◆ SpookStack

the President to have second thoughts and call off the pl.anned air strike on Monday morning, unless those who had the responsibility felt that it was so important that it had to take place, in which case, they were supposed to call him and discuss it further. Kennedy seemed to imply that the President would have changed his mind. However, this overlooks the call General Cabell made early on the morning of 17 April to request USN air cover. Moreover, Robert Kennedy went on to say that the attack on the airfields took place later that day -- that is, later on Monday, 17 April. No such strike was authorized, even though Thorsrud had requested it. It was not until near midnight Monday and before dawn on Tuesday morning (18 April) that the abortive reattacks were launched. More disturbing was Kennedy's response to the question "Wasn't there to be air cover of the beaches from Central America?" Kennedy's answer was as follows: That is correct -- and that was not disturbed. All of the pl~nes that were supposed to be utilized were utilized -- all in the planning. I might say they proved to be inadequate. The air cover at the beaches was definitely inadequate -- but not because of some last minute decision by the President or anyone else. 137/ - 297 -