Was this the El Encanto bombing?

try here
http://www.latinamericanstudies.org/cuba.htm

I did a google search and they had it as executed 6th april 1961 - accused of sabotage of Radio Centro in La Habana

Perhaps Dr. Armando Lago or Maria C. Werlao at www.cubaarchive.org can provide you with the information you need. They are working on a project documenting all the deaths caused by the castro government.

I've received conflicting stories about my grandfather. Some people have told me he masterminded the El Encanto fire in which Fe Del Valle was killed, but the Radio Centro Sabotage is listed on the google search.
I think the ex-spy Philip Agee would know, but I can't find any contact information for him.
Thanks for any other info you could provide.

why not try the fbi, freedom of information act.. maybe they have something on him..

why not try the fbi, freedom of information act.. maybe they have something on him..

Michael, Sorry I cant't help you with the information you seek at the present time, but a word of advice-since you mentioned phillip agee-you would do well to stay away from him, and not waste your time with him or those of his kind. That's real good advice from someone who deeply respects your grandfather and those who served with him.

Thanks, Omar, I will keep your advice in mind. I also recall that my grandfather went by the name "Pablo" and was also connected with attacks of Fin de Siglo and El Epocha.

This sounds like left field, but who knows if it helps you: in one of my trips to Miami earlier this year, I met a salesman at El Encanto store in downtown Miami, on the corner of Flagler and SE 1st (they just moved there). I went in to purchase something, and this older gentleman who assisted me struck a conversation about (what else?) Cuba. He told me all about the El Encanto fire, which I knew nothing about, and related that a lot of sabotage had taken place in many places as castro started to appropriate private businesses for himself. He chatted for a long while.

You might want to look this man up, he is extremely personable and has a treasure trove of stories and info, since he was around in those days. It looked to me as if he should already be retired, but I'm glad he's still working. Very interesting fellow.

Wow, thanks Gigi. Interesting lead, I will try calling. I actually plan to visit Miami in September.
Omar, if you are reading this, what about Luis Posado Carriles? Where is he, and would he be reliable as an info source?
(correction to last post, La Epoca)

As far as I know, the principal figure involved in the fire at El Encanto was Rogelio Gonzalez Corso, who under the war name of "Francisco" became the chief of the underground in Cuba prior to the Bay of Pigs.
Rogelio was arrested during a meeting of all the underground leaders (maybe your grandfather was at that meeeting) a few days before the Bay of Pigs and was executed a couple of days after the invasion had failed. Rogelio and Humberto Sori Marin were executed on the same day.
You can read more about Rogelio here:
http://baracuteycubano.blogspot.com/2006/04/alberto-tapia-ruano-tapita-rogelio.html

This is the information on :Circuito Sur":
Palmon Soret, Dalmacio: 6 Abril 1961, Fusilado, La Cabaña, La Habana, LH. Fue acusado de un sabotaje a Radio Centro en La Habana.

Later tonight I will ask my father who was imprisoned in la Cabana at the time of my birth on April 9, 1961. He may have known your grandfather there. I was the product of a one time conjugal visit. My dad too was to be executed at firing squad, but too many civilians came to his defense at his trial for the regime to accomplish this.

I am pretty sure the El Encanto sabotage took place on April 13, 1961. Since Mr. Soret was unfortunately executed April 6, he would likely have been involved in the earlier Radio Centro action.

Gigi,

If you are talking about "la epoca" in downtown Miami, the guy you are probably referring to is Jose Lopez Portela. He's the dad of one of my best friends.

I'm pretty sure my grandfather was also a member of the MRP (Movimiento Revolucionario del Pueblo) as well as FRD. It appears he was probably more involved with the fire at La Epoca.

ok -- thanks for the correction, I don't quite recall if it was La Epoca, but it probably is

The store sits in the corner of Flagler and SE 2nd Ave. (did I say SE 1st? -- no that's wrong, it's 2nd Ave. -- the heat's getting to me); years ago I used to work around there and walk by that store each a.m, but never went in ..... until a few months ago. This gentleman, I'm sure, would love to give you any information he has.

Isn't technology grand???

Gigi,

I'm 90% sure you talked to my friend's old man. And yes La Epoca recently moved to a bigger location on and Flagler and 2nd ave.

I read some place that a young man came forward and took the blame for the sabotage at "El Encanto" to prevent the killing of all the workers there at that time.
Have you ever heard this while doing your research? Wishing you the best on your investigation.