4. Telegram From the Embassy in Cuba to the Department of State[1]

Havana, January 11, 1958‑6 p.m.

369. For Rubottom. Guell reports Felipe Pazos claims Department will cooperate with opposition by holding back on delivery of arms to GOC.

GOC anxious for prompt delivery of 20 armored cars. See previous cables. Batista states he does not want to embarrass US. So if delivery is to be deferred he will cancel order rather than suffer delay and request refund money on deposit.

Reference Embtel 368.[2]

Because I have obtained definite assurances from Batista that he will not continue suspension guarantees after January 27, I urgently request that we make delivery of armored cars on schedule. If GOC is forced to cancel this order because of our deferring delivery, it may seriously damage my overall objectives. Therefore I earnestly hope you will support me in this request.

Smith

[1] Source: Department of State, Central Files, 737.00/1‑1158. Secret.

[2] In telegram 368, January 11, Smith reported that he had obtained assurances that day that Batista would restore constitutional guarantees on January 27, on condition that no unforeseen violence would break out prior to that time. Smith said he obtained this promise without offering any U.S. Government commitments, only his "personal assurance" that the Cuban Government could rely on the full cooperation of the United States. (Ibid.)