214. Telegram From the Embassy in Cuba to the Consulate at Santiago de Cuba 1
263. Re your inquiry2 about maintenance normal consular functions. Refrain from any formal action which would imply recognition of a government of Cuba or its officials until existence and recognition of such a government. Provisional government not functioning in Habana as yet. Actions would include for example authentications of signatures on documents dated after December 31. Adjust general consular services to what is feasible and practical. Embassy handling [Page 342] no visa matters since Cubans not permitted at present to leave Cuba. See also Deptel 52 to Santiago.3
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.37/1–359. Confidential; Niact. Repeated to the Department as telegram 703, which is the source text.↩
- Not further identified.↩
- In telegram 52, January 2, the Department indicated that the Consulate could contact and deal with any persons it deemed necessary for the purpose of the protection and welfare of American citizens and their property, or other essential consular duties, on a strictly informal basis. In case of any doubt, the Consulate was instructed to make clear that any particular action was not intended to constitute recognition. (Department of State, Central Files, 611.37/1–259)↩