</s>180-1043-10456 2025 RELEASE UNDER THE PRESIDENT JOHN F. KENNEDY ASSASSINATION RECORDS ACT OF 1992 SECRET Betsy Palmer Review of Files - Manuel Ray y Rivera DOD Documents 11:1:0819 May 2, 1978 1. Memo dated 21 Oct 1962 to Chief, Chief, Contact Division, from Chief, San Francisco Office Substability of Manual Ray and Miro Cardona for Important Subject: Substability for Manual Rey and Miro Cardona, for Important Roles in a Possible New Cuban Government Information received from the former source of Political Science. a. Information received from a former Castro supporters who were a. In Miami and the former Source of Exceptional Value-Science. visited in Miami and then, they suspected that they may be 25 years of a former Castro supporters representing the Cubans that they suspected Ray Ray of being a possible Communist Sleeper" rejectant to pass along this information, because accusations were 2. - Information report dated 16 July 1962 and Barler Broad. Source: Cuban National (Alien July 1962 - A-1275092) who asked for an Interview on occasion of first contact with CIA. Cannot voucher for his bona fide: Had credential indicating membership in an branch of revolutionary army's intelligence service, now in exile in U.S.A. and maintaining connections with colleagues in their country. A friend of his reports plans to assist assistive top Castro leadership in Cuba. A friend by his report plans to associate top Castro is strong, dorless, to be done by poison - Clostridium Bellium. Top Castro would do the job. Waiting for next visit of major delegation from a Communist country. dinner in honor of the occasion should bring together most of the important members of the regime that is when the attempt will be made. 2. Cable dated Oct. 3, 1961 - CWAITE IVOR 1902 Support (Travis) info /L/A Branch from Daniel's. Source of Castro Dezado - Cuban lawyer) now Living in honor Of Ray, 1961, was once an important supporter of Cuban law firm that under the leadership of Ray, who has been completely disordered in recent months. Primary purpose today is (a) is an industrialization of top leaders in Castro regime and (B) sabotage of important authority and top leadership in recent in Havana. in Havana, more than a term of raising ability and blowing up of buildings. 3. Information dated June June, 1961. Subject: Underground Student Leader Comments on Post-invasion Cuba. Reporting officer talked with ISIDRO BORJA, on the leaders of BRE. Borja says top top members in jail. Bora says top members are selected in a friendly embassy in Havana but but new leaders have been selected or in a friendly Embassy in Havana, but but also new leaders had ground could restore tension in Cuba in 3-in months. However, however, his outside help needed to get rid of Castro. Claimed prior to invasion, is possible to

Summary  
The documents detail U.S. government records on Manuel Ray y Rivera (Manolo Ray), a Cuban exile leader involved in anti-Castro activities during 1961–1965. Key interactions include Ray’s meetings with CIA officials, planning sabotage operations against Cuba, and attempts to secure financial and logistical support for exile groups like the Revolutionary Council (CRG) and JURE. Ray sought to infiltrate U.S. intelligence agencies, including claims of having a spy within the CIA, and expressed ideological alignment with leftist policies. The documents note his travel plans to Mexico, Costa Rica, and Venezuela for fundraising and operational coordination. U.S. officials assessed Ray’s reliability as inconsistent, citing his lack of clear political ideology and alleged self-serving actions.  

Key People  
- **Manuel Ray y Rivera (Manolo Ray)**: Central figure in anti-Castro exile groups; engaged with CIA and JURE.  
- **Alfonso Rodriguez**: U.S. intelligence officer monitoring Ray’s activities.  
- **Rogelio Cisneros Diaz**: Reported Ray’s claims about CIA infiltration.  
- **Ambassador Leuchua**: U.S. diplomat with whom Ray had contact.  
- **Jose Figuigares, Paul Chabral, Ramon Barquito**: Exile leaders associated with MRP and JURE.  
- **Desmond Fitzgerald**: CIA Director of Central Intelligence, overseeing financial and operational support for anti-Castro groups.  

Key Locations  
- **Puerto Rico**: Site of arms caches, meetings, and training bases; Ray’s base of activity.  
- **Mexico City**: Ray sought visa renewals and travel permits.  
- **Costa Rica, Venezuela, Dominican Republic**: Destinations for fundraising and operational coordination.  
- **Cuba**: Target of sabotage plans (e.g., Havana power plant).  
- **Miami, Florida**: Training base for JURE; Ray’s contact hub.  

Key Events  
- **April 1961**: Ray met with Colonel Miro; CIA requested attacks on Cuban targets.  
- **May 1962**: Memorandum criticized Ray for ineffectiveness in anti-Castro efforts.  
- **June 1963**: Ray planned sabotage of Havana’s power plant, requesting explosives and vessels.  
- **August 1963**: Ray traveled to Mexico and Costa Rica; CIA considered funding operations via monthly payments.  
- **September 1963**: Ray reported infiltration into U.S. agencies and sought arms purchases in Europe.  
- **October 1963**: Ray planned to depart Puerto Rico for Venezuela/Mexico, with JURE operations set for December 1963.  
- **December 1963**: Failed attempt to infiltrate Cuba due to boat motor issues; CIA provided replacement supplies.  
- **March–April 1964**: Ray’s teams planned to attack Cuban infrastructure (power plants, refineries).  
- **May 1964**: Ray allegedly reached Cuba, though confirmed by some sources; CIA monitored his movements and operations.  
- **June 1964**: Ray and associates arrested in Cayo Largo, Bahamas, amid alleged CIA involvement.  
- **June 1964–February 1965**: CIA provided $933,293 in financial support for autonomous anti-Castro operations, with strict rules of engagement to avoid U.S. public involvement.  

Key Organizations  
- **JURE (Revolutionary Council)**: Exile group led by Ray, involved in anti-Castro planning; linked to JUNE and MRP.  
- **CRG (Cuban Revolutionary Government)**: Organization Ray was excluded from due to lack of influence.  
- **MRP (Movement for the Reconstruction of Cuba)**: Resistance group led by Ray, planning military actions against Castro’s regime.  
- **FRD (Front for the Liberation of Cuba)**: Competing anti-Castro exile organization; assessed as a significant force in Cuban opposition.  
- **CIA**: Central intelligence body monitoring Ray and other anti-Castro groups; provided financial support and operational guidance.  
- **U.S. State Department**: Involved in visa processes and diplomatic interactions with exiles.  
- **U.S. Treasury/Revenue Service**: Investigated arms trafficking linked to JURE in El Monte, California.  
- **Dominican Republic**: Served as a transit hub for exiles and smuggling operations.

JFK Declassified Files

180-10143-10456.pdf

Document Summary

Try AI Search