Official History of the Bay of Pigs Operation- Volume 2- Part 1

Among the points outlined in his scenario for
the military briefing of Somoza, the following items
are worth mention in view of the situation as it
actually evolved. with reference to the Cuban Brigade
members, it was to be emphasized that once they were
on the ships they would never return to Nicaragua.
With reference to the air strikes, the scena'rio stated":
Air strikes will begin once landings
[are] made and will continue until Castro
knocked out. Fifteen B-26's will be used.
Somoza need not worry about Cuban Air Force
following the B-26's, as the mission of
those planes in [sic] the total destruction
of the Cuban Air Force. The success of
the operation hinges largely on the con-
tinued uninterrupted use of TIDE for
strategic and logistical support for rebels.
Once we start, we must go until Castro
falls. 59/
Despite the fact that Lou Napoli talked rather
glibly about promises and assurances that should be
given to Somoza, Jack Hawkins, Chief, WH/4/PM, in
testifying to the Taylor Committee made the point that
neither the Agency nor the USG ever gave Somoza a high
level promise of support as a condition for use of
Puerto Cabezas. In fact, Hawkins emphasized that up
until the last moment, the use of this base might
have been denied at the whim of Somoza. 60/
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