307. Briefing Memorandum From the Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs (Rogers) to Secretary of State Kissinger1
Cuban Family Visits
1. Nestor Garcia now suggests a one-shot series of ten family visits from the U.S. to Cuba, as a “gesture.” No “continued flow.” I think we should sit tight until after March 9.
2. In Larry’s Memorandum of Conversation of his February 7 meeting with Garcia, Garcia mentioned “the proposal made by Mr. Rogers.” This must be a reference to the suggestion we made in July in New York to the two Cubans for family visits, of as many as 100 per week. That proposal, of course, was one of a series of ideas for a reciprocal, across-the-board improvement in relations, none of which have prospered.
Attachment
Memorandum of Conversation2
New York, February 7, 1976.
PARTICIPANTS
- Lawrence S. Eagleburger
- Deputy Under Secretary for Management, Department of State
- Mr. Nestor Garcia
- Cuban Mission to the United Nations
Mr. Garcia read from a typed document and told me I could take notes but that he was not permitted to leave the document with me. The thrust of the document was as follows:
[Page 823]The Cuban Government is prepared to permit visits of families to Cuba for humanitarian reasons. However, the proposal made by Mr. Rogers goes beyond what they thought reasonable. Conditions are not favorable to starting a continued flow of visits to Cuba, much less the establishment of a regular airlift between the United States and Cuba for that purpose.
The Government of Cuba reiterates its willingness to admit, as a part of the plan being proposed, up to ten visits by Cuban families selected in the USA. The visits could take place within a reasonable term of three or four months (the three or four months to run starting with the date of the first visit).
The number of persons in each family could be up to six individuals, provided they are a father, mother, and sons or daughters who come to Cuba to visit their parents. The only necessary condition is that they be individuals not involved in activities against the Cuban revolution. Although dealing with trips in which the essential motivation is a human one, the Government of Cuba will give preference to the aged, or those affected by serious non-infectious ailments, as well as those families who come to visit old or ill parents or grandparents.
The maximum stay would be ten days for each visit.
The proposal should be formulated by the USG, and should provide the last home address in Cuba of the head of the family before leaving the country.
Visits by persons who left Cuba illegally will not be accepted.
The proposal must include the name of the principal relative to be visited, the reasons for the trip, and the name of all travelers.
The GOC will provide an answer on each case in a term not longer than one month.
In order to facilitate the fulfillment of visits within the three or four months proposed, it is best that several proposals be presented together, although the trips will be organized separately.
The visitors should travel to Cuba using regular airline flights, whether through Mexico, Jamaica, etc. The expenses are to be paid by the visitors.
Family travel from Cuba to the U.S. is not included in this proposal. Such trips will continue to be decided by Cuba in accordance with its norms, and will proceed in the manner now pertaining.
No publicity will be necessary on the part of Cuba. The USG, if it suits its interests, may release the news that the trips have been authorized.
This is our stand. It constitutes a gesture which indicates that, on the part of Cuba, there is not an attitude of permanent hostility toward the United States.
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Summary: Rogers reported on a February 7 meeting between Eagleburger and a Cuban official in which the possibility of allowing U.S. residents to make visits to family members in Cuba was discussed.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P860112–0119. Secret; Nodis; Sensitive. Drafted by Rogers. Sent through Eagleburger who wrote, “I agree,” next to the first paragraph. The meeting between Eagleburger and García took place in New York. (Kissinger, Years of Renewal, pp. 784–785)
↩ - National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P860112–0120. Secret; Nodis.↩