</s>157-10014-10018 2025 RELEASE UNDER THE PRESIDENT JOHN F. KENNEDY ASSASSINATION RECORDS ACT OF 1992 Date : 08/04/95 Page : 1 JFK ASSASSINTATION SYSTEM IDENTIFICATION FORM AGENCY INFORMATION AGENCY NUMBER : SSCIA RECORD NUMBER: 157-1004-1008 AGENCY INFORMATION RECORD SERIES : HEARINGS REGENCY FILE NUMBER # 05-H-02 REGENCY INFORMATION ORIGINATOR : SSSCGO DOCUMENT INFORMATION FROM : SSSSCGO TO : BUNDY, MGEORGE TO : TITLE : DATE : DATE: 07/11/75 PAGES : 168 SUBJECTS : BINDY, MCGEORGE ROSTON, WALT CASTRO, FIDEL CIA OPERATION MONOGOOSE DOCUMent TYPE : TRANSCRIPT OPERATION MONGOOSE CLASSIFICATION : UNCLASSIFIED RESTRICTIONS : 1B 1B CURRENT STATUS : RELEASED WITH DELETONS DATE OF LAST CRITERIA : 05/12/98 OF LAST CREDITA : OPENING CRITERA : COMMENTS : : Box 2 [R] - ITEM IS RESTRICTED NW 50955 DocId: 3242340606 Page 1

Summary  
The document contains transcripts from hearings involving discussions about U.S. government covert operations related to Cuba, including the MONGOOSE program, contingency planning for Fidel Castro’s removal, and potential assassination efforts. Key figures include McGeorge Bundy, John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, Allen Dulles, and Maxwell Taylor. Discussions reference National Security Action Memorandums (NSAMs) 100 (October 5, 1961) and 181 (August 1962), which outline contingency scenarios for Castro’s absence. While no direct authorization for assassination is confirmed, there are debates about whether CIA activities involved covert methods like poisons or hypodermic syringes. The Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962 is cited as a prior example of presidential oversight in U.S. operations. Testimonies also address the Rockefeller Commission’s inquiry into CIA practices and procedural challenges in accessing classified documents.  

Key People  
- **McGeorge Bundy**: Special Assistant to President Kennedy, testified about discussions on "Executive Action" and MONGOOSE program planning.  
- **John F. Kennedy**: President who authorized covert operations against Cuba; referenced in NSAMs and contingency planning.  
- **Robert F. Kennedy**: Attorney General and later Secretary of Defense, involved in policy initiatives and coordination with intelligence agencies.  
- **Allen Dulles**: Former CIA Director, discussed MONGOOSE program and Cuban activities.  
- **Maxwell Taylor**: Military advisor and Chairman of the Special Group Augmented, involved in covert operations planning.  
- **Walt Rostov**: Senior CIA official mentioned in discussions about Executive Action.  
- **John Bissell**: CIA official who testified about potential White House involvement in covert actions.  
- **William Rusk**: Secretary of State, referenced in NSAM 100 and Cuban policy discussions.  
- **Robert McNamara**: Secretary of Defense, involved in MONGOOSE program coordination.  

Key Locations  
- **Washington, D.C.**: Central to government meetings, hearings, and document reviews.  
- **Cuba**: Focus of covert operations, contingency planning, and assassination discussions.  
- **Dominican Republic**: Mentioned in context of U.S. political interventions and arms supply decisions.  
- **Vietnam**: Referenced in discussions about coup considerations and U.S. involvement in regional affairs.  

Key Events  
- **Authorization of MONGOOSE program (1961)**: Covert operations to undermine Fidel Castro’s regime, coordinated through NSC 54/12 Group and Special Group Augmented.  
- **NSAM 100 (October 5, 1961)**: Contingency planning for Castro’s removal from power, including indirect references to assassination as a possibility.  
- **NSAM 181 (August 1962)**: Further discussions on scenarios involving Castro’s absence and U.S. response strategies during the Cuban Missile Crisis.  
- **Cuban Missile Crisis (1962)**: Cited as an example of presidential oversight in covert operations, contrasting with potential unauthorized actions.  
- **Rockefeller Commission inquiry**: Investigation into CIA practices and government accountability for covert activities.  
- **FBI investigation into Cuban exile activities (August 19, 1964)**: Findings noted in memorandums about U.S. involvement in anti-Castro efforts.  

Key Organizations  
- **Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)**: Central to MONGOOSE program and covert operations against Castro.  
- **National Security Council (NSC)**: Coordinated contingency planning through NSC 54/12 Group and Special Group Augmented.  
- **White House**: Authorized and oversaw covert operations, including NSAMs and interagency coordination.  
- **Department of State**: Involved in diplomatic efforts and Cuban policy reassessments.  
- **Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)**: Conducted investigations into Cuban exile activities and U.S. intelligence operations.  
- **Rockefeller Commission**: Inquired into CIA practices and government accountability for covert actions.

JFK Declassified Files

157-10014-10018.pdf

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