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Cryptonym: AMFAUNA-1

Definition:
David Cabeza Coupau, leader of the AMFAUNA (network of in-Cuba agents, nearly all women, providing military, political, and economic reporting, including reports on attempts to kill Castro) organization.
Status:
Documented
Discussion:
A dispatch in July of 1962 stated that AMFAUNA-1 was a Cuban male. AMFAUNA-1 had been involved in politics, and was a member of a withheld group during the Spanish Civil War. The dispatch noted that "the JMWAVE case officer who trained A-1 in tradecraft in March 1961 observed that he already had a grounding in clandestine techniques." The case officer also characterized AMFAUNA-1 as a "pleasant, intelligent fellow" and "the most astute member of the team." AMFAUNA-1 was described as an anti-communist. He was recruited and trained in the United States, and then he returned to Cuba. A-1 trusted his security operations.

A dispatch on July 24, 1963, stated that "AMFAUNA-1 reported that a friend of AMFAUNA-7 is planning to assassinate AMTHUG (note: Fidel Castro) before the 26th of July and wants financial support."

A cable in August of 1963 stated that "in SW message No. 143 dated 1 Aug AMFAUNA-1 reports info received from Bernardo Alvarez (handwritten note: HAVA HARBOR PILOT, in touch AMFAUNA-2 Valso Swiss) that attempt on AMTHUG's life had been prepared for 26 July banquet presidential palace. Large caliber machine gun on tripod has been discovered behind curtain. AMFAUNA-1 commented this had nothing to do with AMFAUNA-7's plan which still pending."

AMFAUNA-3 was Hortensia Orizondo Meneses. AMFAUNA-13 was Manuel Villamanan.
Sources:

104-10234-10105: IDENTITY PAGE

AMFAUNA-1 is identified as David Cabeza Coupau.

104-10070-10079: OPERATIONAL REVIEW AND ANALYSIS OF OPERATION

7/11/62 memo from Chief, JMWAVE to Chief, TFW: "AMFAUNA-1 is a Cuban male, born in Cuba...He has tried his hand at various kinds of work...He has also ventured into politics, having been a candidate...During the Spanish Civil War, he was a member of the REDACTED...the JMWAVE case officer who trained AMFAUNA-1 in tradecraft in March 1961 ...observed that he already had a grounding in clandestine techniques." The case officer also characterized AMFAUNA-1 as a "pleasant, intelligent fellow" and "the most astute member of the team." Described as an anti-communist. He was recruited and trained in the United States, and then he returned to Cuba. He trusts his security operations.

104-10070-10079: OPERATIONAL REVIEW AND ANALYSIS OF OPERATION

7/11/62: "AMFAUNA-1 and Julio Rojo are identical."

104-10308-10125: DISPATCH: AMFAUNA PROGRESS REPORT FOR JUNE 1963

7/24/63 memo from Chief of Station, JMWAVE to Chief, SAS: "AMFAUNA-1 reported that a friend of AMFAUNA-7 is planning to assassinate AMTHUG (Fidel Castro) before the 26th of July and wants financial support."

104-10308-10124: CABLE RE AMFAUNA.

08/10/63: Cable from JMWAVE to Director: Slugline RYBAT TYPIC AMFAUNA: "1. AMFAUNA-1 has replied to OWVL No. 36 query as FOLL in SW message No. 134 dated 15 July received 30 July: AMFAUNA-7 wanted five thousand pesos for purchase two cars. These and two others which AMFAUNA-7's unidentified friend already had to be loaded with explosives and parked on street which AMTHUG (Fidel Castro) has to use when going to sleep at home of lady friend. AMFAUNA-7 already raised five thousand pesos by selling personal jewelry, and attempt to be made soon. Conspirators unaware true identity AMFAUNA-1, but do know that above details being forwarded ODYOKE (U.S. Government). 2. In SW message No. 143 dated 1 Aug AMFAUNA-1 reports info received from Bernardo Alvarez (handwritten note at right margin pointing to name: HAVA HARBOR PILOT, in touch AMFAUNA-2 Valso Swiss) that attempt on AMTHUG's life had been prepared for 26 July banquet presidential palace. Large caliber machine gun on tripod has been discovered behind curtain. AMFAUNA-1 commented this had nothing to do with AMFAUNA-7's plan which still pending. C/S Comment: AMFAUNA-1 has not explained how happened resume contact with AMFAUNA-7 in OWVL No. 36. Have requested this and other essential details when received will advise."

104-10234-10287: WITHHELD

06/25/64, Cable from JMWAVE to Director: Slugline TYPIC AMFAUNA AMLASH: "1. On 16 Dec 63 AMFAUNA-1 was introduced to Ramon (Quesada) Gomez (201-321168) by Ada Azcarreta (201-288219). Quesada good friend AMLASH-1 (Rolando Cubela Secades) and offered assist his recruitment. CO told AMFAUNA-1 drop contact on grounds Quesada SFNE member. 2. WAVE-5346 (IN 5718) reports Quesada in Cuba with Eloy (Gutierrez) Menoyo as of 3 June. If this true, AMLASH-1 may be target for recruitment by Gutierrez."

104-10226-10357: DISPATCH-OPERATIONAL PHYSICAL ATTACK ON UR PREMISES

7/13/64 cable from Chief of Station, JMWAVE to Deputy Chief, WH/SA: "...The incidents began shortly after David Capeza Coupau (201-291230), who had been employed in the UR Propaganda Department on a trial basis, proved to be indiscreet and over-ambitious, and was dropped from the UR payroll."

124-90033-10130: No Title

9/64 memo: David Cabeza - Active with The Republic of Cuba in Arms as "information delegate" and with John Martino - "liaison with publicity". Their leader has the cover name of Rosendo Diaz, true name Francisco Diaz Azcue, in contact with the Coordinator for Cuban Affairs in Miami. Cabeza's group within this main was the Agrupacion de Combatientes "Freedom Fighters" in English). Cabeza described the group as high-level type persons engaged in anti-Castro activities. One of the active leaders in the New York area is Berta Ferrer of Bridgeport, CT.

Contributors:
Bill Simpich

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