◆ SpookStack

In an October meeting at Headquarters where, among other items, the question of the Spanish language competence was discussed, it was apparent that there was ongoing friction between DPD and WH/4 representa- tives -- with each side seeming to want to pass respon- sibility for the identification of the problem cases to the other. DPD suggested that its Air Commanders should not be responsible for determining the stability of Cuban personnel, and indicated that such decisions should be made prior to sending personnel to JMADD for training. WH/4 representatives, however, were of the opinion that those actually in the field were best able to finger those with personality or other problems that made them unsuited for flight training. Col. Gaines, in fact, vig?rously recommended that the whole opera- tion at MADD be closed out, because of the insurmount- able security problems and the lack of discipline among security officers from WH Division (as well as other security officers and personnel from DPD) to discuss various problems at the air base. A recent DPD re- turnee from JMADD reported that: Not one American speaks or under- stands the Spanish language and the Cubans do a great amount of talking on the flight line and the mess hall. It would, therefore, be of signifi- cant value to plant an American there who does speak and understand Spanish. 46/