176. Editorial Note
At a press briefing on December 11, the Department of State spokesman made the following statement:
“The Department has noted reports in the press to the effect that Fidel Castro is seeking talks with a confidential representative of the United States Government on the Cuban political situation. We have no knowledge of this beyond what has been reported in the press. We have never considered such a step and we are not considering it now.”
The text of the statement was sent to Havana in telegram 340 and repeated to Santiago de Cuba, December 12. (Department of State, Central Files, 737.00/12–1258)
Regarding two subsequent approaches made to the U.S. Government by persons attempting to arrange confidential talks between Castro and U.S. officials, see Documents 181 and 195.