Cryptonym: AMTHORN-1
A cable on November 18, 1962, stated that training had been terminated. The rank and file of Cubans had allegedly recognized some of the instructors as being previously connected with training sites in Guatemala. There had been an outbreak of unrest among some Cuban exiles at Fort Knox. Oliver Fortson advised AMTHORN-1 to stay out of trouble. At the time of AMTHORN-1's induction he told U.S. Army recruiters of his history with the pro-Castro Cuban military service and the G-2 service under Castro.
When the unrest broke out, A-1 had apparently contacted Fortson by telephone from the fort, and the latter was clearly concerned that the U.S. Army would be able to trace the call to the CIA in Miami, and AMTHORN-1's previous and current connection with the Agency would be uncovered. The cable ended by noting that AMTHORN-1 might be of assistance to the U.S. Army in the CI program which Lt Col Sam Wilson had discussed with William K. Harvey (then Chief, Task Force W, and Theodore Shackley (Chief of Station, JMWAVE). The Authenticating Officer of this cable was Neil T. Pickworth (probably Joseph Vidal), who was Acting Chief of Counterintelligence (CI) at JMWAVE at around about this time.
One of the coordinating officers for a cable on December 8, 1962, was a CI operative with the initials "W. F. J." This was probably Winfield F. Jimerson, who in turn, was possibly (speculative) Tony Sforza. Jimerson succeeded Pickworth as Acting Chief of CI at JMWAVE, sometime in early December, 1962.
104-10235-10421: CABLE-INTENSIVE TRAINING TERMINATED ABOUT 15 NOV
11/18/62: Cable from JMWAVE to Director (Orig: CI/Fortson): Slugline GYROSE AMTHORN (handwritten note on top right-hand side: "PW Caponong" - probably Evalena S. Vidal): "1. AMTHORN-1 presently serving ODIBEX (U.S. Army) Ft Know (see para 4 Ref A) reported following to Fortson (probably Tony Sforza) 16 Nov by telephone: A. A-1's unit composed approx 2,000 PBRUMEN (Cuban) nationals recruited WAVE area. B. Intensive training phase terminated about 16 Nov. Rank and file recognized some instructors as formerly connected with training sites Guatemala. On termination intensive training unit was supposed receive normal ODIBEX recruit training. However prisoners objected to increased discipline and felt that their participation soon in invasion of PBRUMEN (Cuba) now unlikely. C. A-1 claims rank and file resisting ODIBEX authorities and WAVE (unintelligible) on partial (unintelligible). PBRUMEN unit has been isolated from rest of Ft Knox and restricted to (unintelligible) area. D. A-1 reported that rank and file claim KUBARK (CIA) responsible again for another (unintelligible). (Unintelligible) and made placards denouncing KUBARK and their treatment in general by ODIBEX. A-1 reported that persons responsible are all contacted with major PBRUMEN anti-Castro groups who now want out of ODIBEX. 2. Fortson told A-1 stay out of trouble and obey all ODIBEX orders. 3. FYI: At time A-1 induction AMTHORN-1 told ODIBEX recruiters his history with pro-Castro PBRUMEN mil service and G-2 service under Castro. A-1 stated he given two ODIBEX LCFLUTTER (polygraph - "lie detector" - testing) (unintelligible) prior his induction which apparently was normal practice during this recruitment program." (CONTINUED BELOW)
104-10235-10421: CABLE-INTENSIVE TRAINING TERMINATED ABOUT 15 NOV
11/18/62: Cable from JMWAVE to Director (Orig: CI/Fortson): Slugline GYROSE AMTHORN: 4. Our contact with A-1 since his entry into ODIBEX has been restricted solely to receipt of mail from him re ops leads which had been developed as result our past debriefing A-1. When trouble developed at Ft Knox A-1 took initiative and called WAVE agent number to report developments. Believe outgoing telephone call made from Ft Knox pay station. If call traced by ODIBEX it could raise question re nature A-1 contacts with Miami. Have no record ODIBEX trace with WAVE at time A-1 joined ODIBEX (unintelligible) such trace conducted HQs level and ODIBEX aware KUBARK previous interest A-1. If our assumption not correct and ODIBEX did not trace A-1 and they not aware previous A-1 association with KUBARK are we required notify ODIBEX. If answer is yes what is channel and where is action initiated ie HQs or WAVE. 5. A-1 may be of assistance ODIBEX in CI program which Lt Col Sam Wilson discussed with Presland/Reuteman (note: William K. Harvey and Theodore Shackley). If inquiry confirms this ODIBEX interest we can lay on contact arrangements. Advise." Authenticating Officer: Neil T. Pickworth (probably Joseph Vidal). Releasing Officer: Andrew K. Reuteman.
11/24/62: Cable from JMWAVE to Director (Orig: PW/Caponong - probably Evalena S. Vidal): "1. AMBUD-1 (Jose Miro Cardona) has approached WAVE through Passavoy (probably Col. Wendell C. Johnson) with proposal he visit Cuban recruits now training Fort Knox. WAVE has been non-committal re proposal but has advised AMBUD-1 that WAVE referring request HQs as coordination higher agencies needed. 2. View ref and changing complex Cuban exile reactions present US-Cuba-Russia situation WAVE recommends AMBUD-1 not make visit at this time."
104-10228-10378: CABLE: SITREP ON FT KNOX UNIT RECEIVED BY MAIL
11/28/62, Cable from JMWAVE to Director: Slugline GYROSE AMTHORN: REFS: A. WAVE 1433 (IN 20316)* B. UFGA 6597. "1. Sitrep on Ft Knox Cuban ODIBEX (U.S. Army) unit received by mail from AMTHORN-1 dated 18 Nov. (See Ref A). Report consists review significant developments affecting Cuban morale and disaffection ODYOKE (U.S. Government) ODIBEX policies relating Ft Knox Cuban program. A-1 included personal observations and recommendations to rectify dangerous situation Ft. Knox. 2. Will pouch translation A-1's report soonest FYI, however WAVE recommends no dissm A-1 report especially ODIBEX since such reporting probably contrary ODIBEX regulations since substance relates ODIBEX policies and status morale among ODIBEX personnel which extremely touchy subject. 3. A-1 spoke to WAVE CO by phone 2300 hrs 26 Nov in connection OPNL developments relating Ref B. SUBJ reported situation continues as reported his letters. SUBJ instructed situation continues as reported his letters. SUBJ instructed stay clear of local conspiracies but report discreetly on situation. SUBJ advised by Fortson our interest in him continues based solely on operational possibilities outlined per Ref B and that Ft. Knox ODIBEX of limited interest hence he should exercise extreme caution and discretion not prejudice his situation Ft. Knox. 4. Would appreciate reply re para 4 and 5 Ref A. C/S Comment: *Ref RYBAT."
104-10228-10376: CABLE: ERNESTO ARAGON PHONED AMBUD-1 AM 1 DEC STATING HURWITCH
12/01/62: Cable from JMWAVE to Director: "1. Ernesto Aragon phoned AMBUD-1 (Jose Miro Cardona) am 1 Dec stating Hurwitch planning visit Fort Knox in order investigate problem presented by Cuban recruits there and will attempt to get to bottom of problem and find solution. Aragon added that Col. Henderson of ODEARL (U.S. Department of Defense) stated ODIBEX (U.S. Army) making investigation this matter also. 2. Dr. Antonio Maceo received letter from son who recruit at Fort Knox to effect much anti-AMBUD (Cuban Revolutionary Council - CRC) sentiment and much politicking going on among recruits. AMBUD feeling is that there Batistiano and possibly pro-Castro agitators stirring up trouble. 3. Under circumstances AMBUD-1 feels moment not opportune for his visit to Fort Knox. But perhaps situation be improved from Dec when had tentatively planned visit. AMBUD-1 will not make visit without WAVE authorization. C/S Comment: *HQs feels AMBUD-1 visit recruits should be reconsidered at later date if he persists."
104-10235-10375: MEMO-CUBAN SOLDIER INJURED AT FT. KNOX
12/06/62: Memorandum for office: "1. At my meeting with the secretary of Dr. Miro on 5 December, she informed me that a soldier at Ft. Knox by the name of Carol had been injured in a fight with one of his buddies. This soldier is the brother of one of the officers who is now in training, by the same name. Col. Monteagudo informed Dr. Miro's secretary that this Lt. Carol had gone to Ft. Knox to see his brother. Later Col. Monteagudo reported that the soldier who had been injured had been taken to a hospital in Washington, D.C., and had apparently suffered a concussion of the brain as he was having difficulty in coordination. It appears that a bunk mate, having the upper bunk or lower, had hit him with a club and caused this injury. 2. Col. Monteagudo said that he understood that there was a considerable amount of gambling going on among the Cuban boys at Ft. Knox and he thought that this was something that should be stopped because when the Cubans gamble there is greater danger of quarrels and fighting and serious attacks upon one on another. Subject: Son of Dr. Maceo reports less trouble at Ft. Knox now. 1. Dr. Maceo informed Dr. Miro's secretary that he had word from his son by telephone call and his son reported that things are now quieter at Ft. Knox because of increased training...2. Mendez Perez said that someone at Ft. Knox had informed someone here that they were expecting Dr. Miro to visit Ft. Knox on the 3rd or 4th of December and wondered what had happened that he had not gone out there. 3. The names of several Cuban boys were given by Mr. Hurwitch as ones with whom he could talk confidentially and find out what the trouble was at Ft. Knox during his visit there to determine the problem. Among other names given to him were the son of Dr. Maceo, the son of Arias and the son of Gen. Soca Llanes. 4. Col. Monteagudo also gave Dr. Miro's secretary three other names as the persons who could be interviewed confidentially..."
12/08/62: Cable from JMWAVE to Director (Orig: PW/Caponong - probably Evalena S. Vidal): Slugline GYROSE KUWOLF: "1. On 7 Dec Col. Jose Monteagudo, head military sector CRC, and Francisco Carrillo of Montecristi, received phone calls from two Cuban recruits training at Fort Knox. Recruits feel there will be some trouble 10 Dec at Knox. Recruits also stated they feel there great lack of discipline at Knox and that U.S. Army sargents afraid lose strikes if enforce discipline. 2. Passavoy (probably Col. Wendell C. Johnson) phoning Hurwitch am 8 Dec to relay message and suggest Hurwitch pass on to appropriate ODEARL (Department of Defense) officials. Passavoy will also query Hurwitch on details learned by Hurwitch during his recent visit to Knox. 3. AMBUD-1 secretary passed info para 1 to Ernesto Aragon, CRC delegate Washington who phoning information to Col. Henderson. 4. Also Col. Monteagudo prepared letter containing same info for passing to Lt. Ordaz, army recruiting officer Cuban Refugee Center." Authenticating Officer: Robert K. Trouchard (William Kent). Coordinating Officers: CI: W.F.J. ESEC: D.R.W. (Sam Halpern). Releasing Officer: Andrew K. Reuteman (Theodore Shackley).
104-10228-10371: CABLE: AMBUD-1 RECEIVED CALL EARLY 10 DEC FROM RECRUIT FORT KNOX
12/10/62: Cable from JMWAVE to Director: "1. AMBUD-1 (Jose Miro Cardona) received call early 10 Dec from recruit Fort Knox who member 30 Nov Movement. Caller stated 'mutiny' now taking place at Knox, that own platoon refusing leave barracks ground weather too cold. Caller stated however that it only pretext and that real cause political unrest being provoked by some recruit elements. Caller asked AMBUD-1 go Knox immediately see if could straighten out situation. AMBUD-1 replied he thought it was matter for ODIBEX (U.S. Army) and that moment for AMBUD-1 visit inopportune. 2. Re Ref B, Passavoy (probably Col. Wendell C. Johnson) had informed Hurwitch rumor of trouble at Knox on 10 Dec. Hurwitch said would inform ODIBEX ZRMETAL (Washington, D.C.). Hurwitch told Passavoy he thought moment inopportune for AMBUD-1 visit Knox. 3. Hurwitch also informed Passavoy that recruits being given Christmas leave and that in order ensure recruits return Knox thereafter, Cuban community should stage big rally in behalf in order instill pride in them and hence shame some who might be thinking of going AWOL into returning Knox. Hurwitch stated this should not be AMBUD (Cuban Revolutionary Council - CRC) show, but should include all political factions WAVE area. C/S Comment: *Re anti-AMBUD sentiment among Cuban recruits at Fort Knox."
12/12/62: Memo from Carlos Blanco: Subject: Letter received by Miss Bertha Sanchez, who lives at 9600 SW 15th St., Miami, from her nephew Roberto Castro, who is in Fort Knox, Kentucky: