Cryptonym: AMVANG-1
A CIA memo in October, 1964, on Rolando Cubela (AMLASH-1), stated of the then former editor of Bohemia "(now in exile in the US and working for us; however, it is true that Quevedo is and was openly known to be a homosexual." This was probably the alleged character weakness that Cardona mentioned in regard to Quevedo. It was also probably the perceived weakness that was assigned to AMVANG-1 in the 1962 cable mentioned above.
Furthermore, Quevedo was an admirer of Manuel Ray, with a 1960 memo stating that the former (along with Francisco "Bebo" Saralegui) believed Ray and Chibas were "individuals truly representative of the Cuban revolution and widely known to be such in Cuba." Moreover, both Quevedo and Ray were listed as "Council of Ministers", in the Cuban government in exile document, which was presented to Richard Goodwin, at the White House in August of 1961.
A CIA report in May, 1963, stated that Bohemia Libre magazine was going to be published in Venezuela. Therefore, it was probable that Manuel A. Quevedo was in Caracas acting as an "unofficial Manuel Ray representative" in 1964.
1994.05.10.14:07:53:250007: Reel 27, Folder O - MRP, PART I.
10/19/60: Memorandum for the record from B. Reichhardt: Subject: Report of Contact with Miguel Quevedo, Publisher of Bohemia, and Francisco 'Bebo' Saralegui, 16 October 1960: "1. To open the discussion with subjects, I said that I had been informed that they wished to discuss certain aspects of Cuban exile politics and that I, as a close observer of these affairs, was happy to do so. There then ensued, however, a 15-minute interlude, during which Quevedo held forth giving a complete history of his record of opposition to Cuban government excesses, staunch pro-Americanism, anti-communism, etc, etc. 2. Having gotten this out of the way, we got to the point. They began by expounding the much-used argument that the FRD is ineffectual because of the lack of following in Cuba on the part of the individuals who head up the Frente, and the dire need for leadership in the Cuban exile community...3. Against this line-up, they presented in contract Miro Cardona as an apolitical figure of national stature, who could command respect and provide leadership; Raul Chibas/Manuel Ray as individuals truly representative of the Cuban revolution and widely known to be such in Cuba; and, lastly, Barquin as the professional soldier, national hero, popular national figure, etc..."
1994.03.09.09:35:20:440005: Reel 4, Folder J - CONTE AGUERO, LUIS
Handwritten note: "Presented to Mr. R. Goodwin, White House, on 23 Aug 61." Titled: "Cuban Government in Exile (No recognition necessary from the U.S. Government): COLLECTIVE PRESIDENCY: Jose Miro Cardona (President of the CRC), Carlos Marquez Sterling (President of the Constitutional Convention of 1940), Carlos Prio Socarras (last constitutional President of Cuba), Aureliano Sanchez Arango (President of the Revolutionary Junta), Manuel Urrutia (last Revolutionary President), Manuel Antonio de Varona (President of the FRD). PRIME MINISTER: Luis Conte Aguero (AMCORE-2). COUNCIL OF MINISTERS: Francisco Alabau Trelles, Jose Alvarez Diaz, Justo Carrillo (AMWAIL-1/AMJAG-1), Carlos Hevia, Mario Llerena, Antonio Maceo (AMBUD-3), Ignacio Mendoza (AMBANG-2), Manuel Ray (AMBANG-1), Amadeo Barletta Jr.*, Manuel Fernandez*, Sergio Carbo*, Abel Mestre* (AMCORE-1), Miguel A. Quevedo*, Jorge Zayas*, Jose I. Rivero*. The rest in Cuba. *Without portfolio-represents public media. GENERAL STAFF: Ramon Barquin (AMCHIRP-1), Aquiles Chinea, Nino Diaz (AMNORM-1), Pedro Luis Diaz Lanz (QDBIAS), Oscar Diaz, Evelio Duque, Eduardo Martin Elena (AMBRONC-1), Victor Manuel Paneque (given crypt AMRUG-5 in late 1964), Angel Saavedra (LITAINT-1), Jorge Sotus Romero, Manuel Ulloa, Jaime Varela Castro (LITAG-1), Felipe Vidal Santiago (probably AMQUIP-1). ACTION/SABOTAGE (working with, but independent of, the General Staff) Aldo Vera Serafin, Amaury Fraginals, Reinol Gonzalez (AMCALL-1), Manuel Salvat (AMHINT-2), Pascasio Lineras (probably AMICE-1)..."
104-10226-10418: CABLE: DISCUSSION OF MARITIME OPERATIONS
05/31/62: Cable from JMWAVE to Director: Pages 2 and 3: ..."7. While wholeheartedly support concept there should be nonofficial cover for balloon ops. Do not believe it advisable use Bohemia Libre. This opinion based belief AMVANG-1 character weaknesses make him less than ideal instrument through which to handle balloon ops. In addition MRP appears exert undue influence lower levels Bohemia Libre and gives publication left of center tinge which could be further left than is compatible with our understanding long term U.S. objectives Cuba. Also doubt Bohemia Libre personnel able maintain ops security re active sponsorship balloon ops...However we considering AMPLAN-4, AMRAZOR-1 (probably Norman Diaz), selected individuals within UR and others..."
1994.06.24.13:53:29:970005: Reel 69, Folder K - AMBUD PUBLICITY
01/11/63: Memorandum for the Record No._ Subject: Bohemia Libre: Comments of Quevedo, Dr. Miro and Ernesto Aragon: Lengthy memo. Paragraph 2: Mention of financial assistance from Juan Bosch, President-elect of the Dominican Republic, friend of Quevedo and writer for Bohemia when Quevedo published it in Cuba, and also aid from Romulo Betancourt. "3...He had chided Quevedo before Christmas for the extensive coverage given in one issue to Manuel Ray. This has caused Quevedo to ask Miro for a New Year's message, which Miro provided. This was featured in the New Year's issue of Bohemia Libre..." - - - Page 2: ..."7. Dr. Miro commented that Quevedo had a powerful influence in Cuba as publisher of the old Bohemia, and that he could make or break people politically; that he had numerous connections; that it is unfortunate that he seems to have some personal weaknesses, unproven, which weaken his character. Despite these various adverse factors, both Dr. Miro and Mr. Aragon were concerned about Bohemia Libre and the effects that may be caused by its demise."
01/25/63: FBI report by Francis J. O'Brien from New York Office: Page 4: "Doctor Aragon on November 27, 1962, stated that on November 19, 1962, he and Doctor Miro Cardona had lunch in New York with Miguel Angel Quevedo of 'Bohemia Libre,' a Spanish language magazine published weekly, and also with Luis Botifoll, who is associated with Doctor Miro Cardona of the CRC..."
04/16/63: Field Information Report: "1. Jose Miro Cardona said that he definitely plans to resign from the Consejo Revolucionario Cubana (CRC, Cuban Revolutionary Council) at the 18 April meeting of the council...3. Miro is receiving numerous letter and telegrams of support. Some of these include correspondence from...Miguel Quevedo of Bohemia Libre..."
FBI collection: Page 42: ..."A CIA report dated 5/14/63 revealed that Miguel Quevedo (105-90630), owner and publisher of 'Bohemia Libre,' a Cuban exile magazine, had succeeded in gaining support for the continued publication of his magazine from Governor Luis Munoz Marin of Puerto Rico; President Jose Bosch of the Dominican Republic and President Romulo Betancourt of Venezuela. The magazine would be published in Venezuela and would be generally dedicated to the support of extreme left-wing Cuban exile such as Manuel Ray..."
03/23/64: Cable from Caracas to Director: "1. CIRAKE-3 contacted 21 March by AMVANG/1 in CARA and invited on behalf AMBANG/1 to attend AMBANG organization meeting in Puerto Rico this week. Round trip expenses to be paid by AMBANG organization. CIRASH/6 (IDEN A) apparently included in same invitation. Alleged purpose to provide opportunity AMBANG/1 to discuss Cuban affairs and his personal relationships with CIRAKE/3. CIRAKE/3 instructed await cable for further details. 2. CIRAKE/3 received cable on 23 March from AMVANG/1 who now in Puerto Rico advising as fols: A. Meeting all AMBANG LA delegates and reps commenced 23 March in Ponce. Meeting to last 4 or 5 days. B. AMVANG/1 broke with AMBANG/1 who desirous meet with both CIRAKE/3 and CIRASH/6. CIRAKE/3 to notify CIRASH/6 and await final cable from AMVANG/1 naming most propitious moment for CIRAKE/3 and CIRASH/6 to travel to Ponce. 3. AMBANG/1 invitation to CIRAKE/3 unusual in view current feud between them. During recent months CIRAKE/3 has published letters in local press and (unintelligible) attacking political ideology AMBANG organization (unintelligible). 4. Request HDQTs comments re advisability CIRAKE/3 accept AMBANG/1 invitation plus any requirements. Although no date yet set CIRAKE/3 departure, it probable he would leave within next three days. 5. For SJAN: Station may wish investigate arrival other non-AMBANG Cubans in Ponce through Puerto Rico Cuban assets. CITUTOR/1 (IDEN B), CARA AMSPELL rep, left CARA for WAVE 21 March with AMHINT/2 ostensible to discuss overall AMSPELL ops. Request any info indicating CITUTOR/1 in SJAN or Ponce. 6. For WAVE: If feasible, request confirm CITUTOR/1 arrival WAVE and notify CARA."
104-10179-10198: CABLE RE: AT LAST MOMENT DECIDED TO POSTPONE WAVE TRIP, STILL IN CARA
03/24/64: Cable from Caracas to Director: "1. At last moment CITUTOR-1 (Rafael Tremols Fresneda) decided postpone WAVE trip, still in CARA. 2. Info forwarded Ref A based initial CIRAKE-3 (probably Salvador Romani) report. Follow-up report 23 March contains following additional info: A. Prior his departure for SJAN, AMVANG-1 reneged somewhat his agreement pay CIRAKE-3 and CIRASH-6 (Orlando Garcia Vasquez) travel in advance. AMVANG-1 fearful any publicity, wants PACY CIRAKE-3 and CIRASH-6 after trip. B. At 20 March meeting, AMVANG-1 told CIRAKE-3 letters from the 'Comite de Desfidelizacion del Exilo Cubano' being sent from various LA countries to CARA advertising agencies requesting halt all advertising in Bohemia Libre since Bohemia Libre supporting AMBANG-1 (Manuel Ray Rivero). AMVANG-1 undoubtedly considers CIRAKE-3 responsible for these letters although CIRAKE-3 denies it. C. Neither CIRAKE-3 nor CIRASH-6 desire travel SJAN without assurance either AMBANG-1 or AMVANG-1 will cover expenses."
104-10179-10197: CABLE RE: AMVANG-1 APPARENTLY FUNCTIONING IN CARA AS UNOFFICIAL AMBANG-1 REP
03/25/64: Cable from Caracas to Director: "1. AMVANG-1 apparently functioning in Caracas unofficial AMBANG-1 (Manuel Ray Rivero) rep. Although CIRAKE-3 (probably Salvador Romani) and AMVANG-1 formerly on friendly terms, recent CIRAKE-3 prop campaign against AMBANG-1 resulted cool relations. Consequently AMVANG-1 contacted CIRASH-6 (Orlando Garcia Vasquez) on 20 March and requested him arrange meeting of CIRAKE-3, CIRASH-6 and AMVANG-1 to discuss broad subject of AMBANG (MRP until 1962 - during 1962, the MRP outside of Cuba became JURE) organization. No mention made originally of invitations. 2. On basis AMVANG-1 probe, CIRAKE-3 and CIRASH-6 lunched with AMVANG-1 on 20 March. During lunch AMVANG-1 told CIRAKE-3 and CIRASH-6 that AMBANG-1 anxious meet with both of them in Puerto Rico. CIRAKE-3 states CIRASH-6, who highly regarded Caracas Cuban exile community, is hostile AMBANG organization. Inclusion CIRASH-6 in AMBANG-1 invitation probably made for this reason. 3. To date CIRAKE-3 has received no further communications from AMVANG-1. According CIRAKE-3 CIRASH-6 not planning travel Puerto Rico. CS Comment: *No objection CIRAKE-3 visiting AMBANG-1 Puerto Rico."
104-10215-10235: MEMORANDUM: WEAKNESSES (AND DEROGATORY INFORMATION)
10/24/64: CIA memorandum: Titled: Weaknesses (and Derogatory Information): Page 4: ..."(Ed Note: We must have put this report out, for another card said the following: Among his victims were Miguel Angel Quevedo y Lastra, the former editor of the weekly magazine Bohemia (now in exile in the US and working for us; however, it is true that Quevedo is and was openly known to be a homosexual, and one Dr. Cardenas, fnu, Chief Surgeon of the University Hospital. However, it appears to the editor that source is speaking of Dr. Armando de Cardenas Aranguren, a pathologist who admitted homosexual relations with Cubela during an interrogation by SIM after the killing of Lt. Col. Antonio Blanco Rico. However, there is no doubt that Cardenas still considered himself a friend to Cubela and as late as 1961 was trying to help get Cubela out of Cuba..."