Ciudad Trujillo, December 29, 1958 - 11 a.m.

239. Re: Deptel 193.[2] Presence Prime Minister of Cuba and others reported Embtel 236.[3] At Cuban Embassy reception last night Guell advised me that by now the most casual political observers should be aware of fact that Castro forces clearly infiltrated with Communist agents and Castro receiving support from international Communist movement. He stated that situation in Cuba presently most precarious since GOC has been unable to secure sufficient arms to mount adequate counter-offensive and that should GOC fall the difficulties within Cuba and the effect upon all of its neighbors would be more serious and of greater magnitude than Guatemalan take-over.

Prime Minister Guell further advised me that GOC was prepared to "do anything necessary" to assure continuation of constitutional government looking towards development full democratic regime and prepared to discuss problem along this line, presumably with influential representative Cubans and with US.

Concluded by stressing point that present situation can be salvaged only if US will do 2 things immediately: (1) supply arms to constituted government GOC and (2) give public support to GOC for psychological reason on basis aforesaid discussions.

No public announcement as yet made regarding reason for trip and business undertaken and due to fact Embassy requested make no inquiry I have as yet been unable to ascertain this information.

Farland

195. Telegram From the Embassy in Ecuador to the Department of State [1]

Quito, December 29, 1958 - 4 p.m.

203. My telegram 200. [2] Tobar received Batista's reply this morning. Batista expresses thanks and suggests Tobar confer with Panamanian and Cuban Ambassadors Washington. Tobar is telegraphing appropriate instructions to Chiriboga. Believes you should have representative present informal discussions. Thinks that these discussions might produce decision 3 or 4 friendly countries send covert emissaries confer with Batista and Castro. Some of latter's agents in United States have been trying establish contact with Tobar here Ecuador. He hitherto has ignored overtures. Now however feels free to make contact. Is anxious to receive whatever suggestions you may offer. Desires be kept up to date and said he would promptly pass to US news of all developments.

Ravndal

NOTES:

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 737.00/12-2958. Confidential; Priority.

2. Telegram 200, December 24, in response to a Department of State inquiry, indicated that Tobar was still awaiting Batista's reply. (Ibid., 737.00/12-2458) In telegram 135 to Quito, December 24, the Department had inquired about the present status of the Tobar initiative in view of its "active study" of the Cuban situation and the "possibility of other initiatives." (Ibid., 737.00/12-1558)