Foreign Relations of the United States, 1961–1963, Volume XII, American Republics

160. Circular Telegram From the Department of State to Certain Posts in the American Republics¹

Washington, March 13, 1963, 8:23 p.m.

1564. In meeting March 18-20 with six Presidents Central America and Panama, there will be discussion of measures which should be taken to reduce travel between Cuba and Isthmian countries and flow of funds, propaganda and arms to them from Cuba.

We expect in course of discussion to offer consult with Central American and Panamanian Governments on additional U.S. training and other assistance which may be required to develop or improve border and coastal patrol capabilities of their respective security forces.

Action addressees should inform Govt of foregoing and state that we desire make this offer also to addressee govts. Advise soonest if govt to which you are accredited is interested in principle.

Consultations will be arranged later.

Necessary there be no publicity on this exchange until further word.

Separate message on Jamaican request for patrol boats being sent.

FYI. U.S. desires establishment of a coordinated Caribbean surveillance system involving:

a. Continued close-in surveillance of Cuba by U.S. forces.

b. A U.S. military alerting system, by which intelligence of subversive movement will be rapidly transmitted to the American Ambassadors to countries concerned through intelligence centers at Caribbean Command and Caribbean Sea Frontier Headquarters of the Atlantic Command.

c. A unilateral surveillance and interception effort by each country in its own territorial waters.

d. U.S. assistance in final interception in territorial waters upon request of the country concerned. End FYI.

Rusk

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 36 CUBA. Secret; Priority. Drafted by Deputy Assistant Secretary for Inter-American Affairs Sterling J. Cottrell and Deputy Director of the Office of Central American and Panamanian Affairs John W. Fisher; cleared by Martin, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs Frank K. Sloan, Special Assistant to the Joint Staff Director for Counterinsurgency and Special Activities Major General Victor H. Krulak, and in substance by Special Assistant to the President Ralph Dungan; and approved by Director of the Office of Central American and Panamanian Affairs Lansing Collins. Sent to Bogota, Caracas, Santo Domingo, Kingston, and Port of Spain, and repeated to Guatemala City, Managua, Panama City, San Jose, San Salvador, Tegucigalpa, CINCARIBPOLAD, and CINCARIBPOLAD.