Source: The Pentagon Papers, Gravel Edition, Volume 2, pp. 766-767
5 Oct 1963
TO: Lodge Via CAS Channel CAP 63560
In conjunction with decisions and recommendations in separate DEPTEL, President
today approved recommendation that no initiative should now be taken to give
any active covert encouragement to a coup. There should, however, be urgent
covert effort with closest security under broad guidance of Ambassador to identify
and build contacts with possible alternative leadership as and when it appears.
Essential that this effort be totally secure and fully deniable and separated
entirely from normal political analysis and reporting and other activities of
country team. We repeat that this effort is not repeat not to be aimed at active
promotion of coup but only at surveillance and readiness. In order to provide
plausibility to denial suggest you and no one else in Embassy issue these instructions
orally to Acting Station Chief and hold him responsible to you alone for making
appropriate contacts and reporting to you alone.
All reports to Washington on this subject should be on this channel.