Home/ Resources / Projects / CIA Cryptonyms / bigram: AM / cryptonym: AMKNOCK-1

Cryptonym: AMKNOCK-1

Definition:

Unknown identity. A dispatch on June 4, 1963, mentioned that the Mexico City station had recently been exposed to AMKNOCK-1, who had "been living deep 'in the entrails of the monster' in Oriente."

Status:

Unknown

Discussion:

In addition, a dispatch on June 28, 1963, from JMWAVE, stated that AMKNOCK-1 was provided to the Foreign Intelligence (FI) Branch as a legal traveler, who had been spotted by AMDENIM-1 (Alberto Fernandez Hechevarria) and who had now returned to Cuba.

Cables in November and December of 1963 stated that AMKNOCK-1 had been terminated on November 1, 1963, apparently because of his poor performance as an inside agent, and lack of firm leads.

Sources:

104-10185-10266: 201 FILE OF PROTECTABLE SOURCE.

06/04/63: Dispatch from COS, Mexico City to Chief, Special Affairs Staff: Subject: Operational/KUTUBE/TYPIC/Debriefing of LITAMIL-9 on Trip to Cuba: "Attachment A: 1...Edward D. Knapman (probably Warren E. Frank) was dispatched to Mexico City from JMWAVE to conduct a debriefing of LITAMIL-9 (Luis Alberu Souto). Knapman arrived here 29 May 1963 and conducted the debriefing at three sessions totaling eight hours on the nights of 29 May, 31 May and 1 June. 2. Attachment B is largely positive intelligence while Attachment C is basically of operational interest. The intelligence debriefing was conducted on the basis of current and past intelligence requirements lists available at the Mexico Station. To the extent feasible we attempted to pinpoint ultimate sources, but headquarters will note that a sizeable part of the information provided was based on personal observation and impressions. Headquarters should keep in mind that L-9's perimeter of access was the city of Habana and that he was exposed principally to bureaucrats who are identified with the regime. We caution headquarters on this rather obvious point, perhaps because we were exposed recently to AMKNOCK-1 who has been living deep 'in the entrails of the monster' in Oriente and who had a different view of the temper of the people in that area from that given by LITAMIL-9 for Havana..."

104-10172-10122: DISPATCH: AMDENIM/1 PROGRESS REPORT 31 MAY 1963

06/28/63: Dispatch from COS, JMWAVE to Chief, Special Affairs Staff: Pages 2-3: ..."AMKNOCK/1 was provided to the FI Branch as a legal traveler who AMDENIM/1 (Alberto Fernandez Hechevarria) spotted and who has now returned to Cuba. The draft plan for an operational fishing fleet was submitted during the period and is currently under study..."

104-10077-10124: DIRECTOR CABLE RE TERMINATION

11/27/63: Cable from Director to JMWAVE: Slugline TYPIC MHAPRON AMKNOCK: "Prior termination AMKNOCK-1 recommend WAVE consider re-direction his activities to contribute to MHAPRON (worldwide program for the penetration of the power centers and armed forces of the Cuban regime) objectives. Advise." Releasing Officer: Desmond FitzGerald, C/SAS. Coordinating Officers: Lansing (possibly), SAS/MOB/FI. Nestor Sanchez, SAS/EOB/SO/NS. Authenticating Officer: A. A. Maloney, C/SAS/MOB.

104-10076-10045: CABLE RE DEBRIEFINGS

12/04/63: Cable from JMWAVE to Director: Slugline TYPIC MHAPRON AMKNOCK: "As indicated Ref C, AMKNOCK-1 terminated 1 Nov. Debriefings AMKNOCK-1 prior termination indicated he did not have any firm exploitable leads, MHAPRON (worldwide program for the penetration of the power centers and armed forces of the Cuban regime) or otherwise. View his poor performance as inside asset, unacceptable terms for continued work KUBARK (CIA) as outlined attachment Ref B, and lack firm leads believe this clearly case when further attempt exploit is not warranted. C/S Comment: Prior termination AMKNOCK-1 recommend WAVE consider re-direction his activities."