◆ SpookStack

TOP sj.CRET to approve spoiling raids and tactical airstrikes from Puerto Cabezas beginning D-l. 37/* Despite discussion of these issues, when Barnes prepared his background memorandum for the DCI to use at the 5 January meeting of the Special Group, the questions and problems which have just been mentioned were totally ignored! With reference to Puerto Cabezas, Barnes said that steps had been taken to prepare the strike base and we are planning to move to Puerto Cabezas substantial amounts of material [sic] starting around the 15th or 20th of January, including aviation ordnance, resupply ammo and weapons for ground forces, aviation gas, diesel fuel, and possibly some extra one-man packs, although work on the base did not actually begin until late January or early February 1961. 38/** * In view of what would subsequently become one of the most controversial issues concerning the whole Bay of Pigs operation -- the number and nature of the air- strikes -- it is interesting to note the reference at this early date to D-l air activity. ** On 11 Jan 61 according to one source, a Headquarters 'team arrived at JMTIDE to arrange for and supervise the construction; and Rip Robertson was notified to report to Headquarters on 27 January 1961 "for participation JMCLEAR planning for JMTIDE construction." 39/ The Chief, WH/4, PM, Col. Jack Hawkins also noted on 4 January 1961 that "necessary construction and repairs' at this base are now scheduled to conunence."40/