Foreign Relations of the United States, 1961–1963, Volume X, Cuba, January 1961–September 1962

145. Telegram From the Commander in Chief, Atlantic (Dennison) to the Commander of Special Task Group 81.8 (Clark)⁰

Norfolk, April 19, 1961, 11:24 a.m.

191624Z. Bumpy Road. Exclusive for Clark, info Gen Gray from Dennison.

1. Dispatch 2 DD to take station off Blue Beach to determine whether there is any chance for evacuation.

2. Provide air cover to protect DDs.

3. Fly recco over beach to determine situation.¹

4. Report immediately by fastest possible means results observations.

5. CEF ships have been ordered to move into Blue Beach.

6. Final instructions on evacuation will follow.

0. Source: Naval Historical Center, Area Files, Bumpy Road Materials. Top Secret; Emergency; Exclusive. Repeated to JCS.
1. At 11:18 a.m., Clark reported to Dennison that he had received the following message from the CEF brigade ashore: “We are out of ammo and fighting on the beach. Please send help. We cannot hold. (Signed) Pepe.” (CTG 81.8 telegram 191618Z to CINC-LANTFLT, April 19; ibid.)