510. Telegram 1703 from USUN, November 91
Eyes Only for Secretary. Dept pass White House. RE: Cuba.
Ruegger and Borsinger (ICRC) called on McCloy and Yost this afternoon. After final mtg with SYG they return tomorrow to Geneva to report to ICRC.
They informed us that Cuban Govt consent to proposed inspection operation has been received and that preliminary draft agreement covering operation has been worked out with UN Secretariat. However in view definite SOV statement to them yesterday that operation would be unnecessary after completion SOV withdrawal of offensive weapons from Cuba, and that that withdrawal would be completed Nov 10, they saw little use in proceeding with operation. We reported subsequent conversation with Morozov in which he had not flatly rejected possibility of longer duration but agreed that change in SOV position is unlikely, and that in absence such change there would be no point in proceeding. Ruegger said it would take about one week to set up operation after it had been approved. However this time might be shortened slightly.
Incidentally Ruegger mentioned that according to what he had been told, both by SYG and by Morozov, idea of using Red Cross in this operation originated with SYG in fol manner: He proposed to SOVs temporary inspection of incoming vessels through any one of 3 instrumentalities, UN itself, neutral Ambs in Cuba, or ICRC. SOVs chose latter.
[Facsimile Page 2]Comment. In absence change in SOV position in regard to duration of ICRC operation and in view of fact continuance US quarantine permits such inspection as we deem necessary, we agree with present position of SYG and ICRC that proposal for inspection incoming shipments by the latter need not be pressed any further at this time.
- Meeting between Ruegger and Borsinger (ICRC) and McCloy and Yost re Cuban consent to proposed inspection operation. Top Secret. 2 pp. DOS, CF, 737.56361/11–962.↩