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

need for additional small arms and ammunition. During
the course of 14 November, there was a heavy exchange
of cable correspondence on this subject, with the ul-
timate plan being that C-124's would pick up materiel
from 1 1 atl_D land would deliver
the required submachine guns, ammunition for the sub-
machine guns, and large quantities of .30 and .50
caliber ammunition to Eglin Air Force Base where it
would be picked up by two C-54's and flown down to
Retalhuleu air base. 50a/ The C-54 flights were
authorized to use USAF or I contract air crews
(OSTIARIES) or any combination of these crews ·for the
deliveries. Flight plans and landing approaches to
Retalhuleu were given in great detail in the cable
traffic to insure that the materiel -- and personnel
-- arrived safely. Discussions .concerning emergency
evacuation plans for the TRAV and MADD bases were
initiated with DOD representatives, and an emergency
signal plan was also prepared.* 50b/
* Emergency plans were for air evacuation of Project
personnel from Retalhuleu to France Field in the Panama
Canal Zone. Contingency planning in case of loss of
the airstrip at Retalhuleu called for surface transport.
from TRAV and MADD to Champerico on the west coast and
transfer to small boats at that point for evacuation
(footnote continued on following page)