Office of the Historian

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

Havana, January 1, 1959—9 p.m.

681. Reliably informed Colonel Ramon Barquin has been released from prison on Isle of Pines, is now in Habana and has assumed control of armed forces from Cantillo with latter’s approval. Military vehicles now patrolling disturbed areas city with military police to maintain order. Barquin said to have sent word to Fidel Castro and Urrutia to come to Habana where he will deliver control of government to them.

[Page 338]

Comment: This is encouraging development, increasing possibility of early accord between armed forces and rebel movements. Also strengthens position of military vis-à-vis rebels.

Smith
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 737.00/1–159. Confidential; Priority. Received on January 2 at 4:27 a.m.↩