Telegram From the Embassy in Cuba to the Department of State, December 29, 1958 (196)

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

Havana, December 29, 1958 - 7 p.m.

640. For Rubottom. Guillermo Belt, former Ambassador to the US, came to the residence and suggested following salvation for Cuba: (1) Papal Nuncio and I should go to Batista and tell him to leave the country. (2) Papal Nuncio to submit following junta to Batista, consisting of Gustavo Cuervo Rubio (former Vice President of Cuba), Luis Machado (former Ambassador to the US), Jose Antonio Rubio Padillo (doctor of medicine, prominent Catholic leader, Minister of Public Works under Prio), Guillermo Belt (former Ambassador to the US), Ernesto Dihigo (professor University of Habana, former Chief Delegate UN under Prio), General Cantillo. [2] (3) General Cantillo to become Chief of the Joint Staff. (4) US to give full support-including shipment of arms. (5) Junta to appoint a national unity cabinet (of people representing the better elements of opposition). A. Declare elections null and void. B. Dissolve all political parties. C. Call general elections within six months. Negotiate peace with Castro. D. Political amnesty. E. Punish through the courts all the people in Batista regime [responsible?] for violation of rights. E No member of new provisional government, cabinet, Junta or present GOC to run in new elections. G. Junta will ask OAS to appoint commission to help negotiate peace with rebels and supervise the election process.

I said I would be glad to pass this on to Washington.

According to Belt, the above candidates for Junta all firmly believe; (1) If Castros come into power the blood bath in Cuba will be much worse than after the fall of Machado. (2) That a social revolution will take place in Cuba. (3) That the Communists will control the GOC.

Smith

NOTES:

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 737.00/12-2958. Secret; Priority; Limit Distribution.

2. In a memorandum to Snow, December 29, Little provided further background information on the persons Belt had recommended form a junta. Of General Cantillo, Little observed: "Although he is reported to be unpopular with his fellow officers, he may take a major role in any Army attempt to depose Batista. Our military in Cuba have stated that he has an engaging personality, but that they question his sincerity and trustworthiness." (Ibid., CCA Files: Lot 70 D 149, Pending Statements)