Page "Bay of Pigs Invasion" Paragraph 3

On 18 August 1960, President Eisenhower approved a budget of $ 13 million for the operation.

By 31 October 1960, most guerrilla infiltrations and supply drops directed by the CIA into Cuba had failed, and developments of further guerrilla strategies were replaced by plans to mount an initial amphibious assault, with a minimum of 1, 500 men.

On 18 November 1960, Allen Dulles ( CIA Director ) and Richard Bissell ( CIA Deputy Director for Plans ) first briefed President-elect John Kennedy on the outline plans.

Having experience in actions such as the 1954 Guatemalan coup d ' état, Dulles was confident that the CIA was capable of overthrowing the Cuban government as led by Prime Minister Fidel Castro since 16 February 1959.

On 29 November 1960, President Eisenhower met with the chiefs of the CIA, Defense, State and Treasury departments to discuss the new concept.

No objections were expressed, and Eisenhower approved the plans, with the intention of persuading John Kennedy of their merit.

On 8 December 1960, Bissell presented outline plans to the " Special Group " while declining to commit details to written records.

Further development of the plans continued, and on 4 January 1961 they consisted of an intention to carry out a " lodgement " by 750 men at an undisclosed site in Cuba, supported by considerable air power.