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Cryptonym: ESPERANCE-3

Definition:

Unknown identity. A dispatch on May 6, 1954, stated that "by instructions from and arrangement with Page (probably Henry Hecksher), ESPERANCE-3 is to be used in the KING Program under and through Clower (Joseph Sancho)."

Status:

Unknown

Discussion:

The KING Program was also known as the K-Program and involved operations aimed at intelligence and defection of Guatemalan military; after May 11, 1954, redirected at military defections. A cable on August 3, 1954, stated that ESPERANCE had reported that "ESPERANCE-3 killed (REDACTION) by plane piloted by (REDACTION)." ESPERANCE was a former U.S. Air Force officer.

Sources:

https://www.cia.gov/readingroom/docs/DOC_0000915625.pdf

05/06/54: Cable from Guatemala City to Director: PBSUCCESS RYBAT INTEL: RE: GUAT 485 (IN 44045): "1. Four tanks left capital last week 26-30 April by road for Zacapa region. 2. Base Militar received shipment Czech tommy guns. 3. Seeking details both matters. ESPERANCE-3. EVAL: C-3."

https://www.cia.gov/readingroom/docs/DOC_0000923572.pdf

05/06/54: Dispatch from COS, Guatemala to LINCOLN: Subject: General - Operational. Specific - KUFIRE Tasks, PBSUCCESS: "Attached hereto is the fifth in a series of Weekly KUFIRE (Intelligence) Operational Reports. This particular report covers the period from 6 April 1954 through 5 May 1954...Cyrus E. Burnette." - - - Page 3: "FT/24: ESPERANCE: Responsible Officer: Earle N. Bannister (probably John Doherty): During the period under review, ESPERANCE continued to be the most valuable and versatile agent asset of this station...During the period under review, clearances were also received for ESPERANCE-3 and ESPERANCE-5...By instructions from and arrangement with Page (probably Henry Hecksher), ESPERANCE-3 is to be used in the KING (operations aimed at intelligence and defection of Guatemalan military; after May 11, 1954, redirected at military defections) Program under and through Clower (Joseph Sancho). This will be made a matter of a separate report by Page..."

Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952-1954: Guatemala: Current Section: 156. 5/20/54-Telegram From the CIA Station in Guatemala to Operation PBSUCCESS Headquarters in Florida

05/20/54: Telegram from Guatemala Station to Operation PBSUCCESS Headquarters in Florida: "605. Re: DIR 01050. (2). 1. Available sources tending indicate many WSBURNT (Guatemala) army officers, though as soldiers glad receive arms, have grave misgivings about recent shipment. Among reasons for misgivings are: A. Has dramatically demonstrated closeness of govt to Soviet. B. Fear that present mission will be replaced by hordes of Soviet or satellite instructors who might do anything including displacing even the WSBURNT officers. C. That shipment is shocking evidence that Soviet and Commies intend completely take over WSBURNT. D. That ODYOKE (U.S. Government) cannot tolerate situation and will be forced take drastic action with terrible consequences to WSBURNT. 2. We will try exploit uneasiness by rumor, black propaganda, etc. 3. Indications are many officers would turn against govt if strong dramatic anti govt action starts. 4. (REDACTION) told ESQUIRE night 18 May that SMILAX (Colonel Enrique Parinello de Leon, Guatemalan Army Chief of Staff) now approachable. B–2. Sources para 1 and 3 ESPERANCE, ESPERANCE-1, ESPERANCE-3. Eval: B–3."

https://www.cia.gov/readingroom/docs/DOC_0000924687.pdf

08/03/54: Cable from Guatemala City to Director: RYBAT PBSUCCESS: RE: GUAT 113 (IN 32881), 114 (IN 32917), 115 (IN 33008): ..."7. ESPERANCE-3 killed (REDACTION) by plane piloted by (REDACTION). Source: ESPERANCE..."