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MORI DocID: 1451843

6. Maheu was asked to approach Roselli, who knew Maheu
as a personal relations executive handling domestic and foreign
accounts, and tell him that he had recently been retained by a
client who represented several international business firms
which were suffering heavy financial losses in Cuba as a result
of Castro's action. They were convinced that Castro's removal
was the answer to their problem and were willing to pay a price
of $150,000 for its successful accomplishment. It was to be made
clear to Roselli that the U.S. Government was not, and should not,
become aware of this operation.

7. The pitch was made to Roselli on 14 September 1960 at
the Hilton Plaza Hotel, New York City. His initial reaction was
to avoid getting involved but, through Maheu's persuasion, he
agreed to introduce him to a friend, Sam Gold, who knew the
"Cuban crowd." Roselli made it clear he did not want any money
for his part and believed Sam would feel the same way. Neither
of the individuals was ever paid out of Agency funds.

8. During the week of 25 September, Maheu was introduced
to Sam who was staying at the Fontainebleau Hotel, Miami Beach.
It was several weeks after his meeting with Sam and Joe, who was
identified to him as a courier operating between Havana and Miami,
that he saw photographs of both of these individuals in the Sunday
supplemental "Parade." They were identified as Mono Salvatore
Giancana and Santos Trafficant, respectively. Both were on the
list of the Attorney General's ten most-wanted men. The former
was described as the Chicago chieftain of the Cosa Nostra and
successor to Al Capone, and the latter, the Cosa Nostra boss of
Cuban operations. Maheu called this office immediately upon as-
certaining this information.

9. In discussing the possible methods of accomplishing this
mission, Sam suggested that they not resort to firearms but, if
he could be furnished some type of potent pill, that could be
placed in Castro's food or drink, it would be a much more effective
operation. Sam indicated that he had a prospective nominee in the
person of Juan Orta, a Cuban official who had been receiving kick-
back payments from the gambling interests, who still had access
to Castro, and was in a financial bind.

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