348. Memorandum From the Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs (Martin) to the Deputy Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs (Johnson)0

SUBJECT

  • Priorities Schedule for Cuba

There is attached for your information the list of the Departmentʼs courses of action with regard to Cuba which I had shown to you and was subsequently provided General Lansdale.

General Lansdale indicated that he thought this was a good start, although he was, of course, disappointed that the list contained no dramatic event that could be accomplished before the review.

Attachment

LIST PRIORITIES SCHEDULE FOR CUBA

1.
Attempt to organize impressive pro-Kennedy and pro-United States manifestations in Mexico in connection with Presidential visit.1 [Page 834] Feed this back into Cuba to give impression of Mexico-United States solidarity thus undermining one of Cubaʼs most important sources of hemispheric support—the goodwill of Mexico.
2.
Make effort to elect pro-United States, anti-Castro candidates in the Brazilian congressional election. At the same time, encourage formation of non-Communist campesino leagues to offset the work of Juliao. Encourage anti-Cuban editorials and stories in Brazilian newspapers.
3.
Work toward the election of a moderate democratic government in the Dominican government and the defeat of left extreme forces in the Dominican Republic supporting Castro.
4.
Encourage Christian democratic student groups in Venezuela and elsewhere to make anti-Castro statements and resist election of pro-Castro student leaders. In this connection it is important to work with the forthcoming youth festival in Helsinki (where there will be 2000 Latin American students) to take the festival away from the Communists and ensure a good amount of anti-Communist propaganda emanating from this support.
5.
Increase support to Cuban exiles for travel throughout Latin America making well publicized anti-Castro speeches.
6.
In Chile work to splinter popular front support of Communist candidates.
7.
Attempt to secure anti-Castro statements by conservative members of MNR in Bolivia as well as political action designed to lessen strength of extremists in the MNR and in minersʼ unions.
8.
Secure statements of determination to defeat Castro communism by members of Venezuelan government and military. In addition, secure public charges of Cuban involvement in efforts to unseat the liberal democratic government of Betancourt.
9.
Encourage Latin American nations to review their passport procedures and take other measures designed to prevent travel to Cuba. Encourage the SCCS to take an active interest in this as well.
10.
Pursue vigorously the program of isolating the Castro regime from hemispheric organizations.
  1. Source: Department of State, S/S Files: Lot 65 D 438, Mongoose. Secret. Drafted by Hurwitch.
  2. President Kennedy made a State visit to Mexico June 29-30.