9.                  Telegram From the Embassy in Cuba to the Department of  State[1]

 

Havana, January 31, 1958‑3 p.m.

424. Reference Deptel 394 [384?].[2] Deptel 384 not received here until January 30. I will inform Batista through Guell as instructed second paragraph 384.[3] Re procedure suggested final paragraph 384 I recommend approval these three requests and delivery when ready unless situation significantly changed in meantime. As general policy I believe US should honor reasonable requests recommended by Military mission as long as GOC proceeds along lines acceptable to US. Holding back on each request to force GOC step by step seems petty and as likely to thwart our objective as to attain it.

Smith

 

 

[1] Source: Department of State, Central Files, 737.56/1‑3158. Secret; Priority.

[2] Document 7.

[3] In telegram 431 from Havana, February 4, Smith reported that he had informed Batista through Guell as instructed in the second paragraph of telegram 384. (Department of State, Central Files, 737.56/2‑458)