGo stated he was in charge of the underground movement S

dedicated to overthrow of BATISTA On 7/24/53, CARLOS PRIO,

was observed to meet in Miami an unidentified man bearing

striking resemblance to SANCHEZ ARANGO. Numerous reports

received concerning alleged arms purchases on behalf PRIO

group for revolutionary purposes. PRIO has admitted to one

informant that he has succeeded in smuggling arms into Cuba.

26

- 2 -

SECRET

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 3

---

## Page 4

MM 2-165

PRIO has dismissed two employees on suspicion they were

secretly employed by. BATISTA.

Informant reported that on

7/6/53 arrangements were.

made for CARLOS PRIO to meet General

ANSELMO PAULINO of Dominican Republic under clandestine

circumstances, but no evidence meeting consumated.

Informants

have advised that a constant stream of Cubans visit PRIO

and his leading associates in Miami.

27

SHAMET

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 4

---

## Page 5

MM 2-165

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page No.

I. CUBAN UPRISING JULY 26, 1953

II. INCIDENTS INVOLVING CUBANS IN MIAMI

9

A. Leaflets Distributed By Cuban

Liberty Action

9

B. Assault of Cuban Army Officer, in

Miami, July 6, 1953

10

C. Cuban Day Celebration, July 11, 1953 11

D. Threats to Damage Cuban Consulate

12

E. Attempt, to Picket the Cuban Consulate 12

III. REPORTS CONCERNING IMMINENCE OF

' ACTION

ALLEGEDLY PLANNED BY PRIO

IV. ALLEGED ACTIVITIES AND ARRESTS OF PRIO

FOLLOWERS IN MEXICO

16

21

V. PERSONS ALLEGED BY ONE INFORMANT, CONNECTED

WITH CUBAN MILITARY INTELLIGENCE, TO BE

ENGAGED IN REVOLUTIONARY ACTIVITIES AGAINST

BATISTA

31.

VI. EFFORTS TO UNIFY THE AUTHENIC AND ORTHODOX

PARTIES FOR JOINT ACTION AGAINST BATISTA

35

A. Montreal Conference

B. Contacts Between CARLOS PRIO and

Orthodox Party Leaders in Miami

Following Montreal Conference

28

35

37

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 5

---

## Page 6

MM 2-165

VII.

TRAVEL BY CARLOS PRIO

VIII.

CONFERENCE HELD BY PRIO PRIOR TO

DEPARTURE FOR BOSTON JULY 6, 1953

IX.

ARMS SHIPMENTS ALLEGEDLY INVOLVING THE

"ARB," THE CRISTOBAL CARRIER" AND "ANCON

Page No.

38

39

41

X.

SEIZURE OF ARMS CACHE AT CAY SAL, B.W.I.

ON JULY 19, 1953 BY CUBAN AUTHORITIES

63

XI.. ACTIVITIES OF AURELIANO SANCHEZ ARANGO

66•

XII. ALLEGED ARMS TRAFFIC

69

A Proposition to Purchase by Fernandez

Castro and Jose Orgaz

69

B.

Reported Sale by C. E. Cresswell, New

Purchase service, New reset, on Crafte

Purchase

Prio Interest.

72

1953 Proposition by a captair

C. NAILIAN ERICKSON (believed identical

to Captain BERT ERICKSON) in New York

D.

Proposition Made to Miami Informant

T-14 at El Toledo Restaurant, Miami,

Florida.

E. Efforts of MIKE SILVERSTEIN, Miami,

to Purchase Arms Allegedly for Pric

Group

78

78

29

ii

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 6

---

## Page 7

SEGRET

MM 2-165

F.

Anonymous Report Concerning Rifle

Shipment to Cuba

• G. Comment by CARLOS PRIO Relative to

Arms Smuggling in August, 1953

XIII. FINANCES OF PRIO

XIV. ALLEGED MEETING OF CUBANS TO BOMB HAVANA

XV.

CONCERNING JOSEPH AND FRANK MIGUEL, FORMER

GUARDS AT PRIO RESIDENCE, 2100 SOUTH MIAMI

AVENUE

XVI.

GENERAL ANSELMO PAULINO, THE DOMINICAN

REPUBLIC

XVII. MISCELLANEOUS

Leading PRIO Associates

Located in

Miami

B. Visitors to the PRIO Group in Miami

C. Re: CARLOS HEVIA

Page No.

81

81

82

84

84

87

88

$8

88

90

111

SECRET

30

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 7

---

## Page 8

CELAYT

NM

2-165

GED: aeb

I. CUB.N UPRISING JULY 26, 1953

rhe duly al,. 1953,

issue of the Miami Herald

Garrisons" by GaORGI SOUTH.OXtH, Herald Staff Viriter, who

reported that fifty-ühree persons were killed and dozens

wounded early sunday (July 20, 1953) when arned rebels

disguised as soldiers failed to seize two Cuban army

garrisons in uprisings against the regime of President

FOLGENCIO BATISiA.

This article disclosed that the main

uprising occurred at santiago de Cuba in Oriente Province

and that a rural guard post in the city of Bayamo, 150 miles

northwest of Santiago was also attacked.

This article stated that BATISTA blamed

the

attack on the followers of deposed President CARLOS PRIO

SOCARRIS, who was ousted by BatIsta in a bloodless coup d'etat

on March

10, 1952. In the same article it was reported that

PRiO denied

this accusation and said that when and if he

should ever direct a revolution against the 3 lIst government,

"he will be leading it in front and would not be at home in

Miami.

Miami Iniormant It, of known reliability, who is

vield informed concerning CarLos PIO, and some of his associ-

aües, Learned on July 20, 1953, that when CARLOS ERIC

received news of the above described uprising he indicated

that it came as a complete surprise to him.

He expressed

curiosity as to the identity of the parties or group behind

this disturbance.

Subsequently on July 26, 27, and 28,

Miami Informant

I-1 and Miami Informants T-2 and 1-3, also

of known reliability, who are well informed concer. ing PRiC

and some of his close associates in Miami, reported that

RICARDO ARTIG.S, former Chief of the Cuban Loitery under PRIO,

and his wife, mason AbBa, and SaGUNDO CURTI, former

Minister of Interior under

PRiO, also were surprised over the

uprising and made vigorous efforts to ascertain who was

behind the uprising.

Miami Infornant I-1 reported on July 28 that Clos

PRIO felt the whole affair of the uprising was

"crazyi?.

He

gave a statement to the press on the same date to the

effect

that BiTISTA is protecting the Communists internally although

31

- 4 -

SEGRET

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 8

---

## Page 9

SECRET

MM

2-165

blaming them externally for the uprising. PRIO described

FIDEL CASTRO, Leader of the revolt,

as a we known enemy

ef Communism, and said that many of those who were killed

by BATISTA's men came from distinguished Cuban fanilies.

PRIO also took this opportunity, according to the

informant, to point out that when he, PRIO, became President

of Cuba he closed down the Communist newspaper

that it was re-opened by BATISTA,

oI communists in Cuba has increased from 20,000 to 150,000

during BATISTA's present regime.

He claimed BATISTA is facing

a bad economic depression, and that if he,

PRIO, were back

in Cuba, he would immediately arrange for free elections so

that the

people could

Plact a constitutional President.

An article entitled "Dictator Batista Slaps

Martial Law Over Cuba", which appeared in the July 28, 1953

issue of the Miami Herald by the Associated Press with a

Havana dateline,

reported that BATISTA slapped martial law

over Cuba July

26, 1953, after crushing an attack by some

230 armed rebels on two

Army posts.

Miani radio broadcasts disdosed on the evening of

July 29, 1953 that Cuban planes had strafed two boats, the

"Benson"

and the "Babe"' of Liberian and Honduran registry

respectively, elthough imerican operated, which resulted

in the wounding of two British subjects and one Honduran.

I-1 reported on the evening of July 24,

that PRIO received news of this incident with disbelief.

after the news was confirmed, PRIO remarked that the incident

should certainly be of interestto imerican authorities.

RICARDO ARTIGS, according to I-2, expressed the opinion

that the "BATIST. people must be crazy".

On July 27, 1953, Miami Informant I-4 of known

reliability advised that LUIS GUSI.VO FERNNDEZ, personal

secretary to CARLOS PRIO disclosed that the Cuban uprising

was not caused by lour people", but that it arose because

of student action.

Miami Informant I-5, of known reliab lity, reported

on July 29, 1953, that information emanating from the Cuban

Military Intelligence Service reflects that the uprising was

32

- 5 -

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 9

---

## Page 10

SECRET

MM 2-165

caused by menbers of the Orthodox Party of which FIDEL CASTRO!

the revolt leader, is a member, with the assistance of the

Communist Party, and that the uprising was not sanctioned

by. PRIO and members of his iutentico Parti. This informant

said that PRIO had planned action with the assistance of the

Orthodox Party, this action to take place following the

eLection of Josh FIGuRes,

"Presidential Candidate in Costa

Rica, who had promised PRIO aid and assistance in the event

he were elected. Informant pointed out that FIGURES, according

to the newspapers, was elected President of Costa Rica on

July 28, 1953.

Miami Informants I-1, 2, and 3 learned

that a

number of sutentico Parti members

such as iNTONIO VARONO,

LOMBERTO DIAZ, and DIEGO EJIAS have been released by Cuban

authorities following their arrest.

These same informants

advised that no information came to their attention showing move-

of PRIO followers from Miami to Cuba prior to this

uprising, and that they had received no other evidence

indicating that PRIO was in any way responsible for the

uprising.

Miami Informant T-1 learned on July 30 that CARLOS

PRIO reported to GUILLERNO ALONSO PUJOL, Who was Vice-

President of Cuba during the Presidency

Of PRIO, that most

of the participants in this uprising were students led by

FIDEL CASTRO, and that inost of these were menbers of the

Orthodox Party, and that most of "our friends" were also

arrested.

Among these he named were ROBERTO GRAMONTE and

E Into oCHOnY OCHOA, both members of the Orthodox Party,

and that a complaint had been filed by the Cuban Government

against PRiO.

comp in

PRIO also related the machine-gunning of

two people by the Cuban Government.

When asked by PuJOL

if PRIO were still optimistic after all this, PRIO replied

in the affirmative, stating the Cuban people

could just not

wait. He also disclosed that all this that has occurred in

Cuba had not hurt his cause one bit.

I-2 reported on July 30, 1953, that one of PRIo's

followers, Commandant ZORILLS, who has recently arrived in

Miami, disclosed he had just had an interview with LUIS

ORTEGA of theCuban newspaper "El Pueblo", who had been beaten

33

H44, 7741 477772545

- 6 -

CRET

signetian -95rtsam

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 10

---

## Page 11

ON MI

0LUH2

1

MM 2-165

and whose newspaper had been destroyed following the uprising

of July 26.

According

to this information furnished by

ORTEGA, prisoners were

being taken throughout Havana, and

trucks had been loaded with cadavers and driven to Santiago

where the bodies were thrown so as to indicate they had been

killed in Santiago. ORTEGA described the situation as being

nant a got a a not deser.

critical and expected a "blow up". ZORILLAS it was learned

considered ORTEGA a very strange individual, but did not

question his reliability.

He said there were 400. dead now

in cuba as a result of this uprising.

the Miami herald on hugust 2, 1953, carried ar

article entitled "Prio Classes Batista

with Red Chiefs"

wherein it was stated CARLOS PRIO charged that the strafing

of two banana boats by Cuban war planes put Batista on the

same level with Russia's masters.

This article, in part, quoted PRIO as follows:

"'That brutal and inhuman action ordered by the dictator

of Cuba is typical of the disregard which dictators

feel toward internat onal rights and the unwritten laws

which guide

the actions of democratic governments and

free peoples.

"'Thataction, which is along the same line as the

shooting down of unarmed merican and British transports

by soviet planes, shows the unity of procedures used

by. dictatorships - whether it bethe system ruling Cuba,

or the system which pretends

to impose itself on the

civilized world from

Moscow.'

" The imerican people, he said, received a 'rude reminder

of the dictators' disregard of

human principles and

comnon decency' this week when an American B-50 bomber

was shot down over the sea of Japan by Russian fighters.

"Prio charged further that reports 'filtering' out of

Cuba indicate that Batista has unleashed a wave of

terror.!"

34

-7-

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 11

---

## Page 12

MM 2-165

Miami Informant I-25, of known reliability,

and who is personally acquainted with some leading members

of the PRIO group,

RIo in discussing unis uprising stated 95, that CuRLoS

, "The case of

MONGADA ARMORY, WaS a tremendously stupid action on the

part of a boy mentally unbalanced.. He never received any

aid from me or anyone taking a part in the central directive

movement.

I had nothing, absolutely nothing, to do with

that uprising. Theplans of FIDEL CASTRO were crazy.

What did he

accomplish by taking of MONCADA's Armory when

in one hour's time he would have over his head all of

BATISTA's air force?

further, FIDEL CASTRO was so stupid

as to have some messages already printed and signed by

him as 'President in Arms' of the Republic of Cuba.

is no sense in all this unfortunate episode at Santiago

ie cuba, but to give opportunity to BATISTA to make a

same time only

a mentally unbalanced individual could lead 150 young men

into a sure massacre.

Fidel never had over 25 or 40 rifles.

The rest of his followers went into the fight armed only

with machetes and knives although they were promised rifles

before reaching the Moncada Armory.

These rifles never

reached their hands. No one in our organized revolutionary

movement against BATISTA had anything to do with FIDEL."

SEGRET

8

35

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 12

---

## Page 13

-NA: $7.20110,00.05

SECRET

MM

2-165

II. INCIDENTS INVOLVING CUBANS IN MIAMI

1. Leaflets Distributed By Cuban Liberty Action:

The May 20, 1953, issue of the Miami Herald

carried an article entitled "Anti-Batista Plans Carried

to Cubans Here".

This article disclosed that leaflets

signed by the Cuban Liberty action (Miami Branch) were

distributed in Miami denouncing Cuban President BATISTA

on the occasion of a ceremony scheduled in Miani to honor

Cuban Patriot JOSE M.RTI.

Two Cuban officials, Dr. RAFAEL

L. DIAZ - BLART, Cuban Under-Secretary of Interior, and

DI. HIPOLITO VAlELla; head of theCuban Iourist Bureau,

came to Miami to present a bust of MARTI to the University

of Miami.

The leaflets above described claim that these

men did not represent the Cuban

people, but that "in

reality, they represent the anti-Democratic government

of Dictator

FULGENCIO BATISTA."

He was denounced as a

"pro-Communist and anti-Democratic dictator, a thief of

the public treasury Like PERON in argentina, MaLENkOF in

ruSSIa, TRUJILLO in Dominican Republic. The leaflets

concluded, "Our brothers died in korea for the liberty of

the world. Do not become an accomplice of the friends

of these assassins. Join our consignee:

freedom for the

Cuban people."

This article disclosed that VIDAL MORALES

of Miami, described as a leader in the distribution of

these leaflets, said they were put out by the Miami Branch

of the" Cuban Liberty Action"

• a group recently organized

in Cuba to oppose BATISTi.

The leaflets were printed ir

both Spanish and English.

On May 21,

1953, T-5 reported that VIDAl, MORALES

served in the United St-tes

army during world war II

and had been living in Miami on 39th Avenue between First

and Second Streets,

N. W., with ORLANDO GARCIA, who

arrested about eight months ago by the Miami Police Department

in connection with

a murder charge in Cuba, but who was

subsequently released.

T-5 said that he learned

ALVAREL RUEDA, 228 N.

W. 26th

avenue, Miami, was

associated

MORALES

distribution of these leaflets.

descibes RUEDA as having served as a Lieutenant in the

Radio Technical Department of the Cuban Police Department

under President GRAU; and said he has lived in Miami about

36

- 9 -

16 0

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 13

---

## Page 14

RET

arred ear

MM 2-165

six years.

He also reported that RUED. received a jail

sentence for dealing in contraband during the PRIO regime.

He said RUEDa has no obvious source of income and yet

reportedly possessed money.

Miami Informant I-6, of known reliability,

reportea on May 24, 1953, that VIDaL MORALEs is a member

of the Union Insurrectional Revolutionary of Cuba, this

being a revolutionary group of gangsters which was

abolished by BATISTA.

Both T-5 and I-6 expressed the opinion that the

cuban Liberty action was planned by VIDAL MORALES, ALVAREZ

RUEDa and perhaps others for this specific purpose, and

was not actually an organization as such.

Neither

T-5 nor T-6 had ever heard of this organization before.

the Miami Of sun roderive gardee

• On cune 3, 1153, Mr. ANIONIO PRIO, who called at

to another matter, was shown

one of the above described leaflets. ANTONIO PRIO, who is

the brother of CARLOS PRIO stated he did not know VIDAL

MOR LES, and that OR LES had no connection whatsoever

with CARLOS PRIO or members of his party, and that the

incident was undoubtedly inspired by Cuban students in

Miami who are opposed to BITISTA.

ANTONIO PRIO said he

possessed no knowledge of the existence of any organization

known as the Cuban Liberty iction.

Be Assault of Cuban Army Officer in Miami, July 6, 1953:

On July 13, 1953, Miami Informant I-5 reported

that on July 6, 1953,

LEON

DE DIOT, a Major in the Cuban

army, who was then in Miami en route to Jacksonville, Florida,

to engage in a competitive pistol match along with other

meinbers of his team, was assaulted at Walgreen's Drug Store,

Flagler Street and Southeast Second avenue, by CESAR VEGi

whom

the informant described as being a Cuban ruffian who

is associated with the PRIO group in Miami.

I-5 said that

VEGA was wearing brass knucks when he struck Major DIOT.

The informant said that CESAR. VEG. is closely

associated with RUBEN ACOSIr, a Cuban attorney, VIDai

MORALES, above described, and one BraNco, all of whom he

said are members of the PRiO group.

37

- 10 -

5200a 1

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 14

---

## Page 15

SECK

MM

2-165

The informant said he had also learned that VeGA,

#COSTA, and other Cubans also went to the room of another

Cuban at the hotel. Belforte, and started to assault this

Cuban but were forced

to leave hurridly when help approached.

Miami Informant I-1 learned on July 6, 1953, that

CARLOS PRIO arranged to contact one of the Cuban Military

officers in the same group going to Jacksonville he waming

the above described incident.

PRiO advised that

not behind the incident and had nothing against the Cuban

army•

C. Cuban Day Celebration, July 11, 1953:

The July 12, 1953, issue of the Miami Daily News

carried an article entitled

"Cuban Consul Trades Punches

Heckler". This

article reflected that EDUARDO HERN NDEZ,

Cuban Consul at Miami and an unidentified heckler engaged

brief fist fight following Cuban Day celebrations

which were held in Bayiront Park, Miami, on July 11, 1953,

in honor of JOSE M..RTI, Cuban Patriot.

This article

disclosed the proceedings were interrupted by a heckler

who shouted, "Viva Cuba - without Batista. Down with

dictatorship."

Miami Informant I-6 reported on July 15, 1953,

that the fisticuffs between Consul HERNANDEZ and his

assailant took place in the Minerva Restaurant located

about two blocks from

Bayfront Park, following the

ceremonies in the park.

T-6 said that HERNANDEZ' assailant,

identified as CESAR VEG., struck HERNANDEZ after HERNANDEZ

pointed out to VEGA that

although they had personal

differences about politics, they should attempt to observe

civil law in Miami.

T-6 said that actually forty to fifty

punches were exchanged by VEG. and HERNANDEZ.

T-6 expressed the opinion that he felt that this

incident along with others mentioned above were part of an

"organized deal" to embarrass the B.TISTA Government.

÷ 11.

SECRET

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 15

---

## Page 16

SECRET

MM 2-165

D. Threats to Damage Cuban Consulate:

On July 28, T-6 reported that an unidentified

man speaking Spanish

telephonically contacted an employee

of the Cuban

Consulate in Miami,

and stated he was going

to wreck the Consulate and attack the Consul.

T-6 also

learned that two or three Cubans had been asking questions

of consulate employees

the preceding day while they were

waiting for an elevator on the ground floor of the

Consulate building.

At the same time, according to I-6,

the Cuban Consul received a report to the effect that several

Cubans wore overheard talking in the Paula Restaurant at

Miami.

They made statelents to the effect that they planned

to attack the Consulate:

According to T-6, the Miami

Police Department had placed police guards

around the

consulate.

The July 28, 1953, issue of the Miami Daily News

carra an article entitled,

"Tension High Here Over Cuban

revolt" by MILI SOSIN, Miami Daily News Staff Writer.

article reirected that tension mounted in Miami's Cuban

colony as some Havana newspapers arrived in Miami showing

the evidence of considerable suppression and heavy censor-

ship as an aftermath of an uprising against BATISTA.

Inis article disclosed that the United States

Department.of

State had informed the Miami Police Department about threats

received by the Cuban Consul, and that as a result a 24

hour police guard wes placed

on the Consulate which is

located on the fourth floor of the Pan American Bank

Building•

E. ittempt to Picket the Cuban Consulate:

Detective Lieutenant C. W. PRICE, Miami Police

Department, reported on July 28, 1953, that on the preceding

day a group of three

men come to the police department

and asked for a permit to picket the Cuban Consulate.

When

asked the purpose of the picketing they replied this was

their only method of protesting the present systen of

Government in Cuba, and to let the merican people know

their views, and that all Cubans do not approve.

At that

time they were told no permit was required

so long as no

disorder resulted in which

case police action would be

39

CCODET

- 12 -

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 16

---

## Page 17

MM

2-165

immediately token. These men pledged that nothing but

peaceful action was planned...

Mr. PRICE said that later, however, the United

States Department of State,

according to a newspaper article,

contacted Chief of Police WALTER E. HEADLEY at his home,

and Chief HE DLEY ordered that no picketing would be

permitted in view of the reported

threats alleged to have

been received by the Cuban Consul.

Detective Lieutenant PRICE said that on the

further information.

They appeared cooperative, and

sincere. Lt. PRICE informed them that orders had been

issued prohibiting the picketing of the Cuban Consul as

not being in the best interests of the United states, and

that a violation of this order would result in arrests

being made. Lt. PRICE said that these people did not appear

to be ofiended or chagrined at the decision, and readily

agreed to abide by it.

Also, they exhibited no intention

to take Court action to determine their entitlement to

picket.

One of the picketers, GILBERTO DELG.DO, left

a sample of the handbill which they had planned to distribute

to the public while picketing: This handbill, which is being

retained in the files ofthe Miami Office, reads as follows:

"TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE: Cuba, under Batista's

dictatorship, is now living the terror of its full

impact.

The

Dictator is interested only in repressing

the efforts the Cuban people are making to restore

our Constitution and our rights; and as a regime of force,

their methods of necessity include the lash, the

machine gun, the black jack, torture and beatings.

This bloody rule is disguised as a 'Benevolent

Dictatorship'.

Many people have been killed, including

yesterday's 52, as the result of the fight against

Batista's tyrany. Batista is döuble-crossing the

United States by dealing with Communist

and keeping

them in his cabinet as Undersecretary of Labor.

ACCION CIVICA CUBANA

CUBANS FOR CIVIC ACTION

134 West 96th Street - New York, N. Y."

- 13 -

Stant

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 17

---

## Page 18

MM

2-165

It. PRICE said that these people presented papers

of identification to him as follows:

GILBERTO DELGADO, temporarily visiting at 2275

N. W. 99th Terrace, Miami,

Florida, exhibited Certificate

o1 Naturalization No. 0709831 (photo and signature compared

but height given as

6'02" while DELGADO is actually about

5'8", and eyes as

blue while his eyes were actually brown),

stated that he is President of an organization known as

Cubans for Civic iction, 134 West 96th street, New York,

New lork, and that he receives his mail at 40 west 97th

Street, New York City, where he usually lives when in thet

city..

LILLIAN TIR DO DELGADO, Wife Of above who

exhibited

a birth

certificate from New York in her maiden

name of LILLIAN TIRADO (did not observe specifically if

the form was

certified)

CARLOS ISIDORO MARISTANY, 1890 N. W. 81st

terrace, Miant, Florida, which address was obtained

from

a temporary driver permit, stated he is employed by

Mckesson & hobbins in this city, and snowed an immigratior

& Naturalization Service lien Registration Card No. 6831933

(Form 1-151).

ANGEL ESCARTIN HIJOS, 2275 N. W. 99th Terrace,

Miami, Florida, presented an immigration & Naturalization

Service Card No. 48093025 showing that he was admitted

8/27/51 to the United States as a _

N quota immigrant

under

(underlined were in boxes on the card).

Section

Lt.

PRICE said that DELG DO also left a copy of

a hondbill which he said had been distributed in New York

City by the same group in the past. This handbill reads:

"TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE:

"All our efforts and sacrifices to defend DEMOCR.CY

in Asia and Europe has been scorned at by Dictator

Batista, of cuba.

41

- 14 -

Ston

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 18

---

## Page 19

MM: 2-165

"Batista, in practicing barbaric methods of torture

on his people

and

political opponents, is violating

article. 5, of the

worlds declaration of Human Rights.

"Batista's tactics of gaining political power may be

compared to those of Mao, Malenkov, Trujillo, Peron,

etc.

"Let us unite ourselves for freedom and political im-

munity, by contacting the Department of State to ask

for a change of policy towards the dictatorship of

Batista, so that once again we may live as free men.

"ACCION CIVICA CUBANA

•CUBANS FOR CIVIC ACTION

"134 west 96th Street, New York, N.Y."

This handbill is also being retained in the

files of the Miami Office.

Miami Informant I-3 learned on July 28, 1953,

that ELISEO RIERA GOMEZ, who was alleged to serve

public relations man for CARLOS PRIO, advised ANIONIO PRIO

on that date concerning pians to picket the Cuban Consul:

It appeared to T-3 that RIERA was making some of the

arrangements.

RIERA planned to have six picketers carrying

signs condemning the Batista Government as being a pro-

Communist dictatorship, to distribute literature and to

carry Cuban and american flags.

The informant learned

that RItRA was also

in touch with SEGUNDO CURTI concerning

this matter.

Miami Informant I-7 learned on July 28, 1953,

that when Rian: intormed NIONIO PRIO that it appeared thot

the police might

stop the picketers, but that photographers

vere present at the

Fan American Bank Building where the

Consulate is located, ANTONIO PRIO pointed out that the

publicity which might be obtained through the photographers

was the important thing.

This informant also learned on

the same date that ANTONIO PRio supplied these picketers

a Cuban flag to use if they succeeded in getting

permission to picket the Consulate.

-15 -

rai

42

SECRET

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 19

---

## Page 20

SECRE

MM

2-165

GED: ps

III. REPORTS CONCERNING IMMINENCE OF ACTION

ALLEGEDLY PLANNED BY PRIO

On April 29, 1953, Miami Informant I-$

reliable, and who is acquainted with toro to, brother of

reported that ANTONIO had recently confided that a

revolution would take place in Cuba within six weeks and that

if anyone could get a hold of guns which could

be used by

the PRIO people, he could make a lot of money. On this

on the action po med abad it Afas being a ga up loader

_said that ANTONIO

PRIO was then in Mexico, presumably for the purpose of organizing

certain phases of the action planned by the PRIO group.

The April 30, 1953, issue of the Miami Herald carried

an article entitled "Cuban Invasion Force Masses,

Paper Reports, "

bearing an Associated Press, Mexico City date line. This

article reported that the newspeper Ultimas Noticias disclosed

that three hundred mercenaries were gathered on a remote coast

and Costa Ricans who had been recruited by the opponents of

BATISTA.

It was stated that this force planned to use small

sailing boats to leave the Cuban coast and to seize a small

town for the center of an armed revolt. The report disclosed

that friends of CARLOS PRIO financed the movement. The article

also stated that there was no confirmation of this report

from any quarter there.

The May 1, 1953, issue of the Miami Herald carried an

article entitled "PIO denies any plan of Invasion.

In this

article PRIO stated that the above-described article was

"absolutely lacking in veracity" and attributed it to propaganda

from any

direction.

This article said that PRIO had arrived the pre-

ceeding Monday from Mexico City and planned to return there

soon.

- 16 -

43

SECRET

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 20

---

## Page 21

MM

2-165

GED: ps

SECRET

Un May 12, 1953,

Miami Informants T-10 and T-1l

reported that they had a discussion with ELISEO RIoRA, an

disclosed that

be a "bloody" affair. RIERA said that

the PRIO group has as

many armed men in Cuba as have the BATISTA people.

On lay 12, 1953, I-5 reported having received infor-

mation emanating from the Cuban Intelligence Service that

PRIO was planning an uprising against BATISIA on or about

May 19 or 20, 1953.

Miami Informant I-12, of known reliability, being

a federal Agency engaged in investigative work, reported on

May 22, 1953s that CARLOS PRIO, AURGLIANO SANCHEZ ARANGO

former

Minister of Education and State under PRIO, DUPOMIC

FERNANDEZ; orthodox" delegates who are followers of ExILIO

OCHOA, delegates of the Federacion and studiantal Universitaria,

and others met in Mexico early in

April; 1953, to discuss

SANCHEZ ARANGO's plans for an armed attack against the forces

of BATISTA in Cuba.

It was stated that the failure of the

plan to bribe certain high officials in the BATISTA Government

left no alternative but lorce.

It was stated that large

quantities of arms were reportedly already available in Cuba

for attacks planned

on Campo Columbia,

the Cubana Fortress,

police stations and naval stations in

Havana.

The time for

this attack was not set according to information received by

I-12,

but it was agreed by those persons that it would be wise

to wait until such time as the economic situation of the country

should become more critical or until some unexpected event

should occur which would permit an auspicious opportunity for

implementation of the plan. (u)

Miami Informant I-13, of known reliability, being

an official employed by I-12, reported having just received

information from a source considered reliable that an alert

had been issued to opposition groups in Havana to be prepared

for immediate action and the source was of the opinion that

It was entirely possible that some revolutionary movement

would be started in the early morning hours of Nay 28, 1953,

- 17 -

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 21

---

## Page 22

SECRET

auS

REVIEWED BY EWJFK TASK FORCE

0il

MM

2-165

GED: ps

FELEASE IN FULL

ROLEASE IN PART

I TOTAL DEMIAL

Miami Informant T-14, of known reliability, and

who is acquainted with many Cubans in Miami, reported on June

9, 1953; that he had received information from a friend who

visited the home of FRANCISCO PRIO, who had disclosed that

the PRIO group has everything they need by way of equipment

and

are now ready to start operations.

The exact time was

not disclosed.

Miami Informant I-15 reported on May 29, 1953, that

former Senator PELAYO CUERVO NAVARRO, apparently a sympathizer

with the EMILIO OCHOA faction of the

• Orthodox arty, which

seemed to be implicated in revolt plans with PRIO's Authentic

Party, appeared on a

"Meet the Press" program televised over

During a question and

stated six times that he

believed violence would be justified in the event a peaceful

solution could not be found for Cuba's political problems.

He insisted that there is an "attitude of rebellion among

people and he said "As soon as there is a propitious situation,

I am sure that the Cuban people will fulfil their duty as has

always happened." Another theme to which he returned several

times was that the army was sensitive to the will of the people

and knowing that the "moment is drawing near when the voice

of the people is going to rule."

T-15 said that PELAYO was

arrested by the Cuban Intelligence Service as he left the

broadcasting station but was later released although it was

reported that criminal charges would be brought against him for

defamation.

Miami Informant I-16, who is believed to be reliable,

but who represents the BATISIA Government, reported on June 10,

1953, that a meeting of the Orthodox Party of Cuba was held

at the whitehall hotel, New York City, on the evening of June 8,

1953•

Among those present as speakers were MARINO SUAREL,

EMILIO OCHOA and

PARDO LLADA. Also present

JESU DE GALADO, JEN DIAZ WAS SOD SEEINO VIROA, Who iS

a member of

the Authentic Farty.

Informant said that the

theme oi all of the talks made by these speakers was

that a

demand would be made of. BATISTA for a free election in Cuba.

If this demand were not met the Government of BATISTA would

be overthrown by force.

OCHOA stated that a final decision

was made at liontreal and that the two biggest parties in Cuba,

- 18 -

CRET

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 22

---

## Page 23

SECRET

Listen assiste

MM

2-165

GED: ps

being the Orthodox Party and the Authentic farty, had decided

to overthrow BATISTA.

The informant said that all the speakers

urged those in attendance to be ready to shed their blood for

This statement brought enthusiastic applause from the

audience.

Among those

present was

JOSE DUARTE, who sat at

the speakers' table and

was introduced as a Cuban hero.

Informant said that he was convinced that within the next month

or six weeks, an attempt would be made by the supporters of

CARLOS FRIO to overthrow the BATISTA Regime in Cuba by force.

Miami Informant I-l reported on June 15, 1953, that

ALONSO PUJOL, former Vice President under PRIO, told

PRIO that SERGIO CARBO, publisher of Prensa Libra Havana,

with whom PUJOI, had apparently had a serious discussion, was

on the side of PRIO, but that CARBO felt horror at the

thought

of what might happen as a result of the warlike situation which

Cuba was facing.

Miami Informant T-5 reported on July 13, 1953, that

RUBEN GARCIA CHELIN, a

close relative and associate of CARLOS

PRIO, who is residing in Miami, had warned an acquaintance

against going to Cuba at that time, insinuating that a revolution

might occur in the very near future.

The July 27, 1953 issue of the Miami Herald carried

an article entitled "PRIO Denies any Tie

With Cuban revolt,"

wherein iRld was questioned as to whether he had had anything

to do with the uprising of July 24, 1953. On that occasion

"I know nothing about this revolt,

There will be revolts

as long as BATISTA continues to hold the power in Cuba which

the people did not give to him.

"I have said before the people of Cuba will never

tolerate a dictatorship. For that

reason we may see at any

time an uprising of the

people and the army itself against

BATISTA.

"I don't know anything about the revolt today, but

any time I am directing such

a movement, I will be in the

scene leading that movement."

46

- 19 -

SECRET

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 23

---

## Page 24

MIM

2-165

GED: ps

On July 31, 1953, Miami Informant I-17, of known

reliability, scated

that it is being reported around Miami

that the wife of FULGENCIO BATISTA,

head of the Cuban Govern-

ment, has

just gone to ungland with a large amount of money.

T-17

said

that he interpreted this report, if true, as meaning

that BATISTA mey be making arrangements for flight

from Cuba.

Miami Informant T-l learned

on August 3, 1953,

that PRIO, when called upon to evaluate a pian of action

which was not fully described to the informant, stated that the

i de that the

plan was absolutely impossible, that everything which referred

to Cuba

at the present time is impossible, that what had been

planned is impossible

because of circumstances which now exist

in Cuba as a result of the uprising of July 24, 1953. PRIO

pointed

out that two American controlled boats were fired upon,

that everybody is stopped, houses searched, that all leaders of

the party are prisoners, that airplanes and

coast guardsmen

are patrolling the island, and that the situation is in a

state of panic.

It appeared to the informant that PRIO. felt that

because of these circumstances, it would be necessary to re-.

adjust

and revise the plan which had been previously greed

upon.

Miami Informant I-25 learned on August 3, 1953, that

CARLOS PRIO disclosed that his group is definitely planning

to overthrow BATISTA and that "the revolution will constitute

a double celebration in the history of Cuba. As I have told

you, this revolution will not just be a coup to take BATISTA

out

si the presidential palace.

responsible for many killings.

Nois just an asgassin end

BATISTA is directly

assassins pay for their

sins with their lives. BATISTA will

pay for his crimes with his

own life."

The informant got the impression that perhaps

PRIO intended that his plans should take effect on a Cuban

holiday within the near future so that on that date the Cuban

people could enjoy a double celebration.

He pointed out

:that the next major Cuban holiday is October 10, 1953.

- 20 -

47

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 24

---

## Page 25

MM

2-165

GED: ps

IV. ALLEGED ACTIVITIES AND ARRESTS OF PRIO

FOLLOWERS IN MEXICO

an employee are eat endy we crete invest bations,

reported in July, 1953, the receipt of a report emanating

from Miami Informant T-19, who is an employee of a federal

An ho the too reco

This report dated June 26,

1953, reflectua that the Cuban Embassy in Mexico City hac

urnished the Mexican Federal District Police with a list of

names of persons allegedly conspiring to overthrow the present

government of Cuba.

On April 29, 1953, according to the

report,

most of these persons were taken into custody by

the Mexican

With the arrest

of these persons, a small quantity of pistols and ammunition were

plus tear gas weapons and cartridges and one sub-machine gun

INS

REVIEWED BY EBI/JFK TASK FORCE

ON

1931/92 dol

CD RELEASE IN FULL

RELEASE IN PART

• TOTAL DENIAL

- 21

SIDEL

48

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 25

---

## Page 26

MM

2-165

GED: ps

MONEY

seized by the police. The report also disclosed that a number

of blank Panamanian passports were seized along with a smaller

quantity of blank. Guatemalan passports and a "large quantity"

or passport size photographs of unnamed individuals..

This

report stated that other

persons arrested

at this same time

and not appearing on the

list were:

Captain RAUL. RODRIGUEZ Y SANTOS, Cuban and

henchman of former president of luba, CARIOS PRIO SOCARRAS.....

is2.

under PRIO..

SEGUNDO CURTI, former minister of Gobernacion

"3. Colonel. OSCAR DIAZ, formerly of the Cuban Army.

Interrogation of OSCAR DIAZ revealed that he has been instrumental

in purchasing arms and training troops, mostly Guatemalan, for

the purpose of invading Cuba.....

"4.

JERNANDO MANUEL JULIAN LABRADA, 29 years of age,

residence 1758 SW

ana avenue, Miant, Florida.

Cuban Passport

14315.. last visa issued 3-2-53 by the Mexican Consul, Miami....

JUAN RIOS MONTENEGO, reported to have been a pilot

in the Cuban Air Force.

Residence

Presa de Tezoyo 127, Colonia

Irrigacion, Mexico, D. F. On June 2,

1953, RIOS applied for

immigration visa at the American Imbassy, Mexico City.

"Pressure from an unknown source is believed to have

caused the Mexican Folice to abandon their investization.

written record is available. All persons were detained without

process and police officials have refused to comment on the

matter.

"At the time of the police investigation, PRIO's:

•followers were using Mexico City as their headquarters.

It

appears now that they are gradually shifting their meetings

intends to be employed by MARA Corp., Miami, Florida.

- 22 -

BLANET

:*4:

49,

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 26

---

## Page 27

MM

2-165

GED: ps

SECRET

"CRISTOBAL MARTINEZ-ZONTILA and CANDIDO de la TORRE-

HERRERA departed Mexico City June 19, 1953, via Aerovias Guest,

Flight No. 100 to. Miami. De la TORRE is one of the Cubans

who was allegedly robbed of 240,000 in Fort Worth, Texas,

in October, 1952 while reportedly attempting to purchase arms

for CARLOS PRIO.

The following information appears on NIV

application executed by de la TORRE:

Name: CANDIDO GERARDO

de la TORRE-HERRA; Address: Patrocinio No. 22, Havana, Cuba;

Destination: Hotel Columbus, Miami, Florida; Cuban Passport:

05748 valid

until April 7, 1957; Occupation: Politician; Ever

No. B-2 Visa was issued to

"DAVID de JESUS CARTAYA-NUNEZ was granted 3-2 visa

in Mexico on June 11, 1953... it is believed that he is destined

to Miami:

i JOSE FULGENCIO CRUZ-BONET, Cuban, was an immigration

some narcotics smuggling

activity between Yucatan and Cuba.

He is reported to have taken refuge in the Guatemalan embassy

in Havana following the BATISTA coup d' etat on March 10, 1952;

he is reported to

have been engaged in mailing literature

pertaining to the Moscow Economic Conference held in 1952.

CRUZ is described as a gangster-politician."

The Cuban Embassy in Mexico City furnished to the

Mexican Federal District Police a list of persons alleged to be

conspiring to overthrow the present government of Cuba as

follows:

1. CANDIDO DE LA TORRE HERRERA:

(Exp. 1900).

White,

against the present regime.

2.

MANUEL FERNANDEZ MADARIAGA: - (Exp. 1900).

son of MANUEL and BALBINA, native of Baute, 39 years of age,

white,

married, business man

(approximately 5'104) 230 lbs.,

eyes brown, hair black,

height 1.81 cm

resident of 14 4th St.,

Marianao. He is accused of conspiring against the present regime.

- 23 -

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 27

---

## Page 28

SECRET

MM

2-165

GED: ps

3.

ARMANDO CORREA MORALES: - (Ixp. 781). White,

a native of Havana, age 25, married,..ex-Lieutenant of the Nation-

al Police,

tall; thin, dark brown or grey eyes, black wavy

hair, prominent

cheekbones, thin face, frequents Trocadero 315,

having resided at Subirana

Accused in the trial for the death of lived in brocadero 1104.

ALEJO COSSIO DEL PINO,

an act which securred in Belascoain y San Jose. Manager of

the UIR (Insurrectional Revolutionary Union).

4. ORIANDO GARCIA VAZQUEZ: (Exp. 1003) White, native

of Havana.

SOn Of PEDRO y FILOMESA, born June 16, 1927,

married, student

ex-combatant of the 2nd World war and resident

of Calle (street) 10, House number 48, between 5th and 6th,

La Sierra, Marianao.

He is accused in the death of AlEJO

COSSIO DEL

PINIO, which act took place in Belascoain y San

Jose, this city;

also, he has participated in several other

of blood; there

Is information that he is in Miami,

Florida.

• LULS FERNANDEZ de la CAMAPA,

alias "ojos gachos"

(means eyes slanting downward).

Exp. #662 White, native of

havana, son of dosith and Joserrine

age 25, single,

brown eyes,

light hair, resident of 12th St. S/N between 7th and oth Aves.

opposite Park i2, Extension of Almendares, Marianao. Formerly

resides Havana St. #506.

He has participated in various

criminal acts

in this city.

he is wanted for the robbery of

the Continental Bank, Miramar and for others.

He is a member

of the U.I.R.

6. HUGO FERNANDEZ BARROSO, alias "El Gallego" (The

one from Galicia). Exp. 1713.

white, native of sancti Spiritus,

son of JOSEPH and

CONSUELO, age 22,

It. 1.08 centimeters; about

170 pounds, black hair, brown eyes. Was a resident of

Independence #113 in Sancti Spiritus, where his parents reside.

He visits San Rafael #1021 as well as the Institute of Vedado.

He is

wanted for assault and robbery of the Continental Bank

Miramar.

He has participated in various

criminal acts in

this capital. He is a menber of the U.I.R.

7: ANGEL HERNANDEZ PEREZ, alias "PAPI CHIRINO" Exp.

1004.

White, native of Havana, son of ANGEL and ROSA, age 22,:

- 24 -

51

SECRET

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 28

---

## Page 29

CRET

MM

2-165

GED: ps

single, resident of San Francisco #14, Guanabacao. He is

wanted in the case #568/50 of the Tribunal de Urgencia

(equivalent to Superior Court) for the assault and robbery

of the grocer PAULINO PEREZ LUACES which crime occurred in

Regla.

8. JESUS RODRIGUEZ FLEITAS.

Exp. 250. White

son Of JOSEPH and MARY, age 28,

native

if santiagod be complexion pare ataves live and wavy,

eyes blue, no definite address.

Santiago de las Vegas.

he is wanted in the case i1315/949 for

gangsterism.

He is also wanted for assault and robbery of a

jewelry store located in the hadiocenter Building as well as

for other crimes.

9• JOSE FAYAT AQUERS alias "El Turquito" (the little

turk): Exp. 11538.

white, native of Havana, son of Elias anc

Leonor, age 40, married, chauffeur, Ht. 166 centimeters, Wt.

71 kilos, Brown hair, green eyes,

no definite address.

Sentenced

to 30 years in prison in the case #1195/47 of the Havana Superior

Court for his part in the "Orfina" affair in Marianao. (Escaped

from the Havana Prison on 11-25-51.)

10.

MANUEL SALGADO REBOLLO alias "El Guajiro Salgado"

(Country boy) Exp. 1539.

White, native of Havana,

son of

MANUEL and DOLORES, age

we. 13 KILOs, Black hair,

recanes, no der see addrers.

Sentenced in case 1195/47 of the Superior Court.

from the Havana Prison on 11-25-51. NOW DECEASED.

11. ORLANDO LEON LEMUS, alias "El Colorado" (Red),

Exp. 172,

White, native of Havana, son of RENE and PETRONA,

age 36, single, Chauffeur for C. DACTILAR #115768, resicent

of

Santos

suarez

St., #410, Havana, Cuba.

Wanted in case #1643/49

for murder as well as in other cases.

He is 519%

black eyes, red hair or may be dred black. la belongs to the

M.S.R. and

is a close friend of POLICARPO SOLER CRUZ, fugitive

from justice in connection with several murders.

12.

-25 -

52

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 29

---

## Page 30

ECRET

MM

2-165

GED: ps

kilos in prison in the case 726/49 for murder.

brown, hair black and curly. Sentenced to 30

Escaped from

Havana prison on 11-25-51 together with POLICARPO SObER CRUZ

and others.

He belongs to the M.S.R.

A right-hand man of

POLICARPO.

13. GERMAN ALVAREZ FUENTES, Exp. 1407, White, native

of Havana,

son of German and Lidia, age 27, single, resident

of Nunez St. #58, Columbia Section. Wanted for breaking into

jewelry store located in the Radiocenter Building along with

JESUS RODRIGUEZ FLEITAS

and ANTONIO ESPINO CARRILLO. Has

alias of "the Mexican." NOW DECEASED.

14.

RAMON ALFONSO RUBIO CUBILLAS.

Exp. 722. White,

native of Regla (could be RAGLA), son of CRISTOBAL and ANA

MARIA, 23 years of age, single,

ex-National Foliceman,

height

164 cms. (about 5'42"), weight

74 Kilograms (about 164 lbs.)

eyes brown or grey, brown hair, residence unknown. Was

sentenced to seven

years in prison for assault and robbery;

he is

Habana Prison; while in the Hospital of

Mazorra, he escaped with others.

15.

REINALDO PITA HEVIA. Exp. 1655. White, Native

of Havana,

Son of RAMON

and hUsh, c4 years or age,

single,

resident of 168 Agua Dulce, Havana.

le is accused by the

Sixth Division Court of Instructions for murder of a foreman

of the Cuban Electrical Company, surname DENIS.

TOMAS AGAPITO GONZALEZ GARCIA, aliaS "MARANA"

Exp. 313.

nice, Native of Havana, son of ANTONIO and JOSEFA,

36 years of age,

married, ex-Secret National Policeman, chauf-

Height. 168

121 1bs.),

cms (about 5'62"), weight 55 kilograns (about

eyes brown or grey, brown hair, resident of 462

calle Justicia,

Luyano, Havana, member of

the "Twine Makers

Revolutionary Action."

Is in Mexico conspiring against the

Cuban Government.

Intimate friend of JESUS GONZAL3Z CARTAS

(El Extrano - The Stranger), also in Mexico.

17. FULGENCIO CRU? BONET, alias "Nato."

Exp. 293.

White race,

Native of Velazco, East (oriente), son of MIGUEL

and Libta, 29 years of age, married, resident

of 307 Calle

-. 26 -

53

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 30

---

## Page 31

FEET

MM 2-165

GED: ps

Lealtad, first floor, Havana:

Height 165 cms (about 5'5"),

135 1os., grey or drown eyes,

brown hair.

Makers Revolutionary Action"

, he became rich as Secretary of

Finance of said organization.

At present he is in Mexico

conspiring against the Cuban Government.

He is an intimate

friend of JESUS GONZALEZ CARIAS (El Extrano - The stranger).

18.

JOSE CASTELLANOS VALDEZ, "alias Ventrecha

(Belley-Fishes)". Exp. 290. White, native of Havana, son

of JUAN and LBOPOLDA,

27 years of age,

Nationa, Policeman, height 5'6"

(next two words

At present in Mexico conspiring against the Cuban.

Government.

•19, JESUS GONZALEZ CARTAS, alias "El Extrano" (The

foreigner) hop, tale, Chauffeur with fingerprint cars

native of Havana, son of VAUNTIN

#117702,

and End Heignt 5'8" Weight 180 Ibs., green clear ayas, curly

black hair, no definite address.

Secretary General of the

illegal organization

"Accion Revolucionario Guiteras" (Twine-

makers' Revolutionary Organization). He became-wealthy through

this organization.

He is known as a "killer" and one wino

carries out crimes by himself.

In the Government of PRIO

and GRAU SAN MARTIN, he enjoyed much political influence and

was able to visit the palace

whenever he wished. At the present

time he is in Mexico conspiring against the Cuban Government.

20. LUSEMIO FERNANDEZ ORTEGA.

_Exp. 7442, White,

native of Camaguey, son of JOSEPH and MARi, age 40, married.

a Doctor of Medicine, but has never practiced.

Ex-police

that is former head of the National Secret Police

in the Government of Dr. RAMON GRAU SAN MARTIN.

He is an

intimate friend of Ex-President CARLOS PRIO SOCARRAS and

important member of the organization "Accion Revolucionari

Guiteras"

(Twinemakers' Revolutionary Organization), and

member of the Legion of the Caribe whose purpose was to over-

throw the Dominican Government in the unsuccessful expedition

which was planned at Cayo Confite.

Months later he was

arrested at

Merida, lucatan, Mexico, when along with other

-27 -

54

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 31

---

## Page 32

ECRET

MM 2-165

GED: ps

persons they boarded a plane in order to go on the unsuccessful

expedition to santo Domingo.

He is known as a dangerous

and unscrupulous man.

At the present time he is in Mexico

conspiring to overthrow the present Cuban Government.

21. VICENTE LERRO KADRUZ, alias "The Italian".

Exp. #396.

Height 58", Weight 160 Ibs. Brown eyes, black hair and

without a definite address. A dangerous member of the "Accion

Revolucionaria Guiteras" (Twinemakers' Revolutionary Organiza-.

tion). Listed as the important figure behind several murders.

He is wanted

for various reasons at the present time. (Deceased)

This informant also received information to the

effect that AURELIANO SANCHEZ ARANGO possesses two passports

Issued in names other than his own, that is GUILLoRiO FUENtES-

GONLALES and JOSE VICTOR SANCHEZ-VALDEZ.

It was also reported that EUFEVIO FERNANDEZ-ORTIGA,

former Chief of Police in Cuba during the PRIO Regime, possesses

two passports, one issued in the name EUGENIO FERNANDEZ ORTEGA

and the other

in the name FRANCISCO RAMIREZ Y MARTINEZ.

The informant stated that JUAN de RIOS

MONTENEGRO,

former Naval Attache to Mexico during the PRIO administration,

would probably move to the United States during the latter

part of duse, 1953, from Mexico City, where he was residing

at Presa de Tezoro

127, Colonia Irrigacion. It was stated

ne drives a 1950 Cadillac bearing 1953 Cuban License plates

155-658.

The informant reported that DAVID de JESUS CARTAYA

NUNEZ, alleged to have been personal pilot for SANCHEZ ARANGO,

is known to have associated with CRISTOBAL MARTINEZ ZORILLA,

described as a known Mexican smuggler and probable gun runner.

ZORILLA was

born April 23, 1911,

at Guadalajara, and is a

Mexican National, according to his

known immigration visa. He

is a civil engineer by profession.

the May 2, 1953, issue of the Miami Daily News carrie

an article entitled

"Cuban Exiles held in Mexico

Associated Press, Havars, Cuba, dats Line, martine hat an

Government spokesman announced that the Cuban Government had been

- 28 -

1415

55

DRUM 1

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 32

---

## Page 33

MM

2-165

GED: ps

SECRET

officially informed that Mexican authorities had arrested a

number of Cuban officials and had seized information disclosing

an intent to attack the Cuban coast.

This announcement was

made by BiNESTO de la FE, Cuban Information Minister, who said

that those arrested were friends of CARLOS PRIO.

Among those

named as being in Mexican custody were CUrEMO FERNAND former

former Chief of the Cuban Secret

an article entitled

laughs.

article disclosed that SAGUNDO CURTI, former Cuban Minister

of Interior,

at his home at 60 S. 25th Road, Miami, deniec

that he had

been arrested in Mexico and pointed out that ne

had last visited Mexoci for five days in February. CURTI

pointed out that BATISTA's Minister of Information was very

poorly informed.

an article entitled

The vi a cuban issue Detes Bion, erada carried

Mexico City,

by the Associated Press.

This article reported

Colonel OSCAR DIAZ has denied reports that Cuban exiles in

Mexico are preparing an invasion of Cuba

"in an effort to

unseat BATISTA.

DIAZ said he. had begun legal proceeaings

against the Mexican marazine "Todor which published such

reports.

DIAZ said he had been "invited" to go to the police

early in the month for an investigation of reports

that three hundred mercenaries were on the Yucatan Peninsula

preparing for an attack on Cuba. He said he was not questioned

by police and

was released the next day.

On July 13, 1953, Miami Informant I-5 reported having.

received information

to the effect that WILHELM SPARR is now

closely associated with members of the PRiO group in Mexico

The informant said that SPARR reportedly serves as a

navigator for this group which consists of GUIDO ADOLFO

GONZALEZ de BUSTAMANTE LUQUE, TULIO INOCENCIO PRIETO and RAUL

as well as FERNANDO LABRADA. It is to be

alien, was a member of

the crew of the BONITA in January, 1953, when this vessel

had to be towed to the Port of New Orleans by a Danish vessel

- 29 -

56

12255.

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 33

---

## Page 34

MM 2-165

GED: ps

SECRET

as it was about to sink in the Gulf of Mexico. Also on this

boat at that time were SANCHEZ ARANGO, traveling under a

false name, RAUL RODRIGUEZ, a close associate of AMANGO,

BUSTAMANTE

and FRIETO.

- 30 -

57

SECTER

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 34

---

## Page 35

MM 2-165

GED: ms

ECRET

www. terrores tradero-ger.partit...

V. PERSONS ALLEGED BY ONE INFORMANT, CONNECTED WITH CUBAN

MILITARY INTELLIGENCE

TO BE ENGAGED IN REVOLUTIONARY

ACTIVITIES AGAINST BATISTA

Miami Confidential Informant T-20, of unknown

reliability, who has described himself as being connected with

the Cuban Military Intelligence service, reported on Junelo,

1953 that he has been actively engaged in an

investigation

of the activities of former president CARLOS PRIO SOCARRAS

and his group, and as a result, had prepared a list of individuals

who he claimed

are involved in

the attempts being made by this

group to overthrow the BATISTA regime.

T-20 said that he has

proof

of the revolutionary activities of most of the individuals

on this list.

This list, which has been translated from Spanish

to English, is as follows:

"ESTRELIA ECHEVARRIA ACOSTA, Wife Of AURELIANO SANCHEZ ARANGO (a)

(---the following names are perhaps alias of SANCHEZ

ARANGO) JOSE VICTOR SANCHEZ VELAVEZ; GUILLERMO FUENTES

GONZALEZ; native of Matanzas; daughter of PEDRO y de LUZ,

43. years of age and

a resident of 'calle 4ta. i6 ent

13 y 14, Repto Ampliacion de Almendares.' (address

house #6 between 13 and l4 Strs. in

the Division; Appliacion de Almendares.)

It is said

she visits the house located at Linea #260, between

J and I, upper, Vedado, Telephone F 2187.

"PELLEYA Y JUSTIZ, JOSE LUIS, resident of #27 16th St. Miramar

Division,

with offices

in the 'La Metrololitana' Building

(PELLEYA

COMBUSTIBLES, S.A.) Note the letters S. A.

stands for sociedad Anonima, which means anonymous

society, or probably equivalent of corporation) He

carries

passport #999.

"VICENTE VALGARGE GARCIA, 15th St. no: 1500r855 Vedado. The

has a boat business

between Miami and Cuba and possibly

smuggles arms).

58

"KUCHILAN SOL, MARLO,

Linea del Oeste

#66 (Linea of the west.

#66) between Milagros and Johnson, Vibor.

Telephone

I 8204; Lucena #310,

lower apartment #5, between San

Miguel and San Rafael, Telephone U 4028.

•-31-

FORET

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 35

---

## Page 36

MM 2-165

GED: msb

ECRET

"GALLARDO, JOAQUIN, Metropolitana Building $508 and 509,

Telephone A 8673--

,14th St. s/n, between Il and 12--Division

San Felipe y Buenavista,

Biltmore

No. 812, Telephone

division, U 6313.

"LUGO, DR. JOSE A. (JOSE ANTONIO LUGO Y ABREU) Fifth Avenue,

corner of 68th.

Miramar y/o 16 No. 956 between

Telephones

15 and 17, Deivision Nicanor del Campo, y247 lowers.

B 8129 (Dolores Alvarez, Third Avenue,

between 24 and 26, Miramar) B 4933; B 8129 and B 8103.

"CARTAYA RAGED ae AmendaAve 2 corne sef lath Sta, Division

"GUTIERREZ, LUIS FELIPE (a) 'PINCHO'

14 y 16, Division Amendares,

Telephone 3-4303, Autween

Auto

St., corner of

First and La Sierra, Telephone B 4910.

"RUZ GONZALES; ARMANDO (A) 'CUCO' - Professor of Physical

Culture,

buddy of CARLOS PRIO, divorced, resident of

Concordia 7671, lower, Telephone U 9717,

"CONGER ON CARe Veda 0, Telephone ro130d F200r) between

"ALVAREZ, DR. ALBERTO INOCENTE -= 11 between o and Ramon Mendoza

Ave., Alturas de Miramar Division.

Telephone B 5168.

"GARCIA, MANUEL OF 'ELIAS MANUEL GARCIA DEL BUSTO'. (He was

closely associated with JOSE DUARTE in the affair at

'Mamaroneck'). Address Vista Alegre corner of Felipe

Poey, Vibora,

Tel. I-3572; Note:

The telephone is in

name of LEANDRO ABREU PERNZ.-

"CARRILLO Y HERNANDEZ, JUSTO ASENCIO. alias 'JUSTICIO'.

Former

President of the National Bank

in the administration of

CARLOS PRIOR; address is Paseo

#151, corner of Calzada,

Vedado.-

59

- 32:

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 36

---

## Page 37

SECRET

MM 2-165

GED: msb

"DE VARONA Y LOREDO, MANUEL ANTONIO, alias TONY-- Address

7th St. between 74 and 76, Miramar. (Querejeta.)

"ZENDEGUI, GUILLERMO. C. - (Orthodox member) Address is #505

2nd St., Vedado.

"HERNANDEX TELLAHECHE,

'ARTURO, alias 'ARTURITO'; address is

#5 21st., Above Miramar.

"PELA ZOE CANEL, ADA, JOSE JOAQUIN (President of PBU) Address

"DIAZ., LOMBERTO - Address 17th St., corner of 2nd St. Vedado

"ARREBOLA, MANUEL ---He is a citizen of the United States

and

on coming here (Havan?)

Vedado.

"FUENTE PEREZ, ORIANDO E. -- Address is 60 18th St., Miramar.

"RODRIGUEZ PARTAGAS, JOSE --5A P. del Rio, A. Naranjo 3/37

"PARDO LLADA, JOSE--#50 15th St., Vedado.

"PERTIERRA, INDALECIO--Address is 30th St between Ist and 3rd.

"SUAREZ RIVAS, EDUARDO -- Address is #15. 21st St., Vedado-

(#10 Central Ave.)

"FIGUEROA Y BONTIMPO, ISIDRO- Address is if14 Picota--.

"VALCARCEL GARCIA, VICENTE. #855 5th St., Vedado. -(#150 15th St.)

"PEREZ GALAN, IGNACIO.-Address is Avenue of the Officials #11.

"RIERA GOMEZ, ELISEO. - Representative of the newspaper 'Informacion'

in Miami; although he is a citzen of the United States and

resides at Coral Gables,

Fla. when he comes to Havana

he stays at #316 26th st., Vedado.-

"There follows below the report of the telephone

contacts submitted by T-20's source:

"CESAR A. ALVAREZ (B9-3807) if1004 10th St., first I100r,

between Ilth and 12th, Extension of Almendares.

- 33 -

SECRET

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 37

---

## Page 38

C

SECRET

MM 2-165

GED : msb

"ARTIGAS, ENEIDA. - Tres Rosas s/n between Lane 1 and E (no

sidewalk) Phone BO-9127.

"ALVAREZ de CAS 1 Aess 18 7502 19th St. corner of

"DeCARDENAS Y D'FARRIL, St. Mchael and Saint Rafael, Tilie

Upholstery shop; #312 Oquendo,

downstairs between

UO-0175; it is believed that this person is very feiendly

with ANTONIO PRIO and his girlfriend HORTENSIA VILLAR.

"CIL, AMP 7A83 4712 DAMAS, upstairs, between tuz and Acosta;

"ALVAREZ, BRISIO,

#5 44th St., Apt. 4, between Ist and 3rd,

Miramar; tel. B9-3106

MAGUILERA

RENE. -#111 Gomez St. between Zapote and St. EMILIA;

Tel. 1-4664

"GANS, OSCAR. 17454 I St., Apt. 3, corner of 21st. Tel.F-5685

"GUSTDO, BU-ENED: #359 8th st. between oth and Ilth, Lasierra;

"PEREZ LOPEZ,

VIRGILIO.-#101 Ist Ave. corner of l0th, Miramar;

Tel. B-6581.

"INCERA, LIBRADA de la. -7363 26th St. upstairs, between 23rd

and 25th; Tel. FI-1751

"PINO, MERCEDES. #404 Zapote upstairs; Tel. I-1085 (She is the

daughter of the present wife of LUIS GUSTAVO FERNANDEZ) •

"FUENTES RODRIGUEZ, Dr. ANTONIO, alias "Tino'. -St. Rafael

#404

(Mangas Building, Apt.

302, corner of Manrioue;

Tel. A-2043 (St. Michael 421)

"ALCAPE?, Dr, Bran I; 12 s/B-between 6th and Ramon Mendoza

Tel. B-5168.

"GONZALES, FRANCISCO. #1455 19th St. between 28 and 30; Tel.

F1-0232.

"GOMEZ, DOLORES. -165 Jorge (George St. corner of St. Michael

Vibora; Tel. I-3495 (Z-z)

61

- 34-

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 38

---

## Page 39

MM 2-165

GED: msb

SECRET

"This is the end of the report of the telephone

contacts received from I-20's source:

"PUIG, VICTOR. -#469-19th corner of E. Vedado. "

VI. EFFORTS TO UNIFY THE AUTHENTIC AND ORTHODOX

PARTIES FOR JOINT ACTION AGAINST BATISTA

A. Montreal Conference

which reflected that

exiled Cubans,

to arrive at a common policy in their fight against President

FULGENCIO • BATISTA.

This article disclosed that the two big parties

represented were the Cuban Revolutionary Party (Authentic)

and the Cuban Peoples Party (Orthodox).

CARLOS HEVIA, who

had

been scheduled to run as Presidential candidate on the Authentic

1952 elections until the coup d'etat

upset his plans, was reported as

stating that the meetings in Montreal were to consolidate

the opposition immediately and to

bring about the return of

constitutional government in Cuba.

CARLOS PRIO SOCARRAS, EMILIO OCHOA Y OCHOA,

President of the Orthodox Party; and MANUEL A. de VARONA y LAREDO,

President of the Authentic Party, issued the following statement

at this conference:

"The conference that we have been holding in

Montreal with high representatives ot boch parties

looks forward to the establishment of a national unity

in an endeavor to do away with the dictatorship in

Cuba through the re-establishment of the constitutional

institutions of Cuba.

"The Authentic and Orthodox parties hope

to arrive, as a result of these meetings, at an under-

standing; and they are sure this nill be

the basis of

- 35 -

62

PAPE

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 39

---

## Page 40

MM 2-165

GED: msb

SIGHEF

"of a patriotic agreement of the opposition, which

does not mean an electoral coalition in the future,

because the ends that move them now are of a national

character, for the defence of the constitution and

laws which have been violated.

"We will endeavor to avoid for our country

a fratricidal war to which Cuba is being led by the

usurper regime:

This article disclosed that this joint meeting

was attended by the following members of the Orthodox Party:

•Dr. EMILIO OCHOA y OCHOA

Dr. JOSE M. GUTIERREZ

JOSE PARDO LLADA

YSIDERO FIGUEROA

Dr. RAUL de JUAN, professional representative

JANIER LEZCANO, Labor representative

For the Authentic Party •

Dr. SOCARRAS

Dr. GUILLERMO ALANSO PUJAL

Dr.

MANUEL A. de VERONA LAREDO

Or • EDUARDO I ROVOS,

Dr. JUAN A. RUBIO PADILLO

Dr. LOUIS GUSTAVO FERNANDEZ, personal secretary to

SOCARRAS

COI, RAFAEL YSQUIERDO, personal assistant to

SOCARRAS.

Miami Informant I-21, of known reliability, who

is employed by a

rederal Agency, reported that a 500-woro

declaration, in Spanish, was issued to the press by leaders

of the above-mentioned parties and that this declaration was

summarized as follows by the La Presse:

"-----the Cuban people have repudiated the

regime

of the usurpers, demanding a return to constitutional

and democratic order by a government capable of holding

- 36 -

63

SECRET

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 40

---

## Page 41

MM 2-165

GED : msb

to: 2000

"free general elections.

"_---The Cuban crisis cannot be resolved otherwise

than by restoration of the Constitution of 1940,

which spoke the free will of the people.

-----the farty of the cuban people (orthodox

and the Cuban. Revolutionary Part- (authentic) have

deeided to bring into being a constructive force of

"The two parties judge it indispensable to form a

provisional government which will re-establish the

electoral law of 1943. The signatory parties reject

as electoral weapons, attacks on persons,

gangsterism

and terrorist maneuvers:

They promise Cuba for the

day of her resurrection, an era of peace and legality."

I-25 learned on August 3, 1953. that CARLOS PRIO

in describing the Montreal Conference

stated,

"What we agreed

in Montreal

was in reference to a

'master plan' to liquidate

BATISTA's regime.

We did not agree to any political alliance,

as each party will maintain his automony and freedom of action

in the political field as soon as we dispose of BATISTA's

machinery in Cuba. A provisional government will be installed

in the Government at the time with me at its head for the

balange of the time BATISTA took away from me and presidential

elections will be held immediately afterwards with full

guarantees to all.

We just want to continue the national march

of democracy which has been interrupted by BATISTA's gangsterism."

B. Contacts Between CARLOS PRIO and Orthodox Party Leaders

in Miami following Montreal Conference

Miami Confidential Informant T-l reported on

ELE ONTOA

back to Cuba.

This same informant subsequently learned that

OCHOA was in Miami during the first hall of suly, 1953

during

which time he was in touch with leading members of PRIO's

party in Miami,

The exact purpose of these contacts was not

known to the informant, who advised, however, that they appeared

to be on a very friendly basis,

137 com

SECRET

64

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 41

---

## Page 42

SECHEF

MM 2-165

GED: msb

VII. TRAVEL BY CARLOS PRIO

Miami Informant I-22, of known reliability,

who is an officer of a Federal Agency which conducts investigations

reported on April 30; 1953 that CARLOS PRIO returned to Miami

on April 25, 1953 from Mexico City:

He was accompanied by

his military aide Col. RAFAEL YSQUIERDO

SARMIENTO, and ANDRES

ESPINESAYSE LAS MONTEROS. SAR MA

FONSECA is a close friend and associate of PRIO. The identity

of ESPINOSA is unknown.

Miami Informant T-5 reported on May 21, 1953

thạt PRIO had again arrived in Miami on May 19, 1953 from another

trip to Mexico.

T-22 said that when PRIO arrived from Mexico

on this trip he was accompanied by Col. YSQUIERDO and DELFINO

ARTURO NUNEZ NUNEZ, who possessed an official Cuban Government

visa.

I-23, of known reliability, reported on May 30

accompanied by I. FERNANDEZ

Miami Informant I-24, of known reliability,

1953 that PRIC

Col. YSQUIERDO and

reported on May 24' LUIS FERNANDEZ (private secretary to PRIO)

and his wife, accompanied by

departed New York for Montreal, Canada, on May 28, 1953 (to

attend the Montreal Conference described above.)

T-24 reported on June 6

New York from Montreal, Canada.

Miami Informant I-l reported that on June 6.

1953 PRIO, his wife, YSQUIERDO, and LUIS FERNANDEZ returned to

Miami.

The writer observed on July 1, 1953 that Dr.

and Mrs. RIo, accompanied by CasAR FONStiCA, departed for

Mexico City via Guest Airlines.

Dr. and Mrs. Pio returora to Man port Mexico day. 1953 that

- 38-

65

heres

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 42

---

## Page 43

But 27s

MM 2-165

GED: msb

RICARDO ARTIGAS, departed Miami for Boston, Massachusetts

where PRIO had arranged to undergo a thorough medical examination

because of a nervous ailment..

RUBIO is a former member of the PRIO cabinet

and he attended the Montreal conference.

Miami Informant I- Learned on July 19,

Joctor Phid and his wife returned to Miami from New York City

Ju New Yor city

where they remained for several days after leaving Boston.

PRIO has remained in Miami constantly since that

date, according to Miami Informant I-1.

VIII. CONFERENCE HELD BY PRIO PRIOR TO DEPARTURE

FOR BOSTON JULY 6, 1953

Miami Informant "-1 learned on July 6, 1953 that

EMILIO OCHOA Y OCHOA

Orthodox Farty; and one PELAlo, belleved to be identical

one PELAYO

and JOSE MANUEL GUTIERREZ of the Cuban

vith CUERVO NAVARRO, eX-Cuban

Senator belleved sympathetic

to the OCHOA y OCHOA faction

or the orthodox farty; one

LOMBERTO, believed identical with LOMBERIC DIAZ RODRIGUEZ, Cuban

Minister

of Interior during part of the PRIO administration;

in Cuba,

scheduled departure for Boston, Massachusetts.

Already in Miami was JUAN ANTONIO RUBIO PADILLO,.

and DIEGO MEJIAS, who was believed identical to DIEGO

SERGIO MEJIAS, who was Minister of Communications during the

PRIO regime.

Miami Informant T-5 reported on July 7, 1953 that

MEJIAS is a former Senator under the GRAU administration in

cuba, is a close personal triend of falo, and constantly is

traveling back and forth between Miami and luba on matters

relating to PRIo's party.

- 39 -

66

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 43

---

## Page 44

MM 2-165

GED: msb

SECRET

Miami Informant I-l advised that it appeared

that PRIO had a conference with these men which began on the

evening of July 6, 1953, and terminated in the early morning

of July 7, 1953.

It is to be recalled that OCHOA and GUTIERREZ

attended the Montreal Conference as Orthodox Party representatives

and PRIO, VERONA, and RUBIO were the Authentic Party Representative.

at that meeting.

The purpose of this conference at PRIO's home

was unknown to the informant.

Miami Informant I-2 learned on July 16, 1953

that MANUEL "TONY" VARONA again arrived in Miami from Cuba

on

ne intended going

intended son for an important conterence, fun stroshere

nature, with CARLOS PRIO.

- 40

SECREF

67

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 44

---

## Page 45

SECRET

sarground are destiniati

MM 2-165

GED: fjh

IX. ARMS SHIPMENTS ALLEGEDLY INVOLVING THE

MARB, THE "CRISTOBAL CARRIERT AND "ANCON

TRADER. "

On May 21, 1953, Miami Informant I-5 reported

having received information emanated from the Cuban Military

Intelligence Service to the effect that persons representing

CARLOS PRIO were believed to have purchased. 400 rubber boats.

from a Miami veterans' surplus store located' on Biscayne

Boulevard in Miami at 12th Street Northeast; that

these boats

were in boxes in storage with the Withers Storage Company

and were to be delivered, or may already have been delivered,

to an address in Mexico..

T-5 said that the Cuban Military

Intelligence Service received this information from a person

in the Cuban Navy who in turn received it from a Cuban who

is employed by the surplus store in Miami.

On May 21, Mr. A. KRAVITZ and W. A. WEINTRAUB,

owners of Surplus Outlet, Inc., wholesalers and retailers

12L5 Discayne

rubber boats within recent months and that in all probability

it would be impossible to purchase 400 rubber boats in all

of south Florida inasmuch as there is but small demand for

boats of rafts of this type and that customarily retailers

and wholesalers do not stock up on this item.

Their store manager, AURILO MUZARIETA, who said

that he is an American citizen born in Cuba, reported that

several weeks previous DIEGO VICENTE TEJERA, whom he described

as being former Minister of Education under

and who claimed to own a boat or yacht, came into the veterar

surplus Store and purchased two automatically inflated rubber

rafts at $95. each.

A sample of one of these rafts was pointed

out and it is observed that it is of the type formerly used

by the U. S: Navy Airforce for emergency landings and is

automatically inflated by means of an oxygen cartridge.

It

appeared to be capable of carrying ten or twelve men.

Mr.•

KRAVITS and Mr. WEINTRAUB said that the few sales they make

of this item are usually to yacht owners or operators of

public and private swimming pools.

- 41-

68

SECRET

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 45

---

## Page 46

MM 2-165

GED: fjh

RE

1.c •7: 441

It was also stated,

according to 1-20, that PRo

has employed

a former United States Army colonel named

SKOLOSKI, whose job is to recruit war veterans to form an

army to invade Cuba; that SKOLOSKI has disappeared from

Miami and is believed in Mexico; that he is offering recruits

$25. a day and expenses and an insurance policy.

It was stated

that it was not known how many veterans he has recruited,

but that a great many veterans had been recently inquiring

in Miami for SKOLOSKI.

T-26 said that the Cuban Foreign Minister also

advised that two boats 158 feet long called the CRISTOBAL

CARRIER and the ANCON TRADER had been acquired from the

Panama Cabotage Agency; this purchase having been made by

SEGUNDO CURTI, who was

PRIO's Minister of the Interior.

These boats were described as former Naval vessels, aluminum

with black bottom..

According to I-26, it was also stated that inter-

views between PRIO and his people concerning these matters

are held in the hotel Royal York, 5875 Collins Avenue, Miami

Beach.

On June 2, 1953, Mr. E. T. LUCAS, room clerk,

lotel Hoyal lork, reported that there are no Cubans

registered at that hotel and that no meetings of Cubans

have been held there to the best of his knowledge.

Miami Informant I-27, of known reliability,

as of June 2 CARLOS PRIO

that he or one

of his representatives last entered the

safety deposit box of that bank on March 15, 1953: I-27

possessed no knowledge of $19,000. having been withdrawn

from the North Shore Bank. by PRIO.

Miami Informant I-5 reported on June 2, 1953, that

he had received no information indicating that Colonel

SKOLSKIhas been recruiting in Miami or elsewhere on behalf

of the PRIo group.

Records of the Miami Veterans Administra-

tion, Credit Bureau and Police Department contain no reference

to a

person who can be identified as Colonel SKOLOSKI.

- 42 -

69

SEGRET

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 46

---

## Page 47

C

DRET

MM 2-165

GED: fjh

On May 21, 1953 Mr. WAYNE WITHERS of the Withers

torage and transportation company; advised that his concern-

possessed no record whatsoever of having either stored or

transported any rubber boats or boxes believed to contain

rubber boats during the past year or so.

the records in his office failed to disclose the storage

or shipment of any items which appeared to correspond with

the above during the past two months.

Miami Informant T-5 reported on the same date

that DIEGO VICENTE TEJERA is a very close associate of CARLOS

PRIO and his brothers and is also a close friend of JOSE

LUGO on whose farm in Cuba the Cuban police found a quantity

of arms and ammunition. Informant said that LUGO is consider-

type of individual. He said that for

a while DIEGO VICENTE TEJERA was with LUGO at the Colonial

Hotel in Miami. He also stated that DIEGO VICENTE TEJERA

had flown to Bimini on a Chalk Airline when the "Bonito"

encountered engine trouble there preparatory to making plans

to depart for Mexico.

It is to be recalled that AURELINO

SANCHEZ ARANGO, former Minister of Education and State under

PRIO, along with others, was on the "Bonito" and was traveling

under an assumed name when this boat landed at the port ol

New Orleans during the early part of 1953 after having been

towed there by another vessel. T-5 said that DIEGO drives

a Cadillac automobile bearing Cuban license 168519.

Miami Informant I-26, of known reliability, being

an employee of a Federal agency which has offices in Havana,

submitted a report dated May 15, 1953 to the effect that

the Cuban Foreign Minister had advised that on May 9, four

rubber boats, capacity 25 men each, were transferred

to the

general cargo warehouse,

Miami,

these boats having been

acquired by DIEGO VICENTE TEJERA, former Cuban senator, Irom

Veteran Surplus Outlet, Inc., 1215 Biscayne Boulevard,

Miami; and that

these boats were

paid for by CARLOS PRIO

with the

intention of sending them to another port, possibly

Veracruz or another Mexican port.

- 43-

72

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 47

---

## Page 48

MM 2-165

GED: fjh

CRET

reliability; who

On May 25, 1953 Miami Informant I-20, Federal

of known

conducts investigations for a

agency, reported that he had received similar information

as that attributed above to I-26. T-28 said that pursuant

to his duties, he had made inquiry concerning the CRISTOBAL

CARRIER and the ANCON TRADER and had interviewed ROD PICKARD,

Miami Ships, 2051 N. W. Ilth Street, who, along with THOMAS

J. MC CRORY, 615 S. W. 2nd Avenue, Miami, were ship brokers

handling the sale of these two vessels.

Iccording to 1-28, PICKARD reported that both of

these

ressels were purchased from the condenser Service

and Engineering Compand, Inc., Seaboard Trust Building,

Hoboken, New Jersey

were paid for by G. PETTERSON of

the Estrella Fruit Shipping Corporation, 133 North Front

They were purchased for the

Cabotage Agency, North Avenue 72, Panama. PICKARD

maintained that the Panama Cabotage Agency is a carrier

organization working for the Estrella Fruit Company out of

re said that the principal of the Estrella

Company is FOLK ANDERSON, who is supposed to be a multi-

The principals of the Panama Cabotage Agency

are VIGGO LARSEN, Director and President; PABLO OTHON

Street and 39th, Panama; Director and

Treasurer;

and F. S. TAPIA C., Secretary, Central Avenue

number 98,

Panama.

T-28 said that the State Department license

number for the export of both vessels was number 263 and

Li nee

that the U. S. Maritime Administration transport number

was

MA-938.

the export no noth

He said that both orders were issued to

demilitarized vessels identified as ISI number 664 and

596, both vessels being renamed the CRISTOBAL CARRIER

the ANCON TRADER respectively by the Panama Cabotage

Agency.

Both of these ships were built for the U. S. Navy

at the Brooklyn Naval Yard in 1934.

T-28 said that ROD PICKARD expressed the opinion

that the purchase and intended. use of these vessels io

legitimate. He said that both were being outfitted as

- 44÷

71

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 48

---

## Page 49

MM 2-165

GED: f jh

REVEWED BY HELIAK TASK FORCE

IN 10/0/97 dat

F RELEASE IN FUEL

! RELE/OS NO PART

O - TOTA DEIMAL

fruit carriers.

He said that HARRY ARTHUR GREENFIELD waS

the escrow agent

in the transaction involving sale of these

vessels.

PICKARD said that he was applying for a State

Department export license,

stating that the purpose for

which these vessels would

be used

was banana carriers in

Central and South

American coastwide service by the

agencia de Cabotage, s. A., Republic, Panama.

PICKARD

said that professional registration had been issued for

these vessels by

the Panamanian Consul, Jacksonville, on

March 29, 1953.

Miami Informant I-29, of known reliability, who

is employed by the Federal agency which conducts investiga-

tion reported on May 27, 1953 that the Panamanian Consul

in Jacksonville had advised that his records show that

bọth the CRISTOBAL and the ANCON TRADER were transferred

on February 3, 1953 from the Condenser Service and Engineer-

ing Company to the Agencia de Cabotage and that I. J. MC CRORY

handled the

sale.

The Consul said that he had issued only

a temporary license.

I-29 also reported that he has received information

under PRIO, who is closely associated in Miami with PRIO:

On June 5, 1953, Miami Informant T-30; of known

reported that on that same date a boat

Sal, Bahama Islands, British West Indies. T-30 described

the

boat as being a 63 foot crash boat of the type used

during World War

II which is known as THE ARB;

registered

in New Urleans, Louisiana, registration number 204053,

the

owner being the

Estrella Fruit and Shipping Company, 113

North Front Street, New Orleans.

I-30 said that in addition to Me CRoni, who actea

is captain; there were two other persons on the boat, one

of these was HENRy M. WATKINS, background information unknown

to the informant.

The other was DIEGO T. RESCALVO, a Cuban

72

SECRET

- 45 -

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 49

---

## Page 50

SECRET

MM 2-165

GED: [jh

and an attorney by profession, who resides at 1133 Sevilla

Avenue, Coral Gäbles.

T-30 said that MC CRORY claimed that, he and his

two crew nembers

were going on a fishing trip to day Sal

this being a very smali and uninhabited island amu! secluded.

T-30 noticed that although the trif was ostensibly for fish-

ing purposes, that the three men carried only a very small

amount of food and only enough for one or two meals. The

informant also observed that DIEGO T. RESCALVO had a pistol

strapped to his side and the informant felt that these

men were not actually going on a fishing trip at all.

On June ll this same informant advised, relative

to the above mentioned ARB, that the three men left Miami

about 5:30 or 6:00 p.m. on

June 5, and that MC CRORY seemed

in a particular big hurry to obtain clearance and leave

Miami.

The informant also was of the opinion that that

was not the customary. time of day that fishermen leave Miami

on such a trip.

Informant said that MC CRORY resides at

3950 N. W. 3rd

, ship broker, resides at 3950

N. W. 3rd Street and has offices at 615 S. W. 2nd Avenue.

On June 5, 1953: Miami Informant I-31, of known

obtain official clearance from Miami in order to go fishing

at Cay Sal, Bahama Islands. T-31 described MC CRORY as

being a ship broker whose reputation for honesty and fair

dealings is not too good.

T-31 said that he had heard

rumors that MC CRORY might be involved in smuggling and he

pointed out that Cay Sal would be an ideal place for that

type of operation as it is only forty miles north of Cuba

and would be a good place to rendezvous with boats or

persons who may be involved in any illegal operation.

involved

June 1e, this informant reported that following MC CRORY'S

ceturn from cay sal he had attempted to question hin

discreetly concerning the purpose of his trip there but

- 46 ÷

SECREF

73

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 50

---

## Page 51

MM 2-165

GED: fjh

SECRET

that MC CRORY was very cagey and would furnish no information

as to what he had

been doing, except that he had gone

crawfishing.

Miami Informant I-32, who is believed to be

reliable and

who is personally acquainted with THOMAS J.

MC CRORY, reported on June 11, 1953, that MC CRORY had

recently disclosed to him that he owns or has control of

a boat and that he is working for the "PRIO people" in

Miami relative to a revolt which PRIO is planning against

BATISTA. 1-32 said that MC CRORY also mentioned having

a last cruiser which was being outfitted by a boat yard

in the Miami River and that he had two other ships which

were being worked on.

He implied that these boats were

to be used in connection with his plans with the PRIO

people.

He also claimed to have one flying boat which is

propelled by two airplane engines with propellers in the

rear. T-32 said that MC CRORY "shoots off at the mouth"

and likes to create the impression that he is an adventurer

who is steeped in intrigued.

T-32 said that MC CRORY has

bragged that he himself would take part in the invasion

of Cuba along with the PRIO forces

and that on one occasion

he invited the informant to go along with him.

MC CRORY

also claimed that he has been transporting guns to a point

near Key West •

The informant said that MC CRORY frequently

associates with a

Captain ERICKSON (later identified as

Captain BURT I. ERICKSON) a boat skipper and that during

there area transported see ership

some material

from the Bahama. Islands into Cuba but that something

went wrong and they got into trouble with the Cuban

authorities.

T-32 believed that ERICKSON was probably

involved with MC CRORY in the event MC CRORY was actually

working for the PRIO group.

On June 14, 1953, I-32 reported that he had

again seen MC CRORY who stated that something was going to

"pop" almost any day now and MC CRORY again invited the

- 47-

SCORE

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 51

---

## Page 52

MM 2-165

GED: f jh: rem

SECRET

gen, 1:1 M4791

informant to go along with him whenever the invasion of

Cuba by the PRIO people took place. The informant said

that Captain ERICKSON

driving an automobile bearing

hot da Coco 1=02 the De unty Automon 1e License

Bureau reflect that this license is issued to BURT T.

ERICKSON

leaving that evening for a trip of approximately three

or four days duration. He did not disclose his destination.

Miami Informant I-33, of known reliability

who is a representative of a federal agency which

conducts investigations, reported on June 17, 1953

that it had. come to the

attention of his agency that

the ARB had

returned from Cay Sal on or about June 9,

1953, with four people on board, one of whom was an

alien.

T-33 said that the ARB,,

according to THOMAS J.

MC CHORY, had escorted another boat THE MORNING STAR

into Marathon, Florida because of a bent propeller

sustained by THE MORNING STAR. T-33. said that according

to information received by his office THE MORNING STAR

third vessel, NOISON II were at Cay Sal at the

time that the

ARB was there.

He said that THE

MORNING STAR WaS Owned by JACK BROWNS,

Michican and a professional deep sea diver who clained

to have been at Cay Sal for marine exploration. He

said that NELSON II was a Cuban boat but apparently

had no connection with the other boats. T-33 stated

that BRONe reported that he had observed the ARB

at Cay Sal; that BRO NE had 2,000 gallons of gasoline

on board THE MORNING STARwhic T-33 felt was more than

was ordinarily necessary for such a trip. He described

THE MORNING STAR as being a converted crash boat with.

Packard motors.

T-33 possessed no evidence that the

presence of either THE MORNING STAR or the NELSON II

at Cay Sal had anything to do with the ARB.

SECRET

- 48-

75

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 52

---

## Page 53

MM 2-165

GED: rem

SECRET

Miami Informant 1-34, of known reliability who is

employed by a federal agency which conducts investigations,

reported on June 29, 1953 that he, accompanied by an

investigator of another

federal agency, had

gone to Marathon,

Florida on the night of. June 5, 1953 to observe the NGLSON II

which was docked there.

This trip was predicated upon

information received by I-34 to the effect that cars from

Miami were coming to this boat and that a crew man mounted

I-34 said that following an

all-night surveillance

at Davie boat dock s at Maratnon,

during which time no activity was observed aboard the NeLSON II,

that he and his companion boarded this boat at 8:00 a.M.,

at which time a Cuban mechanic identified as ANTONIO CASANOVA

y GiRez was the only person on board.

The Immigration permit

of this man had expired but he claimed he had intended to

obtain an extension through a friend, Mrs. YRIS KENNEDY,

Camera Department , Walgreen's Drugstore, N. E. Ist Avenue

and Flagler, who was trying to get an extension from the

Immigration

& Naturalization Service for him. T-34 said that

it was learned that Mrs. KENNEDY sent an appropriate

Immigration form to Immigration & Naturalization Service at

Key

West and that CASANOVA then went to Key west where he

was

informed that he did not need an

extension.

T-34. said that according to CASANOVA, the NELSON II

a dock manager in Cuba

Is ouned by Jesus IOl Sis VIC 34 said that it was ascertained

and the owner of other boats.

that the NauSON 11 had left Miami on May 29,

1953, for Cuba

out due to bad weather put in at the port of Marathon on

where it remained until June 9, 1953; however, according

to CASANOVA, IGLOSIS left the boat at Marathon on June

1 and

departed from Miami for Cuba via airlines on that date with

the intention of returning june 6, 1953.

CASANOVA clained

that the cargo on the NELSON II consisted of typewriters,

adding machines and fiber glass.

CASANOVA opened one box for

exhibition and it was observed that this one contained a .

typewriter.

T-34 said that he had learned that JACK BROWNS,

Skipper of THE MORNING STAR, mentioned above

and TOM MO CRORY

both have offices in the same building at 615 S. i. 2nd Street.

75

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 53

---

## Page 54

C

MM 2-165

GED: rem

Miami Informant I-35, of known reliability who is

employed by a federal agency, made available for examination

on July 3, 1953 records of the Marine Desk, Immigration &

Naturalization service, Miani, which reflected that the ano

arrived in Miami dune 9, 1953 Irom Cay

• Sal, British west Indies.

Those listed on board were THOMAS MC

CHORY,

listed as Master,

who shipped out on this boat June 5, 1953; HENRY M. WATKIN,

who shipped out from Miami, June 5, 1953 aboard this

vessel; and BERT I. ERICKSON,

Seaman, who

shipped aboard this

His status, according to the manifest record at

the Marine Desk was changed from Seaman to that of temporary

visitor,

this being based upon the lact that he possessed a

temporary visitor's visa which allowed him to remain in the

United States longer than his entry as a former seaman

would allow him, according to T-35.

• Records of the Marine Desk also reflected that

THU MORNING STAR II arrived in Miami from Cay Sal June 11, 1953.

On board were JACK BRO Ni, Captain and owner, citizen of

the United States, born in visconsin; and ROY GRISCOM, Ungineer ,

who shipped on board June 1, 1953 at Miami.

Also reflected in the records of the Marine Desk

was the lact that the Nausos It sailed from the port of

Hays, out put in at harathon saled at of ian

It sailed out of Miami, May 29,

weather.

This record disclosed it was

expected to depart Marathon,

Un board at the time of its departure

seaman, age 64, Cuban, 5' 6i

, 140 pounds.

Examination of other records of the Marine Desk,

Immigration s Naturalization Service, did not disclose a

record of any other voyages by the ARB priorto July 3, 1953.

board the American yacht

It was recorded, however LARk May 22, 1953 at Miami as

that THOMAS J. MCCRORY shipped on

Seaman and

arrived at Bimini,

May 25,

1953 and returned to

Miami, May 25, 1953. The master of this craft was RICHARD

H. HUNT, United States Citizen, born in Arkansas, who shipped

- 50 -

77

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 54

---

## Page 55

MM 2-165

G&D: rem

out on the

same date.

Also. aboard was JOd HILLIARD, Seaman,

citizen of the United States, born in Florida, who shipped

out on the same date.

On July 17, 1953, Miami Informant I-32 ascertained

that THOMAS J. MC CROnY claimed to have participated in the

transportation of a million dollars worth of guns and

ammunition to the island of Cay. Sal.

I-32 said that according

to MC CRORY, JACK BRUNE, Owner of

THE MORNING STAN II,

is working with McCRORY and that JACK BRO:NE is also teaching

Cubans diving techniques for underwater demolition work.

These Cubans, according to MO CRORY, are associated with the

FRIO Group.

MC CRORY claimed that

BROwNe is receiving $500.00

for these lessons but the informant did not know whether

was on a daily, weekly or lesson basis. Informant said

that BROWNi owns a diving exhibition in Marathon, Florida

and is head of "Underseas Inc." which engages in underwater

explorations.

He also presumedly owns or has access to an

amphibious plane which is maintained on a reef near Marathon,

this being on one of the Florida keys between Miami and

Key West.

T-32 added that BROWNE manufacturers underwater

diving equipment at a factory somewhere up North; has

produced such equipment for the covernment under contract

and is apparently financially well-to-do.

The infornant

described THE MORNING STAR II as beine a

blue hulled 85 foot

rescue boat.

Miami Informant T-36, who is believed to be

reliable,

reported on July 14,

1953 that THOMAS J. MO CRORY,

615. 3. 4. 2nd Avenue, is the Miami agent for the Estrella

Company of New Orleans, and on February 25, 1953, two

vessels, the CRISTOBAL CARRIER, formerly LSI 664, and the

ANCON TRADER, formerly LSI 596, were brought to the Miami

Shipbuilding

Corporation for repair work and general overhaul.

Tork on both of these vesses accordins to E=3o, was:

come lether oned 0953.

said that both of these

vessels

or operated by the Agencie Cabotage, SA.

T-36 said that according to information which he had obtained

from MC CRORY, the Astrella Fruit Company intended to use

these two boats in connection with its

banana business in

Ecuador.

said that the work done by the Miami

SECRET

- 51 -

78

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 55

---

## Page 56

MM 2-165

GED: rem

Shipbuilding Corporation was the type of repairing and

overhauling which was ordinarily done on vessels of that type

which had been out of commission for a long time.

He said

that both the boats were properly equipped to engage in the

transportation of bananas out that neither was reirigerated

inasmuch as refrigeration equipment was not required in the

banana trade.

He said that neither vessel possessed

any guns

or other armament and he had no reason to believe that either

vessel was to be used for anything other than banana trade.

This informant said that the Miami Shipbuilding

Corporation is also building a metal barge which will be

propelled by two airplane engines with airplane propellers

in the rear. He explained that some months ago MC ChORY came

to the Miami Shipbuilding Corporation with plans drawn up by

30B HOBBS, a Miami boat designer

for the construction of a

special barge to be used by the Estrella Fruit Company ir

connection with the operation of its ¿cuadorian business.

Nic crons explained that some of the banana plantations which

are located in the interior of Ecuador can not be reached

by vessels going upstream because of the shallow swift

currents. It had been the practice of the Estrella Fruit

Company to fly rubber boats by plane to these plantations

so that the bananas could be floated downstream on board

According to MC ChORY the barge now under

construction by the Miami Shipbuilding Corporation will be

used to transport these rubber boats upstream to the

plantations, the barge being constructed for operation in

swift shallow streams.

T-36 said he had learned that MC CRORY

had originally intended to ship this barge to Ecuador on either

: the CRISTOBAL CARRIER or the ANCON TRADER but had been unable

to obtain an export license because of some legal technicality.

T-36 said that BuRT BRICKSON is an old-time ship

captain who is freouently employed by MC CRORY to transport

yachts and other crafts which he has sold to their purchasers.

T-36 said he possessed no evidence that either

MC CRORY Or ERICKSON were engaged in any illegal activity.

Miami Informant 1-3, of known reliability, learned

on June 15, 1953 that an individual believed to be MO CHORY

was at the home of SEGUNDO CURTI, 6o s.

1. 25th Road, Miami.

- 52 -

79

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 56

---

## Page 57

MM 2-165

GED: rem

At that time,

according

to the informant, the individual believed

to be MO CRORY indicated that work on the air boat was progressing

very nicely and that he was about ready to mount two engines

on the rear. It appears that the information received by

this informant may have referred to the above described barge

being constructed at the Miami Shipbuilding Corporation.

On July 20, 1953, Miami Informant I-37, of known

reliability who is an official of a federal agency which

conducts

investigations,

advised that on July 18, 1953

Mr. A. A. ATKINSON, 1405 Pacific Building,

Miami, a ship's

agent bonded to handle clearance of vessels at the port of

Miami, nad filed a clearance certificate to the effect that

vith nine men on board, would clear the port of Miami bounc

for Esmereldas, Ecuador

without guns and without cargo on

boat.

The shippers' export declaration attached to this

certificate reflected that I. J.

thot a gland 09047,

MC CRORY, Miami, was the

exporter and agent of this vessel, the purchaser of ultimate

consignee was named as the Agencia de Cabotage,

SA.

The

State department export license was No. 203 and the Maritime

Administration No. 938.

This declaration reflected that boat

was destined to Guayaquil, Ecuador.

The crew,

in addition

to HENRY M. WATKINS, Captain, were as follows:

JAMES A. WILKINSON, First Mate, U. S. citizen,

age 45

JAMOS MELADO, Chief Engineer, British, age 25

JOHN EDSID, Second Engineer, British, age 28

W.W. GRANI, Cook, U. S. citizen, age 39

LAURI

(illegible), U.S. citizen,

age 38

MANUEL

(illegiole), Seaman, Ecuadorian,

age 45

JOSE

(illegible), seaman, Ecuadorian, age 4ồ

ALFONSO VASQUEZ, Seaman, Ecuadorian, age 26

- 53 -

80

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 57

---

## Page 58

MM 2-165

GED: rem

SECRET

The clearance certificate for the ANCON TRADER was

filed by ATKINSON indicating this was motor vessel of

ranamalan registry, 220 tons, captained by FRED PARMAN,

Finnish citizen, age 43, with nine men on board, bound

for

Esmereldas,

Ecuador without cargo, guns or passengers.

The shippers' export. declaration contained the

same information

as set forth in regard to the CRISTOBAL CARRIER with the

exception that the crew was listed as follows:

N. EBANK3, First Mate, Hondurian, age 34

ARUCHAEL -

Hon Juriah, able, chief insineer,

MANUEL NEGRON, Oiler, Puerto Rician, age 25

JOHN STANLEY, Cook, U.S. citizen, age 40

ROBERT DURLING, Seaman, Hondurian, age 78

HUMBURT DIAZ, Seaman, Ecuadorian, age 50

VICTOR RITCH, British, age 56

DIBSIS RANGS, Assistant ungineer, Hondurian, age 19

A certificate of clearance was also filed by ATKINSON

for the ARB described as a motor vessel of American registry,

15 ton, captained by JOHN E. MANNION.

This certificate

reilected that there had been only two men on board.

The

boat was equipped with 500 gallons of gasoline for fuel and

20 gallons for oil.

All of the above described vessels were cleared by

Customs July 18, 1953.

I-37 said that during the preceeding

week ATKINSON

presented

a declaration to Customs to export a

barge and motors

but that this declaration was rejected because he possessed

no

State Department export license.

T-37 said that HENRY M. WATKINS resides at 1036 S. W.

3rd Street and is not known to possess anything but a clear

record.

I-3? reported, however, that THOMAS J. MC CRORY

possesses a "shady" reputation around the Miami waterfront.

- 54-

81

SECRET

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 58

---

## Page 59

SECRET

MM 2-165

GED: rem

and ehree de july 20, 2o beat

On July 22, 1953, Miami Informant I-37 advised that

all three of the above described vessels were still in port

and that kikiNsoN had advised U. S. Customs that the delay

in their departure was due to refrigeration trouble. It is

to be noted, however, that Miami Informant 1-36 pointed out

that neither ühe ANCoN Iravat nor the CrISTOsAL CARdion are

equipped with refrigeration equipment. T-37 said that Customs

agents searched the CRISTOBAL CARRIER

and the ANCON TRADER,

July 20, 1953, with negative results.

at about 4:00: M. on July 24, 1953, that the ANCON

and the CRISTOBAL CARRIOR had cast anchor and were being

towed down the Miami River toward the open sea.

He said that

the ARB, which had been docked adjacent to the

ANCON TRADER,

was

scheduled to leave Miami at about 6:30 P.M.

This irformant

said he had observed no suspicious activity around any of

these boats and that the only material which appeared to have

been loaded on any of them seemed to be food supplies.

• Miami Informant I-34 reported

on July 26, 1953 that

the ARB was searched shortly before it cast off on

the late

afternoon or early evening of July 24, 1953 and that it

contained nothing of a suspicious nature on board.

He said

that the two rear fuel tanks were empty but that the two

side tanks were apparently filled. There were only two men

on boara and one,

the captain, was observed proceeding toward

a building in which the office of THOMAS J. MC CRORY is

Bones, port one than one to de inner ana heron

T-34 said that this

at Coconut Grove,

Miani, for additional fuel before leaving

the Florida coast.

T-34 said that although the CRISTOBAL CARRIER and

the

ANCON TRADER were observed off the coast near Marathon

on the day followine their departure from the port of Miami,

that the Arb had completely disappeared following its departure

from the

port of Miami.

ATKINSON, the agent for all three

of these

boats had previously reported to T-37 that the three

boats would travel in convoy and that the ARs was going

only as far as Christobal, Fanama, its destination.

- 55 -

82

SEGRET

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 59

---

## Page 60

MM 2-165

GED: rem

tair

•ELS

1-34 said that MANNION; at the time the boat was

searched in Miami,

advised that the Arb would tie on to the

other two vessels.

Miami Informant I.39, of known reliability who

is an official of a federal

agency which conducts investigations,

reported on July 27,

1953 that the CRISTOBAL CARRIER and

the ANCON TRADER had been spotted beyond key vest neaded

for Fanama but that the ARB was not in their company.

SECRET

- 56 -

•83

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 60

---

## Page 61

GED: ca

AREL

On July 30, 1953, T-34 advised that the "ARB" had

arrived at the Port of Key West, Florida on the preceding

Sunday, July 26, 1953, with four men on board.

T-34 advised

it had been ascertained through an Informant that one of

these men

on board had been addressed as TOM, and answered

the general description of THOMAS J. MCCRORY.

On August 3, 1953, I-39, reported that the "ARB"

was

still in Key West and that McCRORY had been observed to

visit this boat for approximately one hour on August 2, 1953.

On August 4, 1953, Miami Informant I-40, of known

reliability, being an

official of a Federal Agency which con-

ducts investigations; reported that the "ARB"

was still at

Key West, Florida, and that the Master of that boat, JOHN

MANNION, had disclosed that he had intended to depart at mia-

night for Belizes, Honduras.

It is to be noted from the above-described infor-

mation, that the "ARB" departed from Miami on July 24, 1953,

with two men on board, at which time it was destined to

Cristobal, Panama Canal Zone, and that it arrived two days

later at Key West with four

men on board; that as of August

4, 1953, it was prepared to depart for the Port of Belize rather

than the Panama Canal Zone. It is also to be noted that this

boat did not travel in convoy with the "Cristobal Carrier"

and the "Ancon Trader"

as was originally planned.

On August 6, 1953, T-40 advised that the U.S. Cus-

toms Service had placed a $1,000.00 penalty against the

and that this boat cannot depart from the Port of Key West

until this sum is paid or until bond is posted. Informant ex-

plained that this penalty was based upon the fact that U. s.

Customs in Miami had granted clearance to the "ARB" on July 18,

1953, and that this boat did not depart within the forty-eight

hour

period or obtain an extension as required under the law;

and that, further, the "ARB"

arriving at Key West (which

was not its announced port of destination)

did not report to

Customs within a twenty-four hour limit and did not report

within the forty-eight hour period..

-57-

84

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 61

---

## Page 62

GED: ca

2-165

I-40 said that an attempt had been made to interview

ever, it was ascertained through inquiry that McCRORY had re-

cently been seen in Key West in the company of a woman, as-

certained not to be his wife.

I-40 said that on August 5, 1953, Mrs. THOMAS i.

accompanied by ARTHUR ATKINSON, called

at the office

Ne the U.S. Customs in Miami relative to the "Arb", and that

Mrs. McCRORY stated that her husband, who had allegedly departed

from the United States, would want to fire JOHN MANNION Master

"Arb"

because

culties in which this vessel had been placed.

of his conduct and because of the diffi

T-40 said that

Mrs. McCRORY apparently did not know that her husband had al-

ready been down to Key west with another woman and had visited

the "Arb" there.

• With regard to DIEGO VINCENTE TEJERA y RESCALVO

the Immigration & Natural Zorn March 3, Iolu at Caneuey,

examined on June 29,

1953, reilect that he was

and is an Attorney by profession.

His Cuban address

This record re-

flected he was last admitted to the United States June 9, 1953

at lilami, via the yacht the "Arb" and the date of his last pre-

vious entry into the United States was given as May 29, 1953•

1953, the purpose being for pleasure.

port Number 22749, valid until October 9, 1957.

These records reflect he is described as being 5'5"

tall, with brown hair and eyes,

weighing 170 pounds, and a

Cuban citizen.

His nearest relative in his home

country was

named as GEORGIANA de TEJERA, 21-960, Vadado, Havana. Immi-

gration records reflect that

a woman, apparently his

wife,

named GEORGIANA CURBELO COCURADO, born September 2, 1922,

with

he same Cuban address, and residence as 1133 Sevilla Avenue,

last admitted to the United States June

22, 1953°

- 58 -

85

SLONE

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 62

---

## Page 63

GED: ca

MM 2-165

SECRET

With reference to THOMAS J. McCRORI, the following

background information is submitted: JOSEPH H. CHURCH, Box

san duan, ruerto Rico, Ship Agent

reported to Special

August 30, 1951, that thomas v.

August 24, 1950. However, ROGERS, when interviewed

to substantiate this allegation.

flect thát McCRORY enlisted November 3, 1941, and was honor-

ably discharged July 7, 1945. He served under Lientenant

R. N. HUNT,

Commander of the Port of Miami in 1942, and was

at the fort of Tampa in 1944.

McCRORY was tried by a War

Maritime proceeding for embezzlement and wrongfully dispos-

ing of U.S, property, but was acquitted on all charges Janu-

ary 5, 1945.

Miami Police Department record under #1500s, re-

Tects one thoMAs MeCRORI, born August 22, 1916, at Chester,

rennsylvania, was arrested

• December 2

The case was nolle prossed December lỏ, 193?."'He possessesty.

FBI. Number 1413981.

Miami Informant I-41, of known reliability, who is

a Miami businessman, reported on October 1, 1952, that THOMAS

J. MCCRORI, yacht broker, had claimed to be a Communist for

six years in the vicinity of washington, D.l. and New lork

sIty, but now claimed to be Anti-Communist.

With reference to BERT T. ERICKSON, 3614 North West

12th Street, records of the Miami Police Department reflect

he was arrested on August 23, 1944 on a charge of investiga-

He was released to Dade County on

August 24, 1944, and a final disposition was not shown.

was ascribed as being 51 years of age in 1944, 5' 9" and

weighing 155 pounds.

Miami Beach Police Department and Dade

County Sheriff's Office possessed

no record of him nor did

the Miami Credit Bureau.

Captain BERTRAM THEODORE ERICKSON, born April 27,

1893, With alias ef, and an American citizen by naturaliza-

tion,

BERT T. ERICKSON, was indictea in the

86

- 59 -

SECRET

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 63

---

## Page 64

GED: ca

MM 2-165

Southern District of Florida on May 18, 1953,

for violation

Conspiring to deter a motor fishent vessel the ivan

which was sailed out

into the Atlantic Ocean

and beached'

off

He was the master of this ship.

in Miami.

with violation of the Liquor Tax Act.

On November

he was arrested by the U.S. Customs and U. S. Marshal, New

York City, for possessing and smuggling narcotics.

He was

released

on $1,000.00 bond.

On May 4, 1938, he was arrested

by the U. S. Marshal at Brooklyn, for smuggling and conspiracy

and released on $7500.00 bond.

The record further reflected ERICKSON was arrested

on March 10, 1939 by the Alcohol lax Unit, charge not given.

On October 20, 1939, he was sentenced to 720 days, suspended

two years probation. On August 23,

1944, he

was arrested by the Police Department and Sheriff's Office,

Miami,

charged with Assault With Intent to Kill, and on

September 5, 1944, he was released on bond.

1930, and on August, 30, 1951, he was arrested by the Sheriff's

Office at Miami and charged with operating a gambling house.

ERICKSON resides with his son-in-law, MATTHEW DONAL!

KRIM, also known as Donald Crim,

and his daughter, at 3014

North West 12th Street, Miami.

KRIM, when interviewed by

Special Agent EDWARD L. DuBOIS relative to the beaching of

said that he had known ERICKSON since 1946 when

he was (ERICKSON) Captain of the "George N. Segers?

, a liberty

ship, at which time KRIM was radio operator on this vessel.

quit this ship in august,

and later met and married

ERICKSON's daughter, LILA SHIRLEY

ERICKSON on April 11, 1949.

- 60 -

87

SECRET

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 64

---

## Page 65

0286x

GED: ca

With further reference to the above-described boats,

on July 31, 1953, Mr. GUSTAV PETERSON of the Estrella Fruit

Company, New Orleans, advised that the "Cristobal Carrier"

"Ancon Trader" were purchased from the Condenser Service

i too set go one onl

and Engineering Company by the Agencias De Cabotaje, S. A.,

a Panamanian Corporation, the Estrella Fruit Shipping Company

acting solely as Disbursing Agent in the deal.

Estrella is

the sole agent in the United States for Compania De Astral,

S.A., of Panama, whose foreign representative, FOLKE ANDERSON,

instructed PETTERSON in this matter:

PETTERSON advised the only connection he knows

of

between ASTRAL and CABOTAJE is that they are routine business

friends and he is confident that FOLKE ANDERSON is not di-

rectly connected with CABOTAJE.

The air rescue boat, the "ARB"

has been owned by ESTRELLA since July 30, 1951, and was ac-

quired at the request of ANDERSON, who wanted

the use of it

l'or pleasure when in Miami, Florida, and who has used it for

that purpose. He advised that the

"ARB" has been loaned to

ASTRAL.

According to PETTERSON, as he understands it, the

"ARB" together with the

"ANCON TRADER" and the "CRISTOBAL CARRIER,"

left Miami July 24, 1953, and should reach the Panama Canal July

He understands that CABOTAJE still owns the LOI's.

The destination of all three vessels is Emeraldas, Ecuador,

where the LCI's will

be used for coastwise hauling of bananas

and the "ARB" will serve ASTRAL as a utility vessel.

PETTERSON advised he first met THOMAS J. McCRORY

in Miami in late August, 1952.

ANDERSON

had apparently

known McCRORY before. PETTERSON's first business dealing

with McCRORY was in the purchase of

• the LCI's in February,

1953. Since that time, McCRORY has been the ship Agent for

three vessels with virtually unlimited authority in re-

spect to maintenance, equipping, crewing and arranging their

departure.

PETTERSON states that McCRORY advised him by tele-

Th thin that these teen ere ore Hondas

and "doing all

• He did not indicate the three vessels

were traveling

together and PETTERSON assumed they were.

- 61 -

88

SECRET

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 65

---

## Page 66

GED: ca

SECRE

In JuLy 3, 1953, MCCRORY wrote PETTERSON as follows:

*The Ancon Trader,

cristobal Carrier; and crash boat are read

for clearance to Ecuador as soon as fuel and stores are aboara.

They are only partially crewed but the hands

are available and

will be signed on as soon as you are ready.

The enclosed state

ment

is complete

up to July 1, with the exception of dockage

charges.

to take the air boat on her trials

as scheduled due to changes necessary in the engine cooling de-

sign, but she will definitely be ready for the trials on July

6 and I am certain they will be successful. We have continue

our efforts to sell the Arb. Early in June we gave a weekend

demonstration to Diego Rescalvo, a very wealthy Cuban. Went to

Salt Key 100 miles south of here. So far it has only amounted

south of here.

to a shakedown cruise but he may make an offer now that I have

told him we are definitely leaving.

.I have quoted him $30,000.

due to the improvements."

• Mr. PETTERSON said he had no knowledge of any Cubans

other than the individual mentioned by. McCRORY

in above letter

as being interested in any of these vessels.

He said he did

not know the person named by McCRORY nor did he know PRIO or

any of PRIo's close associates. .

He advised that HENRY M.

WATKINS and BURT ERICKSON were unknown to him.

On August 3, 1953, Mr. PETTERSON advised he had re-

ceived information from the

Continental shipping Corporation

of the Panama Canal Zone, that the "Cristobal" Carrier and the

"Ancon Trader" had arrived at Cristobal in the Panama Canal

Lone at 10:00 P.M., August 1, 1953. He said no mention was made

of the "Arb".

SEND

- 62

89.

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 66

---

## Page 67

C

GED: ca

MM 2-165

SECRET

X.

SEIZURE OF ARMS CACHE

AUTHORITES

Miami Informants I-5 and -6 reported on Jullized

1953, the cuban Navy

abandoned shack.

This seizure was the result of a tip re-

ceived by the Cuban authorities.

I-5 stated that this indivi

dual who furnished the tip had been employed to guard these

arms.

T-5 and T-6 attributed this arms cache to CARLOS

PRIO and his follers and stated that this material was ap-

parently to be used

against the

Batista Government.

According to I-5 and 6, the weapons seized were as

follows:

6

45 Calibre Thompson sub-machine guns

10,000 rounds of M-l cartridges

2000 rounds of 45 calibre cartridges

sawed off automatic 12 gauge shot guns

1500 (about) rounds of shot gun shells

60 - 70 carbine automatic pistols, and

250 (about) hand

grenades, as well as one box

of gernade pins.

The shotguns bore the following Serial Numbers:

3907474

390500

393933

392827

388762

389202

384962

346538

244773

20 21

- 63 -

90

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 67

---

## Page 68

GED: ca

MM 2-165

These Informants said that there were four boxes of

45 calibre ammunition, each bearing & wax seal reading

"Secretaria de Guerra y Marina - IGE - Delegacion de Muni-

cionesi

War and'

which T-5 said is a term used by the Secretary of

Navy of the Mexican Government.

He said that inside

of these boxes was a slip of paper bearing a rubber stamp

seal reflecting that this ammunition had been counted by E.

LOrO on behalf of EMILEO LOTO GONZALES, Captain of the second

Infantry, this being written in Spanish.

Inside of each of the four boxes were addresses as

follows: Box # - Nicanor Fernandez, Auror acpuaDian Miro,

Nonte Tampico, Mexico Bot Dollarea ampic a 137?

Avenue Y SLETA

Lampico, Mexico; Bot t casa Grenior sA,

Avenue dueR Cito Nacional 209, Mexico d f.

•T-5 was of the opinion that these labels indicated

where the boxes of ammunition had been obtained.

I-5 also exhibited two labels, one of these had been

removea Irom a shotgun box of a Browning automatic shot gun,

St. Louis,

Missouri, which bore Number 384962, on which had

been pasted a very

small label of Montgomery Ward. Another

label which

he exhibited had been removed from another

oox which indicated that the gun had been handled by the A. d:

lexas. He said there were no ad-

shotguns.

T-5 and T-6 also said that inside the shack where

the above described ammunitions were found, there were signs

significiance of these names but were of the opinion that they

might be the names of yachts or boats which may have had some-

thing to do with the presence of the above described munitions.

The July 28, 1953 issue of the Miami Herald carried

a photograph of BATISTA and a number of Cuban Naval Officers

examining a package containing what appeared to be 45 calibre

revolvers. Underneath this photograph it was stated, "Cache

oI arms being examinea by President FULGENCIO BATISTA

ane

91

- 64 -

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 68

---

## Page 69

GED: ca

MM 2-165

s 03046d

some of his officers, was found on a small island off the north

coast of Cuba July 19, he said Monday in a later broadcast.

Many U.S. Army pistols and carbines are included. (U. S. Photo)..

tions.

This photograph appeared to be taken in the abandoned

was painted in

large letters on the wall of the shack. It is also noted, ac-

cording to this photograph, that the hand gernades were in a

box on which could be seen the following - "Mexico - Aceitera

I Jabonera Frontizea S.A., Monterry". Tel 126-90"•

T-5 also exhibited a label reading as follows:

"50 cartridges - ball, calibre 30, ML, Mar 520, Lot 1013204,

Black City Arsenal:

He said that

this label had been taken

from one of the boxes of 30 calibre amnunition

A photographic copy of the 30 calibre ammunition

box label and one trken from the automatic shot gun box,

described above, are being retained in the files of the Miami

Office.

SECRET

- 65 -

92

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 69

---

## Page 70

FEDERAL BURRAU OF INVESTIGATION

POSTPONEMINI INPORMATION SHRET (JIX MATERIAIS)

Page (s) withheld entirely at this location in the file.

One or more of the following statements, where indicated,

explain this deletion (these deletions).

(]

Deletions were made pursuant to the postponement

rationale indicated below with no segregable material

available for disclosure.

All references relate to

Section 6 of the "President John F. Kennedy Assassination

Records Collection Act of 1992.*

(] Subsection 1A (intelligence agent's identity)

[]

Subsection 1B (intelligence source or method)

(]

Subsection 1C (other matter relating to military

defense, intelligence operations or

the conduct of foreign relations)

Subsection 2

(living person who provided

confidential information)

[)

Subsection 3

(unwarranted invasion of privacy)

X subsection i

Subsection 4 (cooperating individual or foreign

government, currently reguiring

protection)

(]

Subsection 5

(security or protective procedure,

currently or expected to be utilized)

[) Information pertained to a matter unrelated to the JFK

Assassination investigation.

()

For your information:

The following number is to be used for reference

regarding this page (these pages) :

109-430-616 pg 66

XXXXXXXXXXOX

X0XXXXXXXOXX

XXXXXXXXXX

XXXXXXXXXXX

XXXXXXXXXX

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 70

---

## Page 71

C

MM 2-165

GED: jp

CRET

XI.

ACTIVITIES OF AURELIANO SANCHEZ ARANGO

Miami informant T-42, of known- reliability, reported in June

1953 that one GUILLERMO FUENTES GONZALEZ traveling on a Mexican passport

issued at Mexico City in February 1953 was expected to arrive in Kings-

ton; Jamaica, by air on May 21, 1953, and was believed to have in his

possession arms and marked maps of Cuba, and to be a person connected

with anti-Batista activities.: According to T-4?,

this man was located

at the Myrtle Bank Hotel in Kingston.

It was confidentially ascertained

that he had in his possession a Mauser and a Spanish revolver and approxi-

mately ninety rounds of anmunition.

On the basis of this information,

FUENTES was arrested on the morning of May 22, 1953, on a charge of

Illegal importation of arms into the British Colony of Jamaica.

After

hearing before a local magistrate in Jamaica, he was remanded in custody

and placed in the local jail.

After this his remaining effects were

examined by the authorities in Jamaica, at which time a large number of

papers and a series of maps of the island of Cuba and City of Havana

were found.

SANCHEZ ARANGO was discovered. A statement was taken from this man, at

which time he admitted that his true identity was that of SANCHEZ ARANGO

and that he was the former Foreign Minister of Cuba in the government of

CARLOS PRIO, who was overthrown by BATISTA.

SANCHEZ ARANGO also stated, according to T-42, that he was in

charge of the underground movement dedicated to the overthrow of BATISTA,

but that he regrettod very much his indiscretion in bringing arms to

Jamaica.

He advised that he had no intent to use the arms or to conspire

in revolution in Jamaica, but was enroute to Haiti. He also claimed that

he was a close friend of British Foreign Minister ANTHONY EDEN.

I-42 said that no detailed inquiry was made in regard to his

intended revolutionary activities.

It was ascertained from SANCHEZ ARANGO, however, that he was

enroute to Haiti for the purpose of making a contact in Port-Au-Prince.

ticket merely to throw off anyone that might be interested in his destina-

tion.

He also denied that he had ever been to Ciudad Trujillo, but exami-

lation of his Mexican passport reflected he had been there in April 1953 or

that someone using the identical passport had been there

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 71

---

## Page 72

MM 2-165

SECRET

trate Court and was fined 130 pounds. or to remain an additional day in

jail, He elected to spend the additional day in jail. During the last

day of his confinement he called for and was given a water pail and

matches for the purpose of burning his maps and papers, which he did in

the presence of the jail custodian (S7

Indomant said that SANCHE ARAN departed Era Jamaica tol

return to Panama enroute to Mexico City on Monday, May 25, 1953 5)

Miami informant I-19, previously described, advised on June 26,

1953, that the Mexican Federal

• District Police received from the Cuban

Embassy in Mexico information to the effect that SANCHEZ ARANGO possesses

two passports issued in names other than his own - GUILTERMO FUENTES

GONZALEZ and JOSE VICTOR SANCHEZ-VALADEZ. According to this informant

it was also reported that SANCHEZ ARANGO, traveling as FUENTES, arrived

on May 31, 1953g at the Mexico City Airport from Panama and was met by

six persons, one of whom was identical with the photograph of RAUL RODRI-

GUEZ y SANTOS.

This informant stated that the following persons are known con-

tacts of SANCHEZ ARANGO:

RICARDO ARTIGAS No. 5-5447, Dalido Island, Miami Beach,

Florida.

LUIS G. FERNANDEZ, 2320 Tyger (Tyler??) Peck (?), Miami,

Florida.

MURIFI LEDERER, 5644 Netherlands Avenue, Riverdale 71,

NYC, Kingsbridge 9-9216..

CARLOS BARNET, SA NE 5th Street, Miami, Florida,

OIGA BARRIET (sic) No. 5-9570, 359 Marien (sic), Miami

Beach

JANET BLAIR, 614 Crawford Avenue, Syracuse, New York.

FIGUERES, Lanza Hotel, Miami, Florida.

On July 24, 1953, Miami informant I-1 ascertained that CARLOS

PRIO and SEGUNDO CURTI made arrangements to contact an individual who was

not identified to the informant at Casa Marina, an isolated restaurant

located adjacent to the Rickenbacker Causeway on Key Biscayne at 10:00. AM

94

- 67 -

SECRET

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 72

---

## Page 73

MM 2-165

CHEAT

SECRET

that

same day.

T-I gathered the impression that considerable importance

was attached to this rendezvous, it being noted that it is generally cus-

tomary for a Chief of State to receive callers at his home or office.

Special Agent MELVIN A. THOMPSON and the writer ascertained by physical

surveillance that this meeting took place at 10:25 AM on July 24, 1953,

It was observed that PRIQ was driven to

this rendezvous by SEGUNDO CURTI, former Minister of Interior under PRIO,

and that immediately upon arrival in the parking area of this restaurant

PRIO, carrying a briefcase, got into another car bearing Florida license

lE 3112, and drove off with the two occupants of this car, followed by

CURTI at a discreet distance. At 11:00 AM PRIO and CURTI, in the latter's

automobile, left Key Biscayne followed by the other car.

It was observed

by the writer that one of these men, not the driver, bore a striking resem-

blance to a photograph of AURELIANO SANCHEZ ARANGO.

It was noted, however,

that this person was clean shaven, although the latter's photograph possessed

by the Miami Office reflects that he has a mustache.

It appeared that occu-

pants of the two automobiles were exercising caution to determine if they

were under surveillance.

Consequently, the surveillance was dropped as both

cars left Key. Biscayne.

With regard to the car bearing license

• 1E 3112, Florida, Mrs.

MAE DAY of Curry U-Drive-It Company, Miami Beach, reported on July 16, 1953,

that this car, owned by the Curry U-Drive-It Company, was rented on June 27,

1953, to JOSE VEGA, Miami address c/o Gateway Hotel, Miami Springs, home

address 19 Evergreen Avenue, Lynbrook, New York, and possessor of New York

operator's license 561-0705. Mrs. DAY said that VEGA had previously rented

this automobile from May 11, 1953, to June 23, 1953.

The writer observed during the above described surveillance, how

ever, that the driver of this car is not identical to the JOSE VEGA who is

registered at the Miami Gateway Hotel. The driver on that day appeared to

be about forty years of age with black hair, black heavy mustache, dark com-

plexion and of a rather muscular build.

In connection with the above information it is to be noted, as

reported under Section 9 above, that the "Arb", "Christoball Carrier", and

the "Ancon Trader' cast anchor from the Port of Miami on the late afternoon

inder set con above ,

and early evening of July 24, 1953, after having originally cleared with

Customs for July 18, 1953.

It is not known, however, whether the presence of the above des-

cribed individual, who bore a striking resemblance to SANCHEZ ARANGO, had

anything to do with these three

boats.

95

= 68 =

SECRET

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 73

---

## Page 74

MM 2-165

X11.

ALLEGED ARMS TRAFFIC

A. 1 Proposition to Purchase by Fernandez Castro and Jose Orgaz:

On June 21, 1953, I-I4 reported that on June 20, 1953, JOSE

ORGAZ, an import-export man living in Miami, and a Cuban named FERNANDEZ

CASTRO called on T-14 and wanted to purchase 5,000 submachine guns and

1,000 pistols, as well as ammunition for both types of weapons, to be

smuggled by the seller into Cuba.

T-14 explained that he himself has many contacts with Cubans

in the Miami area and has in the past dealt in arms sales, but that he

wants to avoid violating any Federal lews, including the Neutrality

Act

anmunition from the United States

to Cuba. T-14 said that he advised ORGAZ and FERNANDEZ CASTRO that he was

not interested in that portion of their proposition to smuggle arms and

ammunition into Cube, but that he was interested in selling the guns that

they wanted to buy.

He said that he quoted them a price of $220 apiece

for the submachine guns and he received the impression that they considered

this a fair price.

T-14 said that he also asked them if these guns were being pur

chased on behalf of the PRIO group and they replied in the negative, but

declined to state who they were representing.

T-14 said that when these two men left him they indicated that

they were departing for Havana by plane the following morning at about

9:30 o'clock.

T-1/ explained that JESSE A. VICKERS of Miami is trying to find

a buyer for a large quantity of arms and ammunition which are presently

stored in Italy. 'I-ly said that VICKERS is the Miami agent for a group of

men who own these materials.. T-ly said that he has received the impression

that the owners are American and Italians and include certain "racket"

individuals. T-I4 said that CASTRO and ORGn were informed about these

particular

guns.

J. A. VICKERS, born March 25, 1907, in Atlanta, was investigated

in 1949 concerning the purchase of a plane reportedly to be used in an at

tempted invasion of the Dominican Republic, but prosecution against him

was declined.

In 1946 VICKERS, the Chairman of the Disposal Classification

Board Supply Division, Miami Air Depot; was investigated for fraud against

the Government and under the Surplus Property det relative to the unlawful

scrapping of material. Prosecution was not authorized. In 1950 information

96

- 69 -

GEORET

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 74

---

## Page 75

MM 2-165

@W002

4011/

was

received that VICKERS was involved in a scheme to purchase arms for

the Caribbean Legion for use against the Dominican Republic.

This scheme

did not pass the planning stage.

VICherus, who operates the Federated

Sales Company, Miami, was interviewed by the Miami Office May 4, 1953,

relative to his possession of ten fake M3 guns.

These guns had been

shipped fron El Paso, Texas, to VICKERS by ED BROWDER,

who paid $300,00

by means of a bad check to an El Paso metal concern to have these weapons

made up to his order. BROWDER was subsequently arrested on a bad check

VICKERS upon interview by Special Agent MELVTN A. THOMPSON and

the writer concerning these guns, claimed that BROWDER had said that he

had obtained these M3 guns after they had been disposed of by the U. S.

Government as beyond repair and not usable, but that BROWDER felt that

VICKERS claimed that he agreed to

take ten of these guns at $10 each upon the condition that they could be

reconditioned for sale; that he planned to resell these guns to the Cuban

He claimed thet he made no

effort, however, to dispose of these guns

after he examined them and found

them to be beyond a state of repair. it that time VICKERS told the inter-

viewing agents that he was not then

engaged in the sale or exporting of

any guns, although he would have attempted to have disposed of the M3 guns,

which were then in his possession. He said that BROWDER claimed to be in

a position to obtain more of these guns in the event that VICKERS found

these could be reconditioned.

I-14 described JOSE ORGAZ as being a small wiry individual who

resides in Miami and who apparently was born in Cuba,

He said that ORGAZ

appeared to be serving as an intermediary for CASTRO.

T-14 described FERNANDEZ CASTRO as follows:

Age

height

Complexion

Hair

Weight

Build

Speech

Occupation

45 to 50

Light

Brown

180 Ibs.

hugged

Speaks good English

was, or still may be, a General

in the Cuban Arny•

On June 22, 1953, examination at Immigration and Naturalization

Service of the manifest for Pan American flight 421, which departed from

Miami for Havana on that date, reflected that JOSEPH R. ORGAZ and ARTURO

PLUTARCO FERNANDEZ, DE CASTRO DIAZ were passengers on this flight.

97

- 70 -

So lates

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 75

---

## Page 76

MM 2-165

Examination of Visitor Permit Card T-226804 at INS on June 22,

reflected that ARTURO PLUTARCO FERNANDEZ DE CASTRO DIAZ, born June 28,

1905, at Matanzas, Cardenes, Cuba; home address Primelles 320 Cerro,

Havana, Cuba; described as an employee by occupation, was admitted to

the United States at Miami on June 19, 1953, destined to ANGELA ORGAZ,

5320 S. W. Second Street, Miami, until June 26, 1953. He was in posses-

sion of Cuban passport number 25726 scheduled to expire August 17, 1956.

This card reflected that FERNaNdEZ is six feet tall, had brown hair,

brown eyes, is of the Cuban race and that his wife is C. LOPEZ. He de-

parted from Miami on June 21, 1953.

On June 14, 1953, T-43, of known reliability and who is also

a personal friend. of JOSE ORGAZ, advised that ORGAZ had returned to Cuba

over the weekend and had entered a hospital for an operation.

that on the previous Friday, June 19, 1953, ORGiZ exhibited to I-43 some

chest X-rays which he had just had taken in Cuba. T-43 said that he re-

ferred these X-rays to a Miami doctor who expressed the opinion that ORGAZ

a lung cancer of a very serious nature.

T-3 said that ORGAZ had lost

a great amount of weight and appeared to be in a very serious condition,

although he, ORGa?, hinself did not know that he had a possible lung. can-

cer.

On June 26, 1953, I-43 said that ORGAZ had returned to Miami to

enter the Veterans Administration Hospital for an operation inasmuch as

the Havana doctor declined to operate at the last moment.

T-43 has advised

that ORGAZ served in World War II as a member of the American military ser-

vice and fought overseas.

Several days later the Miami newspapers announced

the death of JOSE ORGAZ at the Veterans Administration hospital.:

T-43 said that during the pravious weekend a Mr.. DeCASTRO was in

Miami with ORGAZ in order to assist ORGAZ in returning to Miami for the

operation. T-43 described DeCASTRO as being a close personal friend of

ORGAZ and

as having been former head of the Cuban Secret Police who was

dismissed from Office when BATISTA staged his coup d' etat. I-43 said that

DeCASTRO had served under the PRIO government as well as from previous

suban governments in that capacity. He said. that so far as he knows DeCASTRO

is presently unemployed.. He also said that he had gathered from conversations

with ORGAZ and DeCASTRO that DeCASTRO was one of the few Cuban officials who

had left office without making a personal fortune.

Miami informant T-1 reported on June 21, 1953, that a relative

• Of CARLOS PRIO advised PRIO that FERNANDEZ de CASTRO was in town.

PRIO

advised, according to informant, that although he knew some people with

-71-

98

703

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 76

---

## Page 77

• MM 2-165

SEUNG

such a name, he did not remember any particular one with this name.

B.

Reported Sale by C. E. Cresswell, New York CIty, of 1.000 Rifles to

Aircraft Purchase Service, New Jersey, on Behalf Prio Interest:

On June 8, 1953, Miami informant I-5 reported having received

information that day from a source believed by him to be reliable in New

York City to the effect that on June 7, 1953, or shortly prior thereto,

C. E. CRASSWELL, 99 Hudson Street, New York City, had sold 1,000 rifles

to the kircraft Purchase Service of New Jersey, which reportedly had a

plane at an airport near Newark, New Jersey, to receive delivery of these

rifles on June 9, 1953.

Informant said that BETTY CRESSWELL of the C. E.

Cresswell Company allegedly had knowledge of these facts and that JOSE DUARTE,

a Cuban, who was allegedly involved with the group of Cubans who were victi-

mized at Fort Worth, Texas in connection with the $240,000 robbery there,

was believed implicated in connection with the deal involving the 1,000

rifles described above on behelf of PRIO interest.

On June 9, 1953, Miami informant I-44, of known reliability, who

is an oflicer of a Federal

agency which conducts investigations, reported

that on May 19, 1953, PAUL B. HICKMAN, 213 Northeast Second Avenue; Miami,

Florida, an aircraft

parts dealer, was in New York for the purpose of pur-

cashing

5,000 carbines for. HARRY S. CANE of the Cane Importing Company of

Miami,

It was ascertained that HICKMAN did not know whether the carbines

were destined for Cuba or other Latin American countries. However, HICKMAN

approached Dr. ALBERT W. MORRIS, 54 Buckingham Street, Springfield, Massachu-

setts, owner of the Morris Engineering Company, who advised HICKMAN that he

provide the desired quantity of carbines, On May 20, 1953, HICKMAN

met MCRRIS at the Belmont Plaza Hotel, New York City, at which time HICKMAN

became convinced that MORRIS could not supply the required amount of carbines

and the deal fell through. HICKMAN subsequently returned to Miami.

About the end of May 1953 ERWIN STRAUSS, attorney, New York City,

advised ALFRED MANHEIM, New York City, that the Morris Engineering Company

for sale, and he arranged for MANHEIM to meet EVERETT-S. DAM,

a Vice

President of the Morris Engineering Company who was staying at the Hotel

on June 3, and that DAM reported that two weeks previously Dr. MORRIS had

been approached by two Cubans relative to purchase of 2,000 carbines, which

they intended to fly to Cuba. The Cubans also exhibited $100,000 which they

had in a suitcase. Informant said that on June 7, DAM disclosed that the

Cubans attempting to purchase the carbines owned a C-46 aircraft which

was

99

- 72.-

SECRET

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 77

---

## Page 78

MM 2-165

EORET

stored at the Newark airport in Newark; New Jersey. DAM disclosed that

the Morris Engineering Company did not want to deal with the Cubans directly

and wished to use a middle man. DAM disclosed that the Morris Engineering

Company had 2,000 carbines stored in New Jersey, and that the Cubans had

offered to pay $70 each for them.

iccording to informant, DAM stated that

Dr. MORRIS had already made a commitment to the Cubans, who had been placed

in touch with Dr. MORRIS by PAUL B. HICKMAN of Miami.

However, MORRIS did

not want to deal with HICKMAN as he did not trust him and intended to put:

him out of the deal.. The informant also advised that C. ELIZABETH CRESSWELL,

operator of the Aircraft Purchase Service, 99 Hudson Street, New York City,

was a business associate of HICKMAN's.

Miami. Informant I-45, who is believed to be reliable, reported

on June 9, 1953, that he thought the sale of the 1,000 rifles mentioned

above by I-S was still in a negotiating stage pending the ability of the

Cubans to ship them out of the country.

He was of the opinion that BETTY

CRESSWELL was involved in that transaction in that she had sold a C-46

aircraft to the Cuban group, which this informant believed to be stored

the Teterboro Airport in New Jersey.

Miami informant I-46, of unknown reliability, reported that when

PAUL B. HICKMAN of Miami met Dr. MORRIS on May 20, 1953, HICKMAN was accom-

panied by the following persons:

GEORGE HOGAN of the imerican Enterprises, 1697 Broadway,

New York City

PHIL CASiNI of the Trager Trading Company, Miami, Florida.

TOM W. OLsONg an associate of hickMaN, who owns a small boat

concern 'in Miami, Florida.

MIKE SUSSMAN, whose true name he believed to be FISHMAN.

A man named PINALI (phonetic).

A man known as the "SENATOB."

This informant said that HOGAN had sold this group a truck,

description unknown, which was stored in the New Jork area.

He also said that HICKMAN and C. E. CRESSWELL of the Aircraft

Purchase Service, 99 Hudson Street, New York City, had arranged for this

group to rent a 0-46 at Miami, Florida, He said that the plane was flown

- 7300

SECRET

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 78

---

## Page 79

MM 2-165

CRET

to the Newark Airport and was stored there during the period these

trans-

actions were taking place

on or about May 20, 1953. This information was

furnished to informant by Dr. MORRIS, who stated that his plan was

after obtaining an export license he would call CRESSWELL, with whom he

was negotiating, and that

within forty-eight hours he would pick up 2,000

carbines in the truck and

deliver them to a nearby airport where they would

be flown to Cuba,

On June 16, 1953, Mr. H. C. STUART, Ramy Manager, Dade County

Port Authority, stated that between May 16 and May 21, 1953, only two C-46

planes registered out of Miami destined for Newark, New dersey.

these planes, bearing registration No. N-1685 M owned by the Continental

Charters, departed

12:10 AM on May 17, and the other, owned by Flying

Tigers, Registration No. N-67981, departed May 16, 1953, at 12:15 AM.

On the seme date, Mr. WIRRY JOSEPH, Operations Manager, Conti-

nental Charters, advised that the C-46 plane, bearing Registration No.

N-1685M which departed Miani on May 17 carrying fifty regulation passengers

to Newerk via Raleigh and Philadelphia, returned after spending two hours

in Newark.

It was ascertained that the Flying Tigers has no agent in Miami.

that, PAUL B. HICKMAN of Miami, Florida, had furnished information to his

gency for a period of several months, during which time HICKMAN was found

to be an erratic individual.

I-47 exhibited a letter dated May 25 from a representative of

his organization in New York City enclosing a letter by HICKMAN concern-

ing a Mr. CANE who wanted to buy 5,000 rifles from HICKMAN.

At that time

HICKMAN was residing at the Belmont Plaza Hotel, New York City.

On May 19, 1953, according to the New York Office I-47, HICKMAN

reappeared and advised that on or about May 1, 1953, Dr. STUART KELLY, who

a Türk who claimed to be a scrap iron dealer residing at 2317 Southwest

25th Street, Miami, Florida.

was associated with THOMAS W. OLSON'S

small boat concern operating at Miami. HICKMAN reported to I-47's ligency

that CANE had phoned him when HICKMAN was staying at the Hilton Hotel,

Fort Worth, Texas, and asked if he could get 5,000 carbines for CANE for

approximately $70 each. Upon his return to New. York City, HICKMiN contacted

101

- 74=

SECRET

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 79

---

## Page 80

MM 2-165

GEORGE HOGAN of American Enterprises, 1697 Broadway, New York City, who

placed him in touch with a Dr. MORRIS of Springfield, Massachusetts, who

was supposed to supply the carbines..

On May 20, 1953, according to T-47's New York Office, HICKM N

advised that a PHIL CASANI of the Trager Trading Company of Miami, and

a MIke sUsSM, presumably owner of a pawn shop in Miami, TOM OLSONg and

a man named NIGRO, the last two being associstes of HICKMAN, arrived in

New York City to consummate the deal, which celled for delivery of 1,000

carbines every three days at some point in New York stete. Later in the

day HICKM/N again contacted I-47's agency and advised that Dr. MORRIS had

backed out on learning the deal was illegal inasmuch as licenses had to

be obtained. Later, HICKMAN advised T-47's New York Agency that MORRIS

had consented and that the guns were to be delivered in New Jersey. How-

ever, on May 21, HICKMAN advised that the number of carbines had been re-

duced to. 250 for delivery each day instead of 1,000 every three days, and

that they were to be loaded aboard a C-46 plane at an unidentified airport

about one hour's drive from New York City.

On May 25, 1953, HICKMIN again advised that the deal had fallen

through as no one could furnish the carbines, and he stated that OLSON

and CASANI had returned to Miami and that SUSSMAN and NIGRO had left New

York for an unknown destination.

T-47 reported that Dr. STUART KELLY, a retired medical doctor,

is the head of Stuart Kelly Associates, and that KaLLY had been financing

HICKMAN, but had advised that he would withdraw his support if HICKMAN

engaged in any illegal transactions.

SECRET

- 75 -

102

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 80

---

## Page 81

GED: rew

MM 2-165

Boss to l va lie

C.

March, 1953 Proposition By a Captain WILLIAM ERICKSON

(believed identical to Captain BERT ERICKSON) in New

York City:

On March 11, 1953, WALLACE G. ROUSE, of Wallace

G. Rouse Consultant Engineer, 67 West 45th Street, New York

City, advised the New York Office that ARTHUR KENNEDY, Who

interest.

ROUSE described KENNEDY as being an inventor, an

independent operator, whom he had known for a number of

and who in the past had unsuccessfully attempted to borrow

money from him.

Mr. ROUSE said that on the day following KENNEDY'S

as possible, submachine guns and .50

caliber machine

guns, as well as ammunition for these weapons.

where he

had purchased a boat, and that he now wanted to pick up the

and ammunition

and place them aboard the boat. ERICKSON

told ROUSE he would be amply paid with cash on delivery. Mr.

ROUSE, who at the outset believed that ERICKSON had mistaken

him for someone else but went along with him to see what the

deal was, said that he continued to stall ERICKSON. On March

11, 1953, ROUSE received a call from ERICKSON at Miami, at

which time ERICKSON

said he wanted ROUSE to come to Miami and

show ERICKSON "what he had."

ERICKSON again told ROUSE he

would be paid in cash.

When interviewed by Special Agent WILLIAM I. CONLEY,

New York City, on March 13th, Mr.

said that ERICKSON

nad, in his absence, called ROUSE's office and asked if ROUSE

would be in Miami on March 13th.

He said that during his

conversation with ERICKSON he had gained the impression that

ERICKSON intended to illegally export the arms, which he

desired to purchase, to cuba.

- 76 -

SECRET

103

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 81

---

## Page 82

MM 2-165

On June 30, 1953, upon being recontacted by Special

Agent CONLEY, ROUSE said he had had no contact wich ERICKSON

or KENNEDY,

other than

that already reperted; that he had

seen away from his office on vacation for the past three

months, and ir nis absence KENNEDY and ERICKSON had called

few times.

Miami. Incormant I-46, who has a wide acquaintance-

ship with arms dealers, and who has previousiy furnished

information of value to the New York Office in this case,

stated he met WILLIAM ERICKSON fire of six years ago, a

which time ERICKSON was an ofticen of the Western Arms

Company, which was engaged in importing low-priced

aucomatic

pistols

into the United States

RoUsE furnished the following description of

Captain WILLIAM ERICKSON:

Age

Height

Weight

Hair

Build

Eyes

Complexion

Characteristics

Dress

Address

About 60

5'8"

190 Ibs.

Graying, partially bald

Stocky

Blue

Light

Spoke with Swedish accent

and his right wrist was

in a

sling

Neat business

suit

3614 N. W. 12th Avenue,

Miami,

Florida

64-0226

Telephone

It is to be noted that 3614 N. W. 12th Avenue

Miami, Florida, is the address of Captain BERT T. ERICKSON,

who resides there with his daughter and son-in-law, MATHEW

DONAID KET, both of whom rave been described under Section

IX, above.

It is to be noted that Captain BERT I. ERICKSON,

who is a

ship's captain and

who has been observed by the

writer, bears the same physical descripcion as the Captain

WILLIAM ERICKSON, described by Mr. ROUSE.

- 77-

SECRET

104

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 82

---

## Page 83

SEUNET

MM 2-165

D. Proposition Made to Miami Informant I-14 at El Toledo

- Restaurant: Miami, Florida:

On May 28, 1953, Miami Informant I-14 reported that

in about November or December:

1952: a Cuban, whose identity

was never disclosed to the Informant. asked the Informant to

come to the El Toledo Restaurant, Biscayne Boulevard at

Nerüheast 2nd Street, which is operated by JOE and FRANK

MIGUEl, who at that time were employed to guard PRiDis resi-

dence.

While there,

this Cuban propositioned T-it ahout

taking out of the United States a shipment of arms for CARLOS

FRIO.

It was implied that these arms were located

somewhere

in the West or Southwest.

Informans said that he turned down

this offer, explaining he did not want to violate the

Neutrality

Informant said he then exhibited to this

cuban a list of arms located in Burove which he knows to be

fer sale.

Subsequently, the Informant was placed in touch

another individual

who was represented as being one of

PRIO's men, but this party told Informant that PRIO was not

interested

in those arms. Informant said that these Cubans

were very "cozy" and their names were not disclosed to the

Informant. However, the Informant said he got the impression,

during his discussions with both of these Cubans, that CARLOS

PRIO is wary of confidence schemes, and, although willing to

utilize the services of I-lt in transporting out of the

United States arms already possessed by PRIO, that PRio 1s

unwilling to take any risks in purchasing arms.

Informant

said that it is rumored around Miami among persons who have

in the past dealt in arms that PRO is acquiring

arms and

munitions from the Mexican Government.

I-14 claims he has

been frequently approached by representatives of various

Latin countries, who are interested in buying arms and other

equipment for their respective countries.

E. Efforts cf MIKE SILVERSTEIN, Minni, to Purchase

Arms

_Allegedly for PRIO. Group:

On July 17, 1953, Miami Informant I-48, who is

believed to

be reliable, furnished the tollowing

information:

I-48 explained that on the same morning he had

visited his personal friend, MIKE SILVURSTEIN, a former school-

mate who operates Sussman's Luggage Shop at 238 North Miami

telephone 2-3296.

During the course of their conversa-

tion, SILVERSTEIN asked T-48 how

he would like to make some

- 78-

105

SECRET

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 83

---

## Page 84

How west as i liter

• MM 2-165

extra money while working on his job with the United States

Time Corporation in Texas.

SILVERSTEIN explained that he is

in the market for 1,000 M-1 rifles, and

in view of the fact

that Texas laws concerning the sale of firearms are very lax,

he felt, that the Informant would be in a good position while

üraveling around Texas to cortacs various gunsmiths

and other

arms dealers in order to locate a supply of

• M-1'so

After any

is located, I-48 should then telephonically

contact sitestEN collect, and SilveRstell would then fly

to Texas, where he would handle further negotiations..

SILVERSTEIN told I-48 that he was trying to purchase

these guns on behalf of the PRIO group (CARLOS PRIO SOCARRAS,

Former

president of Cuba now living in Miami after being over-

thrown by BATISTA March 10, 1952) •

SILVERSTEIN described his

Cuban contact as being one of the vietims in the $240, 000.00

Obbery which took place at l'ort Worth

Texas.

SILVERSTEIN

added that T-48 could offer up to $70.00 apiece for each of

ünese weapons and that he, himself, expected to get $100.00

apiece for them.

SILVERSTEIN claimed that this was a "hot" proposi-

clon and that immediate action must be taken, because they

nignt not be needed alter a thirty-day period. VIRotEIN

also indicated he was interested in obtaining grenades

or anything else in heavy guns.

SILVERSTEIN indicated that

T-48 should be able to make $2,000.00 or $3,000.00 as his

share in arranging such a deal.

SILVERSTEIN also related to T-48 that on a previous

occasion he had flown to Canada, near Buffalo, New York,

relative to a shipment of guns which were to be shipped

Canada to the United States, where they were to be repacked

for a customer in this country.

He explained that all he had

to do on that occasion was to

sign some sort of an export

license near the border.

He also related that on another

os casion he had gone to New ork and from there to Connecticut,

where he nad participated in a meeting, along with ten or

eleven other people, concerning a gun dea, and the guns ir

this instance were supposed to be located in Canada and were

to be reshipped to Connecticut for purchase for the "old man,"

but that this deal fell through because someone in the group

offered to sell similar guns at $48.00 apiece. On this

occasion, according to silverstein, the cuban customer had

several trucks available

for use at a warehouse in the New York area...

SECRET

106

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 84

---

## Page 85

MM 2-165

1-40 said that he left the door open, but made

no commitment following this first discussion with SILVERSTEIN.

On July 17, 1953, T-48 telephonically advised that

he had revisited SIJVERSTEIN at Sussman's Luggage Shop. When

SILVERSTEIN was talking long distance

no 1-to not about the aite venous at about 4100

SILVERSTEIN later explained

PM), he had just been talking to a Cuban who had flown up

from Havana.

and who was again immediately departing for

Havana following a proposition made by this Cuban to SILVER-

STEIN to purchase five sub-machine guns of 45 caliber.

SILVERSTEIN

said that he told the Cuban that he should

to Miami with the necessary money on the following Monday

(July 20), and that he, SIlVERSTEIN, would have the guns

ready for

delivery by the following

Wednesday.

SILVERSTEIN

explained that he had just called New York City in an effort

to locate five machine guns, and that he hoped

to have these

guns in Miami before next wednesday, but that it might be

necessary for him to fly to New York in order to obtain them.

He did not disclose the

identity of this Cuban to I-48, but

indicated that this Cuban was connected with the PRIO

SILVERSTEIN also told T-48 that he has in his

possession a letter from one of PRIO's aides requesting

SIIVERSTEIN to

come see CARLOS PRIO at his Miami home.

SILVERSTEIN said that after receiving this letter he went to

PRIO's home in company

with this Cuban aide, but they were

told that PRIO had left about an hour previously for Boston,

Massachusetts

The aide then suggested

When I-4S. questioned SILVERSTEIN concerning the

Texas gun proposition, SILVERSTEIN said that the guns would

be shipped to Mexico until they were needed by the PRIO

people, and that this matter had the

overnment.

SILVERSTEIN also told T-48 that the United States

jovernment

did not care for the BATISTA regime and would not

make an

issue of anything so long as the guns go to an anti-

BATISTA crowd.

T-48 furnished the following description of

SILVERSTEIN:

- 80 =

107

SECRET

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 85

---

## Page 86

MM 2-165

SECRET

Name

Age

Height

Weight

Build

Hair

Peculiarities

Marital Status

heligion

MIKE SILVERSTEIN

40

5'6"

165 Ibs.

Chunky

Grey and dark brown

Heavy eyebrows, protruding

eyes

Married

Jewish

It is believed that MIKE SILVERSTEIN is also known

as MIKE SUSSMAN

, and that he is identical to the MIKE SUSSMAN

reviously mentioned in this section.

E. Anonymous Report Concerning Rifle Shipment to Cuba:

On June 5, 1953, Miami Informant T-49, of known

reliability, being an employee of a Federal Agency which

conducts investigations, reported that he had

received a

letter reading as follows:

"To:

U.S. Border Patrol

Et. Myers, Fla.

"In the near future, watch out for

the possible trans-shipment of 5000 rifles

to Cüba via local shrimp boat.

Watch for

middle age man with Polish accent possibly

owner or operator.".

/s/ "AMERICAN CITIZEN"

T-49 said that it was his opinion that this is a

result of the rumors that. PRIO is going to return

1 to Cuba

take over.

G.

Comment by CARLOS PRIO Relative to Arms Smuggling in

August, 1953:

Miami Informant I-25 reported that CARLOS PRIO has

made the following comment concerning the smuggling of arms

into Cuba by his group.

- 81 -

108

Boss

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 86

---

## Page 87

MM 2-165

PRIO reported, "Yes, we have succeeded in smuggling

armament into Cuba.

Our

movement, when the cry for freedom

and democracy is given, will constitute the strongest and best.

organized attack on tyrany ever

registered in the history of

the Western Hemisphere.

We have to clean Cuba, not just of

BATISTA and his gangsters, but we will have to go deeper in o

the very roots of each tyranical plant.

I do not claim my

administration is absolutely clean and honest, because that

is physically impossible in a democracy, but at least those

sinners in my administration are politicians and not henchmen

or gangsters.

Our revolution will clearly reflect the word.

It will not be just a coup to gain power, but a complete

cleaning up job throughout our country.

"Because of the attitude of the United States Depart-

ment of State, I have at all times been most careful in hand-

ling my revolutionary business.

Up to date no one can put

finger on me.

Yes, I have been in full command of many

armament purchases right here in the united states, but no one

can ever. prove that.

I have alwavs dealt through four or five

persons and never directly with just one."

XIII. FINANCES OF PRIO

Miami Informant I-4 reported on April 23, 1953,

as of that date CARLOS FRIO had

a balance of only $500.00

at the North Shore Bank, Miami Beach.

The following checks,

of possible interest, were drawn by PRIO:

Check

$500.00, dated March 23, 1953, payable to RICARDO

ARTEGAS.

Check for $461.61, dated March 31, 1953, payable to MARIO PEREZ.

Check for $4,200.00, dated April 14, 1953, payable to RAPAdd

Griver, who came into the North shore

Bank

with Cuban

Passport

#5088, to cash this check.

Check for $269.80, dated Apri] 15, 1953, payable to Sulka and

Company, New York

City, with offices at 5th

Avenue Branch of

the Bankers Trust Company.

I-4 said that PRIO had closed out his safety deposit

box.

- 82

109

SECRET

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 87

---

## Page 88

MM 2-165

SECRET

During this period he drew check #1021 on April 29, 1953, in

the amount of $1,500.00, payable to Cash.

This check was

endorsed by JOSEPH MIGUEL.

Un April 30th, he drew check A1022

in the amount of $8,000.00, payable to CARLOS HEVIA. This

was endorsed by HEVIA.

Miami Informant I-27 reported on June 2, 1953, that

PRIO's balance was down to $37.03 at the North Shore Bank.

I-4 reported on July 27, 1953, that PRIO's personal

secretary, LUIS G. FERNANDEZ,

had deposit ed a $5,000,00 check

to PRIO'S

account at the North Shore Bank.

This check was

drawn on Guaranty Trust Company, 44th and 5th Avenue, New

York City.

Miami Informant I-50, of known reliability, reported

on June 2, 1953, that the First National Bank of Miami possessed

no recora of a $50,000.00 check allegedly deposited by PRIO on

May 27, 1953, at the Guaranty Irust Company, New York City.

On June

2nd, I-50 said PRIO does not maintain an account at

this bank.

With reference to this $50,000.00 check,

Miami

Informant I-51, of known reliability,

reported on May 29, 1953,

that CARLOS PRIO SOCARRAS deposited a

$50, 000.00 check to his

account at the First National Bank of Miami

on May 27, 1953.

Miami Informant I-25 learned on August 3, 1953,

that PRIO has indicated that he keeps his money in 'a number

of different banks

States and in Mexico.

outside of Cuba, primarily in the United

on June 1, 1953, Miami Informant T-52 reported

that he is of the firm belief that Phlo is still securing

cash from Cuba, inasmuch as Informant has ascertained that

PRIO frequently makes payments in cash and that this cash

has wrappers stamped "Havana Branch - Bank of Ganada."

-83-

110

SECRET

142 58 58118447-4

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 88

---

## Page 89

MM 2-165

SECRET

XIV. ALLEGED MEETING OF CUBANS TO BOMB HAVANA

Miami Informant T-5 reported on July 13, 1953,

that on July 1i

1953, he had received a report from Cuba

through official channels to the effect that there had been

a meeting of Cubans at 1811 S. W. 2nd Road, Telephone 82-2086,

and that this meeting had been held for the purpose of planning

the bombing of Havana. T-5. said that his source was of the

opinion that the PRIO

group would cause a bomb to be dropped

in Havana in order to arouse the students to a revolt against

BATISTA from within the country.

Miami Informant T-53, of known reliability,

reported that Telephone 82-2086, at 1811 S. W. 2nd Fioad, is

assigned to RAFAEL PEREZ of the same address.

T-5 said that

RAFAEL PEREZ is a cousin;or other distant relative, of CARLOS

PRIO and is one of PRIO's followers.

XV. CONCERNING JOSEPH AND FRANK MIGUEL,

FORMER GUARDS AT PRIO RESIDENCE,

2100 SOUTH MIAMI AVENUE

Miami Informant T-54, of known reliability, who.

is presently acquainted with ANTONIO PRIO, brother of

CARLOS

PRIO, reported on June 2, 1953, that ANTONIO PRIO had recently

come to him for advice, explaining that his brother CARLOS had

until recently in his employ, two guards, JOSEPH and FRANK

MIGUEL, Miami policemen, who during their off-hours were engaged

by PRIO to guard his family and residence at 2100 South Miami

According to the information furnished the Informant

by ANTONIO PRIO, about three months previously an unidentified

individual approached FRank MIGUEL and told him that they would

pay the MIGUEL brothers well if they would "get lost." This

information came to the attention of ANTONIO PRIO but, at the

time, he did not give the matter much thought.

However,

because of

MIGUEL, and desired for Informant to advise the Federal Bureau

of Investigation concerning his suspicions.

ANTONIO PRIO told

the informant that he feared for his brother's life and safety.

The Informant

stated that because of the information obtained

by ANTONIO and his brother, CARLOS PRIO, the two MIGUEL

brothers were dismissed as guards and another private detective

agency hired to perform this service.

- 84 -

111.

SECRET

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 89

---

## Page 90

MM 2-165

CAL

On June 3, 1953, ANTONIO PRIO;accompanied by 1-5,

called at the Miami Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

At this time, ANTONIO PRIO, speaking through T-54 as interpreter,

advised the writer as follows.

ANTONIO PRIO said that shortly after CARLOS PRIO

acquired his present residence at 2100 South Miami Avenue,

following his flight to Miami after having been overthrown

'of his followers might attempt to harm PRIO or some member of

his family or might attempt some act on the premises which

would prove embarrasing to PRIO: ANTONIO said that his

brother was happy to have two Miami policemen employed in this

because of the effect it would have upon the people

in. Cuba

capacity from a psychological standpoint. During the time the

two MIGUEL brothers were employed there, ANTONIO PRIO said

that he, himself, gave

then money to purchase the El Toledo

Restaurant at Biscayne Boulevard and Northeast 2nd Street.

ANTONIO said this was done as a friendly gesture and that

It was in the nature of

a loan to a friend.

ANTONIO said that

an investigator from the Miani Police Department had recently

questioned CARLOS PRIO concerning his employment, of the two

MIGUEL brothers, this inquiry apparently being made from'a

police administrative standpoint, and that this was the reason

given to the MIGUEls by CARLOS PRIO for their dismissal from

his service.

ANTONIO explained, however, that the read reason

for their dismissal was because of information received by

the PRIOs reflecting that the MIGUEL brothers might actually

be in the pay of BATISTA. ANTONIO said that shortly prior to

their dismissal; it was ascertained that both JOSEPH and FRANK

MIGUEL, without

notifying PRIO, took a trip to Cuba, where an

official police car was placed

at their disposal while there

and where they talked to colonel HERNANDO HERNANDEZ, who on

one occasion had accused

responsible

for a cache of arms located in Cuba. ANTONIO said that he also

learned through connections in Cuba that the two MIGUEL

brothers, upon their arrival in Havana in the early part of

BATistA regime:

were met at the airport by a man influential with the

ANTONIO PRIO said that because of security

reasons, he did not wish to disclosethe identity of this man

who met

the MiGuel brothers because It would place his

informant in jeopardy. ANTONIO said he also learned that

- 85 -

112

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 90

---

## Page 91

MM 2-165

neither of the MIGUEL brothers was searched, although it was

undoubtedly common knowledge that they were

employed at that

time by CARLOS PRIO. He said the MIGUELs remained in Havana

several days. and almost immediately. following their return

each purchased. a Cadillac. He said

neither of these cars

was new and that the price of one was $2,600.00, less an

$800.00 trade-in.

He did not know. the value of the other car.

ANTONIO said that he possessed no knowledge of any other

unusual expenditures by the MIGUEls.

ANTONIO PRIO said that when the MIGUEL brothers

were confronted concerning their trip to Cuba, FRANK MIGUEL

admitted that almost immediately after their arrival at the

airport in Havana, JOSEPI MIGUEL telephoned the Policé Station:

ANTONIO PRIO said he had also ascertained that

in Miami the MIGUELs had passed around remarks to the effect

that they soon expected to bè in a position to do big business

in Cuba or Mexico.

ANTONIO also said that he had been informed by a

contact in Miami that the two MIGUEL brothers had been in

the services of BAtIstA for the preceeding three months.

ANTONIO said that he had reason to believe this report accurate,

inasmuch as his source, although representing BATISTA in Miami

in some capacity which ANTONIO did not disclose, had, along

with his family, been previously aided in Cuba by ANTONIO.

ANTONIO stated that on the previous night; June 2,

1953, he had been visited by JOSEPH MIGUEL, who wanted to

know why he and his brother were let go. It was then that

ANTONIO and his brother, FRANCISCO PRIO, told MIGUEL that

inasmuch as the police had been inquiring about the MIGUELs,

it was felt that they should be dismissed from PRIO's services

and also that they wanted

to employ, additional protection.

that occasion, upon being questioned, JOSEPH MIGUEL claimed

that he had gone to Havana in connection with advertising

propaganda which he intended to start in connection with the

El Toledo Restaurant.

ANTONIO expressed the opinion, however,

that the amount of business done at the El Toledo Restaurant

does not warrant such advertising.

Miami Informant I-5 reported on May 27, 1953,

that FRANK and JOSEPH MIGUEL arrived in Havana, Cuba, on

May 1, 1953, and returned to Miami via Pan American Airways

- 86 -

115

SECRET

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 91

---

## Page 92

MM 2-165

SECRET

Flight #496 on May 3, 1953:

He said that since their return

to Miami, they

have twice been to New York City. He was of

che opinion that they had gone there on business for PRIO.

XVI. GENERAL ANSEIMO PAULINO, THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

that PRIO

Miami Informant I-1 reported on July o, 1953,

was contacted under rather mysterious circumstances

by an individual who was ascertained to be registered in Room

1107,

Columbus Hotel, Miami.

I-I said that PRIO and this

individual agreed, through intermediaries, to meet each other

near the P.& O Docks, Biscayne Boulevard, at about 10:00 PM

that same evening

It appeared that they

were anxious not

to be observed in the company of each other. Miami Informant

Golumbus Hotel.

Informant said that this man referred to as

General was once previously in Miami with RAFAEL TRUJILLO,

former President of the Dominican Republic, arriving together

by yacht. This occurred approximately one

year ago.

It was ascertained by the writer through physical

surveillance that the rendevouz did not take place as

scheduled.

Miami Informant I-l reported later the same day

the goofument, a a herent able to state whether phase.

meeting was actually held.

With reference to ANSELMO PAULINO, Miami Informant,

I-56, of unknown reliability, reported on November 13, 1952,

that he had been approached in late December, 1951, by

Dominican republic Consul, PEDRO BLANDINO, in Miami; to handle*

a kidnapping for the Dominicans for a

price. T-55 received

After arriving in Ciudad Trujillo.

he was propositioned by

General ANSELMO PAULINO of TRUJILLO'S cabinet to effect the

kidnapping of ENRIQUE HENRIQUEZ (Dominican brother-in-law

in Guatemala.

offered $35,000.00 but claimed he refused

this proposition.

- 87-

SECRET

1150

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 92

---

## Page 93

MM 2-165

GED: Js

SECRET

XVII MISCELLANEOUS

A. Leading PRIO Associates Located in Miami

T-57 and 58, of known reliability, and be ahom are vent rmaned

Miami Informants I-1, 2,

concerning PRIO and his immediate

associates, have advised over

a period of time that SEGUNDO CURTI, former Minister of Interior

under the PRo regime, who resides at 60 s. W. 25th Road, Miami,

appears to be one of PRIO's most trusted and important associates:

that RICARDO ARTIGAS, former Chief of the Cuban lottery under

PRIO, who resides at

727 East Dilido Drive, Miami Beach, visits

almost daily and appears to be high in his confidence; that

Colonel RAFAEL IZQUIRDO, Military Aid to PRIO, who

resides

at 249

S: W. 23rd Road, Miami, enjoys a very close personal relationship

with Falo and apparently has his complete confidence; and that

DIEGO VICENTE TEJERA Y RESCALVO, previously mentioned in this

report under Section IX, appears to be one of the key lieutenants

in the PRIO group.

according to these informants, PRIO's brothers, ANTONIO

and FRANCISCO, do not appear to be too deeply involved, expecially

FRANCISCO, who

is presently in California on a pleasure trip,

after having left Miami in early. June, 1953, for New York City.

B. Visitors to the PRIO GrOup in Miami.

Miami Informants T-1, 2, and 3 have reported that among

a constant stream of Cubans who have visited PRIO and his leading

associates during the past few months are the following.

LOMBERTO DIAZ RODRIGUEZ, a former Minister of Interior

under the PRIO Government, who was in Miami on June 12 and July

5, 1953.

FELIX LANCIS, a medical doctor who was in Miami on June

13, 1953. Miami. Informant I-5 has advised that LANCIS served

under the GRAU Government as a Frime Minister; that he is not

especially a good friend of PRio, but

served as a liaison man

between PRiO and GRAU in connection with the Montreal Conference.

He said that LANCIS had planned to run as President on the

Authentic Party ticket last June, but that PRIO had chosen CARLOS

HEVIA over LANCIS.

JOSE ANTONIO RUBIO PADILLA, previously mentioned in this

report, who was in Miami on June 16, 1953 and who also later

- 88 -

114

ECRET

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 93

---

## Page 94

SLORET

MM 2-165

accompanied PRIO to Boston, Massachusetts for medical treatment

and later to New York City.

SERGIO CARBO, a Havana newspaper publisher who was in

Miami around June 18, 1953.

CANDIDO de la TORRE, who was one of the victims in the

$240,000 Fort Worth,

Texas robbery, who was in Miami June 23, and

who again arrived July 30, 1953.

CHINO MIRANDA, who was in Miami around June 30, 1953

and who, according to tas, is a musician ma trancisco vard, Cuba,

and is a close personal friend of CARLOS

frequently travels between Cuba and Miami. T-5 said this man is

politically interesting.

DIEGO MEJIAS, who arrived in Miami on or about July 5,

1953 for a brief trip.

It appeared, according to these informants,

that considerable importance was attached to his presence.

has stated that this man is undoubtedly identical to DIEGO SERGIO

MEJIAS who was Minister of Communications during the PRIO regime,

who served as a former Senator in the GRAU administration, and who

travels back

and forth frequently between Miami and Cuba.

JUAN RIOS MONTEAGRO arrived with his family in Miami

from Mexico on August 1, 1953.

T-5 has stated that MONTEAGRO is

a very close personal friend of SEGUNDO CURTI, is an aviator,, and

appears: to be very active in the PRIO Party.

Miami Informants I-1, 2, 3 and 5 above have also

2200 S. W.

I.5 has advised that CHELIN is either the

adopted or illegitimate son of PRIO's father,

was raised in

PRiors house,

described

CHELIN as being a dwarfish sort of individual about

of age.

He said that CHELIN's wife is now obtaining a divorce

from him and he is living with another woman by the name of

JOSEPHINA at his residence.

• T-5 said that CHELIN had recently

gone to New York City on a trip with RAFAlL PEREZ, who is wanted

in Cuba for taking about two million dollars from

the Public

Works funds there.

The informant said that PEREZ was formerly a

Paymaster in the Public Works Department in Cuba.

115

- 89=

ECRET

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 94

---

## Page 95

MM 2-165

SECRET

Miami Informants T-l and 3 have also learned that on

June 22, 1953 an individual subsequently identified as NORMAN

appointment to see PRIO at his home under rather

confidential circumstances.

It appeared to the informant that

PRIO was anxious not to have anybody know that NORMAN was coming

to his home. It was observed on that evening at the time of the

appointment a car bearing Florida license IW10858 was parked

the gate to PRIO's residence.

This car, according to the Dade

County Motor Vehicle bureau,

is registered to ETHEL ROTHMAN, 425

Surfside Boulevard, for a 1953 Oldsmobile coupe.

Miami Informant I-59, of unknown reliability, who is

well informed concerning gambling activities in the Miami area,

advised that NORMAN ROTHMAN lives at 425 Surfside Boulevard,

Miami Beach, while in this area.

This informant said that NORMAN

ROTHMAN drives a green Oldsmobile coupe while in Miami.

The

informant has stated that NORMAN ROTHMAN is a front for the

MANNARINO gang of New Kensington, Pennsylvania, a well known mafia

organization actively engaged in

gambling enterprises in Cuba and

New Kensington, Pennsylvania.

This informant has also stated that

ROTHMAN was at one time manager of the gambling casino at the

Sans Souci Hotel in Cuba.

Miami. Informant T-l subsequently ascertained that PRIO

apparently had a very low regard for ROTHMAN, however I-1 was

unable to ascertain the nature of their contact.

C..: RE: CARLOS HEVIA

Miami Informant 1-1 reported in July, 1953, that CARLOS

HaVIA, who resides at 2475 Brickell Avenue while in Miami, is

presently residing at the Lexington Hotel, New York City. It is

to be recalled that HeVIA had been picked by PRIO to run as

Presidential candidate on the Authentic Party ticket for the

June, 1952,

presidential elections in Cuba:

However, this failed

to materialize when BATISTA executed a coup d'etat March 10, 1952

and consequently cancelled the June, 1952 elections:

Miami Informant I-25 learned on August 3, 1953 that PRIO

in commenting on CARLOS HEVIA stated that he had sent HEVIA up

north so that HEVIA could take care of many important business

matters for PRIO in New York. This informant got the impression

PETE LA Could take care

that PRIO was referring to his plans to overthrow BATISTA.

MIR- POEMA

116

90 -

SECRET

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 95

---

## Page 96

MM 2-165

SECRET

INDEX

Page Number

ABREU, JOSE ANTONIO LUGO Y

Lugo y Abreu,

Jose Antonio)

ABREU PEREZ,

ACOSTA, ESTRELIA ECHEVARRIA®

32

31

AGRAMONTE, ROBERTO:::::

10,10

6

AGUILERA, RENE

AIRCRAFT PURCHASE SERVICE, NEW JERSEY

34

72

ALBA, MARISOL

ALBA, SOLEDAD LUQUE (see luque Alba,

4

Soledad)

ALVAREZ, Dr. ALBERTO INOCENTE

32,34

ALVAREZ, BRISIO

ALVAREZ' FUENTES, GERMÁN (See Fuentes, German Alvarez)

33

ALVAREZ DE CANAS,

AMERICAN ENTERPRISES ... •

73,75

"ANCON TRADER" (M/V.)

42-45,51,52,54-57,61,62,68

ANDERSON, FOLK

AQUERES

'JOSE FATÄT (wa. "Ei Turquiton):

44,61

ARACELIO AZCUAY, Dr. (See Azcuay, Dr. Aracelio)

25

ARANGO, AURELIANO SANCHEZ •

"ARB, THE" (M/V) ..

45,46,48

17,28,30,31,43,06-68

, 50,54-58,61,52,08

ARREBOLA, MANUEL ••

ARTIGAS, ENEIDA

ARTIGAS, RICARDO

..

...

4,5,39,67,82,88

ARUCHAEL

_(illegible).

54

ASTRAL, COMPANIA DE

....

61

ATKINSON, ARTHUR T.

...

53-55,58

"BABEN

Dr.

ARACELIO

36

BARNET, CARLOS

5

67

BARRIET, OLGA

BARNOSO

HUGO FERNANDEZ" (wa.

"BENSON" (M/V)

"Ei Gallego";

67

24

• 5

BLAIR, JANET

67

BLANDINO, PEDRO

BONET,

JOSE FULGENCIO CRUZ-

"BONITA" (M/V)

¡see cruz-bonet, Jose Fulgencio)

87

29,43

117

- 91 -

FORET

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 96

---

## Page 97

MM 2-165

плінші ліано рибитті хівк

Page Numbers

BONTEMPO, ISIDRO FIGUEROA (See Figueroa, Isidro Bontempo)

BROWDER,

BROWNE

JACK• ......:

.

BUSTAMANTE LUQUE,

GUIDO ADOLFO GONZALEZ DE

..

70

48-51

29,30

BUSTO, ELIAS MANULI GARCIA DEL (See Garcia del Busto,

AGENCIA DE (aka Panama Cabotage Agency) 44,45,51,53,01

CANAS,

PABLO ALVAREZ DE (see Alvarez de Canas, Pablo)

HARRY S.

CANELLADA, JOSE ICAQUIA FLAEZ Y (SEe Pelaez y Canellada,

72,74

Jose Joaquin)

CARBO, SERGIO

CARDENAS Y O' PARRIi, DANILO DE (See becardenas y O'Parrii,

19,88

Danilo)

CARRILLO, ANTONIO ESPINO

CARRILLO Y HERNANDEZ, JUSTO ASENCIO iwa.

"justicio")

CARTAS, JESUS GONZALEZ

(wa."El Extrano")

CARTAYA-NUNEZ, DAVID DE JESUS

CASANI, PHIL

CASANOVA Y GEREZ,

ANTONIO

26

32

26,27

•23,28,32

73,75

49,50

CASTELLANOS VALDEZ, JOSE (See vaidez,

Jose Castellanos)

CASTILLO, BENITO FERNANDEZ (See Fernandez

Castillo, Benito)

CASTRO DIAZ, ARTURO PLUTARCO FERNANDEZ DE (aka Fernandez

Castro)

......

69-71

CASTRO, FIDEL

CHELIN, RUBEN GARCIA

CHURCH

-JOSEPH H.

CRUZ-BONET, JOSE FULGENCIO (wa. "Nato)

CRUZ,

POLICARPO SOLER

...

CUBAN LIBERTY ACTION

. .

CUBANS FOR CIVIC ACTION

(See Tejera, Georgiana De)

72-74

42-45, 51-57,61,62, 68

23,20

26

.

•

9

13-15

26

Pelayo Cuervol

CURBELO COCURADO; GEORGIANA (See Tejera,

Georgiana de)

CURTI, SEGUNDO. • .. ••:

: 4,15,22,29,42,45,52,67,68,88,89

118

- 92

SECRET

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 97

---

## Page 98

SECRET

MM 2-165'

Page Number

4

DACTILAR, C.

EVERETTS::

25

•72,73

DE CARDENAS Y O FARRIL, DANILO

DE CASTRO DIAZ, ARTURO 'PLUTARCO FERNANDEZ (See Castro Diaz,

Arturo Plutarco Fernandez de)

DELGADO, GILBERTO

DELGADO, LILLIAN TIRADO (nee Tiradol

DÍAZ, ARTURO PLUTARCO PERVANDEZ DE CASTRO' (See

: Castro Diaz)

DIAZ, JUAN • •

DIAL-BALART,

Dr. RAFAEL 1:

DIAZ, LOMBERTO •

RODRIGUEZ,

LOMBERTO

DIAZ, Colonel OSCAR

LEON DE, Major:

DUARTE, JOSE • ..

DURLING, ROBERT

EBANAS,

E.

EDEN, ANTHONY . .

EDSID, JOHN

ERICKSON, Captain BERTRAN THEODORE (aka Bert,

ERICKSON, LILA SHIRLEY • • •

ERICASON,

WILLIAM

ESPINO CARRILLO, ANTONIO (See CABRILLO)

ESPENSA DRUIAS SHOPPEROS CORPORATION

FAYAT AQUERES,

JOSE (See Agueres)

FE, ERNESTO DE LA

19,72

54

34

60

Burti

53

47,48,50

52,59,60,02,76,77

•76,77

38

: 44,45,51,52,61

29

FERNANDEZ BARNOSO, HUGO (See Barnoso)

FERNANDEZ

(CASTILLO), BENITO .

FERNANDEZ

DE LA CAMAPA, LUIS

(See Camapa)

32

FERNANDEZ

DE CASTRO, DIAZ,

, ARTURO PLUTARCO (See Castro

FERNANDEZ, LUIS GUSTAVO

5,36,38,67,83

FERNANDEZ, NICANOR •

04

FERNANDEZ ORTEGA, EUFEMIO

17,27-29

FERNANDEZ ORTEGA,

28

FIGUEROA Y BONTEMPO, ISIDRO

33

FIGUEROA, YSIDERO

FIGUERES •...

....

36

67

FIGUERES .

6

119

- 93

-

SECRET

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 98

---

## Page 99

SECRET

MM 2-165

Page Number

FISHMAN, MIKE (See Sussman, Mike)

FLEITAS, JESUS RODRIGUEZ . .

FONSECA

SARMIENTO, CESAR M.

FUENTES-GONZALEZ,

GUILLERMO

FUENTE PEREZ,

ORLANDO E. • .

FUENTES, GERMAN ALVAREZ

FUENTES RODRIGUEZ, DE. ANTONIO

GALAN, IGNACIO PEREZ (See Perez Galan)

GALINDO, JESU DE . . . ..

GALLARDO, JOAQUIN : ...

GANS, OSCAR

25,26

38

28

,31,66,67

30

26

34

18

32

34

GARCIA CHELIN, RUBEN (See Chelin)

GARCIA, MANUEL. Or ELIAS MANUEL GARCIA DEL BUSTO

GARCIA, ORLANDO

GARCIA, TOMAS IGAPITO GONZALEZ (wa.

"Marana";

32

. 9

26

GARCIA, VICENTE VALCARGE (See Valcarge)

GARCIA, WILFRED LARA : ...

GENER, RAFAEL

25

82

GEREZ, ANTONIO CASANOVA Y (See casanoval

GIL, AMELIA

GOMEZ, DOLORES

GOMEZ, ELISEO RiERA (see Rierai

GOMEZ, MAX

34

31

87

GONZALES, ARMANDO RUZ

¡see Ruz)

GONZALEZ

DE BUSTAMANTE LUGUE, GUIDO ADOLFO (See Bustamante)

GONZALES, FRANCISCO

34

GONZALEZ, GUILLERMO

• FUENTES -

(See Fuentes) -

JESUS

(See Cartas)

GONZALEZ, GARCIA, TOMAS

AGAPITO

(See Garcia)

GRANT, W.W.

GRAU SAN MARTIN,

President RAMon

GREENFIELD, HARRY ARTHUR . .

GRISCOM, ROY :

EUGENIO' . .....

GUTIERREZ, Dr. JOSE

MANUEL

GUTIERREZ, LUIS FELIPE wa.

HENRIQUEZ, ENRIQUE

"Pincho"":

HERNANDEZ

TELLAHECHE, ARTURO (wa.

"Arturito")

HERNANDEZ, COlonel HERNANDO

53

, 27,39,88

,89

45

50

34

36,39,40

32

87

3.3

85

120

- 94.

SECRET

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 99

---

## Page 100

MM 2-165

SECRET

Page Number

HERNANDEZ, JUSTO ASENCIO CARRILLO Y .(See Carrillo y Hernandez)

(See Perez)

(See l'orre-Herrera)

35,36,83,88,90

72-75

14

50

52

75

50

49,50

HEVIA, REINALDO PITA •

MICKMAN, PAUL B.

HIJOS, ANGEL ESCARTIN

HILLIARD, JOE

HOBBS, BOB

....

HOGAN, GEORGE

...

HUNT ,

RICHARD H. •

IGLESIS VICENTE, JESUS ..

INCERA, LIBRADA DE LA

INSURRECTIONAL REVOLUTIONARY UNION TUiRI

ISQUIRDO, COlonel RAFAEL (See

JOSE

Ysquierdo, Colonel Rafael)

-(illegible) . ..

JUAN, Dr. RAUL DE

"JUMBO"

(Possibly M/V).

JUSTIZ, JOSE LUIS PELLEYA Y

KADRUZ, VICENTE LERRO (wa.

(See

Pelleya)

"The

Italian")

KELLY, Dr: STUART

KENNEDY, ARTHUR.

KENNEDY, Mrs. YRIS

KRAVITZ,

A.

KRIM, MATTHEW DONALD (aka Donald Crim)

KUCHILAN SOL,

MARIO

LABRADA, FERNANDO MANUEL JULIAN

LANCIS, Dr. FELIX

"LARK"

(M/V)

...

LAURI

(illegible)

LEDERER, MURIEL

LERRO RADRUZ, VICENTE (see Kadruz)

LEMUS, ORLANDO LEON (wa."El Colorado")

LEZCANO, JANIER

ILADA, JOSE PARDO (See Pardol

LLOYD, NATHANIEL. •

LOMBERTO

LOPEZ, VIRGILIO PEREZ (See Perez

LANSEN, VIGGC

LOREDO, MANUEL

ANTONIO DE VARONA

(see Varona)

121

-95 -

SECRET

53

36

64,65

28

74,75

70,77

49

41

60,77

.22

31

29

88

50

53

67

25

36

59

3.9

44

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 100

---

## Page 101

MM 2-165

SECRET

Page Number

LOYO, E.

LOYO GONZALES

..

•

EMILEO

LUGO, Dr. JOSÉ A. (dose Antonio lugo y Abreu)

LUQUE ALBA, SOLEDAD

LUQUE, GUIDO ADOLFO GONZALEZ DE BUSTAMANTE (sée Bustamante)

MADARIAGA, MANUEL FERNANDEL

MANHEIM,

MANNARINO Gang

MANNION, JOHN E :

...

MANUEL

_(illegible),

"MARATHON" Possibly M/vi:

MARISTANY, CARLOS ISIDORO

64

64

• 32,43

32

23

72

90

53

64

1/

MARTINEZ,

FRANCISCO RAMIREZ Y

MARTINEZ-ZORILLA, CRISTOBAL

¡see Ramirez)

(See Zorilla)

MC CRORY, THOMAS Jaka. Tom)

MC CRORY, Mrs. THOMAS J. .

MEJIAS .

MEJIAS, "DIEGO SERGIO::

MELADO, JAMES

MIGUEL, FRANK

MIGUEL, JOSEPH (aka joe)"

MIRANDO, CHINO

MIRANDA, HERBERT

MONTENEGRO, JUAN DE RIOS (aka Juan

Rios Monteagro)

44-55,57-59,61,62

58

6

39

,39,89

53

78

,84-86

78

,83-86

89

22,28,89

MONTEROS, ANDRES ESPINOSA DE LAS

(See Espinosa)

MORALES, ARMANDO CORREA • :

MORALES, VIDAL . .

"MORNING STAR, THA (M/V).

"MORNING STAR II, THE" (M/V)

9,10

48

51

ALFRED W.

MORRTS BNG INGERING COMPANY :

MUZARIETA, AURILO

NAVARRO, PELAYO CUERVO •

NEGRON,

41

54

"'NELSON II" (M/V) ....

NUNEZ, DAVID DE JESUS CARTAYA:

NUNEZ NUNEZ, DELFINO ARTURO

OCHOA Y OCHOA, EMILIO.

OLSON, THOMAS W. (aka Tom) .

(See Cartaya-Nunez)

,17,18, 35-37,39,40

73-75

122

- 96-

SECRE

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 101

---

## Page 102

MM 2-165

Page Number

4

ORTAZA, ESPEMIO FERNANDEZ (Seè fernandez)

RubIo isee

Rubio)

Agencia

de)

.69-71

6,7

PARMA TARD JOSE

PARTACAS, POSÉ RODRIGUEZ

18,33,35

54

(See Rodriguez)

PASCUAL, SANTIAGO (See Santiago)

PAULINO, General ANSELMO •

PAULINO, MrS. ANSELMO

PELAEZ Y CANELLADA, JOSE JOAQUIN

87

87

33

39

PELAYO CUERVO NAVARRO (see Navarro)

PELLEYA Y JUSTIZ, JOSE LUIS

PEREZ, ANGEL, HERNANDEZ (wa. "Papi Chirino")

PEREZ GALAN, IGNACIO •

31

214

33

PEREZ, LEANDRO ABREU (See Abreu)

PEREZ LOPEZ, VIRGILIO

..

PEREZ, MARIO •

34

82

PEREZ, ORLANDO E. FUENTE (See Fuente)

PEREZ,

RAFAEL

PERTIERRA, INDALECIO :

PETTERSON, GUSTAV

PICKARD,

ROD ...

PINALI (ph.)

PINO, MERCEDES

• 84,89

33

44,61,62

44,45

73

34

PITA

HEV LA,

REINAiDO

(See Hevia)

PRIETO, TULIO INOCENCIO

PRIO, ANIONO • •

PRIO SOCARRAS, CARIOS: : : :

10, 15,16,34,80,84-86,88

4-8,10,11,15-20

35-43,45,47,57,62,63 1657-69

23,27,29-32

, 78-90

PROVOS, DIC EDUARDO

, 86, 88,89

36

PUJOL, GUILLERMO ALONSO (aka Guillermo Alansa Pujal) •

6,19,36

PUIG,

VICTOR

RAMIREZ Y MARTINEZ,

FRANCISCO

35

28

RAVERT? General MiGUEL

87

RANGE,

DIESIS

REBOLLO, MANUEL SALGADO

54

(wa.

RESCALVO, DIEGO TEJERA Y

"El Guajiro Salgado")

See Tejera

25

123

- 97 -

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 102

---

## Page 103

MM 2-165

Page Number

RIERA GOMEZ, ELISEO

RIOS MONTENEGRO, JUAN

(See Montenegro)

RITCH, VICTOR

15,17,33

54

RIVAS, EDUARDO SUARAZ

(See Suarez)

RODRIGUEZ, CONCEPCION

RODRIGUEZ FLEITAS, JESUS

32

(Fleitas)

RODRIGUEZ, Dr. ANTONIO FUENTES

(See Fuentes)

RODRIGUEZ, LOMBERTO DIAZ (See Diaz)

RODRIGUEZ PARTAGOS, JOSE

RODRIGUEZ Y SANTOS, Captain RAUL

ROGERS, BIlL ...

ROTHMAN, ETHEL . . . .

ROTHMAN, NORMAN

RUBEN GARCIA CHELIN

¡' (see chelin)

22,29,30

33

,67

59

90

90

RUBIO CUBILLAS, RAMON ALFONSO

(See Cubillas)

RUBIO PADILLO, DI• JUAN ANTONIO

RUEDA, ALVAREZ .

RUZ GÓNZALES, ARMANDO (wa. '"Cutor)

SALGADO REBOLLO, MANUEL

(See Rebollo)

"SALTY III"

(possibly M/V)

SANCHEZ-VALDEZ, JOSE VICTOR

(See valdez)

36,39,40,88

9,10

32

64

SAN MARTIN, GRAU (See Grau)

SANCHEZ ARANGO, AURELIANO

(See Arango)

SANCHEL VELAVEZ, JOSE VICTOR

SANI.LAGO, ANTONIO.

....

SANTTAGO PASCUAL

"SENATOR aptain RAUL RODRIGUEZ Y (See Rodriguez y Santos)

SERGIO MEJIAS, DIEGO '(See Mejias)

SILVERSTEIN, MIKH

SKOLOSKI, Colonel

SOCARRAS,

CARLOS PRIO

isee

Prio Socarras)

SPARR, WILHELM . . •

STANLEY, JOHN . .

STRAUSS, ERWIN • • •

SUAREZ, MARINO_

31

36

38

73

78-80

42

29

54

72

18

33

82

73,75,81

124

- 98 -

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 103

---

## Page 104

MM 2-165

SECRET

Page Number

TAPIA С.,_

F.S.

TEJERA Y

RESCALVO, DIEGO VICENTE

: 41,42,45,46,50,58,62,83

TEJERA, GEORGIANA

TELLAHECHE, ARTURO HERNANDEX (See Hernandex)

•

TORRE-HERRERA,

CANDIDO GERARDO DE LA

5'7

23,29,88

TRAGER TRADING COMPANY OF MIAMI

73,75

TRUJILLO, RAFAEL

.

87

TWINE MAKERS REVOLUTIONARY ACTION (aka Accion, Revolucionario

Guiteras)

26-28

VIR (See Insurrectional Revolutionary Untion)

VARCARGE GARCIA, VICENTE •

VALDEZ, JOSE CASTELLANOS iwa.

"Ventrecha") .

VARONA Y LOREDO, MANUEL ANTONIO DE

VARONO, JOSE ANTONIO . . .

VASQUEZ, ALFONSO

VAZQUEZ, ORLANDO GARCiA (See Garcia)

VEGA, CESAR

. . .....

VEGA, JOSE •

VELAVEZ, JOSE VICIOR SANCHEZ

(see Sanchez Velavez)

VICENTE, JESUS IGLESIS (See

Iglesis

Vicente)

VICKERS, JESSE A.

VILLAR,

HORTENSIA

....

VILLARREAL, ISAURO . . . .

WATKINS, HENRY M.

WEINTRAUB, W. A. 20 ...

WILKINSON, JAMES

YSQUIERDO, Colonel RAFAEL

ZENDEGUI,

GUILLERMO C.

ZORILLA,

CRISTOBAL MARTINEZ-

ZORILLAS, Commandant . . .

31

44

• 28,67

9

27

33,35,36,39,40

6,18

• 53

•10,11

68

• 69,70

34

• 45,50,53,54,62

41

36

53

,37,88

23

3

3

28

6,7

Ax

125

- 99

SECRET

wes

NW 64954 Docld:34517419 Page 104

---