335. Memorandum of Discussion at the 413th Meeting of the National Security Council, Washington, July 16, 19591

[Here follows discussion of matters unrelated to Cuba.]

As to the Caribbean area, the Diaz Lanz case has greatly disturbed Fidel Castro. One result has been a strong anti-Communist speech by President Urrutia.2 Six Chinese Communist newsmen have arrived in Havana to head up a Chinese language newspaper for the Chinese community in Cuba which in fact was the largest Chinese community in any of the Latin American Republics.

Meanwhile Che Guevara has reached India and is in touch with the Indian Communists. He has complained to them that his hands are still tied by U.S. occupation of the Guantanamo Naval Base. He predicted, however, that Cuba would soon get rid of this U.S. base and would then be able to show its true colors in foreign policy.

Mr. Dulles commented that the revolution in Honduras seemed to have no connection with Castro’s machinations elsewhere in the Caribbean.

[Page 561]

[Here follows discussion of matters unrelated to Cuba.]

Marion W. Boggs
  1. Source: Eisenhower Library, Whitman File, NSC Records. Top Secret. Prepared by Boggs. The portion of the discussion printed here is from Allen Dulles’ intelligence briefing.
  2. In telegram 97 from Havana, July 13, the Embassy reported that in a television appearance that afternoon Urrutia had sharply criticzed Communism. The Embassy noted that Urrutia’s remarks represented the firmest anti-Communist statement yet made by any member of the revolutionary government. (Department of State, Central Files, 737.00/7–1359)