Office of the Historian

389. National Security Action Memorandum No. 2740

Washington, December 20, 1963.

TO

  • The Secretary of State
  • The Secretary of Commerce
  • The Director of Central Intelligence

SUBJECT

  • Cuba—Economic Denial Program
1.
At his meeting on Cuba on December 19, 1963,1 the President stated his deep concern with the extent of Free World trade with Cuba, and his desire for a detailed memorandum on the subject.
2.
Accordingly, it is requested that State coordinate with Commerce and CIA and prepare a memorandum which includes, but is not necessarily restricted to, the following information.
(a)
The extent of the trade between the Free World and Cuba—e.g. the value of the trade and the countries involved.
(b)
The commodities involved in Free World trade with Cuba, paying special attention to items which are critical to the Cuban economy.
(c)
The names and addresses of the principal firms which are directly or indirectly involved with the shipment of commodities to Cuba.
(d)
Steps we have taken with foreign governments and private companies to stop trade with Cuba, including the responses of such governments and companies to our pressures.
(e)
Recommendations for further action.
McGeorge Bundy
  1. Source: Department of State, S/S-NSC Files: Lot 72 D 316, NSAM 274. Secret. Copies were sent to the Departments of Defense and the Treasury.↩
  2. See Document 388.↩