The Kennedy Administration's New Crackdown on Anti-Castro Groups

On March 19, 1963, Antonio Vessiana, the chief of the CIA-backed Cuban Exile terrorist group Alpha 66, held a press conference. He announced what he claimed was a successful commando raid with, quote, dozen Soviet casualties. The State Department vigorously pointed out that the raid was a violation of the Neutrality Act. That same month, the groundwork for another Cuban American back channel was being laid.