The Dark Side of Neverland

Abstract

Operation Pedro Pan is shown in this chapter to be both the result of and an integral part of the CIA’s covert action program to undermine and overthrow the revolutionary government in Cuba, beginning with the attempted invasion at the Bay of Pigs and later with Operation Mongoose. The author describes how the children’s departures were dependent on the anti-Castro movement networks run by Ramon Grau and others closely linked to the CIA. She also shows how the Pedro Pan children were used in Washington’s international propaganda war against the Cuban revolution and in the United States as a response to domestic resentment against Cuban refugees, as well as how the young Cubans were even regarded as potential “freedom fighters” or spies against Castro.