◆ SpookStack

J:GP SECRr:=r planned program for paramilitary training and opera- tions under the aegis of CIA. Insofar as can be determined, however, there is no indication that in his pre-election briefing of the Democratic Presidential candidates that Mr. Dulles went into any specifics on the Agency's anti-Castro plans. 85/ As mentioned previously, one of the continuing problems requiring coordination within the Executive Branch was the increasing budget demands for Project JMATE. From an estimate of some $2.5 million of budgeted and reserve funds, which had been made avail- able for the program by mid-August of 1960, Mr. Bissell appeared at a special Group meeting, requesting that an additional $10.75 million be released from reserve funds to meet the ever-increasing needs, particularly for the paramilitary and propaganda programs. The decision of the Special Group following Mi-. Bissell's appeal was that: This matter should be laid before the appropriate higher authorities and a presentation would be arranged hopefully within the next ten days. This was be- lieved to be wise, 'not because any actions involving major political risks were to be taken in the near future, but because the Agency would soon become committed to various substantial expenditures which - 103 - TAP ~FPP r:::c