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Cryptonym: CUSHION

Definition:

CUSHION operation was scheduled for December of 1963. A cable from JMWAVE on December 5, 1963, indicated the target of this operation was a transformer yard in Cuba.

Status:

Documented

Discussion:

The aim of CUSHION appeared to be the destruction of the transformer yard mentioned above.

Sources:

104-10077-10264: CABLE: REVIEW OF DEC. OPS PLANS BRINGS OUT FOLLOWING POINTS

12/04/63: Cable from Director to JMWAVE (Orig: A. A. Maloney, C/SAS/MOB): Slugline RYBAT TYPIC YOBITE: "1 Review of Dec. ops plans brings out following points which appropriate action requested: A. Use AR-15 on op contact not approved. As station aware AR-15 in gray area regarding plausible ODYOKE (U.S. Government) denial. Suggest station forward justification for desired ops use in lieu other weapons which will permit final resolution problem. B. Note defensive use small boat mines Op DUCK (JMWAVE UDT sabotage operation planned for December of 1963). Mines must be placed in inner harbor or in entrance channel only. Due sensitivity policy re use mines request any future proposed ops use be subject separate message pointing out all details proposed use and requesting specific approval. C. Suggest you schedule AMTRUNK (operation for military overthrow of Castro's government in 1963, promoted within White House circles but distrusted by CIA, AKA Plan Leonardo) exfil at earlier date so as not to take place same night as Op CUSHION." Releasing Officer: (Handwritten: possibly "Paul Oberst for") Desmond FitzGerald, C/SAS. Authenticating Officer: (Handwritten: signature for) A. A. Maloney, C/SAS/MOB.

1993.08.04.16:35:00:870028: JMWAVE CABLES, WAVE 8500 - 8599.

12/05/63: Cable from JMWAVE to Director: Slugline RYBAT TYPIC YOBITE CUSHION: REF: DIR 86961: "1. Re para 1 ref. Hostile forces deployed in area preclude selection of tactically sound mortar firing position. Coastal terrain configuration presents serious problem landing heavy weapons because of rugged cliffs. Target requires pinpoint accuracy. Use of mortars does not assure probability for destruction of selected critical transformers in target complex. Clandestine approach with delayed firing devices is desired because of difficulty of exfiltration once presence of commando element in disclosed. 2. Re para 2 ref. Weight of platter charges approx 10 lbs. Increasing size and weight will not RPT not insure better chance success. Note, platter charges are being employed as a contingency item, to be fired only if entrance to transformer yard is denied thus insuring that 33/110 KV transformer is destroyed."

1993.08.04.16:41:08:870028: JMWAVE CABLES, WAVE 8700 - 8797.

12/09/63: Cable from JMWAVE to Director: Slugline (REDACTION) CUSHION: "1. Request the following (unintelligible) AMS 3885 Roman Two be searched from latest available photography for radar: A. Compania Rayonera de Matanzas, -31507. B. La Cumbre, UTM 4153. 2. Request cable reply by 1200 hours 18 Dec 63."