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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." 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."

104-10234-10287: 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.

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