Foreign Relations of the United States, 1961–1963, American Republics; Cuba 1961–1962; Cuban Missile Crisis and Aftermath, Volumes X/XI/XII, Microfiche Supplement

678. Memorandum for the record prepared by McCone, May 15¹

May 15, 1963

SUBJECT

• Discussion with Secretary Rusk, 14 May, 6:30–7:00 p.m.

[Here follows material unrelated to Cuba.]

2. Secretary Rusk and I reviewed the Castro trip to Moscow. Both expressed concern over timing of the trip and its length. Rusk asked if we had noticed any changes or unusual situations in Havana. The answer was negative. Rusk referred to recent statements of Khrushchev’s that he was going to “hatch a big egg” and wondered if this related in any way or tied in with Castro’s visit. DCI expressed concern over Cuba, the inadequacy of high-level photography, the innumerable ominous reports, the inadequacy of agent and liaison reporting and his general concern and uncertainty over the future.

NOTE: This same concern was expressed to the Standing Group earlier in the day when the DCI was discussing the need for low-level photography.

The discussion with Secretary Rusk was inconclusive in this connection.

3. Rusk brought up the question of defecting Castro, suggesting he might be made a “Caribbean Tito.” DCI responded that he had had serious thoughts about this, they were somewhat dimmed by Castro’s trip to Moscow, that he had developed an approach with Donovan but that making Castro a “Caribbean Tito” would not be satisfactory. On the contrary, what would have to happen would be a direct face-about by Castro, a decision and determination to have the Soviets move out of Cuba, an agreement with the United States to permit free travel through Cuba for inspection purposes, stopping of propaganda and insurgent activities against Latin American states, and assuming a posture compatible with the OAS. Secretary Rusk felt these measures were so extreme that they were probably unattainable. McCone said he thought the question of working with Castro very delicate politically and should be handled with extreme care. No action required on this at the present time.

4. Secretary Ball and Secretary Martin then joined, and we discussed briefly the Haitian situation. Martin seemed convinced that Duvalier would leave Haiti with his family on May 15th. McCone expressed doubt.

Attched to Original

[text not declassified]

1. Review with Rusk about the Castro trip to Moscow. Secret. 2 pp. CIA, DCI (McCone) Files: Job 80–B01285A, Memoranda for the Record.