Cryptonym: CIRAKE-3
A March 1964, CIA cable noted CIRAKE-3's recent propaganda campaign against Manuel Ray, the leader of JURE. Around five months earlier, in October 1963, the CIA had noted that Salvador Romani was aware of the plan for establishing Cuban exile bases in Central America. Romani had also indicated that he believed this plan could unite all the Cuban exile groups with the probable exception of Manuel Ray's JURE.
In terms of Salvador Romani fitting the description of CIRAKE-3 as being a foreign journalist in Venezula with extensive contacts in the Cuban exile community, a CIA document in June of 1960 stated that Romani had been expelled from Provincial College of Journalists of Havana for allegedly "waging campaigns abroad against Cuba." Romani was also described as a "extremely intelligent, courageous, excellent newsman" in a CIA cable.
A memo in April, 1977, stated that Salvador Romani was probably identical to Salvador Romani-Orue Garcia, on whom an OA was granted in November 1960 for use by WH/4/Cuba as PP agent in Cuba and Caracas, Venezuela. However, the use of CIRAKE-3's crypt appears to have begun in late September of 1960, so there is a small discrepancy in this minor respect between CIRAKE-3 and Romani. Romani's files were cancelled in January of 1967. Romani was employed by several newspapers between 1953 and 1960, including El Mundo as a reporter. Therefore, Salvador (or Salfador) Romani certainly fitted the description of CIRAKE-3 mentioned above.
06/15/60: CIA document: "Romani, Salvador: Expelled from Provincial College of Journalists of Havana for waging campaigns abroad against Cuba. (FBIS 15/6/60)...CARA 5232, 2 June 60, reported extremely intelligent courageous, excellent newsman; reported to head of Cara branch 'Bloque Unitario' of Cuban exiled political groups...also AMHAWK rep..."
104-10167-10179: CABLE RE PLAN TO OVERTHROW CASTRO.
09/30/60, Cable from Caracas to Director: Slugline RYBAT JMNET: "1. Through mutual unwitting friend Station contacted 29 September by Daniel Martinez Abreu, Cuban resident Venezuela 22 years, and Hermenegildo Restiouto Moriyon Triano, former Cuban senator from Organizacion Authentica and now living Venezuela. Moriyon said he going Miami with CIRAKE-3 within 10 days to see AMHAWK and Tomas Perez Yanez, military commander of FRD to discuss opening front in Pinar del Rio area soonest. Moriyon says has 80 Cubans, ship and crew in Venezuela ready take him to Pinar del Rio. Apparently still lacks sufficient arms. Anxious begin operations support Escambray group. Moriyon token supporter CIRAKE-3 and AMHAWK but claims he prepared go it alone if finds lack unity and willingness to act among Cuban exiles Miami as he now suspects. He said AMHAWK may return to Venezuela to try persuade Betancourt allow Cuban exiles here greater freedom action preparing for overthrow Castro. 2. Moriyon may need visa assistance if HQs approves travel. 3. Request HQs comments and guidance." - - - 10/08/60: Cable from Withheld to Director: "1. (REDACTION)RAKE-3 and (REDACTION)RAKE-6 desire travel Miami New York 7 to 10 days. 2. Plan discuss VEN ops with AMHAWK and AMCIGAR. 3. (REDACTION)RAKE-3 attempting coordinate activities local Cubans and wants guidance AMCIGAR. 4. Station believes trip justified, local Cubans would be more effective if actions coordinated. 5. Advise soonest if funds available for trip. C/S Comment: *Dissemination applicable to JMNET cables." https://www.maryferrell.org/showDoc.html?docId=36485&search=#relPageId=2&tab=page
104-10167-10079: DUE APPOINTMENT ESTEVEZ AS FRD COORDINATOR QUIT SUPPORTING AMDIP.
12/15/60 cable from Caracas to Director: "Due to appointment of Estevez as FRD coordinator Caracas, CIRAKE-3 quit supporting AMDIP/Tony Varona and launched campaign against him. CIRAKE-3 did not attack Estevez nor FRD and when told desist he complied. Situation was difficult but station control over CIRAKE-3 increased due Estavez appointment and his activities since have been productive. However, CIRAKES-3, 5, 6 and approx 20 other Cubans formed new organization Accion Revolucionaria Constitucional (ARC) which not affiliated FRD. Group effective mainly because of excess important newspapers La Esfera and Ultimas Noticias. CIRAKE-4 and CIRAKE-7 joined Estevez and broke with CIRAKE-3. CIRAKE-3 and CIRAKE-5 have published station sponsored JMZIP themes and their cooperation provides station with influential media outlets. Their activities believed not duplicated by Estevez. AMDIP/Tony Varona apparently concerned (of) activities (of) CIRAKE-3 and wrote letter (to) his employer, Capriles, urging dismissal. Capriles showed letter (to) CIRAKE-3 but does not desire dismiss or become involved (in) this problem..." - - - 12/15/60 entry in chrono of files on Tony Varona: "Cable from REDACTED to Director dated 12/15/60. Estevez appointed FRD coordinator (Caracas). CIRAKE-3 quit supporting (Varona)." https://www.maryferrell.org/showDoc.html?docId=149457&search=#relPageId=19&tab=page
104-10226-10017: CABLE RE: NO IDENTIFIABLE TRACES DIAZ HANSCOM
1/27/61 cable from Caracas to BELL: "No identifiable traces Diaz Hanscom. He unknown CIRAKE-3. Nunez believed identical with Tony Nunez presently (in) New York, ETA Caracas 28 Jan. He collaborator (with) CIRAKE-3, president of Telser de Vene company selling radio commo materials and equipment. Believe referenced anti-Castro propaganda mailings are CIRAKE-3 material, including Advance. To avoid opposition (from) government, CIRAKE-3 radio program ostensibly originates from clandestine station located aboard ship or plane in Caribbean area outside government jurisdiction and retransmitted ...government tolerates this arrangement. Actually CIRAKE's tape program Caracas. CIRAKES want to increase number (of) programs and hope ham ops (in) Cuba will relay." - - - 07/28/61, Cable from Caracas to Director: "1. CIRAKE-3 met with Jose R. Barbeito on 20 June in Valencia where latter living with family. Has no employment yet and economic situation difficult. 2. Barbeito claims was member MRP of Manolo Ray and took part clandestine activities Havana. Admitted was Communist 'many years ago' but now completely opposed to Castro and Communism. 3. Says wants start courses for democratic indoctrination Cuban exiles Venezuela and advocates unity exiles here. CS Comment: *Dissemination applicable to JMZIP cables. **Jose Barbeito Precedo, arrived Caracas 3 June from Habana with family according air travel lists. Attempting determine whereabouts." https://www.maryferrell.org/showDoc.html?docId=67437#relPageId=2&tab=page
10/2/61 cable from Director to JMWAVE: "Andres Zayas 'Justo' (AMSKIRLS-1), Luis Sanchez, 'Piccolino', and Tony Nunez, 'Tony' of UR and Angel Ross 'Guilin' of MRRC left HQS P.M. 29 Sept for WAVE...Justo feels he has the cooperation of Junco in the MDC and will work with the 'Rufino-Antonio' MRP complex (not Marcos Williams) and 'Omar'-'Monty' of the MRR." - - - 12/05/61: Cable from Caracas to Director: "1. CIABBEY in contact CIRAKE-7, presently out of contact CIRAKE-3 and his group. CIRAKE-7 says he number 2 man VENE representing Cuban Movimiento Revolucionario Popular (MRP). Claimed he involved sabotage CTC building in Cuba when blown up. CIRAKE-7 reported more noteworthy sabotage than CTC incident coming near future. Claims clandestine marine net operating between VENE and Cuba transporting explosives, other material. CIRAKE-7 requesting explosives and/or financial aid to purchase same for resistance movement Cuba. CS Comment: *Dissemination applicable to JMZIP cables." https://www.maryferrell.org/showDoc.html?docId=191867&relPageId=
1993.07.01.18:34:11:680390: CUBAN COUNTERREVOLUTIONARY HANDBOOK
Page 72: ..."ARC: Accion Revolucionaria Constitucional (Constitutional Revolutionary Action): Exile organization in Venezuela which was selling bonds in early 1962 to procure funds to support 'Operation Truth,' a plan for maritime raids on Cuban coast. Personalities: Salvador Romani, Pive Aguilera..." Also see 124-10223-10153, 7/24/63, Romani was representative of the Venezuelan wing of the CULC, and said there was an agreement between Artime and Somoza to use Nicaragua as a staging area for future action against Cuba. CULC supported infiltration raids but rejected a general invasion.
"On 10/9/63, according to CIA, Salvador Romani, a member of the Cuban exile organization, Comando Unificando de Liberacion en Cuba (CULC, Unified Command for Liberation in Cuba) (105-123568) revealed that the plan for establishing Cuban exile bases in Central America, drawn up in July or August, 1963, was named 'Operacion Centroamericana' (Central American Operation). Romani claimed that the plan would succeed in uniting all militant exile groups with the probable exception of JURE, led by Manuel Ray..."
03/06/64: Cable from Caracas to Director (Claerbuck Acting): Slugline INTEL: "SUPDATA Source: (REDACTION)RAKE-3. Because of the circumstances reported in HVCA-10626 controls have been affixed...Source foreign journalist in Venezuela who has extensive contacts in the Cuban exile community and who has been a reliable reporter on exile activities in the past. It is known, however, that source and Ray have widely divergent political views. Source received the information as follows: paragraph 1 from Emilio Fernandez, a Cuban insurance executive in Caracas, from Quintana. Paragraph 2 from Emilio Fernandez from Rene Castellanos, a Cuban insurance salesman and member of the Club Patriotico Jose Marti, from Martinez. Paragraph 3 from Miguel Zaldivar, Cuban lawyer and MRR (Revolutionary Recuperation Movement) coordinator in Venezuela, from his wife, from the wife of Jose Vasquez Blanco."
03/23/64, Cable from Caracas to Director: "1. CIRAKE-3 contacted 21 March by AMVANG/1 in CARA and invited on behalf AMBANG/1 to attend AMBANG organization meeting in Puerto Rico this week. Round trip expenses to be paid by AMBANG organization. CIRASH/6 (IDEN A) apparently included in same invitation. Alleged purpose to provide opportunity AMBANG/1 to discuss Cuban affairs and his personal relationships with CIRAKE/3. CIRAKE/3 instructed await cable for further details. 2. CIRAKE/3 received cable on 23 March from AMVANG/1 who now in Puerto Rico advising as fols: A. Meeting all AMBANG LA delegates and reps commenced 23 March in Ponce. Meeting to last 4 or 5 days. B. AMVANG/1 broke with AMBANG/1 who desirous meet with both CIRAKE/3 and CIRASH/6. CIRAKE/3 to notify CIRASH/6 and await final cable from AMVANG/1 naming most propitious moment for CIRAKE/3 and CIRASH/6 to travel to Ponce. 3. AMBANG/1 invitation to CIRAKE/3 unusual in view current feud between them. During recent months CIRAKE/3 has published letters in local press and (unintelligible) attacking political ideology AMBANG organization (unintelligible). 4. Request HDQTs comments re advisability CIRAKE/3 accept AMBANG/1 invitation plus any requirements. Although no date yet set CIRAKE/3 departure, it probable he would leave within next three days. 5. For SJAN: Station may wish investigate arrival other non-AMBANG Cubans in Ponce through Puerto Rico Cuban assets. CITUTOR/1 (IDEN B), CARA AMSPELL rep, left CARA for WAVE 21 March with AMHINT/2 ostensible to discuss overall AMSPELL ops. Request any info indicating CITUTOR/1 in SJAN or Ponce. 6. For WAVE: If feasible, request confirm CITUTOR/1 arrival WAVE and notify CARA."
104-10179-10198: CABLE RE: AT LAST MOMENT DECIDED TO POSTPONE WAVE TRIP, STILL IN CARA
03/24/64, Cable from Caracas to Director: "1. At last moment CITUTOR-1 decided postpone WAVE trip, still in CARA. 2. Info forwarded Ref A based initial CIRAKE-3 report. Follow-up report 23 March contains following additional info: A. Prior his departure for SJAN, AMVANG-1 reneged somewhat his agreement pay CIRAKE-3 and CIRASH-6 travel in advance. AMVANG-1 fearful any publicity, wants PACY CIRAKE-3 and CIRASH-6 after trip. B. At 20 March meeting, AMVANG-1 told CIRAKE-3 letters from the 'Comite de Desfidelizacion del Exilo Cubano' being sent from various LA countries to CARA advertising agencies requesting halt all advertising in Bohemia Libre since Bohemia Libre supporting AMBANG-1. AMVANG-1 undoubtedly considers CIRAKE-3 responsible for these letters although CIRAKE-3 denies it. C. Neither CIRAKE-3 nor CIRASH-6 desire travel SJAN without assurance either AMBANG-1 or AMVANG-1 will cover expenses."
104-10179-10197: CABLE RE: AMVANG-1 APPARENTLY FUNCTIONING IN CARA AS UNOFFICIAL AMBANG-1 REP
03/25/64, Cable from Caracas to Director: "1. AMVANG-1 apparently functioning in Caracas unofficial AMBANG-1 rep. Although CIRAKE-3 and AMVANG-1 formerly on friendly terms, recent CIRAKE-3 prop campaign against AMBANG-1 resulted cool relations. Consequently AMVANG-1 contacted CIRASH-6 on 20 March and requested him arrange meeting of CIRAKE-3, CIRASH-6 and AMVANG-1 to discuss broad subject of AMBANG organization. No mention made originally of invitations. 2. On basis AMVANG-1 probe, CIRAKE-3 and CIRASH-6 lunched with AMVANG-1 on 20 March. During lunch AMVANG-1 told CIRAKE-3 and CIRASH-6 that AMBANG-1 anxious meet with both of them in Puerto Rico. CIRAKE-3 states CIRASH-6, who highly regarded Caracas Cuban exile community, is hostile AMBANG organization. Inclusion CIRASH-6 in AMBANG-1 invitation probably made for this reason. 3. To date CIRAKE-3 has received no further communications from AMVANG-1. According CIRAKE-3 CIRASH-6 not planning travel Puerto Rico. CS Comment: *No objection CIRAKE-3 visiting AMBANG-1 Puerto Rico."
104-10110-10589: EL MUNDO EXPOSURE.
04/08/77: Memo from John F. Sullivan, Jr./Michael W. Renick to Chief, Security Analysis Group: "1. Refernece is made to the attached cable from Caracas regarding an article that appeared in the 4 March 1977 edition of the Caracas Daily, El Mundo. This article accused eight Venezuelan news media personalities of being CIA agents and named seven other individuals as 'CIA spies.' 2. Office of Security indices have been searched in the names cited in the article and file reviews conducted as appropriate with the following results..." (Page 2): "Name Cited in El Mundo: Salfador Romani: SANCA Results and Comments: Probably identical to Salvador Romani-Orue Garcia (OS#223 776) on whom an OA was granted in November 1960 for use by WH/4/Cuba as PP agent in Cuba and Caracas, Venezuela. Files canceled January 1967. Employed by several newspapers 1953-1960 including El Mundo as reporter. Listed on PRQ one Dr. Manuel Artime as Relative/Friend/Correspondent in United States. Named as CIA by De Armas (OS#591 865) in Havana press conference in April 1976..." 124-90158-10011, p. 33 of 46 shows Romani as contacted by Orlando Bosch and/or Frank Castro, probably for funding or publicity.