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Lee surprise for the main assault force. These advantages would be counterbalanced by the diversion of troops otherwise supporting the main unit. [7. Landing and Slow Build-up: Under this fourth alternative the whole paramilitary force could carry out a landing and seize @ beachhead in the most remote and inaccessible terrain on the island with intent to hold indefinitely an area thus protected by geography against prompt or well-supported attacks from the land. This would permit the installation there of the provisional govern- ment, its recognition by the U. S. after a decent interval, and (if needed) a long period of build-up during which additional volunteers and military supplies would be moved into the beachhead. a. A major political advantage of this course of action would be that the initial assault might be conducted in such a way as to involve less display of relatively advancea weaponry and of professional military organization than the landing in force dis-~ cussed above, especially so as there is every likelihood that the initial landing would be virtually unopposed by land forces. Recognition could provide a suitable political and legal basis for a protracted build-up after the initial assault. b. Such an operation would, however, require tactical air support sufficient to destroy or neutralize the Castro Air Force. If this were not provided concurrently with the landing, it would - 10 -