Foreign Relations of the United States, 1961–1963, Volume X, Cuba, January 1961–September 1962

54. Paper Prepared in the Central Intelligence Agency⁰

Washington, March 10, 1961.

STATUS OF EFFORTS TO FORM A PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT OF CUBA

1. Late in February 1961, at the covert instigation of the Agency, six leading figures of the Cuban opposition met in New York City for the purpose of (a) agreeing to a procedure for the purpose of electing a Revolutionary Council which would subsequently become the provisional government of Cuba and (b) drawing up a minimal political-social and economic program which would spell out the basic political philosophy of that government. These six Cuban leaders were:

Manuel “Tony” Varona	(Center-Autentico-Party-FRD Member)
Manuel Artime	(Left of Center-MRR-FRD Member)
Justo Carrillo	(Left-Montecristi-FRD Member)
Manuel Ray	(Left-MRP)
Raul Chibas	(Left-MRP)
Felipe Pazos	(Left-MRP)

2. While the six men named above do not represent the broad political spectrum from left to right, and thus do not represent all the Cuban political opposition, they nonetheless do represent sectors of the opposition now in militant opposition to Castro. Moreover they are figures who enjoy good reputations and respect inside and outside of Cuba; but being in politics they are also controversial.

3. Following several days of deliberation this informal Committee of Six came up with the following formula for the election of a chairman of the Revolutionary Council. First, they agreed upon six candidates for the chairmanship. These are:

Dr. Felipe Pazos	(MRP-Left)
Dr. Justo Carrillo	(Montecristi-Left)
Dr. Jose Miro Cardona	(Independent-Center)
Dr. Carlos Hevia	(Independent-Right Center)
Judge Emilio Menendez	(Independent-Supreme Court Judge)
Manuel “Tony” Varona	(Autentico-Center)

The above names are currently being circulated among the various political groups both in and out of Cuba to ascertain the degree of acceptability of these individuals as candidates for the chairmanship. In 7-10 days hence, the Committee of Six—which may enlarge itself to eight or ten in order to embrace additional significant sectors of the opposition—will then elect a chairman (Provisional President) from this slate of six.

4. The chairman, once elected, will then appoint a minimum number of members of his council. The complete council will not be named until the government is established in Cuba. In addition to persons who have been active in exile, the full council will include a majority of persons who have fought and served in the Cuban underground and in the hills. The members of the council—which will number some 20 to 24 ministers—will have for the duration of the provisional government both legislative and executive functions.

5. The Program:

The political economic-social program upon which agreement in principle has been reached by the “Committee of Six” includes—among others—the following basic planks:

A. Overthrow of Castro and return to law and order.

B. Re-establishment of Constitution of 1940 with certain amendments.

C. Holding of general elections in eighteen months.

D. The Provisional President will be ineligible to run for elective office in first general elections.

E. Adoption of economic policies designed to increase the national income and raise the standard of living.

F. Stimulation of investments of private capital, both national and foreign, and guarantee free initiative and private ownership in its broadest concept of social function.

G. Establishment of an Agrarian Program which will give full title to the peasants and at the same time provide the former owner a fair price in duly guaranteed bonds.

H. Restore to their legitimate owners the properties seized by the Castro Government, with exception of certain public utilities and other properties which the State considers expropriable in the national interest.

I. Dissolve the Militia.

J. Amnesty for political prisoners.

K. Illegalization of the Communist Party and eradication of Communism and all anti-democratic activity.

L. Denunciation of international agreements and treaties which undermine the national sovereignty and place the peace and security of the hemisphere in danger. Immediate resumption of traditional relations with the democratic countries of the world and the fulfillment of legitimate international pacts.

6. The foregoing was approved by the Berle task force on 7 March.

7. It is anticipated that within approximately 7 days a provisional Cuban government, in the form of a Revolutionary Council, will be formed. Hopefully it will merit the confidence and respect of the Cuban people and other peoples and governments of the hemisphere; it will be pledged to carry out a political, economic and social program which will hold forth to the people of Cuba the hope of a better future.

0. Source: Central Intelligence Agency, DCI Files: Job 85-00664R, Box 3, Vol. 4, Ch. 3. Secret. No drafting information appears on the source text. A handwritten note on the source text, in an unknown hand, indicates that this paper was used to brief Director of Central Intelligence Dulles for a meeting with the President.