547. Telegram From the Department of State to the Mission at the United Nations1

13. Re: Cuba.

1.
Particularly in light Cuban reaction US decision reduce Cuba’s share of sugar quota, Department has considered our position in event Cuba requests meeting of SC to consider one or more of the following [Page 994] or perhaps other charges against US: (1) Economic aggression through sugar quota cut or refusal oil companies refine Soviet oil; (2) US involvement in sabotage French munitions ship La Coubre or recent explosion munitions dump in Habana; (3) US involvement in other violations Cuban sovereignty as result airplane flights over country; (4) US involvement in subversive activities through agents; (5) Hostile propaganda from US sources against revolution; (6) US efforts to prevent acquisition of arms and munitions; (7) Continued presence of Guantanamo naval base.
2.
In event Cuba takes such step, our position is that Cuba has obligation resort to OAS in first instance re controversies which unable resolve by direct negotiation. There are two ways to implement this principle in UN.
3.
First, we could seek to have majority of SC vote against adoption agenda item submitted by Cuba. This would have effect Council refusing to consider matter at least until OAS had considered Cuban situation. This course would underscore principle that Cuba under Charters UN and OAS and Rio Treaty has obligation to resort to OAS procedures in first instance. Practical effect would be to prevent Cuban oral presentation to SC due to tradition only Council Members speak on question of inscription. Difficulties with this course are political effects on world opinion should US appear fear airing of Cuban complaint in SC and probable attitude friendly Members SC to such course. Mission will recall 1954 experience with Guatemala case when UK and French abstained on inscription since they felt Council’s refusal to consider matter would accord primacy regional organization over universal organization. Of course, attitudes Argentina and Ecuador also important this matter.
4.
Second, US could support inscription of Cuban complaint and seek adoption of vetoless procedural resolution citing pertinent portions Article 33 and “decide not to consider” Cuban complaint at this time, thus having effect of referring Cuba to OAS. We would also seek to have friendly SC Members make brief statements in favor of primary OAS consideration Cuban situation. This course might be less difficult for friendly Members of Council to support than outright refusal to consider Cuban complaint. At same time, basic principle that Cuba should resort to OAS in first instance would be preserved.
5.
Request USUN’s views on foregoing. You may wish explore above two approaches with British and French on highly confidential, but urgent basis. Emphasize that at moment our basis considering possibility Cuban approach UN lies in violence Cuban attitude sugar quota cut, Castro earlier indication he would go to UN rather than OAS and trip of important official Cuban FonOff (Marrero) to NY.
Dillon
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 737.00/7–860. Confidential; Priority; Limit Distribution. Drafted by Joseph J. Sisco and Michael H. Newlin; cleared with Rubottom, Wilcox, and Jamison; and approved by Wilcox who signed for Dillon.