320. Editorial Note
In his letter to President Kennedy, April 29, 1963, (see Document 316) Chairman Khrushchev devoted several paragraphs to Cuba. Regarding the Soviet military presence, he reiterated that the Soviets had “withdrawn several times more people than has been stated in the American press. How this matter will develop in the future depends on a number of circumstances and in the first place on the pace at which the atmosphere in the region of the Caribbean Sea will be normalized, and whether, as could be expected, the reasons which occasioned the necessity for assistance to the Cubans by Soviet military specialists and instructors will disappear.” For text, see Foreign Relations, 1961–1963, volume XI, pages 791–793.
The next day, at a meeting of the National Security Council, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Harriman reported on his talks on Cuba with Khrushchev and Soviet Foreign Minister Gromyko in Moscow on April 25. According to the summary record of the meeting, “Harriman believes the Russians will go to great lengths to ensure that Castro remains in control of Cuba. After Cuban troops are trained, the Russian troops can be expected to leave, but Soviet economic aid will be continued at a level necessary to ensure a going economy in Cuba.” For text, see ibid., pages 795–797. The memorandum of Harrimanʼs conversation with Khrushchev and Gromyko on April 25 is ibid., pages 788–791.