83. Editorial Note
At 8:30 a.m. on April 5, 1961, Secretary of Defense McNamara and General Lemnitzer met at the White House with CIA officials Allen Dulles, Richard Bissell, and General Cabell in advance of the meeting called by President Kennedy to continue consideration of the Zapata plan. McNamara and Lemnitzer discussed with the CIA officials the proposed rules of engagement for the projected operation against Cuba. “It was agreed that the rules should definitely spell out the Presidentʼs desire that if United States forces were required to protect CEF ships from damage or capture the operation would be aborted and the CEF ships directed to a port to be designated by the JCS.” (Memorandum for the record, by Mitchell; National Defense University, Taylor Papers, Box 12, Cuba, Paramilitary Study)
President Kennedy met later with the participants in the 8:30 meeting and with unspecified representatives from the Department of State. [Page 191] The Presidentʼs appointment book does not indicate either the time or the participants in the meeting. (Kennedy Library, Presidentʼs Appointment Book) According to summary notes on the meeting prepared by General Gray on May 9:
“There was a very small meeting with the President where only Secretary McNamara, General Lemnitzer and representatives of State and CIA were present. At this meeting the general idea of fake defections and preliminary strikes were discussed. The President indicated approval of the general idea but indicated that everyone should consider further measures overnight and there would be another meeting the following morning.” (Ibid., National Security Files, Countries Series, Cuba, Subjects, Taylor Report)