Foreign Relations of the United States, 1961–1963, Volume X, Cuba, January 1961–September 1962

50. National Security Action Memorandum No. 23⁰

Washington, February 21, 1961.

MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF STATE

In calling my attention to the letter which Senator George A. Smathers wrote to you¹ suggesting urgent consideration of placing an embargo on Cuban fruits, vegetables and other commodities imported into the United States, the President said he would like to have from you a memorandum responding to the following three questions:

a. Would an embargo save us dollar foreign exchange?

b. Would it make things more difficult for Castro?

c. Would it be in the public interest?

The President asked that your memorandum to him include the views of the Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs.

McGeorge Bundy

0. Source: Department of State, S/S-NSC (Miscellaneous) Files: Lot 66 D 95, NSC-5902 Memoranda. Secret.
1. Document 49.