82. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Cuba1
13. Embtels 18 and 19.2 Points raised items (A) and (B) Embtel 18, and (1) and (2) Embtel 19 considered adequately covered Department’s press release July 33 which transmitted wireless file. While true GTMO Naval Base facilities available aircraft in distress it should be pointed out facilities also been available for humanitarian purposes such as succoring wounded and fleeing rebels. Item (2) Restraint from fueling or otherwise servicing or supplying Cuban military craft or personnel from GTMO is in compliance US policy non-involvement Cuban internal affairs and does not necessarily relate to legal question of non-intervention.
[Page 130]In your discretion Wollam may be authorized communicate above in informal discussions rebel leaders. Attention also called to Department position which unchanged Department announcement on March 144 suspension of arms shipments.
FYI Department agrees we should not bow to rebel condition of observer to assure compliance MDAP Agreement by working with rebel directorate. End FYI
Any comments Embassy has on above will be welcomed.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 737.00/7–358. Confidential; Niact. Drafted by Wieland, cleared in substance with Whiteman, and approved by Rubottom who signed for Dulles.↩
- Documents 78 and 80.↩
- Department of State press release 383, which dealt with the “erroneous reports of arms deliveries to Cuba.” For text, see Department of State Bulletin, July 28, 1958, p. 153.↩
- See Document 36.↩