◆ SpookStack

65, (Continued) IRONBARK ‘Lactical Missiles 17. ‘There ure several refugee reports indicating the presence of tactical (FROG) missiles in Cuba, although there is no photographic con- firmation thus far. Significance 18. The magnitude of the total Soviet missile force being deployed indicates that the USSR intends to develop Cuba into a prime strategic base, rather than as a token show of strength. Some of the deployment charac- teristics include permanent elements which suggests that provisionis being made for Soviet presence of long duration. 19. The rate of deployment to date, as well as the speed and variety of construction, indicates that the Soviet military build up in Cuba is being carried out on an urgent basis. This build-up has proceeded by deploying defensive weapons first, followed by deployment ofoffensive weapons. The pattern of missile deployment appears calculated to achieve quick opera- tional status and then to complete site construction. 20. A mixed force of 1020- and 2200-nm missiles would give the USSR a significant strategic strike capability against almostall targets in the U.S. (see Figure 2). By deploying stockpiled MRBM ’IRBMs at overseas bases, the Soviet Union will supplement its ICBM home force in a significant way. 21. This same offensive force also poses a common threat to the U.S. and a large portion of Latin America for the first time. 22. The USSR is makinga major military investment in Cuba with some of their most effective guided missile systems. The planning for this operation must have started at least one year ago and the operation itself begun last spring.