320/10–2050: Telegram
The Ambassador in Cuba (Butler) to the Secretary of State
146. Minister Dihigo1 was informed last night of Department’s views re Secretary General of UN along lines of Deptel 148, October 18.2 Dihigo said he was inclined agree recent Soviet actions in SC are transparent maneuvers designed oust Lie. Felt that matter should not be reopened in SC but should be handled by GA to which it has already been referred. Said, however, he is awaiting further information from Cuban delegation in New York before discussing with President Prio and making a definitive decision. Said he would inform Embassy promptly of this decision.
[Page 155]Although inclined agree with US view, Dihigo still seemed uncertain as to course Cuba should follow. Expressed some doubt as to whether Lie could continue successfully perform his duties since he is now persona non grata to Soviets. Dihigo was reminded that Soviet Union has never found it difficult in past to accommodate itself to circumstances over which it found it could exercise no control. As long as it considered its own purpose served by doing so, Soviets would continue offer same cooperation, or lack of it, in UN regardless of who is elected Secretary General. Conversely, he was told, any other candidate who might be elected with approval of Soviet Union would be regarded as subject to pressure by Soviets.3
- Ernesto Dihigo y Lopez Origo, Cuban Minister of Foreign Affairs.↩
- See Deptel 2011, October 18, to London, p. 146.↩
- In telegram 147, October 20, 6 p. m., the Embassy reported to the Department: “Minister Dihigo has just informed Embassy that he gave telephonic instructions to Cuban UN representative Blanco today to support US position and vote against Indian proposal.…” (320/10–2050)↩