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Cryptonym: AMUTTER

Definition:

AMUTTER was a CIA project in Cuba in late 1958 and early 1959. CIA officers, Harold Noemayr (Ross Crozier), and Nelson Raynock (Henry Hecksher), were mentioned in cables connected with AMUTTER.

Status:

Documented

Discussion:

A cable on October 31, 1958, suggested that HQs consider the use of the subject of a cable from Director, or another suitable agent, to visit the front in furtherance of AMUTTER objectives. The cable also stated that the Havana station agreed with Raynock's suggestion in another document that "this area be given special attention by Project AMUTTER." The CS commented "HQs considering (REDACTION)CAM (note: possibly AMCAM) for use AMUTTER under natural cover as a freelance writer." It is possible that the freelance writer mentioned above was Andrew St. George. Frank Sturgis testified to the Church Committee in April, 1975, that he met St. George in the first week of January, 1959, at the Casa Grande Hotel. Sturgis described St. George as "a free lance writer and photographer": https://www.maryferrell.org/showDoc.html?docId=33941#relPageId=49&search=

A cable on November 24, 1958, mentioned that the "capture medical types Rodriguez Lopez, Fernandez Turro and Sollet Guillarde 21 indicates medics good target AMUTTER op." A cable on December 29, 1958, contained the slug AMUTTER. It stated that Noemayr suggested the following plan, which included avoiding Havana due to the security risk, and arranging U.S. naval air transportation to Guantanamo. Noemayr was also considering the possible need on this trip to carry a sidearm.

A cable on January 2, 1959, which again contained the slug AMUTTER, stated that "station taking advantage opportunity send Noemayr on plane chartered by Bohemia and Time mag to carry Jay Mallin and Carlos Castaneda to SAGU to interview Fidel Castro and possibly accompany Castro party when it comes to Havana."

Sources:

104-10177-10038: HKH-1754 POUCHED INDICATES SIZEABLE REBEL FORCES

10/31/58: Cable from Havana to Director: ..."3. Suggest HQs consider use subject DIR 47640...or other suitable agent visit front furtherance AMUTTER objectives. Station agrees Raynock's (Henry Hecksher) suggestion in HKSA-204 this area be given special attention by Project AMUTTER. CS Comment: *Stated HQs considering (REDACTION)CAM for use AMUTTER under natural cover as a freelance writer."

104-10221-10246: CABLE: ON 22 NOV EXCELSIOR REPORTED THAT EARLY MORNING 20 NOV, THREE TONS CUBAN REBEL ARMS CONSISTING AMERICAN MADE BAZOOKAS, GRENADES, RIFLES, SUBMACHINE GUNS AND AMMO CONFISCATED URUAPAN MICHOACAN

11/24/58: Cable from Withheld to Director: ..."5. Capture medical types Rodriguez Lopez, Fernandez Turro and Sollet Guillarde 21 indicates medics good target AMUTTER op."

104-10215-10096: FILE ON ROSS L. CROZIER.

12/29/58: Cable from Mexico City to Director: AMUTTER: ACTION: WH 6 (MR. BRADY, WH DIV, NOTIFIED AT 1800 29 DEC): RE: DIR 06062 (OUT 57143)* "1. Noemayr (Ross Crozier) suggests FOLL plan: A. Avoid HAVA due security risk. B. Arrange U.S. naval air transportation to Guantanamo. C. Have required supplies for trip issued from naval base and whatever briefing done held on base. 2. Noemayr also considering possible need this trip carry sidearm. 3. Alternate plan for supplies could be purchase locally MEXI and carry to jump off point naval air in U.S. CS Comment: *HQs requested HAVA advise MEXI suggested itinerary and contact arrangements."

104-10215-10096: FILE ON ROSS L. CROZIER.

01/02/59: Cable from Havana to Director: AMUTTER: "Station taking advantage opportunity send Noemayr (Ross Crozier) on plane chartered by Bohemia and Time mag to carry Jay Mallin and Carlos Castaneda to SAGU to interview Fidel Castro and possibly accompany Castro party when it comes to Havana. Plane ETD HAVA 0600 Jan 2."