This past Tuesday 18 March 2025 a new set of previously classified JFK assassination documents was released to the public. This document dump is different from previous releases that started in July 2017, and which we have been feverishly studying since. This batch is supposed to be completely non-redacted. In picking a few at random we were hit right in the face by three documents that suggest that David Atlee Phillips was involved in keeping track of United States citizens who were defying the U.S. embargo and travel ban to Cuba as members of the Fair Play for Cuba Committee. Bear in mind that at the time of these documents, Phillips was in Mexico City, however, it is well known that agents went back and forth on “TDY”‘s (Tours of Duty), for special assignments, or in support of other ongoing operations. RIF numbers 104-10114-10152, 104-10114-10160, and 104-10114-10161 tell a rather strange story that suggests this type of action was being implemented by the CIA right after John Kennedy’s inauguration on 20 January 1961.
The names Michael Stratton and Court Wood might have been complete unknowns in the world of JFK assassination researchers — until now. Michael Stratton worked at a CIA department called “Registry” at Western Hemisphere Four out of Langley, led at the time by Col. Joseph C. King AKA Oliver Galbond. It would appear that in his spare time he went out hunting for Fair Play for Cuba Committee Commies. In this case one of his ex high school class mates. His in-agency, almost informal letters to Western Hemisphere Four are presented here for the first time. These were transmitted “VIA: WH/4 Security”. They were directed at two individuals, Mr. Belt and Mr. “Jack Kennedy” who worked “Security”, surely pseudonyms and the latter being in pretty bad taste at that (or perhaps a subliminal message? 😉 ) Here are the transcripts:
TO: C/EAB/OS
SUBJ: FAIR PLAY FOR CUBA COMMITTEE
- At the request of Mr. Dave Phillips, C/WH/4/Propaganda, I spent the evening of January 6 with Court Wood, a student who has recently returned from a three week stay in Cuba under the sponsorship of the FAIR PLAY FOR CUBA COMMITTEE.
- Court and his father both have voiced very strong Pro-Castro sentiments and are extremely critical of our foreign policy.
- I’ve been advised by Mr. Phillips to continue my relationship with Mr. Wood and I will keep your office informed of each subsequent visit.
- This is forwarded to you as a matter of information to become a permanent part of my security file.
Michael Stratton, WH/4 Registry, Extension 2929
Added in script above: “Subject stated this is operational with no specific goal in mind. [Stratton] and Wood went to high school together and although they travel in different circles they on occasion see each other. Wood knows [Stratton] is a CIA employee beginning with the time [Stratton] filed application 3 (John Kittle)”
Mr. Kennedy,
Several months ago I wrote you a letter concerning the Pro-Castro sentiments of Court Wood, son of Foster Wood, a local attorney. Since that time I’ve seen Court only once, on March 3, 1961, and he appears to be actively engaged in the organization of a local chapter of the FAIR PLAY FOR CUBA COMMITTEE. Complete with a beard, Court has been meeting with “interested groups” and lecturing to students in several eastern cities. He specifically mentioned Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York. There are a number of students envolved (sic) in this activity; I met David Lacterman from George Mason High School in Falls Church, Va. and Walt MacDonald a fellow student of Courts, and both are obviously active.
What action, if any, should I take in regard to my relationship with Court and his father? Please include this statement in my permanent record. THANK YOU Michael Stratton WH/4 Ex. 2929
To: Mr. Jack Kennedy, WH/4 Security
On March 18, 1961 I spent hours with Court Wood and we discussed at great length his plans for the future and his participation in the activities of the FAIR PLAY FOR CUBA COMMITTEE. Court seems to be extremely naive concerning my position with the Agency, and he is very open and frank with me in all areas. I am certain that if given enough time I can obtain a great deal of information on the backgrounds and activities of many of his associates.
While visiting his apartment I observed that both Court and his father are interested in a large number of Communist Publications. These included “U.S.S.R”, “The Worker”, and many Prop. (propaganda) pamphlets that were obviously published in England. Court is an extreme Leftist in his political views and he believes fanatically in Castro’s Cuba.
Mr. Wood mentioned to me that he and several of his friends are making plans to enter Cuba in June; illegally if necessary. He apparently wants to become a teacher for the Castro government and to make his permanent home there. Members of the “26th of July Movement” are in close contact with Court and they are envolved (sic) in this proposed move to Cuba. Court does have some money and he seems to be very serious this thing. Within the next few days I hope to be able to get some names and specific facts concerning their plans.
Please include this in my permanent record.
What a coincidence that communist propaganda would be mentioned in his report of 18 March above, particularly “The Worker” which happens to be one of the publications held by “Backyard man” in the attempt to frame Lee Oswald.
We don’t know with what degree of seriousness this should be taken. Is there a pattern, with CIA agents fanned out looking for guys like Court Wood, or was this an isolated incident? U.S. citizens traveling to Cuba at this time was down to a trickle. It does appear that for several months, however, Stratton was insistent in pursuing Wood and his father and making sure he got credit for it. We always thought the agency was not supposed to target U.S. citizens within the boundaries of the United States.