277. Memorandum From General Edward Lansdale to Attorney General Kennedy 0
Washington, November 30,
1961.
Friday1 is apparently the “day of decision” for your special project. General Taylorʼs group has it scheduled as the main item for discussion.
A special Intelligence Estimate2 seems to be the major evidence to be used to oppose your project. Copies have just been made available this afternoon, and one is attached.3 I have underlined key conclusions.
I suggest two points:
- 1.
- The intelligence which supports conclusions about the internal situation is far from adequate.
- 2.
- The conclusion on page 4, paragraph 9, concerning the possibility of an uprising being fomented is a “conclusion of fact” quite outside the area of intelligence. The key factor in such a conclusion must be our own ability to take action. It is the heart of our proposal that we can take effective action, if proper management is provided.
- Source: Department of State, ARA/CCA Files: Lot 66 D 501, Cuban Project-1962. Secret; Eyes Only. A note on the source text indicates that a copy was sent to Goodwin.↩
- December 1.↩
- SNIE 85-61; see Document 271.↩
- Not found attached.↩