◆ SpookStack

was to hold that beachhead. I think it is im- portant that when the President and the Sec- retary of State think that they have your view, that they do have your view. 112/* This hassle went o~ through the rest of General Shoup's testimony with attempts by committee members (or a member?) to get General Shoup to admit that he might have been derelict in his duty by not telling the President of any doubts which he had about the planned operation. The Marine Commandant, however, resisted all such pressures, and his testimony concluded with the following questions and answers: Question: If you were going to do this again and there was still the requirement that it be a covert operation, what changes would you make? Anything that would be materially different? General Shoup: I don't think that at this time in 1961 or hereafter you are going to do it covertly. * The difference of opinion reflected here refers to the question which. had been asked Shoup earlier. The question had been "How long did you think they'd be in the bay?" and Shoup had answered: One day. I thought they'd load those ships and get out of there. If they didn't get unloaded, they'd come back after dark, depending upon whether they were actually rushed by the enemy or if they weren't, and depending upon where the people were that could use the arms. 113/ In context, it is apparent that Shoup was thinking solely about the vessels which brought the invasion forces and materiel into the beaches. According to the plan the vessels were to retire before daylight on D-Day and then return after dark, if necessary, to finish unloading. 120 I