Air Operations Against Cuban Bases
[Reference: OCB Dade County, Florida file Number CI 205-D]
DATE: APRIL 18, 1961
TO: THOMAS J. KELLY, Metropolitan Sheriff
FROM: LT. FRANK KAPPEL, Supervisor, Criminal Intelligence
SUBJECT: Cuban Counter-Revolutionary Activities - Air
Operations Against Cuban Bases
At 8:40 a.m. of April 15, 1961, Agent A. L. TARABOCHIA was contacted by
Lt. STOUT of Patrol and Traffic Division and advised that a Cuban
military aircraft had landed at the Miami International Airport and the
pilot had asked for political asylum.
Lt. STOUT requested that the writer assist him in case there were repercussions among the Cuban element present at the airport.
According to Lt. STOUT, the aircraft, a B-26 bomber bearing markings of
the Cuban Air Force and the number 933, had contacted the control tower
and requested clearance for emergency landing after a "Mayday" signal.
The aircraft landed at approximately 8:25 a.m. and the pilot, upon
alighting from the plane, was met by Lt. STOUT and a patrolman and
after being disarmed was taken to the United States Immigration
authorities for interrogation.
Upon arrival at the airport, the writer contacted Lt. STOUT and
proceeded jointly to the United States Immigration office where the
pilot was being detained.
Immigration Inspectors P. CRAWLEY and L. GIDDEL revealed that the pilot
would be transferring to the Biscayne Boulevard office at approximately
11 a.m. for further questioning. Mr. GIDDEL requested assistance
during a brief press interview that the pilot was going to have prior
to his transfer.
Mr. GIDDEL refused to divulge the name of the pilot because this could
result in reprisals against his family in Cuba. The writer was
able to learn that the name the pilot had used on the customs documents
was that of JUAN GARCIA.
No incidents occurred.
Respectfully submitted,
A. L. TARABOCHIA, Intelligence Agent
LT. FRANK KAPPEL, Supervisor
Criminal Intelligence
ALT/row
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