411. Telegram From the Embassy in Cuba to the Department of State1
1460. Cabinet approved night December 21 alterations to “fundamental law” authorizing seizure all property both real and personal of persons engaging in “counter-revolutionary activities”. Also approved enabling legislation. According to morning press, law authorizes seizure in cases of those found guilty such crimes, those who leave Cuba to avoid action of revolutionary tribunals, and those who engage in “conspiratorial activities” abroad.
[Page 707]Counter-revolutionary crimes are defined in law 425 of July 7, 1959, translation of which forwarded as enclosure to despatch 133 of July 24, 19592 entitled “Certain crimes of counter-revolutionary nature become punishable by death”. List is extremely broad, including war against state; insurrection; attempted violent change of government; interference with government in performance of duties; introduction, publication or propagation of communications belittling national sovereignty or attempting to cause non-observance of existing legislation; incitement to perform any of foregoing; organization, arming, participation in or assistance to groups intending to perform any of foregoing; accessory before or after fact in connection with foregoing.
Embassy comment: These and other recent measures are considered characteristic of openly dictatorial regimes, determined to retain power and employing intimidation, suppression of civil liberties and extreme action against opposition to achieve purposes.