Telegram from Yugoslav Embassy in Havana (Vidaković) to Yugoslav Foreign Ministry

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, FNRJ (FPRY)

Sending: Havana

Received: 28.X 62. at 07.00

No. 230

Taken into process: 28.X 62. at 10.20

Date: 27.X 1962

Completed: 28.X 62. at 10.45

Telegram

15

Very urgent

To the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Koča. Yours 434844.

Visited [Cuban President Osvaldo] Dorticos at 1 P.M. Just today received U Thant’s message. The answer is being edited. It will be completed in an hour and I will be given it. Their intention is to address public opinion throughout that answer. According to what he stated I conclude that there is no necessary flexibility at all. They don’t have full texts either of the last message to Kennedy from Khrushchev or Kennedy’s answer, so they are still not completing the final version of the answer.

Your suggestions were passed. He states that a great deal of them will be in the above answer. Commitments will be taken during the negotiations, but not unilaterally. The condition is that they are taken by the USA too, as well as the stoppage of the blockade during them.

The idea of U Thant’s arrival to Cuba is very useful. Will be discussed immediately. Asked if it was U Thant’s suggestion. Answered that it was our opinion. Of course, they will have to invite him. Will be answered.

They are not able to allow inspection.

The idea of a special declaration of the Cuban Government can also be taken into account. They will consult immediately. I stated that it would miss the target if it lacks new flexible elements and proofs of their readiness to warm the situation; thus there must be understood what can maximally be done.

American planes continued overflights during the day. In the west part of the island there was fire at them, but without hitting the targets. He stated that there was information from Brazil that the possible attack could be in next 48 hours.

I have an impression that they are struggling between reality and Castro’s persistence. There are up against limits made up by Fidel’s speech. Today there is a certain deterioration in regard to our talks from yesterday. I couldn’t possibly find out more precisely how far they can go. I have an impression that D. was a protagonist of accepting our ideas. However, it seems that each issue is being discussed for too long. From the way and speed he has received me, in contrast to the other ambassadors except the Russian one, I can conclude that they care to be in constant touch with us.

In half an hour there will be a contact with D. A telegram will be sent immediately.

Vidaković