◆ SpookStack

movement; and the situation in Nicaragua was consist- ently introduced as a part of that on-going prob1em. D. Qualms at High Levels With reference to the use or non-use of the Nicaraguan base -- a question which was still unanswered at the turn of the year -- Tom Mann was looked on as the villain in the piece by the Agency's representatives. In preparing material for the DCI to use at a high level meeting, Tracy Barnes indicated that Mann would probably oppose the use of the Nicaraguan strike base. Barnes argues that Mann would reason that since the operation was essentially one backed by the United States Government, the attempt to establish a covert Agency operated base was improper. The united States Government should openly admit its anti-Castro posture, for continuation of the attempt to maintain covert activities in Nicaragua and Guatemala would (in Mann's thinking according to Barnes) jeopardize the already somewhat shaky governments of Ydigoras and Somoza. 35/ In his memorandum noting Mann's position, Barnes chose to ignore, or at least to pass over, the merits of overt US intervention. Instead of" looking at the