Home/ Resources / Projects / CIA Cryptonyms / bigram: AM / cryptonym: AMBELLOW-1

Cryptonym: AMBELLOW-1

Return to Main Crypts Page

Definition:
Justo Quijano Martinez. A cable on January 22, 1963, mentioned AMBELLOW-1 as IDEN. Another cable on the same day stated that IDEN was Justo Quijano Martinez, a member of the CRC who was still in Guatemala, and attempting to evade expulsion from that nation.
Status:
Documented
Discussion:
AMBELLOW-1 was a member of the CRC in Guatemala as late as 1963, working with Miguel Casas Rodriguez to preserve the fiction of CRC unity.

A September 1962 cable stated that AMBELLOW-1's cousin in Miami was a confidant of Miami Mayor, Robert King High.

A January 13, 1963 cable described AMBELLOW-1 as being an "experienced KUBARK (CIA) operator." The same cable mentioned that AMBELLOW-1 had a Guatemalan wife.

In terms of AMBELLOW-1 being an experienced CIA operator, Justo Quijano Martinez was a source for a Field Information Report, in June of 1957 from Havana. Quijano was at that time apparently the director of the tobacco group of the Asociacion Cubana pro-Democracia.

A January 22, 1963 cable stated that AMBELLOW-1 was a member of the Consejo Revolucionario Cubano (CRC) in Guatemala. At that time AMBELLOW-1 was attempting to avoid expulsion from Guatemala.

According to a cable in March 1962, a contact of AMBELLOW-1's appears to have been Eusebio Mujal.

A cable on December 25, 1962, stated that Justo Quijano was in hiding after an expulsion order was put into effect against Cuban exiles by the Guatemalan Government. A cable on December 27, 1962, mentioned that AMBELLOW-1 was in hiding, but was still under an arrest order, and policemen were attempting to locate him.
Sources:

104-10074-10138: COMMUNISM IN THE TOBACCO INDUSTRY

06/11/57: Field Information Report from Havana: "Report No. HKH-1502. Report Made By: John P. Kempton. Approved By: Sherwood P. Rochon...Subject: Communism in the Tobacco Industry. Source: Paragraphs 1 and 2 - AMBULL from Justo Quijano Martinez, director of the tobacco group of the Asociacion Cubana pro-Democracia. Paragraph 3 - AMBULL. Paragraph 4 - Samuel Powell."

104-10231-10118: CABLE: RUMOR THAT GUATEMALA CONSIDERING ESTABLISHING CUBAN GOVERNMENT IN EXILE

09/10/61: Cable from Guatemala to JMWAVE: "1. On 6 Sept GOC official new paper Diario de Centroamerica published 'rumor' that GOC considering approving establishment here of Cuba Govt in exile and that GOC would accept responsibility for govt in exile if Castro-Guevara regime does not stop exporting revolution to Guatemala and abetting Arbenz and his cohorts in Cuba. FRD not mentioned. 2. On 8 Sept GUAT daily Impacto tells of interview with FRD representation on 7 Sept. Spokesman Luis Manuel Martinez, local FRD Sec of Prop, said Cuban exiles could 'affirm, even without prior concurrence FRD, that Guatemala will be the seat of the Cuban Govt in exile being set up next week in Miami to take responsibility free Cuba from Communist Yoke.' 3. On 7 Sept AMBELLOW-1 said he knew only what had read in paper re exile govt. 4. Please clarify situation for GUAT and advise if local FRD Group taking proper stand." - - - 03/02/62, Dispatch from COS, Guatemala City to Chief, WHD and COS, JMWAVE: References: WAVE 1468: "1. On 23 February 1962, AMBELLOW-1 reporting the following: On 22 February 1962, Guatemalan Foreign Minister Jesus Unda Murillo told AMBELLOW-1 that the message of President Ydigoras to Cuban Julio Garceran del Val, Oscar Diaz and (Unintelligible) had been that YDIGORAS would recognize no Cuban Government in exile which did not represent the majority of Cubans in exile and that Cubans should join up with (unintelligible). 2. AMBELLOW-1 described Diaz as a former Cuban army colonel and (Unintelligible) as a '(unintelligible) Batistianos.' 3. According to AMBELLOW-1, Garceran, Diaz and (Unintelligible) came very quietly into the country on or about 16 February 1962, tried to gain an interview with Ydigoras and were met by Unda and perhaps Ydigoras himself. The first two left Guatemala as quietly about one week after entering." https://www.maryferrell.org/showDoc.html?docId=25682&relPageId=2

104-10235-10172: CABLE: ON 21 MAR AMBELLOW 1 REPORTED FOLLOWING TOLD HIM BY EUSEBIO MUJAL

03/22/62: Cable from GUAT to Director: "1. On 21 Mar AMBELLOW-1 reported FOLL told him by Eusebio Mujal: A. That on 20 Mar Julio Garceran del Val, Ricardo Sardinas, Aureliano Sanchez Arango and Mujal arrived in GUAT city at invitation Pres Ydigoras. Have appointment see Ydigoras on 27 Mar. Jose Miro Cardona and Marquez Sterlin (FNU) also invited but not here. B. Thru Ydigoras wants Cuban exile groups unite in armed movement against Castro to be sponsored by bloc of Central American countries excluding Nicaragua and independent of USA. C. That US Govt intends no nothing re Cuba. 2. Arrivals as above confirmed newspaper 21 Mar."

104-10228-10347: CABLE:ON 21 JUNE 62 AMBELLOW-1 REPORTED FOLL INFO

06/23/62: Cable from Guatemala City to Director: "1. On 21 June 62 AMBELLOW-1 reported FOLL info: A. On 18 June AMBUD-1, Luis Botifoll and Emilio Garcia arrived GUAT city, were met by delegation Cuban exiles. AMBUD-1 sought interview Pres Ydigoras. AMBELLOW-1 tried make arrangements, was told by officers presidential general staff that Ydigoras did not wish see AMBUD-1 and that Fonmin Jesus Unda Murillo would see them. B. Fonmin received AMBUD-1, Botifoll, Garcia and several Cubans including AMBELLOW-1 sat in on entire interview during which AMBUD-1 made FOLL statements: AMBUD-1 had held one-hour talk with GPIDEAL (President Kennedy) who told AMBUD-1 that military action against Cuba would be undertaken of and when the Central American countries are ready to support this action. Cubans are being trained within the U.S. Army for early action against Cuba with GPIDEAL backing. GPIDEAL commissioned AMBUD 1 to talk with Presidents Central American countries to enlist their support. C. Fonmin was non-committal. D. In aside to AMBELLOW-1 during interview AMBUD-1 said recruitment campaign to begin immediately in Guatemala to place Cubans 17-35 years old in U.S. Army for U.S. Government supported training and action against Cuba..."

104-10182-10103: CABLE: ON 31 AUG AMBELLOW-1 RECEIVED TELEGRAM FROM HIS COUSIN IN MIAMI, CONFIDANT OF MIAMI MAYOR ROBERT KING HIGH, ADVISING MAYOR'S ARRIVAL HERE 1 SEPT

09/01/62: Cable from Guatemala City to Director: Slugline GYROSE KUTUBE: "1. On 31 Aug AMBELLOW-1 received telegram from his cousin in Miami (REDACTION), confidant of Miami Mayor Robert King High, advising Mayor's arrival here 1 Sept. 2. AMBELLOW-1 reports Mayor and (REDACTION) spearheading move unite Cuban exiles for military action against Castro; Mayor wishes interview with Pres Ydigoras to explore possibility Ydigoras and Mayor jointly sponsor unity Cuban exiles in Central America and Miami areas with or without participation of Consejo Revolucionario Cubano leaders; General Bonilla, GUAT Consul in Miami, supports Mayor's plan; Julio Garceran del Val is probably also involved. 3. APPR above: C-2. 4. We have instructed AMBELLOW-1 keep abreast developments here without supporting. Request any pertinent guidance. C/S Comment: *Intel report re possibility of Guatemalan Government support for a 'Cuban Government' in exile."

104-10510-10102: DISPATCH: SUBJECT - DETRIMENTAL ACTIVITIES OF AMRASP DELEGATE

12/07/62: Dispatch from Guatemala City to Chief, JMWAVE: "1. Attached under separate cover is a copy of a list of expenses submitted by Identity, local AMRASP delegate, to AMRASP headquarters in the JMWAVE area. Station, Guatemala City wishes to point out that the charge of 98.00 for the printing of a pamphlet was in fact not paid by Identity but was paid from Station funds. This particular pamphlet was written by (REDACTION) KAKA-7 and was printed at the direction of AMBELLOW-1 who submitted a receipt to his case officer. The charges on the attached expense sheet for 'correos and telegrafos' are probably also padded based on Station knowledge of the extent of Identity's activities in behalf of AMRASP. 2. The general situation pertaining to AMRASP in Guatemala remains essentially the same as outlined in the referenced dispatches. Identity is not worth being kept on the AMRASP payroll and is doing more harm than good as an AMRASP delegate. The fact that he continues to receive a good salary for doing practically nothing affects the morale of other AMRASPERS who are trying to do a worthwhile job. 3. The only effective work being done locally is being done by AMBELLOW-1 and (REDACTION) KAKA-7, who are on the Station payroll, and who have completely bypassed the Identity and work with him only when it is necessary to preserve the fiction of AMRASP unity and present a united front on a particular issue. They have learned long ago not to include him in on anything where he has discretion in the dispensing of funds. 4. It is requested that JMWAVE and/or TFW take steps to influence AMRASP headquarters in the removal of Identity from the AMRASP payroll 'due to a lack of funds' rather than for specific charges of malfeasance in Guatemala which may involve the local AMRASP group, including (REDACTION)KAKA-7 and AMBELLOW-1, in needless internal squabbling." Page 3: "SEPARATE COVER ATTACHMENT: IDENTITY: Dr. Jose Luis Valdes Marti."

104-10298-10120: CABLE: FOLLOWING CUBANS ALL LEADERS OF THE CONSEJO REVOLUCIONARIO CUBANO

12/25/62: Cable from Guatemala City to Director and JMWAVE: "1. Following Cubans all leaders of the Consejo Revolucionario Cubano in GUAT are being expelled from country because of their support of statement made in WASH by Pres Villeda Morales of Honduras to effect Cuban exile govt not RPT, not opportune at this time: Miguel Cesar Rodriguez, Justo Bustanante, Miguel Castillo and Jose Luis Valdes. Several other Cuban leaders, including Justo Quijano are in hiding. Expulsion being carried out by judicial police. Apparently at direct orders Pres. Ydigoras. 2. If this expulsion order is fully carried out it will be extremely damaging to Station programs. Request whatever influence can be privately brought to bear by CRC HQs to cause cancellation of order. Request no RPT no public pressure at present because Ydigoras in shaky position and likely irritable."

104-10512-10022: CABLE: FOUR MEMBERS CONSEJO REVOLUCIONARIO CUBANO IN GUAT APPARENTLY

12/26/62: Cable from Guatemala City to WAVE, Director: "1. Four members Consejo Revolucionario Cubano in GUAT apparently expelled to Honduras by Pres Ydigoras because of their opposition to his proposals for creation Cuban Govt in exile. Four persons expelled are: Julio Bustamante, Fernando Blanco, Miguel Cesar Rodriguez and Miguel Castillo. Arrested but later released due efforts his GUAT wife was Jose Luis Valdes Marti. Other CRC leaders still in hiding. 2. AMBELLOW-1 reports that the cause of the Cuban problem in GUAT is Dr. Nicomedes Viejo Llorente, Cuban exile who has convinced Ydigoras that setting up govt in exile would be worth several million dollars to financially shaky GUATS. AMBELLOW-1 suggests that if arrangements can be made at JMWAVE to invite Viejo to take part in 'high level discussions' and to prolong his JMWAVE stay for several weeks, the remaining Cuban exiles can solve their local problems. 3. AMBELLOW-1 also reports rumor current that Ydigoras will announce formation of Cuban Govt in exile on 30 Dec 62. Station has no confirming info this rumor. 4. For TEGU: PLS confirm, if possible, the arrival and present location of any or all of the above listed Cuban exiles in Honduras."

104-10512-10021: CABLE: EL IMPARCIAL OF 26 DEC CARRIES TEXT OF LONG STATEMENT MADE BY PRESIDENT YDIGORAS

12/27/62: Cable from Guatemala City to Director and WAVE: "1. El Imparcial of 26 Dec carries text of long statement made by President Ydigoras as to his reasons for expelling members of the Cuban Revolutionary Council (CRC) from GUAT (GOC) desires peace and tranquility for 1963 so it can hold its scheduled elections. In spite of a long and continuing series of acts against GUAT by the de facto Govt of Cuba (GOC) the GOC wishes to take the first major step in showing its good faith and which it hopes will be reciprocated. This first step is the expulsion from GUAT of members of the CRC who in one form or another maintain activities against the GOC. GUAT has done more than its share in fight against Castro and time has come for others to do their share. All GUAT wants is peace and tranquility. 2. Statement a major shift in policy and apparently is the brainchild of Ydigoras. Any efforts to change his mind must come from highest levels U.S Government through local chief ODACID (U.S. State Department). Meanwhile all GYROSE activity must cease until situation clarifies. 3. Operationally Station concentrating on keeping AMBELLOW-1 in country so that he can begin operating under modified plans after things settle down. AMBELLOW-1 in hiding but is still under arrest order and police are looking for him."

104-10228-10040: WITHHELD

01/04/63: Cable from Guatemala City to Director: "1. (REDACTION) (IDEN) is of particular interest to GUAT. When he in TEGU and it secure to do so, GUAT would like arrange delivery of clothes, note and money from AMBELLOW-1 his GUAT contact. 2. If his return to GUAT remains doubtful will forward his data TEGU. (REDACTION) was student leader Cuba and has been a useful asset GUAT in student ops and as prolific propagandist. He not in direct contact Station but handled by AMBELLOW-1." 104-10228-10118: "IDEN is REDACTION." https://www.maryferrell.org/showDoc.html?docId=44372#relPageId=2&tab=page - - - 01/09/63, Cable from Tegucigalpa to Director: "1. Cesar Rodriguez Limonta and his three companions now staying following address. Dr. Alonso, Cuesta La Leona No. 726, Tegucigalpa. (REDACTION) ARK-1 will pay their food and lodging while they here if necessary. 2. AMBELLOW-1 can send clothes to Rodriguez at above address. All four awaiting word from Miami re their future. C/S Comment: *When subject in TEGU and it secure to do so, GUAT would like arrange delivery of clothes note and money from AMBELLOW-1 his GUAT contact." https://www.maryferrell.org/showDoc.html?docId=44371&relPageId=2

104-10229-10017: CABLE RE: GUAT FEELS THAT SUBJECT OF GUAT 2728 AND GUAT 2753 IS THE ONLY MEMBER OF EXPELLED GROUP WHO OF OPERATIONAL INTEREST

01/13/63: Cable from Guatemala City to Director: "1. GUAT feels that (REDACTION) KAKA-7 (subject of GUAT 2728 (IN 74836) and GUAT 2753) is the only member of expelled group who of operational interest. He student leader and skilled propagandist. Would like to see him kept busy TEGU or other country close to GUAT pending his ability to return GUAT. Still pending advice TEGU whether or not TEGU able arrange delivery his passport, money and other items which GUAT wishes touch because of insecurity of open mail and inability of his GUAT contact AMBELLOW-1 to travel. Other members group were not active GUAT. 2. GUAT already of record that Jose Luis Valdes Marti was a detriment to GYROSE efforts and he and his wife complicated this last affair by their public attempts to make President Ydigoras look foolish. Recommend he be returned to JMWAVE area and dropped from active leadership of CRC delegations. AMBELLOW-1 reports that Valdes left for SJOS. AMBELLOW-1 also reports that (REDACTION) KAKA-7 and others have moved to cheaper quarters in TEGU and are at Casa Eden, Puesta la (unintelligible) 726. 3. Thus far AMBELLOW-1 has avoided deportation but GUAT not certain this can continue much longer. AMBELLOW-1 has been advised to stay GUAT until last possible moment and then leave for SALV or TEGU in that order. AMBELLOW-1 an experienced CIA operator and will be of use any Central American country pending his eventual return to GUAT where he and GUAT wife have made their home. Hope is that if we can stall long enough the pressure for his expulsion will ease, and Ydigoras will get over his anger at (unintelligible) opposed in the formation of a Cuban Govt in exile. 4. Noteworthy thus far has been complete lack of effective pressure against Ydigoras. CRC sent weak protest CALDE. U.S. Government apparently not inferring. GUAT efforts limited through fear of blowing our interest in AMBELLOW-1."

104-10228-10034: WITHHELD

01/22/63: Cable from Guatemala City to Director: TEGU INFO DIR WAVE CITE GUAT 2781: "1. (REDACTION) KAKA-22 returned after making ref delivery and reports that (REDACTION) KAKA-7 personal situation confused. (REDACTION) KAKA-7 thinking in terms trying save money to go Chile to be married. 2. AMBELLOW-1 (IDEN) advised (REDACTION) KAKA-7 stay TEGU where he would be approached by someone representing the "Socios" who would mention name of AMBELLOW-1. 3. (REDACTION) KAKA paid equal $100.00 per month GUAT. His 201 files will be pouched upon request TEGU. C/S Comment: *Due back items be delivered (REDACTION) KAKA/7 and AMBELLOW/1 send verbal messages, STA GUAT using (REDACTION) KAKA/22 as courier." - - - 104-10512-10017: 01/22/63: Cable from Guatemala City to Tegucigalpa: REF GUAT 2781: "IDEN is Justo Quijano Martinez who is a member of the Consejo Revolucionario Cubano still in GUAT trying to avoid expulsion from the country." https://www.maryferrell.org/showDoc.html?docId=13631#relPageId=2&tab=page

Contributors:
Gavin McDonald

© Mary Ferrell Foundation. All Rights Reserved. |Site Map |MFF Policies |Contact Us