◆ SpookStack

Obviously, we cannot in good conscience expend government funds unless we have reasonable assurance that we can use the area. Given the absolute essentiality of JMTIDE to our operation r the need ·for early resolution is quite apparent. 33/ Despite the concern over the official policy for Nicaragua, Headquarters apparently missed or ignored one very important point made by Robertson in mid- December 1960. It was a point which from project in- ception until near the collapse of the Brigade was to plague the JMARC operation. Robertson pointed out that the real problem is that though all pre- liminary activities can be explained away by cover schemes devised thus far r we much face fact that once shooting starts, it is certain that JMTIDE will corne to light for what it is. 34/ Had this comment been carefully considered at this time, perhaps the whole question of plausible deniability could have been laid out on the table or laid to rest before it became a critical factor -- if not the critical factor -- in modifying the operational plan. While Robertson went about his business in Nicaragua, there was an increasing flurry of activity in the Headquarters area concerning the anti-Castro - 121 - TOP :jcRET