325. Memorandum by Director of Central Intelligence McCone0

MEMORANDUM ON OPERATION MONGOOSE

General discussion of Wednesdayʼs1 meeting at State. General [Taylor] reviewed the guide lines approved by the President.2 It was agreed [Page 792] that actions in addition to those now approved could be taken within the guide lines and therefore the group decided not to revise the guide lines but to ask for suggestions as to additional actions. McCone pointed out that original concept was to have a situation within Cuba developed by August, and that present plan of action would not bring this about; therefore it was decided to eliminate the August date but not to eliminate the original intention of the effort.

Questions were asked concerning additional actions. McCone suggested (a) more intense training and proposed that Defense modify regulations under which Cubans could be brought into military for training purposes as part of special forces but not as Cuban units; (b) guerrilla action indicated in addition to espionage teams; (c) probably necessary to supply arms to dissident groups which now have been identified; (d) we must be prepared to take a high level of noise and if we are to continue the present level of activity or increase it the noise level will increase materially. All of this was recognized.

Question of manufacturing MIG-type planes brought up. McCone said he would explore.

JCS paper3 on pretext or provocative actions was discussed. We should have and review this paper as it is considered to be a very thoughtful and useful document.

John A. McCone4
Director
  1. Source: Central Intelligence Agency, DCI Files: Job 91-00741R, Box 1, Mongoose Papers. Secret; Eyes Only. The memorandum apparently comprises McConeʼs notes on the April 11 meeting of the Special Group (Augmented) at the Department of State; see Document 324.
  2. April 11.
  3. See Document 314.
  4. Not found.
  5. Printed from a copy that bears this typed signature.