369. Telegram From the Embassy in the United Kingdom to the Department of State1
2032. Deptel 3000 sent Havana 411 Ciudad Trujillo 235.2 Embassy officer saw Hildyard, acting head American Department Foreign Office, October 15 in absence assistant Under-Secretary Hankey and inquired accuracy AP report reference telegram. Hildyard said absolutely no basis for report. He said UK would do nothing like that without first discussing it fully with US. It was part of pressure campaign by Cubans and others here.
Hildyard went on to review recent US–UK exchanges on embargo, recalling US had proposed relaxation of embargo on sale of light aircraft and aircraft spare parts; and that UK had discussed sale of “little boats” and spare parts for these. Hildyard said UK representative Washington had been somewhat taken aback when Department spokesman had told him when presenting US arguments for sale of aircraft that US “had already decided” on sale of these. However, in end US and UK had agreed that situation in Caribbean somewhat improved and sale of light aircraft, “little boats” and spare parts for these could be permitted. Hildyard said UK had felt all along that embargo to be effective had to be 100 percent; whereas US had indicated it expected embargo to be less than completely effective. UK had felt that US which has primary strategic interest in area should take lead in getting adherence others in West to embargo. UK had urged US to put pressure on Belgians and Italians after which UK could talk to them. US had talked to Belgians and then UK had. UK had talked first to Italians and then US had pressed them. However, Foreign Office still unclear what results of these representations were and rumors weapons sales by these countries to Cuba continued.
Foreign Office also concerned about rumors that Austria may sell Cubans Vampire jets and Foreign Office not sure UK could stop this.
Hildyard listed to Embassy officer arguments for sale Hawker Hunters to Cuba which undoubtedly same as those presented to Department (third paragraph reference telegram). In reply, Embassy officer gave Hildyard substance last three paragraphs reference telegram. Hildyard did not seem surprised. He said that if US reply to UK presentation on Hawker Hunters should be negative, Foreign Office will have to put matter to ministers. As personal opinion, Hildyard expressed doubt that UK would go ahead with sale if US opposed but [Page 626] UK would probably raise matter again in couple of months. He said pressures were heavy for this transaction particularly because of fact it was not export but exchange and because UK had originally made sale to Batista Government.
Hildyard also commented briefly on general relationships US and UK and other Western European countries with countries Latin America. He said Latin American countries did not want to be completely reliant on US however pro-Western they might be. Cuba appeared to have become somewhat cool toward US and was trying to play more of neutralist role. With Dominican Republic possessing some 40 Jet fighters and Cuba 1, Cubans absolutely determined to get Jets and may, as they have threatened, go to Czechoslovakia or elsewhere in Soviet bloc if they are stopped elsewhere. Question is, Hildyard thought, whether it is not best to let them have these Hawker Hunters which would right imbalance between them and Dominicans.
Hildyard also warned that should Austria, Italy or Belgium sell Jet fighters to Cuba, Foreign Office would be in extremely vulnerable position.
Comment: In view of Hildyard’s assurance that UK will not proceed with decision on Hawker Hunters pending full discussion with US, and fact Foreign Office is aware now of our negative reactions to their presentation this case, we judge further representations by us not necessary at this time.