</s>157-10014-10117 2025 RELEASE UNDER THE PRESIDENT JOHN F. KENNEDY ASSASSINATION RECORDS ACT OF 1992 JFK Assassination System Date: 77/7/2015 Identification Form Agency Information AGENCY: SCCIA RECORD NUMBER: 157-1001-1011-17 RECORD SERIES: MISCELLANEOUS RECOROS OF THE CHURCH COMMITTEE AGENCY FILE NUMBER : 07-M-23 AGENCY FILENUMBER: 07-MI-23 AGENCY file NUMBER :: SSCIA Document Information ORIGINATOR: SCCIA FROM: TO: Document Information TITLE: RICHARD GOODWIN BINDER - TITLE : DATE: 00/00/1975 PAGES: 103 SUBJECTS: ANTI-CASTRO ACTIVITIES DOCUMENT TYPE: REPORT CLASSIFICATION: REPORT Classified RESTRICTIONS: IB: IC CURRENT STATUS: Redect DATE OF LAST REVIEW : 03/21/2000 OPENING CRITERIA : COMMENTS: CCBOX 455 1 1.0.1 NW 50955 DocId: 32423505 Page 1

Summary  
The document details U.S. government planning for anti-Castro operations during 1961-1962, focusing on covert strategies to undermine Fidel Castro’s regime. Key elements include discussions about organizing a multi-component operation under "Operation Mongoose," involving intelligence collection, guerrilla activities, propaganda, economic sabotage, and diplomatic efforts. Richard Goodwin Binder, as White House staff officer, played a central role in coordinating these initiatives alongside officials like McGeorge Bundy, Paul Nitze, and Robert McNamara. The CIA’s involvement in supporting anti-Castro efforts is emphasized, including training Cuban pilots under commercial cover, managing exile groups in Miami, and planning psychological warfare campaigns. Internal debates within the National Security Council (NSC) addressed risks of direct intervention, with President Kennedy reportedly opposing assassination plans due to moral concerns. The Bay of Pigs invasion (1961) is referenced as a failed attempt that influenced subsequent strategies, while discussions about economic sanctions, multilateral actions, and covert operations in Latin America highlight the broader context of U.S. Cold War policy toward Cuba.  

Key People  
- Richard N. Goodwin: White House advisor and later Deputy Secretary of State, central to planning anti-Castro operations.  
- McGeorge Bundy: National Security Advisor who coordinated Cuba-related strategies with Goodwin.  
- Paul Nitze: Former chair of the Cuba Task Force; succeeded by Good, overseeing intelligence and policy discussions.  
- Robert McNamara: Secretary of Defense, involved in military and economic strategies against Castro.  
- John F. Kennedy: President whose administration oversaw anti-Castro planning, with reported opposition to assassination plans.  
- General Edward Lansdale: Led Operation Mongoose planning, coordinating CIA and interagency efforts.  
- Allen Dulles: Former CIA Director referenced in discussions about covert operations and intelligence reforms.  
- Arthur Schlesinger, Jr.: Adviser who critiqued CIA autonomy and proposed intelligence restructuring.  

Key Locations  
- Washington, D.C.: Headquarters for NSC meetings, White House planning, and interagency coordination.  
- Cuba: Central target of anti-Castro operations, including sabotage, propaganda, and guerrilla activities.  
- Miami: Base for Cuban exile groups and covert training operations.  
- Dominican Republic: Site of CIA-supported dissident efforts against dictator Rafael Trujillo.  
- Brazil and Chile: Mentioned as locations for U.S.-backed covert actions and intelligence coordination.  

Key Events  
- **Operation Mongoose Planning (1962)**: Detailed discussions on multi-component strategies, including economic warfare, propaganda, and guerrilla operations.  
- **Bay of Pigs Invasion (April 1961)**: Referenced as a failed attempt to overthrow Castro, influencing subsequent covert planning.  
- **Cuba Task Force Establishment (1961)**: Created post-Bay of Pigs to coordinate anti-Castro efforts, later led by Goodwin.  
- **Kennedy-Szulc Conversation (May 1961)**: Kennedy reportedly opposed assassination plans, stating, "We can't get into that -- we'll all be targets."  
- **CIA Covert Activities in Latin America**: Included training dissidents, supplying arms to exile groups, and conducting radio propaganda campaigns.  
- **Special Group Discussions (1962)**: Addressed potential military actions against Castro, with no formal approval for assassination.  

Key Organizations  
- Central Intelligence Agency (CIA): Conducted sabotage, intelligence gathering, and psychological warfare against Cuba.  
- National Security Council (NSC): Oversaw strategic discussions on anti-Castro policies and covert operations.  
- White House Staff: Coordinated policy decisions and interagency collaboration with CIA and State Department.  
- U.S. Department of State: Engaged in diplomatic efforts and approved contingency plans for Latin American interventions.  
- Special Group (Anguented): Interagency committee that authorized covert actions against authoritarian regimes, including Castro.  
- Alliance for Progress: Highlighted as a platform to strengthen U.S. influence through social development projects in Latin America.

JFK Declassified Files

157-10014-10117.pdf

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