Foreign Relations of the United States, 1961–1963, Volume XII, American Republics

114. Circular Telegram From the Department of State to All Posts in the American Republics¹

Washington, June 24, 1961, 6:47 p.m.

2094. FYI. Colombian President Lleras Camargo in May gave USG note and memorandum containing considered analysis Cuban problem and offering specific course of action for dealing with it. Additional memorandum elaborating proposal given Stevenson on recent trip.² Copies being airpouched.

Essential points Colombian analysis are:

(1) Record which led to Cuba’s “formal introduction into Soviet orbit” is paralleled by series US unilateral measures culminating in support invasion attempt.

(2) Internal political situations and public opinion on Cuban problem in LA affected in manner which prevents governmental support effective OAS punitive action.

(3) US should reject unilateral action and “force regional organization to act.” OAS action program on Cuba should deal with present and future and not with past.

(4) Essential that OAS action deal with strengthening inter-American system for future by demonstrating its ability deal with problems of underdevelopment as well as security.

(5) Alliance for Progress and Rio Treaty collective measures offer means for accomplishing these objectives. For present priority must be given to social and economic progress, unless Cubans commit major provocative acts such as attack or intervention which would call for immediate OAS action.

Colombian proposals contemplate specific program which includes following:

(1) Successful IA ECOSOC Ministerial Meeting as indispensable to creation propitious atmosphere for subsequent MFM under Rio Treaty on Cuba. Position that USG adopts to assist LAs accelerate economic development and radically improve social conditions will be “absolutely decisive.” Amount assistance required and clarification criteria under which it will be granted important. Equally or more important is action improve and stabilize prices of LA basic commodities because any new weakening of prices will “completely” annul USG monetary aid.

(2) Shortly after IA ECOSOC meeting there would be convoked Meeting of Foreign Ministers (MFM) under Rio Treaty with these objectives:

a. Examine political and juridical obligations inter-American system and reaffirm intention of American States strictly adhere to them.

b. Examine incompatibility inter-American system with policy of neutralism toward threats posed to system or individual member by direct or indirect aggressive action international communism.

c. Declare that in event any such aggressive actions or threats of aggression are substantiated by OAS vigilance committee would justify automatic intervention by inter-American system.

3. Pursuant these objectives, MFM would adopt three basic resolutions:

a. First would contain synthesis meaning inter-American system and obligations and rights its members; reaffirm intention states respect all obligations; imply that state which failed respect obligations would voluntarily place itself outside system; affirm “that any irrevocable attachment of American State to Communist orbit would be incompatible with OAS obligations”. Accompanying resolution would invite Cuba abandon ties with Sino-Soviet bloc (manner not specified).

b. Second would make clear that inter-American system does not permit neutralist position in face of threats to system or one of its members and that intervention international communism constitutes permanent threat to hemisphere peace and security.

c. Third would specify certain acts which would constitute aggression or threats aggression within terms of Articles 6 and 9 or Rio Treaty including: establishment of Sino-Soviet military bases on American territory, acquisition of nuclear weapons from Communist bloc, sending Communist bloc arms to any American state to promote subversion in other American states (sic), support to subversive movements which seek to overthrow legitimate governments and establish communist regimes. OAS vigilance committee would be set up to watch situation and convoke Organ of Consultation on perceiving threats to peace and security of hemisphere.

Colombian analysis and proposals being given immediate careful study. GOC has already discussed initiative with various LA governments. Foreign Minister Turbay currently on trip to Panama, Brazil and Chile to enlist support. Action requested: Treat this material on Colombian initiative as background. Report any local reaction. Instructions will follow. End FYI.

Rusk

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 737.00/6-2461. Confidential. Drafted by William G. Bowdler of the Office of Inter-American Regional Political Affairs and approved by Coerr. Repeated to USUN and to CINCARIB for POLAD.
2. A copy of the memorandum that Lleras Camargo gave Stevenson on June 21 is in the Princeton University, Seeley G. Mudd Manuscript Library, Stevenson Papers, Previously Embargoed Files, Box 2, Cuba. For Stevenson’s report to the President on his June 4-22 trip to South America, including his summary of South American views concerning a possible Foreign Ministers meeting, see Document 14. Information on his visit to Colombia is in telegram 638 from Bogota, June 21, and despatch 806 from Bogota, June 27. (Department of State, Central Files, 721.00/6-2161 and 120.1520/6-2761, respectively)