295. Memorandum From the President’s Deputy Special Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kaysen) to President Kennedy0
Washington, March 17,
1963.
Mr. President:
- 1.
- Attached is the latest on Cuba from Moscow. In Khrushchev’s absence, Foy Kohler delivered his oral message to Kuznetsov. Kuznetsov’s comments are at Tab 1.1 At Tab 2 for reference are Kohler’s instructions.2
- 2.
- Donovan called the Department this morning. He expects to have one more meeting with Castro this morning and will be back in Miami at 5:00 P.M., when we will know more. He spent yesterday with the U.S. prisoners, seeing the 17 at the Isle of Pines and the others in confinement near Miami. He has reported that all are in reasonable condition although the ones on the Isle of Pines are in better shape. He has arranged for the release of the two women and one mentally ill man. The Cubans have agreed to release the rest of the natural born U.S. citizens once all the goods are delivered, but are still holding out on the naturalized citizens.
The Department is working hard on getting shipping and hopes to have the deliveries completed in two weeks.
C.
K.3
- Source: Kennedy Library, National Security Files, Countries Series, Cuba, General, 3/63. Secret; Eyes Only.↩
- See Document 294.↩
- See Document 293.↩
- Printed from a copy that bears these typed initials.↩