275. Memorandum From the Secretary of State’s Special Assistant for Mutual Security Coordination (Bell) to the Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs (Rubottom)1
SUBJECT
- Castro Visit
I was somewhat disturbed by the item in this morning’s Staff Summary2 reporting representations made to the Embassy in Havana [Page 455] on the subject of possible requests by Castro for U.S. assistance during his forthcoming unofficial visit. We understand from Bill Snow that the likelihood of their being any definitive discussions on this subject is slight, but that no determination has been made in ARA that assistance will not be given Castro. We also understand that no position papers have been prepared on this subject in anticipation of the visit.
I would appreciate being kept informed as to any positive indications that U.S. assistance will be requested during the Castro visit and, of course, would wish to talk to you if it appears likely that even sympathetic consideration would be given such request.3
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 737.11–CA/4–1059. Confidential. Drafted by James M. Wilson (W/MSC). A copy was sent to Eliot (W).↩
- Apparently a reference to a brief description of telegram 1176 from Havana ( supra ) in the Daily Secret Summary. (ibid., Daily Summaries: Lot 60 D 530, April 1959)↩
- A handwritten note on the source text reads: “Castro Visit Briefing Material sent to Mr. Bell 4/17/59 by CMA/C.” Regarding the Department’s position on possible requests from the Cuban delegation for financial and economic assistance, see footnote 2, Document 280.↩