Office of the Historian

206. Telegram From the Embassy in Cuba to the Department of State1

Havana, January 1, 1958—6 a.m.

665. General Batista departed for Santo Domingo with his family approximately 4 a.m. this morning. He was accompanied by Guell and Rivero Agüero. Many top members of GOC have also departed for New Orleans and Daytona Beach.

General Eulogio Cantillo has taken command of Armed Forces. He has requested Supreme Court Justice Carlos M. Piedra y Piedra to assume control civilian elements of government and has appealed to archbishop of Santiago Perez Serrente for support.

Habana very quiet and no sign of disturbances. Embassy watching situation closely.

General Cantillo told me he will make peace effort with Castros.

Smith
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 737.00/1–159. Confidential; Niact.↩