◆ SpookStack

]:OP SECreEI noted that at this time, it was particularly important that the US presence in Guatemala not be revealed. When the discussion turned to the PM forces, the De- partment of Defense representative, Mr. Gates, made it quite clear that he was concerned about the pos- sibility of US military personnel being involved directly in the military operations inside Cuba. Mr. Bissell responded that US military personnel in third countries would be used only as instructors not as cadre leaders for either an invasion or a guerrilla warfare effort. Bissell did stress, however, that there was need for a standby force, preferably of non-Americans, with special training in guerrilla warfare to pro- vide a .leadership complement to the Cubans when "push" came to ..shove," a -recommeridation that provoked some differences· of opinion during the course of this \ briefing for the President when it was suggested that US officers might be required to direct these forces. Mr. Dulles proposed withholding this dis- cussion until the Agency and the JCS could talk the matter over. Mr. Gray seemed to be determined that the issue of the force level and make-up be resolved - 108 - rep SFPRF+-