“JAN 6, 1961: The State Department says it doubts newspaper reports that [Fidel] Castro is planning to let the Soviet Union establish missile bases in Cuba.” “The Bay of Pigs Invasion/Playa Giron: A Chronology of Events,” The National Security Archive, NSArchive2.gwu.edu […]
1/5/1961
“JAN 5, 1961: In preparation for a January 5 meeting of the Special Group, [Principal Manager of CIA operations] Tracy Barnes drafts a memorandum for the Director of Central Intelligence in which he outlines problems that need to be addressed. Most importantly, he argues that, contrary to views expressed at a January 3 meeting, the […]
1/4/1961
“JAN 4, 1961: Senior CIA officials prepare a memorandum ‘to outline the status of preparations for the conduct of amphibious/airborne and tactical air operations against the Government of Cuba and to set forth certain requirements for policy decisions which must be reached and implemented if these operations are to be carried out.’ The concept of […]
1/3/1961
“03.01.61 The U.S. government announced its decision to sever diplomatic and consular relations with the Cuban government.” [Pro Embargo] “Dwight D. Eisenhower (R), Timeline,” Cuba versus Blockade: Cuban People’s website, 2007 […]
12/31/1960
“DEC 31, 1960: In a speech, Fidel Castro denounces the ‘imperialist plan’ to invade Cuba. He attempts to focus world attention on the ‘danger our country is running,’ and declares that Cuba will ‘mobilize the people and adopt such measures as can persuade the imperialists that it will not be a military cakewalk.’ Castro warns […]
12/20/1960
“DEC 20, 1960: Admiral Robert Dennison, the Commander in Chief Atlantic (CINCLANT), sends the CIA 119 questions about the CIA operation. His questions imply that planning has been wholly inadequate for the invasion. Only twelve are answered.” “The Bay of Pigs Invasion/Playa Giron: A Chronology of Events,” The National Security Archive, NSArchive2.gwu.edu […]
12/16/1960
“16.12.60. Based on the powers bestowed under the Sugar Act of 1948, the President of the United States [Dwight D. Eisenhower] issued Presidential Proclamation 3383 (25 FR 13131) suspending the Cuban sugar quota for the first quarter of 1961.” [Pro Embargo] “Dwight D. Eisenhower (R), Timeline,” Cuba versus Blockade: Cuban People’s website, 2007 […]
12/12/1960
“DEC 12, 1960: Unidentified planes from the U.S. fly over a number of Cuban cities dropping anti-Castro propaganda.” “The Bay of Pigs Invasion/Playa Giron: A Chronology of Events,” The National Security Archive, NSArchive2.gwu.edu […]
12/8/1960
“DEC 8, 1960: The CIA Task Force presents the new paramilitary concept to the Special Group. The Special Group authorizes use of Special Forces to train the Strike Force, the use of an airstrip at Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua, and supply missions…A seven-week training program begins in Guatemala with approximately 575 to 600 troops…” “The Bay […]
12/7/1960
“DEC 7, 1960: President [Dwight D.] Eisenhower responds to [Secretary of State] Doug Dillon’s December 2, memo. He grants approval for reorganization of the Cuba program, but wants to clarify that; ‘Mr. [Ambassador Whiting] Willauer should have a position directly subordinate to the Secretary of State for so long as Cuba remains a critical problem […]