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Cryptonym: AMPAN-4

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Definition:
Eladio Bas Trespalacios. AMPAN-4's boat was used to exfiltrate notable anti-Castro Cubans figures, such as Manuel Ray and Ramon Padilla Perez, from Cuba to the United States.
Status:
Probable
Discussion:
Brother-in-law was Francisco Rodriguez Tamayo, AKA "El Mexicano." His wife's name was Xenia or Zenia (Bas) Trespalacios. She was AMPAN-4's sister. A memorandum from Raul Hernandez in March 1964, on the AMWORLD project, stated that Eladio Bas Trespalacios could not sail, indicating he was a boatman.

A 1964 October JMWAVE cable stated that according to an undated card in their files, Francisco Rodriguez Tamayo had been of interest to AMWORLD, and had recently returned to Miami area after a year or so in California. He had been part of the AMLEPTON Team.

According to this CIA document, Eladio Bas Trespalacios (seventh from bottom of list) had a 201 number of 201-285142: https://www.maryferrell.org/showDoc.html?docId=38006#relPageId=2&search=
Sources:

104-10274-10089: CABLE: STATION CONSIDERING AMBAND SUBJ OF REFS AS NEXT EXFILTREE ON AMPAN-4

07/27/60: Cable from Havana to Director: Slugline *AMASPEN RYBAT: "1. Station considering AMBANG (Manuel Ray Rivero) Subj of refs as next exfiltree on AMPAN-4 boat tentatively scheduled for about 3 Aug. Station in contact with AMBANG through AMWAIL-9 (Orlando Ray Rivero). According AMWAIL-9 Subj will not seek asylum but desires to leave black. 2. AMPAN-4 boat can make at most two more trips before drydocking required. Therefore, essential next exfiltree be carefully considered. 3. Advise HQs concurrence para 1. Full bio data in ref. Filed 221930Z. C/S Comment: **Dissemination applicable to RYBAT JMNET cables. S/C Comment: *Address line thru slug line is being serviced."

104-10192-10018: CABLE: ETD AMPAN-4 BOAT 7 NOV

11/03/60: Cable from Havana to Director: Slugline RYBAT JMNET: "1. ETD AMPAN-4 boat 7 Nov. Expected running time to Tampa 36 hours. Ship will dock at pier U.S. Fosforic East Tampa where ship handled by general shipping agents. 2. Arrangements completed to exfil Manolo Ray this trip. Request special effort arrange reception and processing at Tampa with no report no publicity. Ray arrived without clothes change, money, docs or other baggage. Pls be prepared assist procurement of all necessary personal items and to supply Subj with money and trans. 3. Will advise exact hour departure from HAVA of boat. C/S Comment: *HAVA Station arranging black exfil possibly Manolo Ray."

104-10179-10400: CABLE: AMPAN-4 BOAT DEPARTED HAVANA

11/08/60: Cable from Havana to Director: Action: C/WH 9 (Col Hawkins WH notified 2050 8 Nov 60): Handwritten: "Hicks": JMNET: "AMPAN-4 boat departed HAVA 1000 hours 8 November. C/S Comment: *Stated subj (unidentified) placed aboard AMPAN-4 boat at 0730 hours 7 Nov." - - - 11/08/60: Cable from Havana to Director (handwritten at top: "Hicks"): JMNET: "1. Subj ref placed aboard AMPAN-4 boat at 0730 hours 7 Nov. Departure scheduled for approx 1900 hours 7 Nov with ETA at destination 36 hours later. However departure may be delayed until morn hours 8 Nov and Station may have difficulty confirming exact hour due fact AMPAN-3 departed for Miami P.M. 7 Nov. Consequently necessary reception officer be ready at port of entry from approx 0700 hours 9 Nov. But prepared for delayed arrival of several hours. 2. Subj will use name of Enrique Rodriguez. Every effort being made HAVA end prevent leak in knowledge Subj has departed. Request MASH exert every effort prevent untimely disclosure in U.S. Point of debarkation and means of travel should be protected at all costs. This conveyed to passenger but request MASH reiterate. 3. AMPAN-3, 11, 4 and AMGIRIT-1 and his brother (Ignacio) participated in exfil this end. Request confirm safe arrival." https://www.maryferrell.org/showDoc.html?docId=67163&search=#relPageId=2&tab=page

104-10274-10011: CABLE: HOUSTON NEWSPAPER 2 DECEMBER

12/05/60: Cable from GOLD to Director: Action: C/BELL 13 (E. Brisco WH Div issued tempo copy 1340 5 Dec 60): Slugline JMNET SECUR: "1. Houston newspaper 2 December 1960 carried story concerning three from AMPAN-4 boat seeking asylum here to escape Castro/Communist regime: Tomas Ray, Milario Iglesias, and Alberto Cuellar. Press also reported Benjamin Lopez, Argentine national, chief mate of boat also defected because wanted pay in dollars rather than Cuban pesos. 2. FRD also heard rumors in Miami that Manolo Ray (unintelligible) United States at Tampa. 3. In view above AMPAN-4 boat may be suspect by Cuban authorities. Suggest special security precautions taken to remove AMRUNG-1 (Rogelio Gonzalez y Corso) from AMPAN boat. C/S Comment: *No record in C/S as of 1400 Dec 5 60."

104-10274-10020: CABLE: IGNACIO MENDOZA, AMBANG-1 CONTACT, PASSED STA

12/08/60: Cable from Havana to Director: Slugline JMNET SECUR: "1. Ignacio Mendoza, AMBANG-1 (Manuel Ray Rivero) contact, passed ETA on eve 7 Dec FOLL info which he stated comes from 'source in Min of Foreign Relations' who not otherwise identified. 2. On 3 Dec Cuban Consul in Miami named Leon Share arrived in HAVA accompanied by unidentified man. Both went to Fornoff. Uniden man returned to Florida via Aerovias 'Q' plane which departed Havana about 1500 hours 5 Dec. Destination of plane not given by source. 3. Poss connected with visit of Leon and friend story went around Prime Mins office on 3 Dec that a 'Mr. Big' was returning to Cuba this week and would be turned over by 'boat captain' to Cuban authorities. Everyone overjoyed. 4. Since AMBANG (MRP until 1962 - during 1962, the MRP outside of Cuba became JURE) people, accord Mendoza, had received word AMBANG-1 expected return this week they feared he may be 'Mr. Big' referred to. Consequently they fear AMBANG Org may have been infiltrated by Castro agents who aware of exfil plan. 5. Suggest WAVE make effort determine IDEN of person who accompanied Leon to HAVA on 3 Dec and check name against manifests all Aerovias 'Q' flights arrive Florida on 5 Dec. STA will endeavor make checks locally also. 6. AMPAN-4 ship arrived HAVA safely A.M. 7 Dec and passenger taken off at noon without incident. Consequently, above story appears not be connected AMPAN Op. C/S Comment: *Suggested special security precautions be taken to remove AMRUNG-1 (Rogelio Gonzalez y Corso) from AMPAN boat."

104-10179-10047: CABLE: FINAL ARRANGEMENTS MADE TO EXFILTRATE.

12/30/60: Cable from Havana to BELL (Sirett Acting): Slugline JMZIP SECUR: "1. Final arrangements made to exfiltrate Ramon Padilla Perez on AMPAN-4 boat ETD 0900 hours 1 January 61. Destination Tampa, Florida, which normally 36 hour run. 2. Security briefing given Padilla. Request WAVE meet and arrange reception. 3. Station will attempt confirm actual hour of departure. 4. Upon arrival suggest WAVE work out KUCAGE (CIA Psychological and Paramilitary Operations Staff) exploitation plan to include his broadcasting message to families of prisoners. But consideration must be given fact his mother and two sergeants which escaped with him remain in Cuba."

104-10179-10043: DISPATCH: JORGE SOTUS ROMERO

01/17/61: Dispatch from Chief of Base, JMWAVE to Chief, WH Division: "1. AMOT-2 (Jose Joaquin Sanjenis Perdomo) reported the following information concerning Subject on 12 January 1961: On 5 January 1961 a meeting was held between Manuel Ray and Emilio Menendez, ex-President of the Cuban Supreme Court, at 2990 S.W. 27th Avenue, Apt. 5, Miami, Fla. The details of this meeting were not known to Source. After his discussion with Menendez, Ray met with Captain Jorge Sotus and a sergeant who accompanied Sotus. The Sergeant was one of the people who assisted Sotus escape from the Isle of Pines Prison. During their conversation, Ray attempted to convince Sotus that he should not join the AMIRON (Frente Revolucionario Democratico - FRD) group and said further that he had just told Menendez that AMIRON should be abolished. Ray then told Sotus that Captain Ramon Padilla Perez was collaborating with him in Havana and that Padilla had sent one of his sergeants to Miami. Ray stated that he had assisted this Sergeant to escape from Cuba...4. For information of Headquarters, the AMPAN-4 ship under direction of KUBARK (CIA) exfiltrated Sotus, the Sergeant and Ray."

104-10227-10439: CABLE: AMPAN-4 WROTE AMPAN-2 THAT HE STILL HAVING PROBLEMS WITH KUBARK AND GARCIA SHIPOWNERS

07/21/61: Cable from JMWAVE to Director: JMZIP: "1. AMPAN-4 wrote AMPAN-2 (probably military coordinator and treasurer Roberto Vale) that he still having problems with CIA and Garcia shipowners. A-4 claims that problems with former consist of: A. Not being contacted New York City prior his signing declaration of 'Rio Escondido's' loss. A-4 says that he had been assured that KUBARKER (CIAer) in NYC would advise him about signing declaration. (Note: Contact instructions noted para 2 of ref make no mention need to contact A-4 except in case of emergency). B. Failure to issue him new American visa for one lost during 'Rio E' sinking. C. Demand for complicated details before being reimbursed for personal effects lost during invasion. (A-4 said that he refused provide details and he bitterly noted in letter that there no question his good faith when he exfiltrated people out of Cuba for CIA). 2. As for problems with Garcia's, A-4 claims there shortages his last pay envelope and that Eduardo Garcia refused correct them. Ensuing quarrel with Garcia over this matter has led A-4 submit his resignation as 'Lake Charles' captain effective 21 July. 3. Without job and visa A-4 argues that he faces immediate prospect of having return Spain or go some LA country in order obtain asylum. 4. A-4 now with 'Lake Charles' at Bethlehem Steel dry dock Baltimore. Contact instructions noted para 2 ref still active."

104-10226-10090: CABLE: REFS REFLECT MOST RECENT ACQUISITION INTEL RE TIMING GENERAL UPRISING

08/31/62: Cable from JMWAVE to Director: Page 2: ..."D. Juventud Anticomunista Catholica repeat Juventud Anticomunista Catholica (Catholic Anti-Communist Youth) AMPAN-4 reports this group has no info re revolt..."

124-90130-10044: FBI REPORT: FRANCISCO RODRIGUEZ TAMAYO, AKA

10/16/63: FBI report from SA Maurice F. Farabee of Miami (Investigative Period: 7/24 - 10/9/63): Page 12: "On September 30, 1963, MM T-1, who is acquainted with certain activities of Francisco Rodriguez Tamayo, advised Francisco Rodriguez recently moved with his wife Zenia to the downstairs rear apartment at 2840 Northwest 23rd Court, Miami. He has home telephone number 635-2216 and is employed, together with Raul Marrero, at the National Auto Service garage, 2921-23 Northwest Seventh Avenue, Miami. Around mid-September, 1963, Francisco Rodriguez was arrested by the Miami Police Department and charged with carrying a revolver in his car..."

104-10229-10171: DISPATCH: EXPIRATION OF MOC'S (CONTRACTS)

02/20/64: Dispatch from COS, JMWAVE to Chief, Special Affairs Staff: ..."2. Extension of AMPAN-4's contract was requested by UFGT (Unintelligible) dated 7 February 1964..." - - 03/17/64: Memo from Raul J. Hernandez, WH/SA/SO/HH: "DATE: 16 March 1964 at 1630: 1. AMBIDDY-1 (Manuel Artime Buesa) called this office to say that (REDACTION) and Eladio Bas Trespalacios could not sail because they were unable to obtain their re-entry permits. Since these two could not obtain their permits 'the people' had told Amado Munne Pantaleon that it was not worthwhile for him to go. Martin asked AMBIDDY-1 if any mention had been made concerning Tomas's skin rash and that he did not see a doctor. AMBIDDY-1 stated that he had not been so informed by AMYUM-19 (Cesar Baro Esteva). AMBIDDY-1 was asked if the only reason Bas and Tomas could not leave was because they could not obtain their re-entry permits. AMBIDDY-1 answered that was the sole reason and that all three wanted to go desperately. AMBIDDY-1 agreed that under any condition Munne should go since he is the most important of the three. 2. AMBIDDY-1 would call this office at 1800 in order to receive a more concrete answer to this situation. 3. Martin asked AMBIDDY-1 if the suitcase containing the uniforms had been sent. AMBIDDY-1 does not know. However, he will investigate and if the uniforms have not been sent, AMBIDDY-1 will bring them to the Consejo meeting on 10 March." https://www.maryferrell.org/showDoc.html?docId=155000&search=#relPageId=221&tab=page

104-10180-10244: CABLE: REQUEST TRACES FOLLOWING PERSON TO BE INTERROGATED UNDER REF PROGRAM: FRANCISCO RODRIGUEZ TAMAYO AKA EL MEXICANO

10/29/64: Cable from JMWAVE to Director: "1. Request traces FOLL person to be interrogated under ref program: Francisco (Rodriguez) Tamayo AKA El Mexicano A 11 880 272. DPOB: 9 Mar 32, Mazanillo, Oriente, Cuba. Resides 2484 NW 29th St., Miami. Wife Xenia (Bas) Trespalacios. A. Capt Rebel Army 57 until defected U.S. June 59. Ramiro (Sanchez) Montesino ex Brigade MBR states Roberto (Perez) Crusata while in jail after invasion and shortly prior his execution informed Sanchez that Cuban Intel Chief (SIC) Efigenio (Amejeiras) Delgado had indicated Rodriguez Tamayo and Humberto (Rodriguez) Diaz paid Castro agents (DBA 47334, 23 July 63). B. WAVE files contain undated card showing AMWORLD interest. Please clarify current status. C. Subject, brother-in-law of AMPAN/4, supposedly recently returned WAVE area after year's residence California (AMLEPTON Team). D. Also see:..."

Contributors:
Gavin McDonald

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