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Cryptonym: AMLYRIC-1

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Definition:
Manuel Brana Chansuolme/Chansoulme, Juanita Castro's (AMSTRUT-2) business partner, JMWAVE media/propaganda asset. Worked with AMCORE-2 (Luis Conte Aguero), and AMRAZOR-1 (probably Norman Diaz).
Status:
Documented
Discussion:
Two cables in March, 1969, cited AMLYRIC-1's 201 number as 201-316474. A dispatch in August, 1965, on Manuel Brana Chansoulme cited his 201 number as 201-316474, matching AMLYRIC-1's 201 number.

The 1965 dispatch stated that Brana was a journalist, and was a delegate of the Cuban Revolutionary Council (CRC) in Argentina, Dominican Republic and Venezuela. In addition, Brana resigned his position in the fall of 1962, allegedly on the grounds that his CRC salary was insufficient to cover living expenses in Caracas. Furthermore, he was reprimanded by the CRC, prior to his resignation, for setting up a meeting with U.S. State Department officials without going through the proper channels. A cable in October, 1962, confirmed this. The cable also stated that Brana made unauthorized trips to the Miami area.

AMLYRIC-1 was described by Orlando Bosch Avila (AMDITTO-23) as being a long time friend. He worked closely with Luis Conte Aguero. He appeared to have had some contact with Al Burt (AMCARBON-1). Also see 104-10217-10249: AMLYRIC-1 was described as being from the "betrayed revolution school" disappointed by the capture of Eloy Gutierrez Menoyo in Jan. 1965, while the "conservative element" of AMRUSTY was reported to be pleased by the capture of a "high level Castro official with bloody hands".

Following memo - 104-10217-10164 - describes other betrayed revolutionists as AMHIM-1, AMRAZOR-1, AMICE-3 (Mario Fontela Alfonso), lieutenants of Julio Garceran and officials of Corporaciones Economicas.
Sources:

104-10227-10018: CABLE: FOLLOWING FROM ODACID OFFICER FROM CONVERSATION WITH

09/15/62: Cable from Caracas to Director: Slugline GYROSE AMSPELL: "1. Following from ODACID (U.S. State Department) officer from conversation with Manuel Brana, member of Consejo Revolucionario recently arrived VENE: A. AMHINT-2 (Juan Manuel Salvat Roque) in VENE as result request VENE Govt. Had conversations with Rear Admiral Armando Lopez Conde. AMHINT-2 attempting negotiate use of Orchila Island for training and operations site for AMSPELLS (DRE). Lopez assisted similar operations during Larrazabal regime for Fidel in 1958 and personally favors AMHINT-2 proposal, but Lopez needs Betancourt approval. AMHINT-2 asked use other VENE base if Orchila not available. 2. According to CIRAKE-2, AMHINT-2 and three other members (portion GBLD being SVCD) his parent organization spoke at private meeting of 20 to 30 Venezuelans, Cubans and two Americans 13 Sept. Purpose meeting urge Venezuelans form local organization to purchase boats for AMSPELLS. One pledge of ten thousand bolivares received. 3. CIRASH-6 (Orlando Garcia Vasquez) tacitly admitted responsibility AMHINT-2 visit Venezuela, (portion GBLD) AMHINT-2 planned depart VENE 14 Sept on Latin American tour. CS Comment: *No evidence support AMSPELL by Betancourt; however, CIARK-1 believes that AMSPELL visit VENE coordinated by CIRASH-6 who CIRATAL-1 advisor on Cuban matters."

104-10512-10077: CABLE: MANUEL BRANA CHANSUOLME ARRIVED UNEXPECTEDLY AT HOME OF

10/19/62: Cable from JMWAVE to Director: "1. Manuel Brana Chansuolme arrived unexpectedly at home of AMBUD-1 (Jose Miro Cardona) night 18 Oct and informed AMBUD-1 he on way to Washington, D.C. for meeting 19 Oct with Martin of ODACID (U.S. State Department). Stated Martin had requested the meeting. 2. AMBUD-1 phoned Hurwitch a.m. 19 Oct to obtain details. Hurwitch advised AMBUD-1 as follows: Brana had requested meeting with ODACID officials Washington, D.C. through ODACID CARA who forwarded request to ODACID. Latter set up meeting for Brana with Sommes, as result request and apparently mostly as courtesy to AMBUD. ODACID Washington, D.C. did not coordinate with AMBUD-1. As a result of AMBUD-1 and Hurwitch conversation, Brana interview to be cancelled...3. Brana was formerly in BUEN and DOMREP and since Aug is head of AMBUD DELEG CARA. His travel to WAVE area and/or Washington, D.C. not known nor authorized by AMBUD. AMBUD-1 calling him in carpet for such independent action and this main reason for cancelling his appointment with ODACID. 4. In second conversation with AMBUD-1 p.m. 19 Oct Brana stated that his embassy contacts CARA are Luther Edward Schuck, JR., second SECY and Edward Thornton Long, counselor for political affairs. He implied that these persons had urged him to have conversations in ODACID related to a boat which Brana said has been offered to him by source undisclosed to AMBUD-1 and action related to its use. During conversation Brana asked if salaries of AMBUD delegates were to be increased and upon receipt of negative answer, Brana stated that under circumstances he would be unable remain as AMBUD DELEG CARA later than 15 Dec. AMDIP-1 had suggested to AMBUD-1 that latter fire Brana for lack of coordination. AMBUD-1 feels this will resolve self since Brana plans leave CARA in Dec. 5. FYI: Brana also told AMBUD-1 that Betancourt not too happy with AMBUD since during trip several months ago to Venezuela, AMDIP-1 did not attempt see Betancourt..."

104-10166-10305: CABLE: AMCORE-2 HOLDING PRESS CONFERENCE 19 JAN

01/19/63: Cable from JMWAVE to Director: "2. AMLYRIC-1 reports AMCORE-2 (Luis Conte Aguero) plans use press conference to announce plan for sending coded messages on his radio program to rebel army." - - - 02/23/63: Cable from San Jose to Director: Slugline RYBAT JMSAIL: "1. Local immigration office advises following Cuban exiles Miami planning come San Jose for presidential conference, arriving about 15 March: Eddy Leal Leyva, Jose Miro Cardona, Manuel Antonio Varona Laredo, Luis Botifoll Gilperez, Nestor Carbonell Cortina, Jose Ignacio Rasco Bermudez, Manuel Brana Chansoulme, Luis Manuel Martinez Rodriguez, Evaristo Fernandez Padron. 2. Station deems visit of such large delegation inopportune at this time in view of possible clashes between opposing Cuban groups and undesirability of using conference to further Cuban exile cause. GOCR (Government of Costa Rica) security agrees. 3. It is recommended that if Cubans must be present San Jose, not more repeat not more than two representatives be sent as observers - stress observers only. Any other activity their part to be strictly prohibited, and that they be so instructed." https://www.maryferrell.org/showDoc.html?docId=25510&search=104-10299-10008#relPageId=2&tab=page

104-10166-10040: CABLE: POUCHING DETAILS AMCORE-2 VISIT TO CARACAS INCLUDING MATERIALS HE COLLECTED

06/04/63: Cable from JMWAVE to Director: Slugline TYPIC MHSPAWN AMWIDE: "1. Pouching details AMCORE-2 (Luis Conte Aguero) visit to Caracas including materials he collected relation to Radio Libertad facilities, financial position, directorate, programming and fund sources. AMCORE-2 developed rapport to extent Radio Libertad willing accept two hours of programming a day from him for transmission. AMCORE-2 certain that JMWAVE assets such as AMRAZOR-1 (probably Norman Diaz) and AMLYRIC-1 could be included in any package sent to Radio Libertad. He feels, however, that AMSHADY-1 ("Havana Rose", also known as Pepita Riera) and AMSTRUT-2 (Juana de la Caridad Castro Ruz) might be somewhat harder to sell. Latter judgement may simply be AMCORE-2 prejudice..." - - - 06/28/63: Cable: Slugline TYPIC MHSPAWN: "1. As of 30 June following is status of turnover to JMCOBRA of JMWAVE MHSPAWN assets: A. AMLYRIC-1 informed 26 June his case officer being transferred and that during week 1 July AMLYRIC-1 will be introduced to William S. Wibalda (probably Robert Wall) who will be his new contact for at least routine matters. A channel to an inside JMCOBRA (aka Station WH/Miami) case officer for policy matters is being established..." https://www.maryferrell.org/showDoc.html?docId=20213#relPageId=2&tab=page

104-10166-10373: CABLE: WILLIAM S. WIBALDA REPORTED MORNING 25 NOV AMCORE-2 LEFT

11/25/63: Cable from JMWAVE to Director: "2. AMCORE-2 (Luis Conte Aguero) upset at cancellation his WRUL program for three days and 22 Nov substitution AMLYRIC-1. Said had prepared special tribute President in 'beautiful prose.' Wibalda (probably Robert Wall) interceded with WRUL but was told top management had made decision. AMCORE-2 said he would sue WRUL or see WRUL not get paid for air time. WAVE co feels AMCORE-2's ZRMETAL (Washington, D.C.) trip partly effort request HQs contact not pay WRUL. PLS advise WAVE any contact AMCORE-2 makes with HQs officers..." - - - See 104-10076-10089: "WAVE area news media tied to arms cache story to Venezuelan elections as part (of) continuing crisis (in) Caribbean. With a successful conclusion in Venezuelan elections, attention now directed (to) OAS meeting...Radio play began 28 Nov with news and editorial comment AMLYRIC-1 program based (on DIR 85577) info. This followed by (WAVE 8352) activities..."

104-10245-10047: DISPATCH: SUBJECT - TRANSMITTAL OF BOOK "EL APARATO" BY MANUEL BRANA CHANSOULME AND INFORMATION ON THE AUTHOR

08/24/65: Dispatch from COS, JMWAVE to Chief, KUWOLF: REF:...(Handwritten note: This ref filed in 201-316474: Note: HQs File Number at bottom right of page has 201 number - 201-316474). "1. Subject book was published in 1964 with a first edition of 5,000 copies at $3.50 per copy by Service Offset Printers, a local publishing firm which prints a number of Spanish language publications for the Cuban exile community. 2. A journalist, Brana was a delegate of the..(CRC) in Argentina, Dominican Republic and Venezuela. During his assignment in Caracas he was quite active in exile activities and stated that he had numerous contacts in the American Embassy there. Brana resigned his position in the fall of 1962 on the basis that his CRC salary was insufficient to cover living expenses in Caracas. There is no derogatory information on Subject, except that he was reprimanded one time by the CRC for setting up a meeting with ODACID (U.S. State Department) officials without going through the proper channels...3. According to reliable sources in the exile community, Brana is considered a reputable newsman and writer who has compiled a well-documented research book concerning Castro and subversion in Latin America...5...According to our records, Manuel Brana Chansuolme was born 4/12/40 (sic)..." - - - Another version of this document (much more faded) has the 201 number: 201-316474 at the bottom left of the page, below "Distribution": https://www.maryferrell.org/showDoc.html?docId=13521&search=104-10245-10048#relPageId=2&tab=page

104-10165-10091: CABLE: WESSIN SITUATION FIRST CAME JMWAVE ATTENTION

09/11/65: Cable from JMWAVE to Withheld: "1...Station also alerted AMCARBON-1 (Al Burt) and AMLYRIC-1 to try get friendly press coverage Wessin arrival and prempt press interview if held..." - - - 12/29/65: Cable from JMWAVE: "1...Local and international press, radio and TV (including WAVE media assets such as AMHIM, AMICE [FORDC, Frente Obrero Revolucionario Democratico Cubano], AMLYRIC-1) to be alerted evening 29 Dec a high level defector to be available..." https://www.maryferrell.org/showDoc.html?docId=160793#relPageId=304&tab=page

104-10226-10024: DISPATCH: AMSTRUT-2 - PROGRESS REPORT 1 OCTOBER - 31 DECEMBER 1966

01/03/66: Dispatch from PW/Rubash to Chief of Station: Page 2: "C. PROBLEMS 7...There is little question that a contributing factor to the lessening of this problem is the reliance placed by AMSTRUT-2 (Juana de la Caridad Castro Ruz) on AMLYRIC-1 who serves as business advisor, buffer and hand-holder." - - - Page 3: "D. PLANS FOR NEXT QUARTER 10. AMLYRIC-1 has been in negotiation with a group of organizations at Harvard University which wish to sponsor an AMSTRUT-2 appearance there. The tentative plan at this writing is for AMSTRUT-2 to appear during the first part of (REDACTION)... 12. It is planned to have AMSTRUT-2 prepare a rebuttal (probably to be ghost-written by AMLYRIC-1) to the interview with Fidel Castro which appeared in the January issue of Playboy magazine."

104-10170-10129 CABLE: (THIS IS CABLE NO. 2) OF A SERIES

5/1/67: Cable from JMWAVE to Director: Slugline RYBAT DYVOUR JMSPUR: "As far as our files indicate, (CIA had) no earlier relationship with this group. ...Organizational impetus and funds apparently come from wealthy New Orleans figures, including Dr. Alton Ochsner (of the Ochsner Clinic) and Willard E. Robertson. In recent years funds have been supplied by the Schick Safety Razor Company...In January 1965 INCA sponsored an appearance in New Orleans of Juanita Castro. Salvador Lew who is Juanita Castro's business manager was also involved in the planning and arrangements for the organization..." - - - A CIA cable a few months earlier (03/11/67) described AMLYRIC-1 as being AMSTRUT-2's (Juana de la Caridad Castro Ruz) 'business manager': https://www.maryferrell.org/showDoc.html?docId=20220&search=104-10165-10195#relPageId=2&tab=page

104-10244-10032: CABLE: PLEASE FORWARD COMPLETE NAMES, ADDRESSES, SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS

03/11/69: Cable: "1. Please forward complete names, addresses, social security numbers, and bank data on AMCORE-2 (Luis Conte Aguero), AMLYRIC-1, and AMSTRUT-2 (Juana de la Caridad Castro Ruz) per para 6 of ref... 3. File: 19-126-65/1, 201-278130, 201-316474 and 201-218126."

104-10165-10102: CABLE: AMPLY DEMOSTRATES THE TYPE OF TEMPEST WHICH AMSTAY PERSONNEL CAPABLE OF GENERATING

03/27/69: Cable from WH/Miami to Director: "1. Ref A amply demonstrates the type of tempest which AMSTAY personnel (particularly AMLYRIC-1, AMSTRUT-2, and AMCORE-2) capable of generating. It also emphasizes the need for continued tact and extreme discretion in their handling. HQs fully commiserates with station problem involving these individuals and realizes that time spent in their hand-holding detracts from more fruitful and valid ops endeavors. For time being however such effort must be made. 2. It is essential that face-to-face contact be maintained with these personalities. The failure of AMLYRIC-1 and AMSTRUT-2 to provide info permitting bank payments underscores the need to get back on some sort of sympathetic relationship..."

104-10244-10029: CABLE: CONCERING PARA TWO OF REF: MR. PIPER SEEMS

04/09/69: Cable from WH/Miami: "3. FYI: Pouching copy of AMLYRIC/1 jeremiad transmitted to WOFIRM (CIA) via Mr. Paul Bethel and the Vice President's office. This almost mirror copy of similar lament forwarded directly to WOFIRM HQs by AMLYRIC/1." - - - Undated: Cable from JMWAVE: Slugline TYPIC AMLYRIC-1: "1. Info ref based launch meet 26 October with AMLYRIC-1 which Bosch requested...2. Bosch stated he approached AMLYRIC-1 because latter long-time friend who might know "someone in publicity section (sec) of KUBARK (CIA)." https://www.maryferrell.org/showDoc.html?docId=53028#relPageId=2&tab=page

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