Cryptonym: JURANT
A cable on 10 March, 1954, from Nestor Sanchez and William Robertson, mentioned that JURANT was assigned the liaison to SYNCARP (the "Junta", Castillo Armas' political organization headed by Cordova Cerna) by a withheld identity. Also, JURANT was aware that SKIMMER (the "Group," CIA cover organization supporting Carlos Castillo Armas) was currently in El Salvador due to the wording of Carlos Castillo Armas' letter to the ambassador.
JURANT was apparently already puzzled over a four-hour delay in a requested conference with Sanchez/Robertson. William Robertson "was the only available man within JURANT requirements." Robertson would introduce himself as a member of SKIMMER.
A cable on 3 June, 1954, mentioned the "completely contradictory reports re the attitude of (President) Osorio and JURANT." Therefore, it appears possible that JURANT was a high-level diplomat, intelligence officer or politician in El Salvador.
https://www.cia.gov/readingroom/docs/DOC_0000913362.pdf
02/16/54: Air dispatch from COS, Withheld to Chief, LINCOLN: Subject: General - Operational: Specific - Liaison-JURANT: "1. JURANT requested Charles F. Rennell on 6 Feb 54 to arrange a meeting with him since he had information for him. The meeting was held at 1500, 10 Feb 54, at the office of JURANT. 2. JURANT said: a. Guatemala has 2000 militia and 1000 regular troops at Jutiapa. Special telephone lines have been installed between Headquarters at Jutiapa and Guatemala City. The troops are not too well-led and the Salvadoran government is not particularly afraid of the concentration as an invasion threat since the movement was made after publication of the Guatemalan white paper and apparently as a defensive measure against the purported invasion plans of John H. Calligeris (Carlos Castillo Armas). b. Guatemalan Lt. Col. Juan Pablo Duran is another purported Guatemalan exile. He is currently with the International Harvester Company in Salvador. He made a visit to the Guatemalan Military Attaché to Salvador and thereafter immediately started making contacts among the exile colony. JURANT said it is suspected he is in the pay of the Guatemalan government. d. JURANT thereupon delivered a list of confirmed Salvadoran Communists...It will be noted (REDACTION) (Handwritten: Jose Blanco Corpeno) is on the list...4. JURANT said he was interested in learning all he could of Jose Ramon Almea (see ref; para 4,d) since he has been receiving and distributing anti-Caracas Convention literature and is strongly suspected of being the contact between Romulo Betancourt and local Communists. He also added Betancourt was a very close adviser to Jose Figueres. 5. Station Comment...b. JURANT was friendly and cooperative much beyond the previous visit. Some data for quick delivery to JURANT...would be helpful in gaining greater confidence from JURANT and establishing the appearances of a quid pro relationship which could be potentially profitable in complying with PBSUCCESS directives."
https://www.cia.gov/readingroom/docs/DOC_0000913492.pdf
This document is almost exactly the same as the one above. However 2. b. in this document stated: "WSBURNT (Guatemalan) Lt. Col. Juan Pablo Garcia y Garcia was in DTFROGS (El Salvador) more or less incognito and posing as an exile. JURANT said it was confirmed he is really a WSBURNT agent and in the pay of the WSBURNT government. (JUGATION III/-3 reported today a Colonel Garcia, at WSBURNT, was working in DTFROGS, purportedly an exile but actually in the pay of WSBURNT." - - - The missing part c. in the dispatch above partly stated: "c. Captain Antonio Duran, another purported WSBURNT exile...JURANT said it has been confirmed he is in the pay of WSBURNT government." - - - The redaction in part d. of the dispatch above is replaced by the cryptonym JUGULAR in this document. The above dispatch had the name Jose Blanco Corpeno handwritten in below the redaction. On page 3 of the dispatch above, Titled: "List of Confirmed Communists Supplied by JURANT 9 Feb 54": Jose Blanco Corpeno's name appeared. There is a redaction on page 2 of this document (Manuel H. Blanco is just below the redaction of this document, and is listed in both documents). Therefore, it looks like JUGULAR was the cryptonym for Jose Blanco Corpeno.
https://www.cia.gov/readingroom/docs/DOC_0000917392.pdf
03/10/54: Cable from Withheld to Director: Slugline RYBAT PBSUCCESS: FROM CADICK/ONTRICH: "1. Calligeris (Carlos Castillo Armas) reported 6 Mar assurance full support of (REDACTION) on condition real effort and not another flurry. Calligeris then contacted by letter DTFROG (El Salvador) Ambassador to WSHOOF (Honduras) currently in DTFROG requesting DTFROG support as instructed by SKIMMER (Note: The "Group," CIA cover organization supporting Carlos Castillo Armas). 2. Ambassador then saw (REDACTION) and received favorable reaction. JURANT assigned liaison to SYNCARP (Note: The "Junta", Castillo Armas' political organization headed by Cordova Cerna) by (REDACTION) similar Salamander state. 3. Calligeris contact with JURANT reports, thru Ontrich (Nestor Sanchez), JURANT desires immediate negotiations to avoid typical hesitation and delay. Also sent several practical suggestions re conduct operation. Also requested immediate personal contact with member SKIMMER to assure (REDACTION) this real thing. 4. JURANT aware SKIMMER currently in DTFROG due wording Calligeris letter to ambassador. 5. Situation moving favorably faster than anticipated. Ontrich and Cadick (William Robertson) agree essential to render proof of sincerity immediately or high level DTFROG confidence shaken irreparably. Only expedient course available is to comply with request for meeting. JURANT already puzzled over four hour delay in requested Ontrich/Cadick conference. Cadick only available man within JURANT requirements. Will advance self as member SKIMMER. 6. Agree course described essential to ensure lessening current complex KUHOOK (CIA Paramilitary Operations Staff) problems. 7. Cadick ETA LINCOLN (Note: CIA's Guatemalan covert operations headquarters, a forward base in Florida) 11 Mar 2205. Ontrich DTFROG black and must return WSHOOF by vehicle. ETA New Orleans 12 Mar 2020."
https://www.cia.gov/readingroom/docs/DOC_0000916904.pdf
03/26/54: Cable from LINCOLN to Director: Slugline RYBAT PBSUCCESS: FOR ONTRICH: RE: LINC 1266 (IN 29965): "1. Subject tried unsuccessfully to confer with (REDACTION) on 25 Mar. 2. SKIMMER (Note: The "Group," CIA cover organization supporting Carlos Castillo Armas) requires (REDACTION) personal assurance black flight approval before implementation. 3. Request Ontrich (Nestor Sanchez) with Calligeris (Carlos Castillo Armas) attempt soonest to establish firm appointment for subject not later 28 or 29 March possibly through SAFFRON-2 and or JURANT. 4. Reply soonest your capability comply."
https://www.cia.gov/readingroom/docs/DOC_0000916854.pdf
03/29/54: Cable from LINCOLN to Director: Slugline RYBAT/PBSUCCESS: REF: LINC 1380: IMMEDIATE ACTION: "1. Per Galbond (J.C. King)/Dunbar telecom 28 Mar ref MSG para one and two were cancelled. 2. After above MSG word received from (REDACTION) indicating capability establishing contact between Gillray and (REDACTION) DTFROGS (El Salvador) 29 Mar. Arrangements then made in field and with Gillray to make second attempt. 3. Ontrich (Nestor Sanchez) now proceeding to DTFROGS to arrange meeting with (REDACTION) through JURANT on above date. Gillray ETD 290800 PAA, ETA (REDACTION) DTFROGS. Plans proceed to MANA pass word to (REDACTION) all well thence HTPLUME Ron returning LINC about 1 April..."
https://www.cia.gov/readingroom/docs/DOC_0000923317.pdf
05/24/54: Dispatch from Withheld to Unintelligible: Subject: General - Operational: Specific - WSBURNT Embassy Entry: Page 3: (REDACTION) Report from Withheld: "1. While in El Salvador accidental contact was made with Lugton, who was staying at the same hotel. During two brief contacts Lugton revealed plans to enter the WSBURNT (Guatemala) Embassy. 2. Lugton claims to have the complete support of the Chief of Police of DTFROGS (El Salvador) and the Chief of Calligeris (Carlos Castillo Armas) Intelligence forces in DTFROGS. It appears they are seriously considering making this entry. 3. (REDACTION) at the WSBURNT Embassy, is apparently capable of entertaining who family living at the embassy on a Sunday to clear the building for entry of either Calligeris' or JURANT's team. Furnished the combination, they are confident of completing the job successfully. Lugton gave the impression Calligeris might take the safe and all if necessary. 4. (REDACTION) reason for not joining the team is that the plan is too hastily put together to risk a member of KUBARK (CIA), and the possible repercussions of spreading identity. Based on the scanty knowledge available it appears they have an average chance of success. 5. Purwell has an immediate resource in JUSFRUDENDI who, although a cutout, can employ a local 'second story' man to make the entry alone. Apparently the second story man is quite adept at pilfering a building while it is occupied, even to the extent of working in a room where people are sleeping. This plan would involve an outlay of from one to four thousand colones fee for the second story man. 6. The use of Purwell's resources involves the following problems: A. Making certain that Calligeris men would not make entry at the same time, and B. Making sure the second story man did not take the money from the safe. 7. Plans call for depart for WSHOOFS (Honduras) on 24 May 1954, then Costa Rica, Panama, and black flight to KMFLUSH (Nicaragua), in that order."
https://www.cia.gov/readingroom/docs/DOC_0000923263.pdf
05/26/54: Dispatch from LINCOLN to ACOS, Withheld: Subject: General - Intelligence Matters: Specific - Weekly PI Estimate of Situation: "The reference dispatch was interesting, and LINCOLN (Note: CIA's Guatemalan covert operations headquarters, a forward base in Florida) desires to express its appreciation. You should request JURANT, JUSTICE and other agents to continue the development of their informants in an attempt to get as much information as possible concerning Guatemalan activities and plans with respect to El Salvador and anticipated movements of opposition forces. (REDACTION) Jerome C. Dunbar."
https://www.cia.gov/readingroom/docs/DOC_0000922785.pdf
06/03/54: Cable from LINCOLN to Director: Slugline PBSUCCESS RYBAT: "1. Ref A set forth in para 3 KUBARK's (CIA) position with respect to sponsorship covertly of SYNCARP (Calligeris) groups viz Osorio. 2. Ref B although contrary to all available info as to logic nevertheless necessitated careful examination before ignoring. 3. Ref C forwarded by HQs after consultation with ODACID (U.S. State Department) for purpose testing Osorio's reaction on ERRATIC. This particularly desirable view completely contradictory reports re attitude of JURANT and Osorio. 4. Inquiry of WSHOOFS (Honduras) Forminister revealed WSHOOFS Ambassador to DTFROGS (El Salvador) friend of ERRATIC and very possible he has been putting good word in Osorio's ear in regard to ERRATIC. WSHOOFS Ambassador to DTFROGS is not read in to WSHOOFS Govt support of Calligeris (Carlos Castillo Armas) and Forminister advised he was informing ambassador to drop all support or build up of ERRATIC. 5. FYI LINC would appreciate any suggestions (REDACTION) how to effect Osorio's covert support of SYNCARP/SKIMMER (Note: The "Junta", Castillo Armas' political organization headed by Cordova Cerna/Note: The "Group," CIA cover organization supporting Carlos Castillo Armas) operations without: A. Revealing official ODYOKE (U.S. Government) involvement: B. Disclosure to or participation by ERRATIC. 6. Your (REDACTION) 1056 (IN 13677) is encouraging but fails to answer sub para A above. 7. You are authorized to inform ODACID chief of info in para 4 above and discuss its relationship re Ref C."
https://www.cia.gov/readingroom/docs/DOC_0000136225.pdf
06/16/54: Cable from LINCOLN to Director: Slugline RYBAT PBSUCCESS: "1. FYI and to discuss with Page (probably Henry Hecksher). Following received from Wellbank: 'SWALLOW enthusiastically received all points of ref' (not quoted as known to Nutting) 'at 14 June meeting. State now willing to meet Consejo (SCOMBER) representative but spoke in terms of two months rather than weeks although urgency stressed. SWALLOW failed contact Wellbank for (REDACTION) meeting 15 June as agreed. When Wellbank phoned SWALLOW home was informed by wife SWALLOW had left in early morning WSBURNT (Guatemala) to return in 4 days.' 2. Urge Page arrange with SWALLOW to have Wellbank/SEQUIN recognized by (REDACTION) as Consejo/SYNCARP representatives DTFROGS (El Salvador) with access to responsible high level (REDACTION) reps such as JURANT. 3. Please advise if possible Wellbank see SWALLOW on his return as above or see (REDACTION) or his rep sooner and on what basis."
06/17/54: Telegram from Operation PBSUCCESS Headquarters in Florida to Withheld Station: ..."For Page (probably Henry Hecksher). 1. Regret PAA stoppage and problems your return WSBURNT (Guatemala). 2. Speed with which events moving plus increased vigilance, tensions and general unrest now such that your return inadvisable. 3. Appreciate your disappointment which we share in losing opportunity close in for kill but unavoidable bad break. 4. If you can get documented for DTFROGS (El Salvador), proceed there soonest to stay through 19 June when SWALLOW expected. Try arrange Wellbank solidly placed as local Consejo (SCOMBER) rep. With high DTFROGS rep possibly JURANT. Wellbank met SWALLOW 14 June but believe you can help consolidate his position. 5. Advise if can make arrangements and ETA. LINC will notify (REDACTION). If you unable go DTFROGS return LINC."