CIA File on Ray, Manuel

MEMORANDUM FOR: Contact Division, Office of Operations

ATTENTION: Mr. Richardson, Operations Support Staff

VIA: WH/Cuba/Operations

SUBJECT: Erquiaga Arms Company (Case # 45486)

REFERENCE: LA 453-65, dated 2 June 1965

1. Further to our telephone conversation of 16 June we should like to clarify that whereas it is true that we had, and to a limited degree have, contact with Manuel Ray, who apparently bought some of the arms impounded by the California authorities in the Erquiaga plant, we are in no way connected with Subject. Ray purchased these weapons strictly on his own initiative. He was neither counselled to do so by us nor have we ever referred him to Erquiaga. Furthermore this Agency has no connection whatever with any of the individuals mentioned in the paragraph 1 listing of reference. What little contact we maintain with Ray is mainly within the context of our general interest in keeping abreast of Cuban exile activities. Our interest in Erquiaga, therefore, was in keeping with this general interest.

2. We are most appreciative of your Los Angeles office's efforts on our behalf. Should the FBI query your Los Angeles office about our interest and connections with Subject it is suggested that they answer along the lines set forth above. It is also requested that your office continue to keep us apprised of the current developments in this case.

Andrew D. Rohlfing WIL/C/CA/EA

Distribution:

Orig. & 1 - Addressee

1 - WH/C/ESEC

1 - WH/C/CA/EA

1 - Ray 201