445. Telegram 1517 from USUN, October 281
Re: Cuba. Stevenson and Yost called on SYG this morning at 10:00 to discuss situation following latest Khrushchev letter to President.
Stevenson suggested that, in order to clearly and definitely pin down favorable developments, SYG might wish to address letter to three states concerned stating his assumptions of what had been agreed, including suspension of construction and assembly of bomber aircraft, and inoperability of weapons. He might also announce his intention to proceed promptly to Cuba in order verify implementation of agreement and to sound out Cuban Govt on form of assurances of territorial integrity to be offered by U.S.
SYG agreed letters of this general character would be desirable though he did not commit himself as to exact content. He did however agree to show us draft letter today. He said it would be helpful if he could have before his departure reply from Pres Kennedy which might inter alia indicate character of assurances to Cubans U.S. is prepared to offer.
Thant said he proposes depart from Havana morning Oct 30. When Stevenson suggested earlier departure SYG explained his desire take with him 6–10 neutral military technicians who might immediately commence verification. He felt it would be easier [Facsimile Page 2] to introduce such technicians promptly if they came with him but thought he would require another day or two to assemble them. He mentioned Gen Rikhye and an Ethiopian with U.S. military training on UN staff and other officers from neutral UN Missions, such as Sweden. View was also expressed that Sovs will desire to evacuate and dismantle bases as rapidly as possible and that it would probably be politic to give them couple of days to get this operation well under way before insisting on inspection on the spot. However on-spot inspection could commence day of SYG’s arrival, accompanying observers proceeding immediately to sites indicated on maps and photographs we are supplying to Gen Rikhye. Further to his visit to Havana SYG indicated intention to travel neither on Cuban nor U.S. plane but to seek neutral aircraft either by charter or loan. Canadian Air Force plane or Brazilian commercial plane were mentioned as possibilities. SYG also indicated intention to establish separate and secure UN communications facilities with Havana.
[Typeset Page 1268]As source of additional inspectors to be despatched later Gen Rikhye presented list which included Ethiopia, Nigeria, Ghana, Sweden, Yugoslavia, UAR, Brazil, Mexico and Switzerland. Stevenson expressed some doubt whether Nigeria and Ghana at least had sufficiently-trained personnel for this duty.
Stevenson mentioned that U.S. had called off air reconnaissance for the moment but that problem of earliest possible verification of dismantling is of course most urgent. SYG strongly welcomed stoppage of reconnaissance and said he was sure this would help strengthen favorable atmosphere and reduce possibility of incidents. Question was raised whether would be possible for U.S. to announce suspension of blockade at moment when SYG arrives in Havana. He felt this would be extremely helpful to him in discussions with Cubans.
SYG and his colleagues expressed very great gratification at substitution Kuznetsov for Zorin, with which Stevenson most heartily concurred.
- Stevenson and Yost conversation with SYG on situation following latest Khrushchev letter to the President. Confidential. 2 pp. DOS, CF, 611.3722/10–2861.↩