◆ SpookStack

forces had been shot down at sea and that this jet was flown by Acosta." §.Q/ I Chief, WH/4/CI on hearing this - - - - - - - - story, was of the opinion that this would counter the Castro claims concerning the failure of the United States to identify any of the attacking pilots. In addition, I I noted that he and Phillips had dis- cussed some follow-up action: A. That the UPI be requested to check to determine if jet pilot Acosta had a wife. If so, it was agreed that a US money collection drive be initiated to provide for the widow's well being. B. If such a widow, providing she exists, claimed her husband was an ardent Fidelista, then Mr. Phillips and the under- signed I I agreed that a collection be init~ated on a nationwide basis for the unhappy but brave widow subjected to such coercion by Fidelista security forces. 61/* A further part of the D-2 story concerns Gar \ . Thorsrud's request to Headquarters for a follow-up * There is no further reference to the suggestion advanced by Phillips, and in all probability it came to naught in view of the proximity to the. invasion. When the UN debate began on 17 April, the Brigade forces had already landed at Playa Larga and Playa Giron; and it had already been proved that the B-26 involved in the deception effort did not belong to Castro's Air Force. - 222 -