206. Memorandum From Dave McManis of the National Security Council Staff to John Howe of the National Security Council Staff1 2
SUBJECT:
- Further on Soviet Submarine Activity in the Caribbean
There has been a UGRA class submarine tender operating in the Caribbean waters since mid-July. This class of tender has been known to support up to eight conventional powered submarines. The presence of this tender is considered normal in view of the presence of the FOX TROT class submarine. The presence of the N class submarine in the same area as the tender is considered coincidental.
Possibly related, there is new evidence not yet reported that at least one Soviet Yankee class submarine has deployed from the northern fleet area. There may be a second Yankee class or one of the new undesignated attack submarines accompanying it. CIA is not sure whether this is a shakedown cruise or first operational mission.
- Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 780, Country Files, Latin America, Cuba, Vol. I. Secret; Sensitive. The word “Thanks,” followed by Haig’s initials, appears on the upper right corner of the memorandum. Attached to McManis’s message is an August 1 CIA memorandum, which notes that “There is no evidence to support the rumors that have circulated in recent years to the effect that there are Soviet polaris-type submarine bases in Cuba.” On July 20, the National Military Command Center reported that 7 Soviet Navy ships had entered Havana Harbor. (Ibid.)↩
- McManis reported on Soviet submarine operations in the Caribbean, including the presence of a tender, which could support up to eight conventionally-powered submarines.↩