Cable no. 370 from the Czechoslovak Embassy in Havana (Pavlíček)

Telegram from Havana File # 12.208 St

Arrived: 21.11.62 18:20

Processed: 21.11.62 20:45 Office of the President, G, Ku, 6, 1, OMO

Dispatched: 22.11.62 06:35

NEWSFLASH

[Soviet Deputy Premier Anastas] Mikoyan and [Soviet Ambassador Aleksandr] Alekseev invited all the friendly embassy leaders, except for the Albanians. Mikoyan provided information about the talks with the Cubans, though probably in a reserved fashion given the presence of the Chinese. Thus we did not consider it appropriate to ask deeper questions. Mikoyan said that it is necessary to look towards the future optimistically, although there will still be difficulties. The actions of the Soviet Union prevented a nuclear war and saved world peace. In time, nations will remember that the USA caused the situation and presented the danger of a nuclear war. Nothing about the Cuban revolution will change, it will be stronger and more resistant. In exchange for removal of the strategic materials, including bombers, Cuba will get a guarantee of non-aggression and the blockade will end. In effect, this means the end of the Monroe Doctrine and the Rio Pact. The OAS [Organization of American States] agreements also suffered a heavy shake-up. The Soviet Union, together with Cuba, agreed to a joint measure regarding the USA, and this will be negotiated after a discussion with them and [UN Secretary-General] U Thant at the Security Council. With Cuba’s agreement, the Soviet Union will within one month remove the [IL-28] bombers, under a supervision which will be decided upon at the UN. Thus, the requests of the USA will be fulfilled. The joint requests of the Soviet Union and Cuba include an end to the blockade, an end to provocative flights, and negotiations regarding Fidel [Castro]’s 5 Points. The proposals of Brazil and Latin American states to create a non-nuclear zone are seen as favorable on the whole, although with some reservations which Cuba and the Soviet Union will state precisely at the UN. Where inspections are concerned, Mikoyan said that U Thant formerly had three alternatives prepared. The first was to be an inspection of Cuban territory by members of the United Nations Secretariat, the second by ambassadors of Latin American countries posted in Cuba, and then the third inspection by ambassadors of neutral countries posted in Cuba. Given the one-sided approach and unfavorable conditions for Cuba, U Thant is currently considering creating a permanent watch unit at the Security Council which would undertake similar inspections if required. The proposal has not yet been discussed with the USA. That should create the conditions for negotiating an agreement at the Security Council. Mikoyan assured us that Fidel consulted U Thant beforehand on the point where the USA is warned that each airplane in flight will be shot down. [Soviet Premier Nikita S.] Khrushchev approved the approach. In the end he evaluated U Thant’s role solidly, saying that he proved to be very objective. Mikoyan highly praised the honesty, solid nature and determination of Fidel and the Cubans, expressing the wish that there be more of such people and countries. He said that the Soviet Union still had inconsistent views some years after the revolution, never mind that all Cubans should not have them too and instead understand everything at once. They will understand with time. In conclusion, Alekseev told me that he will give me more information. From this I infer that Mikoyan did not go into great detail about his discussion with the Cubans in the presence of the Chinese, and that he will inform Alekseev of these details. Mikoyan’s departure has not yet been fixed. I will send further information after my conversation with Alekseev.

Pavlíček 370