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TOP ~RET most likely available site outside CONUS was in Nica- ragua. B. Initiation· of Discussions with President Somoza Puerto Cabezas on the northeastern coast of Nicaragua lies approximately 650 miles due south of Havana. During WWII, Puerto Cabezas had been developed as one of the principal airfields in that country; and despite having fallen into some disrepair, it nonethe- less looked like the most feasible site for launching air activities against Castro.* On 13 June 1960, less than three months following Eisenhower's decision to \, act against Castro, I .. I . __________ 1 Louis P. Napoli, had made arrangements to talk privately with President Somoza about Central American politics with particular emphasis on Cuban activities in the area. At this first meeting, President Somoza made it quite clear that he needed assurances that the United States Government would back whatever actions or operations were to be put in motion to the end of overthrowing Castro. !I * On 10 December 1960, the Puerto Cabezas facility was assigned the crypt JMTIDE. - 101 - TorrRET