Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume E–10, Documents on American Republics, 1969–1972

265. Telegram 221538 From the Department of State to the Mission to the United Nations¹ ²

Washington, December 7, 1972, 1814Z

Subj:

• US/Cuba Relations

1. The Department has noted considerable press speculation that current US-Cuban hijacking negotiations augur some change in general US policy toward Cuba.

2. In response to questions, USUN may say that the US is seeking through the Swiss Embassy in Havana an agreement with Cuba narrowly limited to the problem of hijacking and similar serious crimes. Absolutely no change of general US policy toward Cuba is involved or contemplated.

3. If necessary, USUN may also wish to remind questioners that this is not the first time negotiations have been held with Cuba on a specific common problem, in which the Swiss served as intermediaries. The US and Cuba successfully reached an understanding on the Cuban refugee airlift in November, 1965. This development was likewise completely unrelated to overall US policy toward cuba.

1. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL CUBA–US. Unclassified. It was drafted by Philip K. Johnson (ARA/CCA); cleared in ARA/CCA and IO/UNP; and approved by Hurwitch.
2. The Department of State responded to press speculation that United States-Cuban hijacking negotiations might indicate a change in U.S. policy toward Cuba.