◆ SpookStack

c. The leaders of the operation did not always present their case with sufficient force and clarity to the senior officials of the Government to allow the latter to appreciate the consequences of some of their decisions. This remark applies in particular to the circumstances surrounding the cancellation of the D-Day strikes. d. There was a marginal character to the operation which always cast a serious doubt over its ultimate success. The landing force was small in relation to its 36-mile beachhead and to the probable enemy reaction. The air support was short of pilots if the beach was to require cover for a long period. There were few seconds- in-command to provide relief for the key leaders of the invasion who soon became casulties to excessive fatigue. There were few Cuban replacements for the battle losses which were certain to occur. It is felt that the approval of so marginal an operation by many officials was really an expression of the feeling that the Cuban brigade was a waning asset which had to be used quickly, and that this operation was the best way to realize the most from it. Also, the consequences of demobilizing the Brigade and the return of the trainees to the U.S.A., with its implication that the United States had lost interest in the fight against Castro, played a part in the final decision. 268