November 1, 1962
Cable no. 340 from the Czechoslovak Embassy in Havana (Pavlíček)
This document was made possible with support from Leon Levy Foundation
Telegram from Havana File # 11330 St
Arrived: 1.11.62 18:05
Processed: 1.11.62 19:15 Office of the President, G, Ku
Dispatched: 1.11.62 19:50
NEWSFLASH!
To [Czechoslovak Deputy Foreign Minister Antonin] Gregor.
As I informed earlier, confusion and disappointment are noticeably reflected in the mood of the population as a result of the Soviet Union’s actions, which were not led by anyone, not even a government official. The press, radio, and television with its explicit focus on Fidel [Castro]’s 5 Points only worsened the situation. In this respect there was an exceptional cooling amongst a segment of the intelligentsia and the middle classes, while this was much less the case amongst the others. There has also been a significant rise in nationalism. Only today is the press and radio preparing the ground for Fidel’s appearance tomorrow, on 1 November, from the viewpoint of resolving the situation not only from a Cuban perspective, but a world-wide one for the preservation of peace. According to our information, Fidel visited the university where he expressed the hope that the negotiations will be successful and that he believes that Cuba’s security will be secured with the help of the Soviet Union and all countries of the socialist camp. Up until this point, information from [UN Secretary-General] U Thant’s talks indicate that the Cubans continue to insist upon Fidel’s 5 Points being fulfilled, and they are opposed to UN inspections.
Pavlíček 340
Public opinion in Havana has soured after the actions of the Soviet Union to resolve the crisis. The press and radio are preparing the ground for Fidel Castro's speech that day, accompanied by a spike in Cuban nationalism. Castro visited a university where he expressed hope of a resolution to the crisis that would not negatively affect Cuba's security.
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