( CONFIDENTIAL )
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Biographic Information Division
RAY Rivera, Manuel
CUBA
Minister of Public Works
Manuel Ray, an earnest young civil engineer in his early thirties, was appointed Minister of Public Works in January 1959. He is a stocky man of youthful appearance who has been praised in government circles for the enthusiasm which he has exhibited in organizing an ambitious public works program.
Ray joined the Civic Resistance Movement (MRC) in April 1957. After engaging in numerous clandestine activities, he was appointed Secretary General of the MRC and a leader of the 26th of July Movement for Habana Province in September 1957. At the time, Ray was President of the Habana Society of Civil Engineers and was employed by the Frederick Snare Corporation on the Hotel Hilton project. He subsequently lost his job and devoted all of his time to the 26th of July Movement. Nothing is known of his domestic affairs or competence in foreign languages.
RFB:BI
State-ED, Wash., D.C.
October 1959
CONFIDENTIAL
Ray Rivera, Manuel