◆ SpookStack

_TOP 3ECR~T plans for a military invasion, However, their hatred of Castro, their patriotism, and their readiness to sacrifice for the restoration and freedom in Cuba could not be doubted. 42/ In the statement just quoted, Eisenhower's empha- sis was on the fact that during his administration all that took place was a training program -- that there was no specific plan for the invasion of Cuba. This was re-emphasized in an interview that he held on 10 September 1965 when he said: "There was no tactical or operational plan even discussed" when. he turned the presidency over to John F. Kennedy. 43/ According to this same interview: The retiring President stressed that there had been no decision as to how the Cuban forces would be used, if at all. Eisenhower had made.no commitments that might bind the new President in dealing with the Castro problem. In fact, the armed refugee group was still so small . . ~ and relat1vely unprepared that 1t could easily have been disbanded if the incom- ing administration considered,its exis- tence unnecessary. And, more specifically, Eisenhower felt that Kennedy shared his judgment that the new administration need not rush a decision regarding the Cubans. "At no time did I put before anybody any- thing·that could be called a plan (to invade Cuba)," declares the former President. He emphasizes that there was "no mandate, no - 200 - l:eP SECRET