352. Telegram From the Embassy in Cuba to the Department of State1
354. Yesterday evening I had discussion with Minister of State Roa regarding promised interview with Castro. I pointed out that I made my request on July 23, 2 weeks ago (Deptel 1442). I said that I thought there were only two possible interpretations (A) that Castro uninterested in discussing current aspects Cuban-American relations which give serious cause for concern, (B) did not wish to see me personally. Since I had no reason to believe that (B) was correct, I could only conclude Castro does not share my interest in improvement Cuban-American relations. Roa was apparently embarrassed and made many protestations of friendship, et cetera, stating further that he would try to arrange talk with Castro either last night or this morning. This apparently proved impossible.
[Page 587]Department may wish repeat this message to Santiago. It would be helpful to me if Secretary and Rubottom could indicate to Roa their awareness of Castro’s delay in seeing me.3
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.37/8–1059. Secret; Priority; Limit Distribution.↩
- See footnote 4, Document 347.↩
- A note on the source text indicates that Richard B. Owen (CMA) was notified at 8:20 p.m. on August 10 and that he authorized repeating the telegram to Santiago. Herter and Rubottom were in Santiago to attend the Fifth Meeting of Consultation of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the American Republics. For documentation on this meeting, which included extensive discussion of Cuba and the Caribbean area, see vol. V, pp. 287 ff.↩