The first set of documents I’ll be translating and posting over the coming weeks are from those donated to the National Security Archive by Russian historian Sergo Mikoyan dealing with the Cuban Missile Crisis. There are 60 documents in all, and will be of interest to Cold War historians and those interested in Soviet, Russian, Cuban, and/or US political history in the 1960s. The first offering is a declassified Top Secret document from 27 April 1961: “Resolution of the Presidium of the Central Committee (TsK) – On a number of activities of the Government of Cuba related to the aggressive actions of the United States”.
Document 1: 27 April 1961 – Resolution of the Presidium of the Central Committee (TsK) – On a number of activities of the Government of Cuba related to the aggressive actions of the United States
TOP SECRET
No. P326/7
Abstract of record No. 326 from a session of the Presidium of the TsK on 27 April 1961.
On a number of activities of the Government of Cuba related to the aggressive actions of the United States.
- Approve the draft instructions to the Soviet Ambassador to Cuba (attachment 1).
- Approve the draft instructions to the Soviet Representative to the Security Council (attachment 2).
SECRETARY OF THE TsK
To bullet 7 of Record No. 326
Attachment 1
Secret
PRIORITY
HAVANA
SOVIET AMBASSADOR
Immediately visit F. Castro (or Dorticos) and, citing the mandate of the Soviet Government, discuss with him the following issues:
1. Currently the US is aggressively firing up an anti-Cuban campaign, clearly intended to prepare popular opinion, primarily that of the United States itself and Latin American countries, to the notion of a possible US military coup against Cuba. Actively engaging in the campaign, as is commonly known, are President Kennedy, Secretary of State Rusk, the leaders of both parties in the US Congress, and other prominent American political officials. According to available information, the Americans – using intense pressure and intimidation – are forcefully cultivating the governments of the Latin American countries in order to knock together a unified front against revolutionary Cuba under the false claim of a countering the “Communist infiltration” of the Western hemisphere.
In connection with the evolving situation, thought should have been given to new steps that could now be taken in order to disrupt the designs of the US Government. Moscow believes that the question now arises as to whether or not the Cuban Government should repeat their declaration of Cuba’s readiness to arrive at a peaceful settlement of Cuban-American relations. It is possible that, in so doing, it would be worthwhile to speak out for the restoration of diplomatic relations between both countries. In this regard, suggest to the US Government that they designate high-ranking representatives to meet with corresponding representatives from the Cuban Government at the earliest opportunity in a location mutually suitable for both countries (for example, in some Latin American country). Naturally, if the Cuban Government shares these sentiments, it would be best if F. Castro himself is the one making the announcement.
Point out that, in the opinion of the Soviet Government, this action by Cuba would strike a chord in progressive circles in many of the world’s nations, including Latin America, and even further strengthen the authority of the revolutionary government of Cuba, as well as its foreign policy. Even if the Americans rebuff the suggestion, Cuba will suffer no political damage; indeed, world public opinion with even greater consensus will come out in support of Cuba in the face of the provocational and interventionist policies of the United States. Confirmation of the peaceable aspirations of Cuba’s position would even strengthen its posture in Latin America.
2. In view of US preparations for new provocations and their pressure on Latin American countries in order to enlist their support, in one form or another, for the aggressive policy of the US in the Cuba question, in the opinion of the Soviet Government, it would be advisable to immediately turn to the Security Council and bring up the question before the Council regarding the continuing threat of US aggression against Cuba and the need to take steps to prevent this step.
If the Government of Cuba is amenable to this, it goes without saying that the Soviet Union will actively support Cuba’s revolutionary government case before the Security Council.
Telegraph implementation.
Translating History 