S-E-C-R-E-T
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RAY y Rivero, Manuel Antonio
CONSTRUCTION ENGINEER
Qualified for: Minister of Public Works
Biography:
Born June 1924 in Havana. Educated in Cuban universities and became a very able construction engineer. He was politically unknown until 1957. In early 1957 he joined the Internal Resistance Movement (MRC). After engaging in numerous clandestine activities, he was made Secretary General of the MRC and a leader of the 26th of July Movement for Havana Province. At the time, he was President of the Havana Society of Civil Engineers and was employed by the Frederick Snare Corporation on the Hotel Hilton project. When Batista was overthrown, Castro made Ray his Minister of Public Works. Ray did a very creditable job "rebuilding" Cuba and acquired a substantial popular following. As Minister of Public Works, he showed a great understanding of the needs of the people of Cuba and a real concern for their welfare.
Political Affiliation and Attitudes:
Although liberal and pro-revolutionary, Ray resented the Communist domination of the Castro regime and in November 1959 he was replaced by a Communist. He lived for several months under surveillance that amounted to house arrest and was unable to acquire another post. However, he remained in Cuba and organized the MRP as an anti-Castro movement. He escaped to the US in October 1960. His leadership, ability, and integrity are unmistakable.
Current Position and Location:
In the US as an MRP leader.
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S-E-C-R-E-T
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GROUP 1
Excluded from automatic downgrading and declassification
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