386. Editorial Note
On December 13, 1963, the Standing Group of the National Security Council met to discuss Cuba. Two papers were on the agenda. The first was a Department of State draft entitled, “Possible Further Unilateral and Bilateral Actions to Increase Pressure on Cuba,” see footnote 2, Document 385. The second was a December 12 Central Intelligence Agency memorandum entitled “Cuba—A Status Report.” (Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Cuba, Meetings, 12/63-3/65) See the Supplement. These two papers were only briefly discussed as the participants were more concerned with the unsatisfactory results of a November 14-18 surveillance and intercept operation against suspected arms smuggling into Colombia. The Standing Group did approve certain actions recommended in the two papers. The Group gave authorization [Page 902] to CIA to develop the capacity to conduct air attacks against selective Cuban targets by autonomous exile groups. Assets were to be in place within 90 days, but this did not constitute authority to conduct the raids. A general consensus favored endorsement of intensification of the current program of exile raids on Cuba. Intensified Department of State action against Free World shipping to Cuba was also approved. Since the Standing Group was not able to consider all the actions recommended in the two papers, further decisions were delayed until a December 19 meeting with President Johnson. (Washington National Records Center, RG 330, OSD Files:FRC 330 77 131, Misc. 63-65) Regarding the meeting with the President, see Document 388.