◆ SpookStack

stated that any speculation on above matter is completely unfounded and that he will back this project to the end. Also recommends strengthening forces to avoid failures. When action finally taken we must be sure of success." S8/ It appears probable that the regional area of State which was evincing concern was the office of American Republic Affairs (ARA) directed by Assistant Secretary. Mann.* * Although the author believes that State's perspi- cacity during the BOP operation was limited by it's extreme caution, there is nonetheless evidence to sug- gest the Department may have had reason to regard those involved in the JMATE operation with some suspicion. A ca~le of 30 November 1960 to I lof Central Amer1ca read as follows: 1. CIA deliberately fomented leak by State of earlier fairly solid report re Cuban 'militiamen' flights over Guat which should be useful Guatemala in case against Cuba and should be played WH assets through- o~t area to prove Cuban aggression Central America. 2. Washington Evening Star, 22 November and (better yet) New York Times, 24 November said Cuban recon flights with armed militia- men aboard occurred end October. In Times version several flights took place 29-31 Oc- tober, total 150 Cuban militiamen carried and fewer returned to Cuban airport than -left. According Star, two Cuban plane num- bers were 601 and 631. (631 independently confirmed as Cuban recon plane which buzzed Swan Island 27 October. This fact now overt.) Attribution, both papers were 'diplomatic sources.' 59/ (footnote continued on following page) -:z TOP~CRET