◆ SpookStack

11 May 1961. STUDY OF THE ANTI-CASTRO INVASION (ZAPATA) 1. The operation to seek the replacement of the Castro regime by covert means had its origins in a governmental decision taken on March 17, 1960. At that time. the exact character or timing of the operation was not determined. In its final form. the operation referred to herein as ZAPATA. had the approval of the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Defense. the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Director, Central Intelligence. This study undertakes to determine the reasons for its subsequent failure and to suggest possible ways of avoiding any similar reverse in the future. 2. The proximate cause of the failure of the operation was a shortage of ammunition which developed from the first day of the landing. April 17. and became increasingly critical until it resulted in the surrender of the landing force about 1400 on April 19. 3. There were three primary reasons for this shortage of ammunition. The logistical plan for the landing made ample provision for ammunition with the men and in floating reserve. However, upon landing there is evidence that the Cubans wasted their ammunition in excessive firing. displaying the poor ammunition discipline which is common to troops in their first combat. 2 £2~ - ~