285. Memorandum for the File0
SUBJECT
- Discussion with Attorney General Robert Kennedy, 2:45 P.M., 27 December 1961
[Here follows discussion of other subjects.]
5. With regard to the Lansdale operation, McCone advised Mr. Kennedy substantially along the lines of his statement to the Special Group as covered by a memorandum attached to the minutes of last Thursdayʼs meeting, December 21.1 McCone also stated that CIA was [Page 701] preparing for consideration by Lansdale a series of actions each of which would fit into the policy guidance established by Lansdale. Both McCone and Helms (who was present at this part of the discussion) pointed out the very great difficulty of creating an effective internal political resistance to a well-organized, authoritarian regime equipped with a substantial military force and an effective internal security police. As an example McCone stated that of the 27 or 28 agents CIA now has in Cuba, only 12 are in communication and these communications are infrequent. A team of 7 that were infiltrated December 19th were captured and two of them were on TV in a “confession show” last Saturday night, December 23rd.
- Source: Central Intelligence Agency, DCI (McCone) Files: Job 80-B01285A, Box 2,DCI (McCone) Memo for the Record, 29 November 1961-5 April 1962. Secret; Eyes Only. Prepared by McCone.↩
- The memorandum cited has not been found. For a record of the December 21 meeting, see Document 284.↩
- Printed from a copy that bears this typed signature.↩