Office of the Historian
  1. Home
  2. Historical Documents
  3. Foreign Relations of the United States, 1958–1960, Cuba, Volume VI
  4. Document 157

157. Telegram From the Embassy in Cuba to the Department of State 1

Havana , November 17, 1958—10 a.m.

509. At conference with Batista November 15, he stated GOC was offered by two American firms large quantities of automatic arms and ammunition. Batista has turned down offers, because he does not want to smuggle arms from US. Batista further believes these arms will now be offered to rebels.

Although I realize Department is much concerned over flagrant violation of our neutrality laws through consistent supplying of arms and ammunition to rebels from Florida, I again urge that US make every effort in prohibiting this illicit traffic.

Smith
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 437.1183/11–1758. Confidential.↩