66. Telegram From the U.S. Interests Section in Cuba to the Department of State1
8038. Subj: (S) Demarche: Soviet Brigade in Cuba. Ref: (A) State 227405 (B)2 Havana 8030.3
1. (S—Entire text)
[Page 134]2. Vice Minister Pelegrin Torras received me promptly at 8:30 this morning. I read to him points in Ref (A), i.e. that we knew Soviet unit was here, that this was cause of deep concern to my government and would burden our relations.
3. Vice Minister heard me out, took careful notes and said he would immediately transmit substance of demarche to highest levels of GOC. By way of official reply, he said Cuba would neither deny nor confirm presence of Soviet unit or units. It was Cuba’s sovereign right and duty to arrange its own defenses. It owed no explanations to U.S. or anyone else. Nothing in Cuba threatened security of U.S.
4. He went on to add personal comment that some in U.S. still did not seem to understand that U.S. could no longer make demands on Cuba as though it not a sovereign country, nor demand explanations for actions which were within Cuba’s sovereign rights. He noted further that Cuba was aware of threatening statements on part of some political figures in U.S.
5. I pointed out to him that my instructions were to express the deep concern of my government—a perfectly legitimate concern under the circumstances; I was not instructed to demand explanations, as he would see by reviewing his notes. I could not answer for statements made by those not members of executive branch of USG, but whatever position of individuals might be, position of USG was clear; it regarded presence of Soviet unit as matter of concern which was better to raise now lest Cubans have impression U.S. was indifferent. Concern was being expressed through proper diplomatic channels and in prudent, responsible manner. We had already spoken to Soviets, as the other government involved.
6. Vice Minister noted that Cuba had often been threatened by U.S., most recently by air-naval maneuvers late last year. U.S. never offered explanations to Cuba of such menacing moves but seemed to expect Cuba to explain even clearly defensive measures. I reiterated that present demarche was not demand for explanation but expression of concern. It went without saying, however, that comments of GOC which would help us to understand situation would be useful and appreciated.
7. Vice Minister repeated that he would transmit concerns to highest levels of GOC.
8. GOC has made no public comment on subject. Some newsmen here had been alerted by mid-level Cuban officials to expect a statement, but when question re Soviet troops in Cuba was put to Cuban briefers at NAM Conference Hall last night, it received only a “no comment.” “Granma” this morning ignores whole issue.
[Page 135]9. If asked by American newsmen if I have raised matter with GOC, I intend to say I have but make no further comment.
- Source: Carter Library, National Security Affairs, Staff Material, North/South, Pastor, Country, Box 15, Cuba, 2/29/80. Secret; Cherokee; Immediate; Nodis.↩
- See footnote 1; Document 60.↩
- See Document 64.↩