Havana, July 12,1958 - 2 p.m.

59. Re Embtel 57.[2] Evening Star story of July 11, reported by AP, published Habana papers along with Admiral Wright's statement and announcement release of last civilian hostage. Local handling kidnapping story been perfunctory. FYI Wollam before departure yesterday expressed hope any attempt link Raul Castro with communism be avoided until he could obtain release hostages. He was also apprehensive that appearance in next few days of stories that US beginning adopt tough line might obstruct his immediate objective outlined first sentence penultimate paragraph Embtel 57. End FYI.

Further re Castro movement based on debriefing Wollam and questioning at Guantanamo of released Americans; Buffalo Bill referred to by hostage Chamberlain as possible Communist been identified as Arlundo Torre, in early twenties, native Camaguey who studied in Paris. Claims went Vienna when 1956 Hungarian revolution underway, aided evacuation Hungarians, entered Hungary clandestinely in November 1956 for 17 days and then returned Vienna. Claims saw Figueres when latter in Germany 1956. He Lieutenant in Raul Castro organization but appears not have more authority than usually accorded one of his ranking group wherein captain highest designation. Raul Castro; Dr. Lucas Moran, Santiago lawyer; Anibal Castilla, further identification unknown; and Torre claim have engineered kidnapping Americans and Canadians.

Torre said if Communists wanted join as soldiers would be permitted do so. Wiecha seemed feel most of soldiers would not know Communist if saw one. By inference Torre indicated no known Communists be allowed as officers in movement. Torre is strongly against US arms policy as represented by Castro line. He added that if Marines come in to rescue kidnapped Americans the Fidelistas would fight them and publicly request Russian arms to do so. Claims Castro forces already have turned down offer Russian arms.

Neither Wollam nor Wiecha have been able pin Communist label on any person in Raul Castro movement although they think there are some. Anthony Chamberlain, who spent three days with Raul Castro, claims one possibly two of the four leaders are Communists. Torre he believes is one and possibly Castilla. Wollam says Raul's group is well organized, has political indoctrinator in each of various units, which might be likened political commissar. As result, officers and soldiers well indoctrinated with 26 July line. It is difficult convince some of them that US not guilty charges supplying arms Batista and permitting use base for Cuban armed forces operations. Wollam says anti-US propaganda used prior kidnappings followed Communist line. Arthur Ross and John Best, two of released Americans, describe Raul Castro's men as extremely religious, anti-Communist and ultra super-nationalist.

Wollam gathered impression Raul Castro going through motions organizing free territory government in his area and asked him what kind of recognition his group would receive from Consulate in Santiago if 26 July movement took over that city. Wollam told him none.

Further re last paragraph Embtel 57. Hostages been moved all over Raul's area, know wild terrain crisscrossed innumerable trails, and believe rebels could successfully elude any forces sent in to rescue Americans. On basis of what Batista forces have done thus far, those captives who have lived in Oriente province think they can not clear out Castro forces.

Before departure Wollam expressed some concern over report rebels had appeared again at Nicaro asking for gasoline supplies. He said that Raul Castro had assured him earlier that nothing more would be taken from Moa Bay or Nicaro and that Guantanamo water supply installations at Yateras would not be molested. FYI debriefings American hostages been extensive at Guantanamo and Wollam and Wiecha likewise have talked to them. Guantanamo and Wiecha reports are being forwarded as soon as processed through proper channels. End FYI.

[Paragraph (1.5 lines) not declassified] .

Smith

NOTES:

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 737,00/7-1258. Confidential,

2. Document 98.