Foreign Relations of the United States, 1958–1960, Cuba, Volume VI

138. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Cuba¹

Washington, September 27, 1958—1:01 p.m.

175. Embtel 320.² Department disturbed over recent requests made of American firms by rebels and GOC coalition parties for financial contributions or tribute. While Department generally approves Embassy’s advice to these firms, the actual decision and responsibility therefor on action to be taken does not lie with Department or Embassy but with individual companies. This should be made clear to inquiring companies. In lieu of proposed public statement your 320, following statement authorized:

“A number of American companies operating in Cuba recently have been approached by representatives of various Cuban political parties and revolutionary groups for financial contributions, Some of these requests have been accompanied by threats of retaliation if contributions are not forthcoming by a certain date.

“The US Government is opposed to American nationals involving themselves in the internal political affairs of any foreign country. Accordingly, the United States disapproves of contributions, whether forced or voluntary, by American citizens or firms, to any political party or faction within Cuba which would violate that principle.”³

Herter

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 737.00/9–2558. Confidential; Priority. Drafted by Leonhardy; cleared with Snow and Rubottom; cleared in draft with Whiteman, Vaky, Murphy, DOD, P, SCA; and approved by Rubottom who signed for Herter. Repeated to Santiago de Cuba.
2. See footnote 3, supra.
3. In telegram 323 from Havana, September 29, Smith recommended that only one public statement be issued which would refer only to extortion and threats of reprisal on the part of the rebels. He said that if the Department considered it necessary, a separate statement could be issued to cover financial contributions to legally-established political parties. He pointed out that the Embassy had heard of only one suggestion for a political contribution and this had been made in good faith with no thought of retribution. (Department of State, Central Files, 737.00/9–2958)