Cuba
271. Memorandum From Serban Vallimarescu of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Deputy Assistant for National Security Affairs (Scowcroft)
Summary: Vallimarescu informed Scowcroft that the United States and Cuba had reached an agreement on the handling of hijacking cases.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Country Files, Box 780, Cuba, Vol. II. Confidential. Sent for information. Attached (Tab A) is the text of the U.S.-Cuba hijacking agreement, published with this memorandum as Document 142 in Foreign Relations, 1969–1976, volume E–1, Documents on Global Issues, 1969–1972. In airgram A–1746 to all diplomatic and consular posts, February 26, the Department transmitted the text of a February 15 note from Secretary of State Rogers to Czechoslovak Chargé Jaroslav Zantovsky that contained the agreement with the Cuban Government on hijacking. (National Archives, RG 59, ARA/CCA Files, Lot 78D189, POL 40 Costa Rica, 1973)
272. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Nixon
Summary: Kissinger informed President Nixon that Cuba had released the U.S. captain of the Johnny Express, a merchant ship seized in December 1971 after the vessel had allegedly been involved in attacks on the Cuban coast.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Country Files, Box 781, Latin America, Cuba, Vol. IV, 1972. Secret. Sent for information. A notation on the memorandum reads: “The President has seen.” At the bottom of the document, Nixon wrote, “K[issinger:] (1) Inform his family (through [Nixon’s friend Charles “Bebe”] Rebozo), (2) Agree to ‘token’ confinement in Panama, (3) If he is released be sure we handle it in way that I meet his family again & point up our follow through.” In a March 5 memorandum, Scowcroft informed Jorden of Nixon’s notations on the memorandum and asked Jorden to monitor the case. (Ibid.) In a March 5 memorandum to Kissinger, Jorden noted that Villa would be required to remain confined in Panama “for a reasonable time” but that his detention there would be “the equivalent of house arrest.” (Ibid.)
273. Circular telegram 43380 From the Department of State to Certain Diplomatic Posts
Summary: The Department instructed Ambassadors to many Latin American countries to inform their host governments that the hijacking agreement with Cuba did not signal a change in U.S. policy and that the United States still firmly supported OAS sanctions against Cuba.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files, 1970–1973, POL CUBA–US. Limited Official Use. Drafted by Philip Johnson in ARA/CCA; cleared by Hurwitch, Norbury, Ford, and Meyer; and approved by Rogers. Sent to Asunción, Bogotá, Buenos Aires, Brasilia, Caracas, Guatemala City, La Paz, Managua, Panama City, Bridgetown, Georgetown, Kingston, Lima, Port of Spain, Mexico City, and Santiago. In a March 23 memorandum to Kissinger, Eliot reported that the Latin American governments that received this message appreciated the U.S. statement but that their reactions had indicated that the OAS sanctions policy was on an uncertain footing. (Ibid., Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Country Files, Box 781, Latin America, Cuba, Vol. IV, 1972) In telegram 58440 to Asunción, Bogotá, Buenos Aires, Brasilia, San Salvador, Guatemala City, La Paz, Managua, Montevideo, Port-au-Prince, San José, Santo Domingo, and Tegucigalpa, March 29, the Department requested that Ambassadors reemphasize the United States’s position on Cuba “if you now have any doubts about your host govt’s intentions.” (Ibid., RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, [no film number]) Telegram 171684 was not found. Telegram 203974 to Mbabane is dated October 15. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, [no film number]) Telegram 224911 to Marshall Islands is dated November 14. (Ibid.)
274. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Nixon
Summary: Kissinger recommended terminating measures to protect merchant ships from Cuban attack that had been instituted after the December 1971 seizure of the Layla Express and the Johnny Express.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Country Files, Box 781, Latin America, Cuba, Vol. IV, 1972. Top Secret. Sent for action. A note on the memorandum reads: “The President has seen.” Nixon initialed his approval of the recommendation. Jorden transmitted a draft of this memorandum to Kissinger under a May 30 memorandum, not published. Attached (Tab A) is a May 21 memorandum from Richardson to Kissinger requesting authority to discontinue the use of forces to protect merchant shipping in the Caribbean, not published. (Ibid.) In a June 11 memorandum, Kissinger transmitted the President’s decision to Rogers and Clements. (Ibid.)
275. Memorandum From William Jorden of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger)
Summary: Jorden drafted and attached a proposed memorandum to President Nixon on relations between Latin America and Cuba, noting that OAS sanctions against Cuba would probably remain intact over the short term but that “the trend in Latin America as regards Cuba is moving rather fast in the wrong direction.”
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Country Files, Box 781, Latin America, Cuba, Vol. IV, 1972. Secret. Sent for action. Kissinger wrote, “File—No sense stirring up a hornet’s nest,” on the memorandum. The draft memorandum from Kissinger to Nixon on Latin American moves to restore relations with Cuba is published as an attachment to this document. The second-to-last paragraph of the draft memorandum beginning, “In my judgement,” was lined out by hand.
276. National Intelligence Estimate 85–73
Summary: This estimate analyzed the improving relations between Cuba and Latin America and outlined possible courses of action.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Subject Files, National Intelligence Estimates, Withdrawals, Box 362, Folder 2. Secret. All brackets are in the original except those indicating text omitted by the editors. According to a note on the cover sheet, the Central Intelligence Agency, the intelligence organizations of the Departments of State and Defense, the NSA, the AEC, and the Department of the Treasury participated in the preparation of this estimate. All members of the U.S. Intelligence Board concurred in the Estimate except the representative of the FBI, who abstained because the subject was outside of his jurisdiction. This Estimate superseded Special National Intelligence Estimate 85–71. Page references in the Table of Contents reflects pagination in the original.
277. Telegram 220625 From the Department of State to the Embassy in Brazil
Summary: Instructing Ambassador Crimmins to exchange views with the Brazilian Government on initiatives to relax OAS sanctions against Cuba, the Department noted that Venezuelan and Costa Rican proposals to allow the reestablishment of relations with Cuba were stalled but that the issue was likely to surface again.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, [no film number]. Confidential. Drafted by McNeil; cleared by Jova, in draft by Watson, Hoffenberg, and Devine, and in substance by Gantz; and approved by Shlaudeman. All brackets are in the original except “[3.]”, added for clarity. In telegram 227685 to all American Republic diplomatic posts, November 19, the Department reported “the Cuban question was shunted aside” during the November 14–16 meeting of Latin American Foreign Ministers in Bogotá. (Ibid.)
278. Memorandum From Acting Secretary of State Rush to the Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs (Kubisch)
Summary: Rush submitted a paper prepared by the Policy Planning Staff presenting options for reducing the negative impact that sanctions against Cuba had on U.S. relations with other countries.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P850053–0117. Secret; Limdis. An attached list of supporting documentation and an annex on the legislation and regulations constituting the U.S. program of economic denial against Cuba are not published. In a February 2 memorandum to Rush, Kubisch ageed that “our present sanctions policy has become a net liability to the United States” but noted that Kissinger had made clear “that he is not contemplating any change in our policy on Cuba at this time.” Kubisch stated that of the options presented in the paper, ARA favored either the “acquiescence” option or the “move with” option. (Ibid., P850051–2424)
279. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) and Secretary of the Treasury (Shultz) to President Nixon
Summary: Nixon rejected Kissinger and Shultz’ recommendation that a license be issued to allow the Canadian subsidiary of a U.S. company to export locomotives to Cuba.
Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Scowcroft Daily Work Files, April 19–30, 1974, Box 6. Secret. Sent for action. A note on the memorandum reads: “The President has seen.” Nixon initialed his disapproval. In a February 16 memorandum informing Kissinger of Canada’s request for approval of the sale, Hartman and Armstrong recommended approval, while Kubisch advised disapproval; Kissinger wrote, “Agree with ARA unless P [President?] approves,” and initialed his disapproval on February 21. (National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 1338, Unfiled Material, 1974) In a February 23 memorandum to Kissinger, Hartman reported that Canadian officials regarded the denial as “explosive.” (Ibid.) In a May 13 memorandum to Kissinger, Clift reported that the Canadian subsidiary’s directors had voted to proceed with the sale. (Ibid.) In a January 29 memorandum to Nixon, published in Foreign Relations, 1969–1976, Volume E–11, Part 2, Documents on South America, Document 12, Kissinger recommended that licenses for trade with Cuba be issued to subsidiaries of U.S. firms in Argentina when it could be demonstrated that the companies would be subject to retaliation for refusing to do business with Cuba; Nixon initialed his approval, while recording his preference for the “disapprove” option.
280. Transcript of Secretary of State Kissinger’s Staff Meeting
Summary: During a discussion of reaction to the granting of exceptions to the U.S. ban on exports to Cuba in the case of certain Argentine companies, Kissinger stated that Castro would have to begin making concessions before the U.S. Government moved further towards an improvement in relations.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Transcripts of Kissinger Staff Meetings, Entry 5177, The Secretary’s Principals and Regionals Staff Meeting, Thursday, April 25, 1974. Secret; Nodis. All brackets are in the original except those indicating text omitted by the editors. The newspaper articles mentioned in the discussion are not further identified.
281. Memorandum From Stephen Low of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Deputy Assistant for National Security Affairs (Scowcroft)
Summary: Low reported on plans to phase out a Voice of America radio program directed at Cuba.
Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, NSC Latin American Affairs Staff Files, 1974–1977, Box 2, Cuba—Political, Military 1. Limited Official Use. Sent for information. At the bottom of the memorandum, Low wrote, “On Nov 21 SL [Stephen Low] gave OK to Culver Gleysteen for full cut off as of Dec 1 when other cutbacks being made.” In a June 7 memorandum to Shlaudeman, Little proposed dropping “Cita Con Cuba;” Shlaudeman wrote, “OK with me. Please do check with Steve Low.” (Ibid.)
282. Memorandum From the Central Intelligence Agency to the 40 Committee
Summary: The Central Intelligence Agency proposed terminating a clandestine program that had produced radio broadcasts designed to appeal to Cuban youth.
Source: National Security Council, Nixon Intelligence Files, Subject Files A–I, Box I008, Cuba 26 April 1969–4 September 1974. Secret; Eyes Only. All brackets are in the original except those indicating text that remains classified. In a September 4 memorandum, Ratliff sought Kissinger’s authorization to record termination of the radio broadcasting program in a minute that would be sent to 40 Committee members; Kissinger initialed his approval, and a notation indicates that the minute recording the decision was dated September 19. (Ibid., Ford Intelligence Files, Subject Files M–Z, Box I012, Youth and Students, 4 Sep 1974)
283. Paper Prepared in the Department of State
Summary: The Department prepared background material on Cuba policy for use in briefing President Ford on foreign affairs.
Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Presidential Country Files for Latin America, 1974–1977, Box 2, Latin America—General 1. Secret; Nodis. Sent to Scowcroft under an August 15 covering memorandum signed by Barbian for Gammon. Additional Department of State and Department of Defense briefing material on Cuba policy was sent to Low under an August 17 covering memorandum from Davis. (Ibid., Latin American Affairs Staff Files, Box 11, President Ford—Briefings, August–September 1974)
284. Memorandum of Conversation
Summary: Kissinger and Ford discussed the possibility of a change in policy toward Cuba.
Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Memoranda of Conversations, 1973–1977, Box 5, August 15, 1974—Ford, Kissinger. Top Secret; Nodis. All brackets are in the original except those indicating text omitted by the editors. The meeting was held in the Oval Office.
285. Memorandum From Stephen Low of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger)
Summary: Low noted that events were forcing the administration to make piecemeal decisions relating to its sanctions policy and recommended that a full study of Cuba policy options be undertaken.
Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Presidential Country Files for Latin America, 1974–1977, Box 3, Cuba 1. Confidential. Sent for action. Kissinger initialed his approval for the preparation of an options paper on policy toward Cuba. The options paper has not been found.
286. Memorandum From Stephen Low of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger)
Summary: This memorandum raised the question of attendance by Cuban representatives at an upcoming World Energy Conference and recommended reaffirming the decision not to make an exception to rules limiting the issuance of visas to Cubans.
Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Presidential Country Files for Latin America, 1974–1977, Country Files, Box 3, Cuba 1. Confidential. Sent for action. Attached but not published are: an undated, unsigned draft memorandum from Kissinger to Ford (Tab I), an August 2 memorandum from Kissinger to Ingersoll reporting Nixon’s decision not to admit Cuban attendees (Tab A), an August 23 letter from Chairman Walker Cisler of the International Executive Council of the World Energy Conference to Ford asking that visas be made available for a Cuban delegation to the meeting (Tab B), and a September 5 memorandum from Springsteen to Scowcroft giving the Department of State’s view that the Cubans should be permitted to attend (Tab C), and a September 12 note from Scowcroft to Low that reads: “The decision is reaffirmed. Cubans will not be invited.” (Ibid., NSC Latin American Affairs Staff Files, 1974–1977, Box 3, Cuba—Scientists’ Problems 2)
287. Paper Prepared in the Department of State
Summary: In a paper transmitted to Kissinger, the Department outlined possible strategies for handling the Cuba issue in the OAS.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P820097–1646. Secret; Nodis. Drafted by Bloomfield on September 10, and cleared by Shlaudeman, Feldman, and Einaudi. Kissinger did not indicate a preference for any of the options presented in the paper. Sent as Tab A under a September 11 covering memorandum from Bowdler to Kissinger, which noted that the options in the paper would be discussed in a September 12 meeting to be attended by Sisco, Rogers, Bowdler, Shlaudeman, Mailliard, Lord, Feldman, Einaudi, and Anderson. No other record of the meeting has been found. Also attached to the covering memorandum but not published is a September 11 memorandum from Mailliard to Kissinger outlining an alternative set of decisions to be made on U.S. policy toward possible OAS action on Cuba (Tab B). The paper is based on a longer study of the Cuba issue transmitted by Bowdler to Kissinger under a September 6 memorandum. (Ibid., P820097–1467)
288. Memorandum From Stephen Low of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger)
Summary: Low outlined a strategic framework for possible future contact with the Cuban Government.
Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Presidential Country Files for Latin America, 1974–1977, Country Files, Box 3, Cuba 1, 8/9/74–2/28/75. Secret; Outside the System. In telegram 3375 from USUN, September 24, Kissinger noted apprehension among Latin American representatives at the UN that the United States might be contemplating direct contacts with Cuba, and he instructed the Ambassadors at all American Republic posts to seek an early opportunity to reassure host country officials that the United States would not act unilaterally on Cuban relations. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D740269–0342) See Documents 24, 25, and 26 for information on the November 1974 Quito meeting of OAS Foreign Ministers, referred to in this memorandum.
289. Interagency Memorandum
Summary: This memorandum analyzed the status of Cuban subversion in Latin America, concluding that Cuba had significantly scaled back its support for revolutionary movements in the region.
Source: Central Intelligence Agency, National Intelligence Council Files, Job 79R01099A, Box 19, Folder 2. Secret; [handling restriction not declassified]; Background Use Only; Controlled Dissem. All brackets are in the original except those indicating text that remains classified. A May 2, 1975, paper updated this study, noting that Cuba had further “broadened the range of governments with which it is willing to conduct relations through accepted and orthodox means” since the November 1974 Quito meeting of OAS Foreign Ministers, at which a majority of representatives supported a resolution that would have discontinued diplomatic sanctions on Cuba. (Ibid., Office of Current Intelligence Files, Job 85T00353R, Box 1, Folder 17) See Documents 24, 25, and 26 on the Quito meeting.
290. Action Memorandum From the Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs (Rogers) to Secretary of State Kissinger
Summary: This memorandum proposed loosening travel restrictions between the United States and Cuba.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P820113–1621. Confidential; Exdis. Drafted by Simon, Gleysteen, and Shlaudeman and cleared by Gantz and by Frederick Smith in SCA. The first recommendation was disapproved; the second was approved. Not attached and not found are: Tab A—Background Memos re Passport Restrictions, Tab B—Department Regulations, Tab C—Request by Federation of American Scientists, and Tab D—Pending Request from American Society of International Law.
291. Telegram 279669 From the Department of State to the Embassy in Argentina
Summary: This telegram contained a letter from Kissinger to Argentine Foreign Minister Vignes expressing concern over the possibility of Cuban participation in the Buenos Aires meeting of Western Hemisphere Foreign Ministers scheduled for March.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File D740371–0671. Confidential; Immediate; Exdis. Drafted by Rogers and approved by the Secretary. Vignes’s November 25 letter to Kissinger was transmitted to the Embassy in Buenos Aires in telegram 265812, December 4. (Ibid., D740351–0459) Kissinger’s letter was delivered to Vignes on December 26. (Telegram 9274 from Buenos Aires, December 26; ibid., D740375–0251) In telegram 9105 from Buenos Aires, December 17, the Embassy informed the Department of Argentina’s views on Cuban participation at the MFM. (Ibid., D740367–0437) On January 3, 1975, in a meeting with Kissinger, Orfila conveyed Vignes’s response to Kissinger’s letter. Orfila stated that Argentina did not want the Cubans to attend the MFM, but noted that if Cuba was not invited it would entail domestic political costs. (Telegram 1966 to Buenos Aires, January 6, 1975; ibid., D750004–0798) The MFM was later postponed indefinitely as a result of Latin American objections to the Trade Act of 1974. (See Document 28.)
292. Memorandum of Conversation
Summary: Kissinger and Ford discussed the possibility of establishing a slow-paced dialogue with Cuba.
Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Memoranda of Conversation, Box 8, Ford—Kissinger 1/7/75. Secret; Nodis. All brackets are in the original except those indicating text omitted by the editors. The meeting took place in the Oval Office. Eagleburger met with Cuban officials Ramón Sánchez Parodi and Nestor García at LaGuardia Airport in New York on January 11 after Sánchez Parodi requested an appointment through Frank Mankiewicz, a freelance journalist who had carried messages between Kissinger and Castro during the summer of 1974. (Kissinger, Years of Renewal, pp. 773–779)
293. Paper Prepared in the Department of State
Summary: This paper reviewed the state of U.S. policy towards Cuba and outlined the issues and choices confronting the United States.
Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Presidential Country Files on Latin America, 1974–1977, Country Files, Box 3, Cuba 1. Secret; Nodis. Drafted by Shlaudeman on February 7, cleared by Rogers and Gleysteen, and in draft by Bloomfield and Einaudi. Transmitted under a February 7 covering memorandum from Springsteen to Scowcroft indicating it was for use by Kissinger in briefing President Ford.
294. Memorandum From Stephen Low of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger)
Summary: Low transmitted an interagency recommendation to ease restrictions on trade with Cuba by foreign subsidiaries of U.S. companies.
Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, NSC Latin American Affairs Staff Files, 1974–1977, Country Files, Box 2, Cuba—Economic, Social—Sanctions 2. Confidential. Sent for action. At the bottom of the memorandum, Scowcroft wrote, “HAK [Kissinger] says he does not want to do anything before the OAS meeting.” A February 25 memorandum from Ingersoll to Ford transmitting a recommendation from the Under Secretaries Committee, is attached but not published (Tab A). Tab I, a draft memorandum from Kissinger to Ford, is not attached and not found.
295. Memorandum From Stephen Low of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger)
Summary: Low recommended a decrease in the frequency of U.S. reconnaissance flights over Cuba.
Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Outside the System Chronological Files, Box 2, 3/2/75–3/10/75. Secret. Marked, “Outside System.” Sent for action. No decision is recorded on the memorandum. In April 22 and July 22 notes to the Department of State, sent through the Embassy of Switzerland in Havana, the Cuban Foreign Ministry protested against April 9 and July 17 violations of Cuban airspace by SR–71 reconnaissance planes. (Both ibid., NSC Latin American Affairs Staff Files, 1974–1977, Country Files, Box 2, Cuba—Political, Military 2)
296. Memorandum From Stephen Low of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Deputy Assistant for National Security Affairs (Scowcroft)
Summary: Low expressed concern about a Department of State proposal on policy toward Cuba that appeared to indicate a willingness to take the lead in lifting regional sanctions.
Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, NSC Latin American Affairs Staff Files, 1974–1977, Box 2, Country Files, Cuba—Economic, Social—Sanctions 1. Secret. Sent for information. Scowcroft wrote, “I agree,” on the memorandum. Telegram 93365 from the Department to Buenos Aires, April 23, is attached but not published. In an April 23 memorandum to Scowcroft, Low noted that he was “bothered” by the position outlined in the cable because he was “not convinced it had been thought through” and because he wondered if Ford was “prepared to agree to a U.S. vote in favor of lifting the sanctions.” He noted, too, that he understood Kissinger intended to make an announcement on the licensing of U.S. firms abroad to trade with Cuba apparently without receiving formal Presidential approval. (Ibid., Presidential Country Files for Latin America, 1974–1977, Box 3, Cuba 2)
297. Memorandum of Conversation
Summary: Kissinger and Department of State officials discussed the possibility of establishing contact with the Cuban Government prior to the upcoming San José meeting of OAS Foreign Ministers.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P860114–0120. Secret; Nodis. Drafted by Gleysteen. Approved by James Covey in S/S on October 29. In a May 17 memorandum to Kissinger, Rogers outlined Cuba policy options and recommended a secret advance probe to gauge Castro’s interest in dialogue with the United States in advance of the San José meeting of the OAS, scheduled for July; Kissinger disapproved the recommendation on May 22. (Ibid., P830114–0976) The Hartman memorandum to Kissinger on pending Canadian subsidiary applications for licenses to trade with Cuba, June 5, is ibid., P810048–0859. Lawrence Lunt was a U.S. citizen jailed in Cuba for espionage from 1965 until 1979. Allan MacEachen was the Canadian Secretary of State for External Affairs.
298. Telegram 158509/Tosec 50138 From the Department of State to Secretary of State Kissinger in the Virgin Islands
Summary: The Department informed Kissinger of a Cuban expression of gratitude for the courteous treatment of a delegation to a conference in Los Angeles, observing that the Cuban note might reflect a belated recognition that U.S. policies on visa issuance for Cuban officials had been liberalized or that it might represent a response to recent statements by the Secretary indicating a willingness to establish contacts with the Cuban Government.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D750231–1001. Confidential; Immediate; Exdis. Drafted by Gleysteen, cleared by Luers and Barbian, and approved by Rogers.
299. Telegram 164011/Tosec 60117 From the Department of State to Secretary of State Kissinger in Bonn
Summary: Eagleburger and Rogers transmitted an account of a July 9 meeting with Cuban officials during which the two sides exchanged views on relations between the United States and Cuba.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, [no film number]. Secret; Immediate; Cherokee; Nodis. Drafted by Egan and Rogers, and approved by Eagleburger. Kissinger was in Bonn to meet with German officials and Israeli Prime Minister Rabin. A July 5 memorandum from Eagleburger and Rogers to Kissinger outlined matters for discussion at the July 9 meeting with the Cubans. (Ibid., Henry A. Kissinger Office Files, Nodis Miscellaneous Documents, Telegrams, etc., 1973–1977, Box 1, Folder 3) Telegram 161411/Tosec 60008 to Kissinger, July 9, reported that the meeting’s “atmosphere was good.” (Ibid., Central Foreign Policy File, [no film number]) The Cuban officials with whom Rogers and Eagleburger exchanged views were Ramón Sánchez Parodi and Nestor García. (Kissinger, Years of Renewal, pp. 775–779)
300. Memorandum of Conversation
Summary: Kissinger noted recent contacts with Cuban officials, and he discussed with Ford the possibility of private exchanges at a higher level.
Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Memoranda of Conversation, Ford—Kissinger 8/7/1975. Secret; Nodis. All brackets are in the original except those indicating text omitted by the editors. The meeting took place in the Oval Office.