605. Memorandum From the Assistant Secretary of State for Policy Planning (Smith) to the Director of Intelligence and Research (Cumming)1
SUBJECT
- INR Memorandum of October 31 Entitled “Soviet Intentions Toward Cuba and Communist-Type Controls Instituted by the Castro Government”2
Grim as they are, I believe the prognostications and conclusions of the memorandum under reference are sound.
What I am less clear on is where we go from here.
If the curve of resistance within Cuba falls as opposition elements leave and Castro’s vise tightens, how does an opposition register or return? And does the progressive isolation or “quarantine” of Cuba (export controls, possible OAS breaking of relations or imposition of a blockade on Cuban exports of arms and adventurers) benefit our long-range purpose? Yet it seems to me that the time may not be far off when some sort of naval and air surveillance over Cuban shipments of arms and propaganda to other countries will probably be in the national and OAS interest.
- Source: Department of State, S/P Files: Lot 67 D 548, Cuba 1959–1961. Secret. Drafted by Henry C. Ramsey. Copies were sent to George Morgan and other officers in S/P.↩
- Document 600.↩