Cryptonym: AMBUD-7
A memo on March 8, 1963, from Alice B. Caponong (probably Evalena S. Vidal) stated that "the FORDC meeting resulted in a farce. Instead of voting for or against the integration (of the other groups into FORDC), they agreed to name a Commission composed of Felipe Alonso, Jose Antonio Hernandez and Pedro Aponte, which is to investigate 'conspiracies' (by the other groups against FORDC)."
A memo on March 27, 1963, stated that "on 26 April AMOT-20 (Orestes Puig Rios) was instructed to assign two AMICERS (Frente Obrero Revolucionario Democratico Cubano) to go to Rio soonest and report to the OPIT representative there in accordance with RIOD. He suggested Antonio Collada and Pedro Aponte both because of their high qualifications and because they had valid passports and renewable visas...Pedro Aponte did leave for Rio as scheduled."
A cable on December 12, 1963, stated "AMBUD-7 active member AMICE but not directly contacted by Station. Relations with him handled through AMOT-20 and AMICE-3 (Mario Fontela Alfonso). Cancelled POA being renewed. A-7 available for Rio assignment and probably amenable...A-7 desired keep family WAVE area..."
A FBI report in July of 1966 noted that an informant stated information had been received from a Cuban exile known to Pedro Aponte, to the effect that Aponte, on previous trips to South America had participated in a jewel smuggling operation. Aponte allegedly was involved in this operation with Mario Fontela and Rolando Barrero.
104-10236-10266: CABLE: AFTER REF C FORWARDED
01/25/63: Cable from JMWAVE to Director (Orig: PW/Caponong): GYROSE: "1. After ref C (WAVE-3307) forwarded, WAVE learned through AMICE (FORDC, Frente Obrero Revolucionario Democratico Cubano) contacts and through AMBUD that Sorrondo had requested AMBUD (Cuban Revolutionary Council - CRC) transfer Pedro Aponte from AMBUD BOGO delegation to AMBUD RIOD delegation to assist latter in labor matters. Sorrondo requested Aponte RTD first part February. Aponte and AMBUD agreeable to change if necessary. 2. Assume Sorrondo request to AMBUD is for same labor position as request refs A and B (HBRA-9696 and DIR-08495 respectively). Therefore suggest subject ref C better candidate. However see no objections sending both individuals if RIOD deems necessary. Please advise. 3. Separate cable will detail ETD and financial arrangements SUBJ ref C." Authenticating Officer: Robert K. Trouchard (William Kent). Coordinating Officers: Coord. Rebholtz. ESEC. Releasing Officer: Andrew K. Reuteman (Theodore Shackley).
104-10235-10086: CABLE: AMLAMISE-4 WILL INVITE APONTE
02/01/63: Cable from RIOD to WAVE: (Info: Director) (Dunoon Acting): "1. AMLAMISE-4 will invite Aponte. 2. PLS encrypt Aponte and Sorondo." Handwritten note: "Caponong (probably Evalena S. Vidal), PW."
104-10236-10382: CABLE: REF DIR 16992
02/12/63: Cable from Director to Rio de Janeiro: "A. Pedro Aponte Mendez. B. Maximo Sorondo Quintana. Handwritten note: AMBUD-7 & AMBUD-8"
104-10236-10383: CABLE: IDENS ASSIGNED AMBUD 7 AND 8
02/12/63: Cable from Director to Rio de Janeiro: IDENS assigned AMBUD-7 and 8, 201-289927 and 288269 respectively. Handwritten note: 7 - Pedro Aponte Mendez; 8 - Maximo Sorondo Quintana."
104-10227-10414: DISPATCH: AMBUD DELEGATES IN THE UNITED STATES AND ABROAD
02/25/63: Dispatch from COS, JMWAVE to Chief, SAS: Page 4: "COLOMBIA: Dr. Eddy Leal (Delegado) Carreres 33 #25-61. Auxilieres: Pedro Aponte, Hector Orizondo..."
03/08/63: Cable from JMWAVE to Director (Orig: PW/Caponong): "1. Re ref A (RIOD-9699) assignment, after Linera refusal AMBUD-7 was offered by AMBUD (Cuban Revolutionary Council - CRC) the job at $300 salary plus $50 ops expenses to be accounted for. AMBUD-7 refused assignment mainly on grounds funds inadequate since must also support family who to remain WAVE area. AMBUD cannot increase funds since must follow financial arrangements provided other AMBUD delegates Latin America (in RIOD, chief delegate receives $400 salary and other delegate $300). 2. Suggest that since AMBUD-7 appears best man for job, Station through cover organization might consider providing additional $100 as 'unaccountable ops expenses.' If RIOD agrees, will requery AMBUD-7 anticipate he could depart almost immediately." Authenticating Officer: Robert K. Trouchard (William Kent). Releasing Officer: Andrew K. Reuteman (Theodore Shackley).
104-10235-10270: MFR: FOLLOW-UP ON FORDC MEETING OF 4 MARCH 1963
03/08/63: Memorandum for the record from Alice B. Caponong (probably Evalena S. Vidal): "1. In connection with subject meeting, AMBUD-1's (Jose Miro Cardona) secretary passed the following information to PASSAVOY on 6 March (we checking on sub-source): "The FORDC meeting resulted in a farce. Instead of voting for or against the integration (of the other groups into FORDC), they agreed to name a Commission composed of Felipe Alonso, Jose Antonio Hernandez and Pedro Aponte, which is to investigate "conspiracies" (by the other groups against FORDC). Until this Commission presents its conclusions, there will be no meeting to discuss the matter of integration. Voting against (this Commission) were: Pascasio Lineras, Villegas, Raul Suarez, Penelas, Felipe Alonso, Manuel Alonso, Cofino and Collada. Massip abstained and Galate voted in favor. Montecristi (group) did not attend the meeting since FORDC was going to consider the expulsion of the member (in FORDC) of Montecristi." 2. Massip phoned on 6 March wanting an urgent meeting with AMBUD-1. Since AMBUD-1 had left for Guatemala that morning, AMBUD-1's secretary suggested Massip write a memorandum on the matter he wished to discuss."
104-10231-10204: MFR: MISSION TO RIO AND POLITICAL INTERFERENCE
03/27/63: Memorandum for the record from C/PW: "1. On 26 April AMOT-20 (Orestes Puig Rios) was instructed to assign two AMICERS (FORDC, Frente Obrero Revolucionario Democratico Cubano) to go to Rio soonest and report to the OPIT representative there in accordance with RIOD. He suggested Antonio Collada and Pedro Aponte both because of their high qualifications and because they had valid passports and renewable visas. They were thus able to make reservations for 0050 hours flight out of Miami on 27 March...7. Pedro Aponte did leave for Rio as scheduled..."
104-10076-10396: JMWAVE CABLE RE SUBJECT AVAILABILITY FOR RIO ASSIGNMENT
12/12/63: Cable from JMWAVE to Director: Slugline DYVOUR PBRUMEN: REF RIOD 2833 (IN 74474): "1. AMBUD-7 active member AMICE (FORDC, Frente Obrero Revolucionario Democratico Cubano) but not directly contacted by Station. Relations with him handled through AMOT-20 (Orestes Puig Rios) and AMICE-3 (Mario Fontela Alfonso). Cancelled POA being renewed. 2. A-7 available for Rio assignment and probably amenable, but recall no discussion of WAVE 3737 proposal. A-7 desired keep family WAVE area and estimated cost separate maintenance total $300 monthly plus ops expenses. Current salary $225 per month. 3. WAVE funds not available for AMICE reps abroad. Past exception for A-7 BOGO tour based special AMBUD (Cuban Revolutionary Council - CRC) status which no longer possible. Therefore suggest AMSTORM-1 correspondence include financial commitment RIOD willing undertake. Will advise A-7 reactions when A-1 offer received by AMICE."
124-90094-10032: FBI REPORT: RE FRENTE OBRERO REVOLUCIONARIO DEMOCRATICO CUBANO (FORDC)...
07/25/66: FBI report from Miami to Director: Titled: Frente Obrero Revolucionario Democratico Cubano (FORDC): Cuban Workers Revolutionary Democratic Front: Internal Security - Cuba: "On January 3, 1966, MM T-1, a Cuban exile who was acquainted with certain numbers of the Frente Obrero Revolucionario Democratico Cubano (FORDC), advised that Pedro Aponte, a leader in the FORDC, was then planning to leave Miami on a trip to Central and South America. MM T-1 said that he had received information from a Cuban exile acquainted with Aponte to the effect that Aponte, on his previous trips to South America, had participated in a jewel smuggling operation. Aponte allegedly was involved in this operation with Mario Fontela (note: AMICE-3), also a leader of the FORDC, and Rolando Barrero, formerly a member of the 30th of November Revolutionary movement. MM T-1 was advised that Aponte was the person who would bring in the jewels on his person and thereafter they would be stored in the house of Barrero. MM T-1 said that Aponte travels as an anti-Communist delegate of the FORDC to Latin America...On July 18, 1966, MM T-1 advised that no additional information concerning the activities of either the FORDC or Pedro Aponte had recently come to his attention. He said that he had been informed that Aponte returned from a Latin American trip about a month ago but could furnish no additional information..."