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Cryptonym: QUGROWL-4

Definition:

Gaston Baquero. A cable from on December 5, 1963, stated that a Cuban journalist in line 3 paragraph 1 was QUGROWL-4, a Madrid Station asset. The reference was WAVE 8447. A cable on December 3, 1963, citing this reference mentioned Gaston Basquero in line 3, paragraph 1.

Status:

Documented

Discussion:

Basquero was described as a former journalist in this cable and had allegedly told Canto (believed to be Rosendo Canto Hernandez, editor of Accion (Cubana), that he had received a letter on the morning of November 22, 1963, stating that JFK would be killed that day. The cable on December 5, 1963, mentioned above, stated that Growery (probably CIA officer Earl Williamson) had talked to QUGROWL-4 on 26 November, 1963, and Growery stated that Q-4 never gave any indication that he had received advance word or rumor that President Kennedy would be assassinated. In addition, a cable on December 5, 1963, from Director (originator: John Scelso/Whitten) stated that Maria Manuela de Canal was a friend of AMYUM-19, and, therefore, should not be questioned, so as not to avoid throwing suspicion in his direction.

Sources:

1994.06.24.13:44:41:190005: Reel 69, Folder B - AMBUD PUBLICITY.

08/19/62, New Cuba magazine: Page 71: (English translation from Spanish): "A talented Cuban writer who has long adhered to the old Arab proverb according to which 'an ignorant sultan is preferable to civil war or seduction', nor do we refer to Gaston Basquero, in a recent article written in the style he aspires to keep CUBA NUEVA, has insisted on the concepts such as 'left' and 'right.' We adhere fervently to that recommendation, not only for reasons of political convenience, but simply to achieve communicability, this is to understand us..."

104-10438-10166: CABLE: 27 NOV 63 WARREN K. GUERTLER RECD FOLL INFO FROM AMYUM/19

12/03/63, Cable from JMWAVE to Director: Slugline MADR INFO DIR CITE WAVE 8447: RYBAT TYPIC YOBITE AMWORLD: "1. 27 Nov 63 Warren K. Guertler recd FOLL info from AMYUM-19 on morning 22 Nov Amparo (Godinez), owner of bar 'Marquesa de Cuba' in Madrid overheard former Cuban journalist Gaston Baquero tell one Canto (believed to be Rosendo (Canto) Hernandez, editor of Accion (Cubana) that he had received letter stating JFK would be killed that day. 2. A-19 received info 26 Nov from Maria Manuela de (Canal) whose address is Plaza del Nino Jesus No. 6, 2nd floor, Apartment D, Madrid. Canal close friend Godinez. A-19 en route WAVE area from Madrid and unable learn further details of alleged conversation. 3. Since AMWORLD program requires that any contact between A-19 and US Government not be revealed in any follow up on this info MADR STA may wish center inquires on Baquero via liaison with local SVC. 4. DIR: Have not passed above to ODFOAM (U.S. Secret Service) Miami." C/S Comment: *Dissemination applicable to RYBAT GPFLOOR cables."

104-10017-10062: FORMER CUBAN JOURNALIST TELLS CANTO (IN MARQUESA DE CUBA BAR) THAT HE RECEIVED A LETTER STATING THAT KENNEDY WOULD BE KILLED ON 22 NOVEMBER.

12/05/63, Cable from Madrid to Director: Slugline RYBAT TYPIC YOBITE AMWORLD: REF WAVE 8447 (IN 72832)** "1. Cuban journalist line 3 para 1 is QUGROWL-4 MADR Station asset. Growery saw him on 26 Nov when GPIDEAL death was naturally discussed. At no time did QUGROWL-4 give any indication he had any advance word or rumor that GPIDEAL would be killed. He would have undoubtedly reported this to Growery if he had received letter reported para 1 or any other info concerning killing, however, will query him directly. 2. No index. C/S Comment: *Dissemination applicable to RYBAT GPFLOOR cables. **On morning of 22 Nov., owner of bar 'Marquesa de Cuba' in Madrid overheard former Cuban journalist tell one Canto that he had received a letter stating GPIDEAL (3) would be killed that day."

104-10017-10052: FOLLOW-UP ON STORY BY CUBAN JOURNALIST GASTON BAQUERO THAT HE RECEIVED LETTER STATING KENNEDY WOULD BE KILLED

12/05/63, Cable from Director to Madrid (Orig: John Scelso, Unit: C/WH/3): REF WAVE 8447 (IN 72832)* Slugline RYBAT GPFLOOR: "1. Please follow up this case. Suggest you have (REDACTION) question persons mentioned to see if any foundation at all to this story. Imperative that AMYUM-19 not be revealed as source, so suggest you have only Godinez, Baquero, and Canto questioned. Omit Canal, to avoid throwing suspicion on her friend AMYUM-19. 2. Please slug all traffic on assassination RYBAT GPFLOOR. C/S Comment: *Reported that on 22 November, AMYUM/19 (1) learned from Amparo (Godinez), owner of Bar 'Marquesa de Cuba' in Madrid overheard former Cuban journalist Gaston Basquero tell one Cuban (believed to be Rosendo (Canto) Hernandez, Editor of Accion Cubana that he received letter stating that GPIDEAL (2) would be killed that day."

104-10438-10163: CABLE: QUESTIONED NITE 6 DEC

12/07/63, Cable from Madrid to Director: Slugline RYBAT GPFLOOR: REF A. DIR 87021**. B. WAVE 8447 (IN 22832)*** "1. (REDACTION)GROWL-4 questioned by Growery nite 6 Dec. (REDACTION)-4 said he, Rosendo Canto Hernandez, Alberto Salas Amaro and Jose Chelala Lopez after attending lecture together at syndical palace MADR entered bar 'Marquesa de Cuba' at about 8 PM nite 22 Nov. They were told by bartender who alone at time that President Kennedy had been assassinated. Salas Amaro called wife who confirmed and group then went to UPI office nearby to read ticker. They later returned to bar to have drink and then group broke up. 2. (REDACTION)-4 said Godinez was in bar when group returned but refused invitation to drink and left almost immediately. This only time (REDACTION)-4 saw Godinez during day. He did not see him morning 22 November. 3. (REDACTION)-4 said he received no word, verbal or written or even rumor that President Kennedy would be killed and any allegation that he made any statement to this effect at any time to anyone is completely absurd and absolutely untrue. 4. (REDACTION)-4 added that Rosendo Canto Hernandez, editor of Accion Cubana who well known as anti-American only person in group who expressed satisfaction upon learning of President Kennedy's death. 5. Index. C/S Comment: Dissemination applicable to RYBAT DYVOUR GPFLOOR cables. **Requested MADR follow up to determine if any foundation to story that Cuban journalist Gaston Baquero stated that he had received a letter claiming President Kennedy would be killed on 22 November. ***Forwarded report mentioned above concerning Cuban journalist statement."