Office of the Historian

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

Washington, March 5, 1958—6:38 p.m.

470. Embtel 490.2 Department pleased learn steps contemplated GOC create favorable election climate (Embtel 5003) as suggested points (A) and (C) second paragraph Embtel, and feels you should express these sentiments to Batista. At same time you may, without using pressure, and if you feel your remarks will not be regarded as intervention, suggest steps (D), (E) with some modification, and (F).

Department feels step (E) should be enlarged in scope to include leaders Church, labor unions, press and political opposition, etc., who would meet with Batista to discuss ways and means assuring their respective organizations honest elections will be held.

Timing of approach to Batista left your discretion.

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With further regard point (C), please note discussion this point in separate message being sent reporting Rubottom’s testimony before Senate Committee today.4 He did not oppose Cuba’s requesting UN observers but did consider inappropriate for US govt to make such proposal to UN.

Dulles
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 737.00/3–458. Secret; Priority. Drafted by Leonhardy and cleared with Wieland and Snow who signed for Dulles.↩
  2. Document 20.↩
  3. Supra.↩
  4. Rubottom’s testimony before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that day was summarized in telegram 469 to Havana, March 5. (Department of State, Central Files, 611.37/3–558)↩