Office of the Historian

96. Telegram From the Embassy in Cuba to the Department of State1

Havana, July 11, 1958—10 a.m.

50. During my exchange of views with Batista on July 10, he stated that if the overthrow of the GOC were brought about by US intervention, as described in Embtel 49,2 only chaos and a complete breakdown of law and order would ensue in Cuba.

These are the conditions the Communists are striving for.

He further stated that Raul Castro spent three years behind the Iron Curtain and obviously has been fully indoctrinated.

I stressed the fact that the US had no such intentions and that we appreciated the support of the friendly GOC as often displayed in all international matters. I further stated that I would make inquiries regarding the allegations in Embtel 49.

Smith
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 737.00/7–1158. Confidential; Niact.↩
  2. Document 94.↩