470. Telegram From the Embassy in Cuba to the Department of State1
2301. Country Team of unanimous opinion there is no hope that US will ever be able to establish a statisfactory relationship with Cuban Government as long as it is dominated by Fidel Castro, Raul Castro, Che Guevara and like-minded associates. If there was any [Page 825] doubt on this point after Mikoyan visit and Cuban-Russian agreement, we feel it has been removed by manifestation of Cuban attitude toward US as provided by fabricated, irresponsible charge of GOC that US responsible for La Coubre explosion.
Embassy believes this charge, coupled with other hostile acts of GOC and mounting anti-US frenzy part of government-controlled mass media indicate deliberate attempt to precipitate a crisis in Cuban-American relations and force US to take drastic measures re Cuba.
Country Team has considered following courses of action for US: (1) conciliation, (2) strong action including economic measures, (3) maintenance of firm, dignified, restrained attitude, reflecting disapproval of regime but doing nothing overtly to hasten its downfall or that would provide basis for charge of US intervention. Of these courses Country Team believes (3) is still most profitable for US to follow, but recognizes danger that (A) Cuban economy may not collapse under Castro and (B) 2 or 3 years of continued anti-US indoctrination of Cuban people, especially of youth, may do damage to Cuban-American relations that will take many years to repair. This attitude, while scrupulously non-interventionist, would provide tacit encouragement essential to development of an active political opposition to Castro.
Together with policy of restraint toward Cuba, Embassy believes US should continue discreet efforts to awaken other Latin American countries to dangers to continent from Castro’s excesses and Communistic tendencies.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611. 37/3–860. Secret; Priority.↩