437. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Cuba1
1059. For Braddock from Bonsal. Deptel 1058.2 Soonest after President’s press conference and following delivery of copy to Acting FonMin as instructed in Deptel please transmit copy statement with my compliments to Argentine and Brazilian Ambassadors telling them I hope they will agree it represents major effort to deal with situation created by Castro’s recent television appearance3 and Government press material in calm, moderate manner as befits relations Cuban-American peoples and principles of Inter-American system. Add that we earnestly hope President’s words will be received in friendly spirit uttered and that deterioration relations can be arrested. Ask them if they have any suggestions and tell them how much I have appreciated their advice and in case of Argentine, his cooperation. FYI It would be my hope these two influential Ambassadors might advise their GOC contacts and particularly those close to Castro to react soberly and calmly to what may well be final opportunity avoid serious consequences resulting U.S. public and official reaction to insults our Government and high officials have suffered at Castro’s hands and in GOC press. End FYI
I leave your discretion whether similar aproach might be made to Mexican Amb and possibly also to Dihigo. Perhaps Bethel could talk to Franqui but most important avoid any implication of threat from Embassy official which Revolución could exploit.
You will wish to ask Ambassadors you approach to observe discretion re your conversations.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.37/1–2560. Confidential; Niact. Drafted by Bonsal, cleared with Calhoun and Mallory, approved by Rubottom, and signed by Mallory for Herter.↩
- Presumably the reference should be to telegram 1050; see Document 433.↩
- See Document 430.↩