◆ SpookStack

necessary to insure the success of the operation the US would use "covert means" to achieve that end. In view of Stevenson's comments about the alternative of US support for a provisional government, it is unfortunate that Mr. Rusk did not take him into confidence as the operation was being developed. In contrast to the findings of the Taylor Committee concerning the Bay of Pigs operation, the following retrospective remarks written by Colonel Jack Hawkins in 1976 are believed appropriate: I would like you to know my view that failure of the operation in question was not due to any lack of dedication, determination, and skillful effort of [sic] the part of the Agency. Stupendous efforts were made by all concerned in the Agency to accomplish a very worthwhile objective--against ever-growing and truly insurmountable restrictions and handicaps which were imposed from sources of the US Government outside the CIA and finally crippled the operation beyond redemption. Imagine the benefits that would have accrued if the operation had been allowed enough latitude to insure success. For one, the dangerous missile confrontation which ensued would have been avoided. The real failure of the CIA in this operation, I believe, was in not cancelling it, or re- commending its cancellation, as the self- imposed restrictions of the US Government made the possibility of success too remote, But the CIA itself and all members of it with whom I was associated were not of a mind to give up. So determined were they all that they could not turn back but had to go ahead against any obstacle no matter how formidable. And in the minds of many, if not all, was the thought that the great power of the United States would never, in the final count, allow the operation to fail ••• 247