PROTECTION
MEXICAN CONSUL
1968
[Two memos]
[Reference: Dade County OCB file #3-57]
Memorandum
12 September 1968
TO: SY – Mr. Joseph O. Joyner
Special Agent in Charge, Miami Herald Field Office
FROM: CU – Robert S. Ashford
Director, Miami Reception Center
SUBJECT: Bombings of Homes and Offices of Members of Miami Consular Corps.
I'm sure you are well aware of the history of recent bombings of the
British and Mexican Consulates as well as the Spanish Tourist Agency
and certain private concerns. It is my understanding that certain
militant anti-Castro groups have claimed "credit" for these incidents.
On Thursday, September 12, 1968, I attended the regular monthly
luncheon meeting of the Miami Consular Corps. The Mexican Consul
General expressed great concern over the most recent bombing at his
residence and requested concerted action by the Consular Corps to
secure more adequate police protection from local and State
authorities. This was the third bomb to have damaged his auto and
residence. A number of other Consuls also expressed
concern. The Dean of the Corps stated that he, in the name of the
Corps, had over the past six months made repeated representations to
local authorities and had addressed two letters to the Governor of the
State of Florida. In these letters he requested more adequate
investigation and more protection. To date he has received no
reply.
After considerable discussion it was decided that the Corps should
direct a telegram to the Governor again settling forth their
requests. If no answer is forthcoming in a reasonable time, it
was decided that the Corps should, through its legal counsel, request a
County Grand Jury investigation of the incidents with emphasis on what
measures local police have taken to prevent further bombings and to
apprehend those responsible.
The Mexican Consul General also stated that this government was very
concerned and was considering the possibility of closing the Consulate
and Mexican Tourist Agency in Miami.
The tone of the meeting was such that I am lead to believe that the
Corps will take action and that they intend to "put the heat" on local
authorities. In fact, it is my understanding that the telegrams
to the Governor will go out on Friday, September 13, 1968.
I am passing the above information to you for whatever action you
consider appropriate. Since I did discuss the above with the
Mexican Desk Officer in the Department, I am sending a copy of this
memo.
RSAshford:rsa
DATE: October 30, 1968
CASE NO.: CI 3-57
TO: E. WILSON PURDY, Director
Public Safety Department
FROM: JOHN L. VERILYE, Commander
Vice and Intelligence Section
SUBJECT: Security for RAFAEL REYES SPINDOLA, Mexican Consul General
Commencing the first of October, 1968, a continuing surveillance was
maintained on the home of the Consul General at 912 S. W. 74 Avenue, as
a security measure to insure the safety of the SPINDOLA family against
any further acts of violence by the CUBAN POWER group.
This detail was maintained by all units of the Special Squad on a
nightly basis. A Watch Order was also instigated through the
South District Station to have periodic checks made by their uniform
units.
Surveillance was continued on a periodic basis after the Federal Bureau
of Investigation arrest of the ORLANDO BOSCH group and will be
maintained until further notice.
PREPARED BY: _________________________
FRANCIS M. BEIRNE, Agent
FMB/gmc
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