RELEASE OF CAPTAIN VILLA

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: Library of Congress
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): LOC-HAK-41-2-9-4
• Release Decision: RIFLIM
• Original Classification: C
• Document Page Count: 1
• Document Creation Date: January 11, 2017
• Document Release Date: January 11, 2011
• Sequence Number: 9
• Publication Date: October 30, 1973
• Content Type: MEMO

No Objection to Declassification in Full 2011/01/11 : LOC-HAK-41-2-9-4
MEMORANDUM [Completely outside the system]
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
CONFIDENTIAL /SENSITIVE (XGDS) INFORMATION
October 30, 1973
MEMORANDUM FOR: GENERAL SCOWCROFT
FROM: WILLIAM J. JORDEN
SUBJECT: Release of Captain Villa
ON-FI
INSTR
Per our~coYlversationt ?
You will recall the case of Capt. Jose Villa, master of the Johnny
Express which was picked up by the Cubans in December 197.1.
Earlier this year, we managed to get his -release from the Cuban jail
where he had been. held. The Cubans released him to Panama with
the understanding that he would receive some "punishment" and not be
released. immediately.
We have now managed to get Villa's release from Panama. He was
tried on some technical. violations (the Ex p Express was under Panamanian
registry) and the penalty assessed was the time he has already spent
in Panama. Incidentally, he wasf.well treated by the Panamanians. He
was not jailed but rather allowed to live in a small village where he
tutored students, etc.
We expect he will be flying home to his family in the next few days. I
have informed the family that they can expect him home soon. I also
advised against press comments--especially any criticism of the
Panamanians--noting that we may want to use this channel to help others
in the future. They agreed.
They are also deeply grateful to the US Government and the President for
this action.
W should, of course, make no public adiinission of our role in this
matte r.
CONFIDENTIAL /SENSITIVE (XGDS)
LE NSC RELEASE
UCTIONS APPLY'
No Objection to Declassification in Full 2011/01/11 : LOC-HAK-41-2-9-4