243. Editorial Note
From January 23 to 27, Fidel Castro made an unofficial visit to Venezuela. The Embassy in Caracas submitted a 17–page report on the visit, dated January 30, the summary of which reads:
“Fidel Castro arrived in Caracas on Friday, January 23, the anniversary of the fall of Perez Jimenez. Originally invited by the Federación de Centros Universitarios, he at once assumed the character of a [Page 387] national guest, being greeted at the airport by Rear Admiral Larrazabal and other prominent persons. He was received by a variety of citizens from the acting head of the Junta on down. He made numerous speeches; his speeches invariably emphasized that his regime in Cuba was a regime of justice; that there had been an organized plot by foreign news agencies, particularly those of the United States to slander himself and the revolution and that Latin American unity was essential. As a footnote to this he emphasized also Caribbean solidarity, revealing Nasser-like ambition towards this area. He gave a great deal of attention to the strong bonds uniting Venezuela and Cuba and expressed his deep thanks to Venezuela for the assistance it had given to the 26 of July Movement. His words, particularly those relating to criticism of the U.S. and the need for continental unity, fell on responsive ears. He, as well as his bearded companions, was received everywhere with wild acclaim. Those more sober heads which may have questioned various of his statements and attitudes kept discreetly quiet in public. This whirlwind visit ended on Tuesday, January 27, when he returned to Cuba.” (Department of State, Central Files, 033.3731/1–3059)
On January 29, the Embassy in Havana reported to the Department that Castro had not been seen in public since returning from Caracas. The Embassy had learned from sources within the 26th of July Movement that Castro was planning to be much less accessible than in the past and to limit his public appearances. The Embassy speculated that Castro might have finally realized “he had been talking too freely and irresponsibly.” (Telegram 903 from Havana, January 29; ibid., 737.00/1–2959)