Cryptonym: AMRAPT
However, a FBI memo in July of 1962 stated that Francisco Urbano Chao Hermida was among a group of nine attending the Eighth World Youth Festival, at Helsinki in Finland, whom the CIA had an operational interest in. The memo stated Chao was a newsman. AMPALM-1 also appears to have been listed in this memo.
Also, Francisco Chao Hermida appeared in a AMWORLD (aka Second Naval Guerilla. Designed to support and unite several Cuban exile groups under the leadership of Manuel Artime/AMBIDDY-1) cable in September of 1963, and a cable in December 1963.
07/20/62: FBI memo from SAC, Miami to Director: Subject: Eighth World Youth Festival, Helsinki, Finland, July 27 - August 5, 1962...Page 2: ..."Based on the above, Ray Dubois, covert representative, CIA, Miami, Florida, was contacted on July 19, 1962. Dubois advised that CIA has an operational interest in all nine of these persons. He also advised that CIA had a similar interest in another group residing in the New York City area which would also be traveling to Helsinki. These nine individuals are listed as follows: Carlos Eduardo Hernandez Sanchez (Note: probably AMHINT-33)...Oscar Alberto Echevarria Salvat (Note: AMPALM-1)...Juan Manuel Alfonso Salvat Roque (Note: AMHINT-2)...Ana Gloria Diaz-Silveira Tamargo (note: later mentioned in Warren Commission documents and in Sylvia Odio's testimony)...Francisco Urbano Chao Hermida: Born March 8, 1925, Havana, Residence - 625 Bay Road, Miami Beach. Occupation - Newsman. Cuban Passport No. 02578..."
104-10227-10015: CABLE: CUBAN REACTION AT TIME DEPARTURE AFRICAN PILOT FROM HAVANA
01/22/63: Cable from JMWAVE to Director: Slugline GYROSE REACTION: "1. Cuban reaction at time departure African pilot from Havana as reported by letter from brother Chao Hermida (employee AMRAPT) reported 11 Jan by AMPALM-1 (Oscar Echeverria y Salvat): 'Streets were filled along sea from one end to other. There never has been so many in that area, even during carnival time. Absolutely no noise. G-2 finally decided clear area. They arrested everyone found with cameras. To clear area they called upon organized groups who moved in and beat up spectators. Many fights broke out, but eventually area was cleared. Most outstanding characteristic was silence of people.' 2. Brick was thrown through window of MI Botica, Miami drugstore owned by radio commentator Arturo Artalejo 10 Jan. That day on his radio program he attacked CRC and called Miro and other exile leaders shameless, so he feels CRC members broke window. When describing details of window breakage on next program he retold story of receiving package in mail with dead cat and note saying 'take care as same thing will happen to you, since you nothing other than disguised Communist' and of having paint thrown against store twice, always after strong criticisms against Miro and CRC. Also stated CRC stated campaign which represented him as anti-Cuban when he opposed prisoner exchange. AMRAZOR-1 (probably Norman Diaz) said exile community against Artalejo as he 'always crying and makes people in Cuba cry.'
104-10265-10292: CABLE: AMPALM-4 REPORTS 12 SEPT FRANCISCO CHAO HERMIDA WENT AIRPORT
09/14/63: Cable from JMWAVE to Director: Slugline RYBAT TYPIC YOBITE AMWORLD: "1. AMPALM-4 (Angel Fernandez Varela) reports 12 Sept Francisco Chao Hermida went airport see Luis Somoza. Latter said he leaving WAVE area allegedly for GUAT to see chief of military junta. 2. Also at airport were Tony Varona, Manuel Artime, Rafael Quintero. Somoza brought to airport by Enrique Ruiz Williams. 3. Somoza immediately told Chao he did not like Sec State Dean Rusk American Legion speech. Somoza asked Chao read entire speech and make analysis. 4. Chao told AMPALM-4 that Somoza threats 'old political hacks' (i.e. Varona and Prio) with deference but prefers younger people. Somoza entourage composed of young people. Chao impression Somoza having troubles and is not happy."
104-10265-10269: PINO PEREZ' PROBLEMS WITH PRIO
12/06/63: Cable from JMWAVE to Director: Slugline RYBAT TYPIC YOBITE AMPALM-4: "1. AMPALM-4 (Angel Fernandez Varela) said Francisco Chao repeat Chao Hermida attended 10 Nov meeting with Miguel A. 'Cuco' Leon which attended by Noel del Pino repeat Pino Perez, trusted confidant Felix Lancis of Autenticos. According Chao, Autenticos, including Arturo Hernandez repeat Hernandez Tellaheche, involved Plan Judas. Plan includes Autenticos inside PBRUMEN (Cuba). 2. Pino Perez very angry about declarations Prio because those Autenticos involved in plan no followers Prio...4. Leon told Chao that while in ZRMETAL (Washington, D.C.) he met with Enrique Ruiz repeat Ruiz Williams. Leon claims latter informed him that he, Ruiz, was to lead new PBRUMEN republic. He had been so named by GPFOCUS (Attorney General, Robert Kennedy) who had gone New York to interview him. GPFOCUS said Ruiz could work with any or every sector he wished, but important point was that Ruiz was to be boss. Ruiz called AMING-2 (Doctor Enrique Huertas Pozo) to ZRMETAL to name him future health minister. AMBANG-1 (Manuel Ray Rivero) is also to be in cabinet. Ruiz told Leon that he had arranged exit from PBRUMEN of Carlos Franqui with his accumulated wealth. 5. Leon said he had meeting in automobile with chief ODBEAT (probably Defense Intelligence Agency) who spoke against activities KUBARK (CIA) because they interfering with Plan Judas. 6. Chao has prepared document attacking Prio for his declarations. This is part of personal feud between two. Chao going to hold that Prio delaying liberation of PBRUMEN by his ill-timed statements."
04/28/67: Cable: Slugline TYPIC AMCORE AMRAPT: "1. To confirm 27 April telecon, our understanding is AMCORE-2 (Luis Ernesto Conte Aguero) organization will receive last check from AMTHIGH (a political action/propaganda operation using WRUL - the radio station owned by the Mormon Church - to sponsor anti-Castro broadcasts aimed at Cuba) for $1,500 covering period 16-30 April in early May. Thereafter station will takeover all AMCORE-2 funding per ref arrangements. 2. Identity A of reference will continue as ostensible source for $17,000 funded monthly to AMRAPT until AMRAPT and YOYARD merge. AMRAPT will continue to pay $8,000 of the $17,000 to YOYARD. Station will advise when HQs funding of AMRAPT to be discontinued."
00/00/76: SSCIA document: Titled: Miscellaneous Records of the Church Committee: Page 62: ..."The following entities were dissolved during the referenced period:...." - - Page 66: ..."Media and/or Publications: ESMIDWAY, AMIDEA, AMWIDE (slogan), AMRAPT, WURABBIT..."