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Cryptonym: AMFACET-1

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Definition:
Umberto Figueres Gonzalez.
Status:
Documented
Discussion:
A cable on March 30, 1961, contained a report from AMFACET-1 which stated that a conspiracy existed "sponsored by Batista followers and directed by Batista himself from Madeira. Support comes from presidential aspirations of Jose I. Rivero and Chief of Army ambitions of Manuel Artime." The cable also noted that "once invasion of Cuba and overthrow of Castro effected, these elements will proceed with imprisonment and possible assassination of members of provisional government before it can become firmly established."

A cable on May 12, 1961, stated that AMFACET-1 reported on that day that the source of the Buchanan article was AMPALM-5 (Jose Ignacio Agusto Rasco Bermudez). This was later confirmed by AMBUD-1 (Jose Miro Cardona). In addition, a cable on May 28, 1961, stated that AMFACET-1 and AMCLATTER-5 (Alberto de Jesus Alberty Garcia) reported the FAL was in contact with Colonel Severs and Major Von Horn, former Airatt and Assistant Airatt, Havana.
Sources:

180-10143-10180: SENSITIVE ORIGINAL WITHHELD BY CIA

AMFACET-1's identity is revealed in this 23-page "decoding" HSCA research document to be Umberto Figueres Gonzalez. Additional crypts and pseudos may be found within or in the slightly-later document attached above. Also see the 2018 version, which lifted further redactions. This decoder may have some additional crypts and pseudos https://www.archives.gov/files/research/jfk/releases/2018/180-10143-10180.pdf

104-10228-10295: CABLE:FOLL REPORT RECD FROM AMFACET-1

3/30/61 cable from JMWAVE to BELL: "Following report received from AMFACET-1: A. There exists conspiracy sponsored by Batista followers and directed by Batista himself from Madeira. Support comes from presidential aspirations of Jose I. Rivero and Chief of Army ambitions of Manuel Artime. B. Plan consists of three stages. Discrediting of anti-Castro groups in exile by Batista followers alleging to be first fighters for Communism and at same trying create feeling that Batista and his men represent peace and order for investors...2 (A) Political control of groups in camps through Artime and his followers with aid of MDC members and former Batista officers in charge brigades and others who act as advisors for Artime, Rasco, etc. e.g. Col. Larrea, Col. Cosme Varas and others. Also, infiltration of of former Batista officers and ex-military personnel in camps, under orders of Sanchez Mosquera who in turn receives orders directly from Batista...(B) meetings held by FRD groups, Batista factors and Jose I. Rivero resulted in agreement...3. Once invasion of Cuba and overthrow of Castro effected, these elements will proceed with imprisonment and possible assassination of members of provisional government before it can become firmly established...Following persons in charge (of) ops for Batista group: Francisco Cajigas, Luis Humberto Vidana, Maria Luisa Bonafonte, Carmelina Bonafonte, Santiago Rey, Rolando Masferrer. During last few days ex-Col. Orlando Piedra has become liaison between Batista group and Diario La Marina elements on basis his personal contact with Batista." His sources were Dr. Manuel de Jesus Larraz, court lawyer Havana during Batista regime; Dr. Frank Ramos, who received info from Enrique Lamar, member FRD Planning Comm. and ex-member Batista government; ex-members Artime group, e.g. FNU Argilegos, Maria Antonia Garcia.

104-10231-10369 CABLE -AMFACET-1 REPORTED 12 MAY THAT SOURCE OF ARTICE WAS AMPALM-5

5/12/61, Cable from JMWAVE to JMBELL: "AMFACET-1 reported 12 May that source of Buchanan article was AMPALM-5 (Jose Ignacio Agusto Rasco Bermudez). This later confirmed by AMBUD-1 (Jose Miro Cardona) during meeting with WAVE CO (case officer). AMFACET-1 indicated AMPALM-5 telling people he member of AMBUD (Cuban Revolutionary Council, CRC), thus explaining Buchanan reference to source of info as member of AMBUD. AMFACET-1 believes unknown someone put AMPALM-5 up to making statements in article and is attempting to determine identity. AMFACET-1 added that as result AMPALM-5/Buchanan story plus other actions taken by AMPALM-5 (e.g., recently called press conference in Chicago where presented newly bearded self as one of the leaders of frustrated invasion) latter in process (of) being expelled by MDC."

104-10167-10057: CABLE: AMCLATTER-5 ELECTED CHIEF FUERZAS AEREAS DE LIBERACION (FAL, CUBAN AIRFORCE OF LIBERATION IN EXILE) IN PILOTS ASSOCIATION MEETING 24 MAY

05/28/61, Cable from JMWAVE to BELL: JMZIP: "1. AMCLATTER-5 (Alberto de Jesus Alberty Garcia) elected Chief Fuerzas Aereas de Liberacion Ofal, Cuban Airforce of Liberation in Exile) in Pilots Association meeting 24 May. 2. AMFACET-1 as well as A-5 reported FAL in contact with Colonel Severs and Major Von Horn former Airatt and Assistant Airatt Habana. A-5 said latter two unofficially offered supply FAL with airntraining manuals. Although locally rumored to the contrary, no offer of financial aid made or mentioned between FAL and Severs and Van Horn. This confirmed by AMOT-87 (Mercedes Maria de los Angeles Meana Comdina) who has close ties FAL. Airatts mostly interested morale, activities and local situation pilots, including status Pedro Diaz Lanz. 3. A-5 said FAL will stay out of politics and will not make public statements against AMBUD although latter matter was nevertheless discussed in last meeting. FAL favors Marquez Sterling over AMBUD-1 and agreed will not repeat not take orders from AMNIP-1 (Miguel Roche Monroy - Cuban DGI defector). They interested maintain unity and support any recognized civilian group as leaders revolution. They willing recognize AMBUD as a body but not follow any one individual. 4. On night 27 May A-5 advised AMDIP-1 (Tony Varona) had asked him to meet with him. Following are results this meeting as reported by A-5: A-1 questioned A-5 over rumors that pilots planned set up group independent of AMBUD. A-5 denied this and explained FAL organization to AMDIP-1. Also gave names of officers this far elected. Only agreement reached with AMDIP-1 was that A-5 could submit list of FAL officers to AMBUD for confirmation after AMBUD-1's return from Washington, D.C. 5. AMDIP-1's also told A-5 that AMBUD-1 had met with President Kennedy afternoon 27 May and that President had promised AMBUD-1 full support. 6. Total membership FAL is 133 pilots."

104-10231-10136: MEETING WITH AMBUD-1 AND AMFACET-1

5/31/61 Oliver Corbuston/William Kent lunch meeting with AMBUD-1 and AMFACET-1. "AMBUD-1 (Jose Miro Cardona) still upset with (CIA) dealing with Cubans without his knowledge...still further upset with our dealing with Alabau Trelles re the judges. On this point he says he has no objection for the present to our passing funds to the judges, but insists that we do not pass these funds to the judges through Alabau, wants us to do it through AMFACET-1 or Morell Romero (a judge)." AMBUD-1 was trying to get in touch with "Mr. Sheridan" about getting funds to three men stuck inside the Argentine embassy in Cuba seeking asylum.

104-10227-10126: CABLE:FUNDING AND CONTROL SO-CALLED AMIRON AFFILIATES DEPENDENT POLICY

6/5/61 from WH/4/PROP Philip Toomey (William Kent) x 8247 at BELL to JMWAVE: "Funding and control so-called AMIRON (the Frente Revolucionario Democratico - FRD) affiliates dependent (on) policy decisions re future JMATE (the Bay of Pigs project, as well as Cuban operations overall) operations. Para 2 (WAVE 6517) decision not firm. Advise AFJ all continues as previously thru Jun pending policy decisions." WH comment: "Stated in view (of) new development (AFJ decision) HQS may wish (to) reconsider decision pass funds through AMFACET-1 and policy." See 104-10260-10102, the AFJ refers to the Associacion del Funcionarios del Poder Judicial, the group of Cuban judges in exile.

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Matthew Scheufele • Bill Simpich

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