Cable from the Chinese Embassy in Cuba, 'Reactions of Cuban Society to Fidel Castro’s Address'

Ministry of Foreign Affairs:

A continuing report [on Castro’s televised address on 1 November],

Reactions to Castro’s address on the 1st [of November]:

According to the mayor of Havana, the salient point of Fidel’s address is that [Cuba] will not trade for peace by making concessions to imperialism. Cuba is willing to negotiate, but it will not sacrifice its people’s interests.

A [teaching] instructor at the Embassy observed that Fidel is a man of dignity. He is a great leader, braver than Khrushchev. Khrushchev allowed the UN to send personnel to supervise [the removal of the Soviet missiles] and the Red Cross to investigate. But Castro said no, with an extremely resolute attitude. Cuba is not commanded by the Soviet Union; it is commanded by the Cuban people. Soviet support, also acknowledged by Fidel, is crucial. Had [Anastas] Mikoyan’s visit preceded Fidel’s address, Mikoyan would have become very unpopular [with the Cubans]. Now it is good because Fidel has made it clear.

2) On withdrawing bases:

As the mayor of Havana claimed, the difficult moment is a good test for friendship with, and support for Cuba [by other countries].

One writer maintained that Soviet Union not only has committed a mistake on the Yugoslavia problem, but it did too on the Cuba problem. Khrushchev worked at the command of Kennedy.

3) Reactions towards China’s support:

As the mayor of Havana said, from [the moment of] the Cuban revolution succeeding until now, China has consistently supported Cuba. This help is unselfish. Just like what [Ernesto “Che”] Guevara said, China sacrificed itself to help Cuba.

The head of one department of the President’s compound said, “Not just now, I said it a long time ago that [I] am for Mao Zedong.”

4) On war preparation:

A director from the education ministry said, “The major target of this mobilization of war preparation is militias and government officials. But middle school students are also required to participate, on which the education ministry has made a lot of efforts.”

A composer said, “The literature and art front of Cuba is normally filled by endless arguments and disagreements, but facing a possible American invasion, it is now in an unprecedented solidarity and unity. Many writers, poets, painters, and musicians, all go deep to the front to boost the spirit of troops.” 

[Chinese] Embassy in Cuba

2 November 1962