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Cryptonym: CUDGEL

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Definition:
Sabotage operation scheduled for late November of 1963, but was postponed. A cable on November 21, 1963, stated that the AMLILACs were standing by for Operation CUDGEL.
Status:
Documented
Discussion:
A cable on November 22, 1963, the day of President Kennedy's assassination in Dallas, mentioned that a new target date for CUDGEL was set for November 28th. However, cables on November 23, 1963, stated that CUDGEL, along with Operation CUMQUAT, had been postponed indefinitely. The vessel Riptide had been damaged after being pursued and boarded by the British Navy.

A dispatch on Operation ZORRO (a cache operation conducted by a four man team to provide weapons and explosives for Rolando Cubela inside Cuba), in April of 1964, listed CUDGEL as one of the operations exposed by it.
Sources:

104-10075-10133: JMWAVE CABLE RE INTELLIGENCE HIGHLIGHTS

11/21/63: Cable from JMWAVE to Director: Slugline RYBAT TYPIC YOBITE: SITREP 21 NOVEMBER 1963: Page 4: ..."AMLILACs standing by for Op CUDGEL..."

104-10077-10074: DIRECTOR CABLE RE BRITISH HANDLING OF RIPTIDE

11/22/63: Cable from Director to JMWAVE (Orig: Samuel Halperin, Unit: SAS/EXO): Slugline RYBAT TYPIC YOBITE CUDGEL: REF: WAVE 7917 (IN 65200): "1. Sterile version ref and all appropriate remarks concerning British handling of Riptide passed to SMOTH (MI-6) WASH afternoon 21 Nov. SMOTH immediately advised London and Nassau and with HQs concurrence anticipating admiralty request, text will probably be passed to HMS Londonderry as well. British ambassador also briefed in view high level ODYOKE (U.S. Government) interest shown last weekend over Riptide incident. 2. Strongest representation was made concerning damages to ships and fact that KUBARK (CIA) now has two vessels out of action of a small fleet as result British naval activities. Have told SMOTH will make available to them survey of damages to convince them of type and extent of damage done. Would appreciate soonest therefore damage report including costs of repair. 3. In somewhat lesser key discussed lost of operational items. In this regard would also appreciate list of these soonest to present to SMOTH. In lower key personal items discussed but sure you agree this would be most difficult to rectify. Will do best we can..."

1993.08.04.16:20:46:530028: JMWAVE CABLES, WAVE 8000 - 8075.

11/22/63: Cable from JMWAVE to Director: Slugline RYBAT TYPIC YOBITE CUDGEL: REF WAVE 7137 (IN 55648): "Advance all times ref eighteen days and substitute Leda 174 foot PC, green hull, buff superstructure for Riptide. New target date night of twenty eight November. Remainder of operation unchanged."

104-10075-10172: JMWAVE CABLE RE IAPA DELEGATES SAID U.S. MUST OVERTHROW CASTRO BECAUSE THERE IS LITTLE CHANCE OF INTERNAL REVOLT

11/23/63: Cable from JMWAVE to Director: Slugline RYBAT TYPIC YOBITE: SITREP 22 NOVEMBER 1963: Page 2: ..."E. Op CUMQUAT scheduled for 25 Nov. Team will load 24 Nov. OP CUDGEL scheduled for 27 Nov. Team will load 24 Nov."

1993.08.04.16:55:12:060028: DIRECTOR CABLES, DIR 84470 - 84966.

11/23/63: Cable from Director to JMWAVE (Orig: J. Tilton, Unit: DC/SAS/MOB): Slugline RYBAT TYPIC YOBITE CUDGEL CUMQUAT: "Postpone ref ops indefinitely. Rescheduling will depend upon consultation with appropriate officials. Will advise. SAS Comment: Refs concern new dates for sab ops CUMQUAT and CUDGEL." Releasing Officer: Desmond FitzGerald, C/SAS. Coordinating Officers: SAS/MOB/PM (Handwritten: in draft). SAS/Intel (Handwritten: in draft). Authenticating Officer: J. S. Tilton (Handwritten: in draft), DC/SAS/MOB).

1993.08.04.16:15:46:120028: JMWAVE CABLES, WAVE 8100 - 8199.

11/23/63: Cable from JMWAVE to Director: Slugline RYBAT TYPIC YOBITE CUDGEL: "1. Proposed Riptide dry docking per Ref B delayed as security Op CUDGEL called for complete isolation of crew. A. As CUDGEL op cancelled vessel will be drydocked soonest. Estimated cost of drydocking, propellor pitch control damage and repairs to fractured fuel tanks $6,500. B. Due Riptide attempt avoid capture engine no. 3 seriously damaged prior British boarding repair cost $1,500. Remaining 7 engines require complete overhaul due British steaming at flank speed for 5 hours. Overhaul cost each engine $1,100. ...E. Total drydocking and repair cost $16,950.00...3. Following operational items were thrown overboard by twilight crew immediately prior British boarding: 1 Cal . 50 MG, 2 Cal .30 MG, 2 Cal .30 BAR, 2 Cal .45 Thompson, 1 Cal .45 M3, 5 Cal .45 pistol, 4 boxes ammo Cal .50, 7 boxes ammo Cal. 30, 1 box ammo Cal. 45, 4 netascopes..."

104-10075-10026: JMWAVE CABLE RE MIAMI HERALD REPORT OF SECRET SERVICE PRECAUTIONS DURING PRESIDENT'S VISIT TO MIAMI

11/24/63: Cable from JMWAVE to Director: Slugline RYBAT TYPIC YOBITE: SITREP 23 NOV 63: Page 2: ..."D. PM...4. Ops CUDGEL and CUMQUAT postpone indefinitely..."

104-10234-10312: DISPATCH: OPERATION ZORRO

04/23/64: Dispatch from COS, JMWAVE to Chief, Special Affairs Staff: Page 2 of Damage Report: ..."4. Exposed Operations: CUSPIDOR, CUDGEL, ROOT (sab); YUMA I, II, III, JEANINE, ALICE (cache)." - - - Page 8 gave a list of CIA personnel exposed, which included Stanley R. Zamka (David Morales).

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Contributors:
Bill Simpich • MFF

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