9.
Telegram From the Embassy in Cuba to the Department of State[1]
Havana, January 31, 1958‑3
p.m.
424. Reference Deptel 394 [384?].[2] Deptel 384 not
received here until January 30. I will inform Batista through Guell as
instructed second paragraph 384.[3] Re procedure suggested final paragraph 384
I recommend approval these three requests and delivery when ready unless
situation significantly changed in meantime. As general policy I believe US
should honor reasonable requests recommended by Military mission as long as GOC
proceeds along lines acceptable to US. Holding back on each request to force
GOC step by step seems petty and as likely to thwart our objective as to attain
it.
[1] Source: Department of State, Central Files,
737.56/1‑3158. Secret; Priority.
[2] Document 7.
[3] In telegram 431 from Havana, February 4, Smith
reported that he had informed Batista through Guell as instructed in the second
paragraph of telegram 384. (Department of State, Central Files, 737.56/2‑458)