Answer · confidence: thin

Does Lansdale's August 10, 1962 memo still exist, and where is it kept?

Research question: Does the Lansdale Project Mongoose action memorandum that followed the August 10, 1962 discussion survive, and where is it held (for example the JFK Library or the National Security Archive), with its date, distribution list, and exact wording?

The records supplied do not establish whether the August 10, 1962 action memorandum survives or where it is held. The only surviving document described is a July 24, 1962 memorandum from William K. Harvey to Lansdale, whose original is held in the Kennedy Library's National Security Files under the Special Group (Augmented) file for 7/62 and is marked Top Secret ²³. Because that memorandum predates the August 10 discussion, it is not the post-meeting action memorandum the question asks about ². The facts give no date, distribution list, or exact wording for the August 10 action memo, though Harvey's July memo does ask Lansdale to send CIA copies of his report to the Special Group, implying wider circulation ⁶. The newest fact is a 2019 source citing a different Harvey memorandum on sabotage actions dated October 11, 1962, which cannot be matched to the August 10 document ⁵.

Checked 2026-10-14. Only documented and supported facts are used.

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Sources

[1] documented

The JFK Library holds a folder containing memoranda and a paper by Brigadier General Edward Lansdale on the Cuba Project, also known as Operation Mongoose, though the excerpt does not identify the August 10, 1962 action memorandum itself.

"This folder contains memoranda and a paper by Brigadier General Edward Lansdale titled, “The Cuba Project,” (also known as Operation Mongoose)"

Special Group (Augmented): General, 1962: January-June

[2] supported

The surviving document is a July 24, 1962 memorandum from CIA Operation Mongoose officer William K. Harvey to Lansdale, which predates the August 10, 1962 discussion, so it is not the post-meeting action memorandum the question asks about.

"Washington, July 24, 1962."

CIA Reading Room 01317534: MEMORANDUM FROM THE CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY OPERATIONS OFFICER FOR OPERATION MONGOOSE (HARVEY) TO THE CHIEF OF OPERATIONS, OPERATIONS MONGOOSE (LANSDALE) (1962)

[3] supported

The document's source note says the original is held in the Kennedy Library, in the National Security Files, Meetings and Memoranda Series, under the Special Group (Augmented) Operation Mongoose file for 7/62, and is marked Top Secret.

"source: Kennedy Library, National Security Files, Meetings and Memoranda Series, Special Group (Augmented), Operation Mongoose, 7/62. Top Secret;"

CIA Reading Room 01317534: MEMORANDUM FROM THE CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY OPERATIONS OFFICER FOR OPERATION MONGOOSE (HARVEY) TO THE CHIEF OF OPERATIONS, OPERATIONS MONGOOSE (LANSDALE) (1962)

[4] supported

Harvey's memorandum says its comments were to be included in Lansdale's overall report to the Special Group (Augmented) at the conclusion of the first phase of Operation Mongoose on 31 July 1962.

"set out below are comments for inclusion"

CIA Reading Room 01317534: MEMORANDUM FROM THE CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY OPERATIONS OFFICER FOR OPERATION MONGOOSE (HARVEY) TO THE CHIEF OF OPERATIONS, OPERATIONS MONGOOSE (LANSDALE) (1962)

[5] supported

The memorandum states that it was written in response to the Special Group (Augmented) desire for more aggressive sabotage action and that it refers to a Top Secret memorandum on Phase II of Operation MONGOOSE dated 31 August 1962.

"REFERENCE. : Top Secret Memorandum, Subject: Fhaae II Operation MONGOOSE, dated 31 August 1962"

Doc.16. CIA, William Harvey, Memorandum for Brigadier General Edward Lansdale, “Operation MONGOOSE – Sabotage Actions,” October 11, 1962. (2019)

[6] supported

Harvey asked Lansdale to send CIA copies of his report to the Special Group so that CIA could comment on it, indicating the report was circulated beyond the immediate two officers.

"It would be most appreciated if you would make available to us copies of your report to the Special Group in order that we may comment as appropriate."

CIA Reading Room 01317534: MEMORANDUM FROM THE CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY OPERATIONS OFFICER FOR OPERATION MONGOOSE (HARVEY) TO THE CHIEF OF OPERATIONS, OPERATIONS MONGOOSE (LANSDALE) (1962)

[7] supported

Harvey's memorandum assesses four future courses of action for Operation Mongoose, and states that the fourth, using a provocation and U.S. military force to overthrow the Castro regime, is a policy decision beyond CIA's purview.

"This course of action involves a policy decision by higher authority beyond the purview of CIA."

CIA Reading Room 01317534: MEMORANDUM FROM THE CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY OPERATIONS OFFICER FOR OPERATION MONGOOSE (HARVEY) TO THE CHIEF OF OPERATIONS, OPERATIONS MONGOOSE (LANSDALE) (1962)