</s>176-10033-10151 2025 RELEASE UNDER THE PRESIDENT JOHN F. KENNEDY ASSASSINATION RECORDS ACT OF 1992 JFK ASSASSINTATION SYSTEM IDENTIFICATION FORM AGENCY : NARA RECORD NUMBER : 176-1003-1015I RECORD SERIES : Church Committee AGENCY FILE NUMBER: AGENCY FILE NUMBER # : 1776-100333-101151 ORIGINATOR : CIA FROM : Bissell TO : Bündy, McGGeorge TITLE : Briefing Paper/Dominican Republic DATE : 2/17/1961 PAGES : 5 SUBJECTS : DOCUMENT TYPE : Paper, Textual CLASSIFICATIONS : Declasified RESTRICTIONS : CURRENT STATUS : DATE OF LAST REVIEW : 3/28/2001 OPENING CRITERIA : COMMENTS :

Summary: This document is a classified briefing paper from February 17, 1961, authored by Richard M. Bissell Jr., detailing U.S. intelligence operations in the Dominican Republic during President John F. Kennedy’s administration. It outlines efforts to support exiled Dominican groups opposing the regime of dictator Rafael Trujillo, including providing arms, equipment, and logistical assistance to organizations like the Vanguardia Revolucionaria Dominicana (VRD) and Partido Revolucionario Cubano (PCR). The document discusses plans for covert operations, such as using small boats for infiltration, propaganda campaigns, and potential international labor boycotts against Trujillo. It also references U.S. diplomatic tensions with the Dominican Republic, including anti-American sentiment, sanctions, and political maneuvering over sugar legislation. The text notes that the VRD claimed capabilities in maritime operations and internal organization but may have overstated their readiness. The CIA’s involvement is emphasized, with mentions of coordination through stations in Caracas and Puerto Rico.  

Key People: Richard M. Bissell Jr., Rafael Trujillo, Horacio Ornes (VRD leader), George Meany (U.S. labor union leader), Fernando Muniz Silva (Dominican exile).  
Key Locations: Dominican Republic, San Juan (Puerto Rico), Caracas (Venezuela), Ciudad Trujillo.  
Key Events: U.S. support for VRD/PCR against Trujillo, planning of arms delivery via small boats, labor boycott initiatives, diplomatic tensions over sugar legislation, and internal Dominican political instability.  
Key Organizations: Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Vanguardia Revolucionaria Dominicana (VRD), Partido Revolucionario Cubano (PCR), International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA).

JFK Declassified Files

176-10033-10151.pdf

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