November 11, 1962
Cables from Cuban Foreign Minister Raúl Roa to Cuban Mission to the United Nations (Lechuga), New York
This document was made possible with support from Leon Levy Foundation
Republic of Cuba
Ministry of Foreign Relations
Secretariat of the Minister
11 November 1962
CLASSIFIED
Cuba Mission to the UN
Government resolved to present following amendments to Brazilian proposal. First: Specifically include Puerto Rico and Panama Canal Zone as territories with the objective of denuclearization. Second: Guarantees from nuclear powers – should give guarantees not to deploy bombs against Latin America. Third: Withdrawal of all existing military bases in Latin American territory and Africa belonging to nuclear powers. This, obviously, includes Guantánamo. Explicit instructions to discuss and negotiate amendments (mentioned) first and second. Inflexible attitude around third amendment related to bases. In case it is not accepted Cuba will vote “abstention”, explaining that although it may be in essential agreement with the substance of the motion, it cannot vote for it because [the] Cuban amendment is not included. Friendly and explanatory arguments and language for Brazil. Absurd that other nuclear powers cannot have bases in Latin America and the United States has one in Cuba. A promise not to use Guantánamo as a nuclear base is not enough, because it lacks effective validity. Regards, ROA
11 November 1962
Ministry of Foreign Relations
Secretariat of the Minister
CLASSIFIED
Cuba Mission (to the) UN
USSR approved the document as sent. Text, article nine, should be substituted for another in which Soviets confirm having honored the commitment contracted in article eight. We will send exact wording tomorrow. An avenue for further discussion with U Thant is presentation of the tripartite protocol. See [Soviet deputy foreign minister Vasily V.] Kuznetsov immediately. In case the US opposes the protocol, accept U Thant’s idea of independent declaration in which each country would promise to uphold its corresponding part of the protocol. Postponing this declaration until the content of that of the US is known satisfies points raised by the protocol and Cuban government gives approval. Regards. ROA
CLASSIFIED
Cuba Mission to the UN
11 November 1962
Government opposes inspection, favorable that efforts will lead to permanent solution and in agreement that U Thant send confidential letter along the lines indicated. Regards.
A series of cables from the Cuban Foreign Minister, Roa, to Carlos Lechuga and the Cuban Mission to the UN. They discuss: a Cuban amendment to the Brazil proposal; U Thant’s idea of independent declaration in which each country would promise to uphold its corresponding part of the protocol; and opposition to inspections.
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