283. Memorandum of discussion between Rusk and McCone, April 101
SUBJECT
- Brazilian Foreign Minister Dantas
1. Rusk explained that he had had confidential discussion with Dantas concerning Cuba and had told Dantas that Castro’s affiliation with International Communism and his efforts to subvert or otherwise influence other Caribbean and Latin American countries were not negotiable as far as the United States was concerned. Rusk indicated other matters such as compensation for American properties, etc. were in his opinion negotiable.
2. [text not declassified]
3. Rusk envisaged a two-stage operation; first the rupture between Castro and the Communist and, second the disposal of Castro. At one point Rusk intimated that Castro might be acceptable if free of Communist influence. McCone disagreed.
4. Rusk felt we should attempt to develop a direct unattributable contact with Castro as the ability to reach him might be important at some future time.
5. Rusk denied any involvement in policy on Food for Prisoners. McCone expressed great concern over AG’s talks with [less than 1 line not declassified] President’s meeting this afternoon with Cardona, which Rusk knew nothing about. Apparently probing in this area is being done outside of State.
6. In summary, Rusk felt we should [less than 1 line not declassified] to split Castro and the Communists but should not under any circumstances reveal our decision reference Castro.
- Rusk report on confidential discussion with Brazilian Foreign Minister Dantas concerning Cuba. Secret. 1 p. CIA, DCI (McCone) Files: Job 80–B01285A, Box 2, Memo for the Record, 7 April–21 August 1962.↩