Cuba
224. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Nixon
Kissinger reported on aerial reconnaissance of Cuba.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 782, Country Files, Latin America, Soviet Naval Activity in Cuban Waters, Vol. I (Cienfuegos). Top Secret; Sensitive; Eyes Only. Nixon wrote on the third page: “I want a report on a crash basis on (1) what CIA can do to support any kind of action which will irritate Castro (2) what actions we can take which we have not yet taken to boycott nations dealing with Castro (3) most important what actions we can take covert or overt to put missiles in Turkey—or a sub base in the Black Sea—anything which will give us some trading stock.” Attached but not published at Tab A is a note from the Soviet Embassy, given to Kissinger during his August 4 meeting with Vorontsov. (Ibid.)
225. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Nixon
Kissinger provided President Nixon with an overview of the significance of Soviet naval facilities at Cienfuegos, and a list of policy options, in anticipation of a September 23 NSC meeting.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–29, NSC Meeting, Jordan, September 23, 1970. Top Secret; Sensitive; Eyes Only. The memorandum is a “non-log” item and was not initialed by Kissinger.
226. Minutes of a Meeting of the National Security Council
The National Security Council met to discuss the evidence and consequences of a Soviet submarine base at Cienfuegos.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–109, NSC Meeting Minutes, Originals, September 23, 1970. Top Secret; Sensitive. The meeting took place in the Cabinet Room. Tab A was not attached. The conversation is also published in Foreign Relations, 1969–1976, vol. XII, Soviet Union, January 1969–October 1970, Document 214.
227. Memorandum for the Record
The Senior Review Group discussed contingency press guidance for use if information regarding the submarine base at Cienfuegos became public.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 782, Country Files, Latin America, Soviet Naval Activity in Cuban Waters, Vol. II, Cienfuegos. Top Secret; Sensitive; Eyes Only. In a September 25 memorandum to Rogers, Laird, Helms, and Moore, Kissinger provided press guidance and reported that the President mandated “rigid adherence” to such guidance, with “no backgrounding, comment, or speculation of any kind on this subject by U.S. spokesmen and officials.” (Ibid.)
228. Memorandum From Viron P. Vaky of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger)
Vaky noted reports that the Cuban Government was preoccupied with exile incursions and speculated about the relationship between exile activities and the establishment of a Soviet submarine base at Cienfuegos.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 782, Country Files, Latin America, Soviet Naval Activity in Cuban Waters, Vol. I, Cienfuegos. Secret; Sensitive; Eyes Only. Sent for information and designated “non-log.” Attached but not published are Tabs A and B. Tab A is a September 16 telegram from the Canadian Embassy in Havana. Tab B is a September 24 CIA intelligence memorandum, titled “Cuban Exiles in Central America and the Caribbean.” In an October 5 memorandum to Haig, Vaky reported on a Cuban exile plot to assassinate Cuban officials at the United Nations, noting: “My view is that it would not help our general capacity to fine-tune and control things to have an assassination like this take place in New York, and that therefore any such plan should be cut off.” (Ibid.)
230. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Nixon
Kissinger’s account of multiple discussions with Soviet Ambassador Dobrynin, including discussion of the submarine base at Cienfuegos, during meetings on September 25, October 6, and October 9.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 782, Country Files, Latin America, Soviet Naval Activity in Cuban Waters, Vol. I, Cienfuegos. Top Secret; Sensitive; Eyes Only. Attachments A through D are attached but not published.
231. Memorandum From the Secretary of Defense (Laird) to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger)
Laird provided Kissinger with an update on Soviet naval activities in Cienfuegos and Mariel, Cuba.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 782, Country Files, Latin America, Soviet Naval Activity in Cuban Waters, Vol. I, Cienfuegos. Top Secret. Attached was a October 16 memorandum from the Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, which detailed Soviet naval activity in the area of Cienfuegos. In a October 29 memorandum to Kissinger, Richard T. Kennedy indicated that “recent photography had indicated a reduction in construction activity and departure of several Soviet naval vessels” from Cienfuegos. (Ibid.) A November 4 CIA intelligence cable, TDCS 314/11498–70, confirmed that construction of Soviet naval facilities at Cienfuegos had ceased. (Ibid.)
232. Memorandum From Viron P. Vaky of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger)
Citing evidence that an elite power struggle was occurring, which threatened Castro’s hold on power in Cuba, Vaky suggested replacing NSSM 32 with a new study of Cuba, more in tune with U.S. policy prerogatives.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 780, Country Files, Latin America, Cuba, Vol. II, 1970. Confidential. Sent for action. A copy was sent to Colonel Kennedy. Kissinger did not initial approval or disapproval. The attachments at Tab A have not been found. An undated handwritten note from Haig to Nachmanoff, in the upper right of the cover page, reads, “Arnie—HAK says hold for present.”
233. Memorandum From Arnold Nachamanoff of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger)
Nachmanoff forwarded a draft telegram on U.S. policy regarding Cuban exile actions against Cuba for Kissinger’s approval.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 780, Country Files, Latin America, Cuba, Vol. II, 1970. Secret; Limdis. Sent for action. A handwritten notation indicates that it was sent to Kissinger via Haig. Kissinger approved the recommendation on November 30, but instructed: “Hold for four days to see where tender is going.” The telegram was sent as 206687 to Guatemala City, Managua, and San José, December 21. (Ibid., RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL 30–2 CUBA)
234. Memorandum For the Record
Kissinger discussed Soviet naval activities in Cuba with the Navy Commanders-in-Chief.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 253, Agency Files, Navy, 1969–71. Top Secret; Sensitive; Eyes Only. The meeting took place in the Roosevelt Room at the White House. In a memorandum to Rogers, Laird, and Helms, President Nixon instructed that there be no further discussion of the understanding with the Soviet Union concerning submarine bases in Cuba. (Ibid., Box 782, Country Files, Latin America, Soviet Naval Activity in Cuban Waters, Vol. II, Cienfuegos) Nixon statement of January 4 is in Public Papers: Nixon, 1971, pp. 17–18.
235. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Nixon
Kissinger reported on the status of the Cuban fishing boat case.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 781, Country Files, Latin America, Cuba, Vol. III, 1971. Confidential. Sent for information. Although not initialed by Kissinger, an attached NSC routing sheet indicates that this memorandum was sent to the President on March 8.
236. Action Memorandum From the Assistant Secretary of State for Inter American Affairs (Meyer) to Secretary of State Rogers
Noting that some OAS members were considering lifting or modifying sanctions against Cuba, Assistant Secretary Meyer recommended that the U.S. maintain a position against any changes in the OAS’s stance on Cuba and the active discouragement of any reconsideration of OAS policy toward Cuba.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL 24 CUBA. Secret. Drafted on April 1 by Richard A. Poole (USOAS); cleared by Jova; and the recommended actions were approved by Rogers. In telegram 66661 to San José, April 20, the Department reported that Castro had unilaterally rejected normalization of relations with the U.S. and a return to the OAS. (Ibid., POL CUBA–US)
237. Special National Intelligence Estimate 85–71
The estimate assessed the situation in Cuba, Cuban relations with the Soviet Union, Cuban efforts to improve relations with Latin America, and United States-Cuban relations.
Source: Central Intelligence Agency, NIC Files, Job 79–R01012A. Secret. The annexes are not published.
238. Memorandum From Tom Latimer of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger)
A U–2 overflight of Cuba revealed that a nuclear powered cruise missile submarine had tied up to a Soviet tender in Antilla, Cuba.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 782, Country Files, Latin America, Soviet Naval Activity in Cuban Waters, Vol. II, Cienfuegos. Secret.
239. Memorandum From Helmut Sonnenfeldt of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger)
Sonnenfeldt provided analysis on the issue of the Soviet nuclear powered cruise missile submarine, which was moored to a tender in Cuba.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 782, Country Files, Latin America, Soviet Naval Activity in Cuban Waters, Vol. II, Cienfuegos. Secret; Sensitive. Sent for information. In a May 29 memorandum to Haig, Jon Howe stated: “Unless we are willing to go to the mat to force Soviet withdrawal of the ship, it may be better to take the Soviet move in stride publicly and play it in low key.” (Ibid., Box 781, Country Files, Cuba, Vol. III, 1971)
240. Paper Prepared in the Department of State
At the request of the White House, the Department of State outlined U.S. policy toward Cuban exile groups in the U.S. involved in actions against Cuba.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL 12 CUBA. Confidential. Cleared on July 13 by Hurwitch. This paper is attached to a July 13 memorandum for the record by Curran, which indicates it was sent at the request of Colonel Kennedy. The memorandum to which this paper is attached is not published.
241. Memorandum From the Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs (Meyer) to Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs (Johnson)
Assistant Secretary Meyer requested Under Secretary Johnson’s endorsement on a 40 Committee decision to continue radio broadcasts to Cuba.
Source: Department of State, INR/IL Historical Files, Cuba 69–70–71. Secret; Eyes Only. Sent through Wymberley Coerr (INR/DDC). Drafted by Gardner. A handwritten note in the upper right of the first page reads: “Telephonically approved 3 Apr 72.” Attached but not published is the May 24 memorandum for the 40 Committee, titled “Radio Programming Targeted at Cuban Youth and Its Potential for Attracting Selected Youth Audiences Elsewhere in Latin America.”
242. Intelligence Memorandum, OCI No. 1730/71
The intelligence community provided a joint assessment of Cuban subversion in Latin America.
Source: Central Intelligence Agency, Office of Current Intelligence, Job 79–T00831A. Secret; No Foreign Dissem; No Dissem Abroad; Background Use Only. The Central Intelligence Agency and the intelligence organizations of the Departments of State and Defense participated in the preparation of this assessment. The annexes are not published.
243. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Nixon
Kissinger reported that the Cuban Government had announced its intention to unilaterally terminate the Cuban refugee airlift, which had been in place since December 1965.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 781, Country Files, Latin America, Cuba, Vol. III, 1971. Secret. Sent for information. Attached but not published at Tab A is an August 27 memorandum from Rogers to the President. An attached NSC routing slip indicates that the President saw the memorandum on September 8.
244. Abstract of Research Study Produced in the Bureau of Intelligence and Research
The study analyzed problems being faced by Castro and the implications for U.S. policy toward Cuba.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 799, Country Files, Latin America, General, Volume VI, July 1971–1974. Confidential; No Foreign Dissem. It was prepared on September 28 by INR/American Republics Analyst Donald F. Herr and approved by Summ.
245. Memorandum From Ashley Hewitt of the National Security Staff to the President’s Deputy Assistant for National Security Affairs (Haig)
Hewitt forwarded a Department of State report on an August 12 Cuban exile attack the fishing village of Boca de Sana in Cuba. The Department of State recommended an investigation into the incident and requested authorization to remind Cuban exiles that the U.S. Government would enforce its neutrality laws.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 781, Country Files, Latin America, Cuba, Vol. III, 1971. No classification marking. Attached but not published is the October 14 Department of State memorandum to Kissinger. (Ibid.)
246. Intelligence Note Prepared in the Bureau of Intelligence and Research, RARN–34
The Bureau of Intelligence and Research analyzed the reasons for a Cuban violation of U.S. travel controls and a visit to the island by Kosygin.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL CUBA–US. Confidential; No Foreign Dissem. Drafted by Herr and cleared by Summ. RARS–7, “Cuba: Difficult Choices for Castro,” is published as Document 244. In an October 26 memorandum, Nachmanoff reported to Haig that a Cuban commercial airplane had landed in New Orleans without permission, in violation of FAA regulations and U.S. travel restrictions. (Ibid., Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 781, Country Files, Latin America, Cuba, Vol. III, 1971) In an October 19 intelligence memorandum, the CIA speculated that the reason behind Kosygin’s visit to Cuba was to highlight the Soviet Union’s commitment to Cuba. (Central Intelligence Agency, Office of Current Intelligence, Job 79–T00831A)
247. Conversation Between President Nixon and the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger)
During a discussion with Kissinger on Latin American efforts to reintegrate Cuba into the OAS, President Nixon asserted that he would not change U.S. policy toward Cuba.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, White House Tapes, Conversation No. 633–4, Oval Office. No classification marking. The discussion transcribed here is part of a larger conversation from 9:13–10:04 a.m. The editors transcribed the portions of the tape recording published here specifically for this volume.
248. Memorandum From Arnold Nachmanoff of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger)
Nachamanoff informed Kissinger that a Panamanian-flagged vessel, the Johnny Express was being pursued by a Cuban naval vessel.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 781, Country Files, Latin America, Cuba, Vol. III, 1971. Confidential. Sent for information. A handwritten note at the top of the memorandum reads: “HAK has seen.”
249. Memorandum From Ashley Hewitt of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Deputy Assistant for National Security Affairs (Haig)
Hewitt raised the issue of rules of engagement in dealing with Cuban ship seizures in international waters.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 781, Country Files, Latin America, Cuba, Vol. III, 1971. Confidential. Sent for information. Haig underlined the words “if we could look at them once they are drafted” and wrote: “Agree!” In Telegram 5892 to CINCLANT, December 17, JCS told CINCLANT to prepare plans to protect U.S. citizens and freedom of the seas. (Ibid.)
250. Memorandum From the Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs (Nutter) to Secretary of Defense Laird
Nutter discussed contingency plans to protect U.S. citizens and freedom of navigation against Cuban hostile actions and actions already taken in response to the seizure of the Johnny Express.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 781, Country Files, Latin America, Cuba, Vol. III, 1971. Top Secret. It was sent to Kissinger under cover of a December 18 memorandum from Laird. The enclosures are not published.
251. Contingency Plan Prepared in the Department of State
The Department of State, in consultation with other agencies, prepared a contingency plan for safeguarding freedom of navigation in the Caribbean for third country vessels.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 781, Country Files, Latin America, Cuba, Vol. III, 1971. Top Secret. It was sent to the President under a covering memorandum from Kissinger, which summarized the paper and asked for Kissinger’s approval on behalf of the President.
252. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to Secretary of State Rogers, Secretary of Defense Laird, Secretary of Transportation Volpe, and Director of Central Intelligence Helms
President Nixon approved the contingency plan submitted by the Department of State Inter-Departmental Group for Inter-American Affairs (IG/ARA) with modifications.
Source: Central Intelligence Agency, Executive Registry, Subject Files, Job 80–B01086A. Top Secret. Copies were sent to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Attorney General. The contingency plan is Document 251.
253. Study Prepared in the Departments of State and Defense
Study on the feasibility of escorting vessels potentially threatened by Cuban attack.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 781, Country Files, Latin America, Cuba, Vol. IV, 1972. Top Secret. It was sent to Kissinger under a January 10 covering memorandum from Eliot. In a February 8 memorandum to the Secretaries of State and Defense, Kissinger indicated that President Nixon had approved the January 10 study’s recommendations and had directed “that no substantial change in the nature of the current mission designed to prevent or forestall further attempted seizures by Cuba, nor any major alteration in the level of forces devoted to this mission, be made without his specific authorization.” (Ibid.)