◆ SpookStack

moot point and one which was not clarified even sub- sequent to the close out of the JMATE operation. ~~/ At the same time that he was suggesting that pressure be put on the Department of State to assist Nicaragua in obtaining the loans, Chief, WHD also was recommending that Ambassador Whelan be designated to discuss Project JMATE with President Somoza. Col. King, in speaking of Whelan r~marked as follows: His relationship with President Somoza makes him an ideal representative to con- vey assurances that the project will be implemented, will continue until Castro's defeat, and be conducted with US awareness of Nicaragua's contribution and with sup- port for her position should the operation produce pressures on her in the UN, the OAS, or otherwise. Should it not be possible to extend such assurances during Ambassador Whelan's availability, then such assurances should be extended by a representative of the US government as soon as possible thereafter. 45/* E. Back to Robertson Activist with Foresight While negotiations over the formalities of the use of Puerto Cabezas, dragged on at Headquarters, * To the author's knowledge, the suggestion for a commitment to support the project "until Castro's defeat" was never officially made to either President Somoza or President Ydigoras nor to the anti-Castro Cuban political or military leaders. - l~:l TOP 7'--'RET