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Cryptonym: AMLACE-2

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Definition:
Wife of Luis Bastian Pinto, Brazil's ambassador to Cuba (AMLACE-1).
Status:
Documented
Discussion:
A cable in August of 1962 stated that "AMTOAD-1 (Julian Arias Prado) says he persuaded AMLACE-1's wife (hereafter AMLACE-2) to send him reports from Havana...AMTOAD will probably report AMLACE-2 op to AMBUD (CRC) HQs and may seek trip to Miami to exploit...AMSTRUT-1 (Virginia Vasco Leitao da Cunha) has stated AMLACE-2 strongly anti-Castro and willing work."

AMLACE-2 may have been named CĂ©lia de Lamare Bastian Pinto according to this website: http://www.fgv.br/Cpdoc/Acervo/dicionarios/verbete-biografico/luis-leivas-bastian-pinto

According to a 1976 memo from the LAD/JFK Task Force the AMLACE operation was "an FI operation designed for the collection of political and economic intelligence on Cuba."
Sources:

104-10512-10101: REPORTS TO BE SENT FROM HAVANA.

08/26/1962: Cable from RIOD to Director and JMWAVE: Slugline GYROSE AMLACE: "1. AMTOAD-1 (Julian Arias Prado) says he persuaded AMLACE-1's wife (hereafter AMLACE-2) to send him reports from Havana. Believes she would be willing act as courier for anti-Castro refugees. Reports to be sent via (REDACTION) to Maria C. Niemeyer (no record Station files) of (REDACTION) Miami. Renard and Harry V. Witherby, new GYROSE (routing indicator for Task Force W's internal communications within the CIA regarding Cuba) Case Officer vice Andriette, displayed no particular interest. AMTOAD-1 of course unaware our tie to AMLACE-1 (Luis Bastian Pinto). AMTOAD will probably report AMLACE-2 op to AMBUD (Cuban Revolutionary Council - CRC) HQs and may seek trip to Miami to exploit. 2. This may be minor informal agreement on which AMLACE-2 does not intend to act, altho AMSTRUT-1 (Virginia Vasco Leitao da Cunha) has stated AMLACE-2 strongly anti-Castro and willing work. 3. We feel this development no threat to AMLACE-1 security. Will take no corrective action unless addees instruct otherwise."

https://www.archives.gov/files/research/jfk/releases/2022/104-10308-10035.pdf

11/03/76: Memo for the record from the LAD/JFK Task Force: Subject: AMLACE Operation: "1. Description: An FI operation designed for the collection of political and economic intelligence on Cuba..."

Contributors:
Gavin McDonald

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