◆ SpookStack

~or SECRET Agency retained control of US communications out of Havana -- the Ambassador deciding that he preferred to relieve the female Department of State communica- tions officer and retain the services of her male counterpart from the Agency. During this hectic period, the communications officer was instructed to pack up as much gear as possible and destroy that which remained. Even if all the gear were not destroyed, CIA's Director of Communications indicated "there would not be any extreme compromise." In any event, however, the last message from Havana Station -- on 7 January 1961 at l638Z -- stated This last msg from HAVA Station. All files and crypto material destroyed on evening 6 Jan (1961] Swiss amb placed "Carta de Proteccion" notices on emb doors minimizing possibility takeover of bldg by GOC.* 29/ Even as the 'debate over the breaking of diplom~tic relations was taking place within the Eisenhower ad- ministration, Col. Jack Hawkins addressed a memorandum to Jake Esterline, Chief, WH/4 which provided an ex- cellent summary of the policy decisions which needed * Authorization for complete shutdown had been set for 0300Z on 7 January 1961. 30/ - 191 - :rep SECRET