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After the invasion plans became clear, Hirschfeld introduced Chastain to Marcos, telling the deposed ruler that Chastain was an arms dealer, and secretly arranged to tape their conversations. Before the recordings were made, however, the duo tried unsuccessfully to get the Justice Department involved. Hirschfeld and Chastain then proceeded on their own, meeting with Marcos in late May to discuss weapons purchases. On June 4 Hirschfeld gave the Aquino government the tapes. About a week later Philippine authorities passed them on to the U.S.
In Manila, few believed the plot was a serious threat to national stability. Nonetheless, President Aquino expressed relief that the U.S. had further restricted Marcos' travel. For his part, Marcos last week denied the foiled plans, calling the charges "incredible." But the conversations on the tape told a different tale.