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, and only minor participation from the US Department of State. 14/ At a time when the Agency's fears about the Castro movement were increasing, a rather different proposal was put forward by the Chief of the Para- military Division, Political and Psychological Staff, of the Clandestine Service. Rather than trying to whip Castro, Alfred Cox suggested that perhaps the wisest move for the Agency would be to join Castro~ It was apparent, according to Cox, that since Batista wason the way out, we should now try to remedy Castro's hostile attitude toward the United States because of our efforts to prop up Batista. To accomplish this, Cox suggested that: A practical way to protect United States interests in this m~tter would be to make secret contact with Castro, assure him of the United States sympa- thy with some of his objectives, and to offer him support. The individual chosen to make the contact should be of such background that'it is clear that he speaks with the authority of the United States Government. Obviously, the support must be given covertly so as not to endanger United States. relations with Batista. The most effective means of help to Castro would be arms and ammunition. Air dropping of - 8 -