198. Editorial Note

A December 30 memorandum from the joint Chiefs of Staff to Secretary of Defense McElroy set forth the effects of the embargo on the transfer of U.S. military equipment to Cuba on Cuban‑U.S. military relationships as follows: 1) Cuban purchase of military equipment from other sources; 2) weakening of Cuban good will toward the United States; 3) loss of effectiveness of U.S. military missions in Cuba; and 4) inability of the Cuban armed forces to combat rebel troops and protect U.S. lives and property. The memorandum briefly reviewed U.S. policy, objectives in Latin America and the Military Planning Guidance for Latin America and Western Hemisphere defense. In conclusion, the Joint Chiefs recommended that the Secretary of Defense forward their views to the Secretary of State "with a view to:

“a. Terminating the embargo on transfer of U.S. military equipment to Cuba,

“b. Re‑emphasizing the importance of adhering to agreed U.S. policy toward Latin America, and

“c. Strengthening U.S.‑Cuban relationships and goodwill."

Copies of the memorandum, which was designated JCS 1976/ 259, were distributed to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, DCSOPS, the Secretary to the Chief of Naval Operations, DIR/Plans (AP), and Marine Corps L/O. The memorandum is published in full in Declassified Documents, 1981, 150B.