339. Telegram From the Embassy in Cuba to the Department of State 1

163. Re Embassy telegram 162.2 Castro’s resignation, his denunciation of Urrutia, Urrutia’s resignation, the election of Dorticos as new President, and Castro’s decision to resume his position of Prime Minister all of which occurred in a space of 24 hours, appear to have the following points of significance for the United States:

1.
Castro is still smarting at Senate questioning of Diaz Lanz, notwithstanding two references he made in his denunciation speech to the “rectification of the executive”. He characterized hearings as acts of “gangsters” and accused Senate of engaging in “insolent espionage” against Cuba and intervention in Cuban affairs.
2.
From his main charge against Urrutia, to effect that Urrutia had on heels of Diaz Lanz treason implied existence of communism in Cuban Government and had taken anti-communist stand not consistent with line laid down by Castro, it appears that Castro is more definitely committed than ever to public position on non-persecution of communists. He quoted extensively from his own pronouncements on subject. At same time he showed almost pathological resentment at any implications of communism in government, which he referred to repeatedly as efforts to “blackmail” him and as infamous calumny.
3.
Castro repeatedly stated in his denunciation that principal revolutionary laws had already been established. This may indicate that no further revolutionary reforms are to be expected.
4.
Brutal manner in which Castro destroyed Urrutia’s reputation by pinning on him accusations of moral, civic, and revolutionary shortcomings that bordered on treason, although Castro’s position was overwhelmingly endorsed by expressions of groups reflecting all sectors of Cuban population calling for Urrutia’s resignation, and fact that President was given no opportunity to defend himself against such charges, will in the end probably result in some tarnishing of revolution’s and Castro’s own good name.
5.
As political maneuver to rid himself of an uncooperative associate, Castro’s tactic was a complete success.
6.
Castro and his government have emerged from this affair strengthened by a new overwhelming mandate from the Cuban people. Castro is undisputed master of Cuba today and is likely to be for some time to come, barring accidents or assassination.
7.
Absence of any anti-American expressions other than those connected with Diaz Lanz episode gives hope that Castro desires to avoid unnecessary difficulties with United States. However, it will probably be even more difficult henceforth to influence him toward a general anti-communist orientation although we would assume he would be extremely reluctant henceforth to take positive action, such as appointment to key position which would be interpreted as increasing communist influence. His extreme sensitivity to reaction abroad at same time he proclaims intransigent nationalism is interesting.

Bonsal
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 737.00/7–1859. Confidential; Niact.
  2. Supra.