Foreign Relations of the United States, 1958–1960, Cuba, Volume VI

229. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Cuba¹

Washington, January 17, 1959—1:06 p.m.

505. Your 833.² In view latest Castro outbursts concerning military missions and conditions fixed by Cuban Navy with Castro’s approval (your 838³), consider we should no longer defer approaching Cuban authorities at high level, preferably President or Prime Minister soonest, along following lines:

1. Outline clearly our position concerning past and present conduct of missions as suggested numbered item 1 your 833 and Department’s statement no. 35 of January 15⁴ transmitted to you teletype same date.

2. After brief exposition, state that in view recent public attacks by Castro and other officials of new regime against our mission personnel which have not been rebutted by President or any of Cabinet, we are assuming missions can serve no useful purpose by remaining and we, therefore, wish to discuss appropriate dates and terms for their withdrawal in accordance with pertinent clauses of mission agreements.

3. If the immediate response to your approach is that the GOC agrees that the missions should be withdrawn, you should state that (1) you will report this to Washington immediately and (2) you would like the GOC to indicate which official(s) should be dealt with to arrange specific details of the withdrawal under the terms of the agreements.

4. Withdrawal would include all missions including naval.

5. Notify Department promptly of results of this consultation with view to taking all appropriate action which would be accompanied by public statement.

Dulles

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 737.58/1–1559. Secret; Niact. Drafted by Wieland, cleared with Murphy and Irwin, and approved by Snow who signed for Dulles.
2. Supra.
3. Dated January 15, telegram 838 reported that the Cuban Navy Chief of Staff had now confirmed, with Castro’s approval, that the U.S. Naval Mission could remain and continue its normal functions, but in offices outside the Estado Major building. (ibid., 737.58/1–1558)
4. See footnote 2, supra.