Washington, December 31, 1958 - 10:42 p.m.

143. Embtel 207.[2] Tobar has presumably by now heard from Chiriboga re latter's conversation with Arias December 30th and Arias plan to invite five ex-presidents, including Galo Plaza, to meet in Panama and discuss steps in nature of good offices they might take in purely private capacity help bring about cessation fighting in Cuba and aid various parties resolve political situation. Dept is giving sympathetic backing such move without being directly involved. Bolivian Foreign Minister Andrade, currently in US, has given Arias assurances that Paz Estenssoro would accept.

Presently unclear as to what attitude of either side in Cuba would be toward such initiative, beyond indications received from Tobar Embtel 203, [3] nor what possible formulas might be found useful for political solution.

Dept understands Cuban exiles in Miami and elsewhere are actively addressing messages to officials and organizations in various countries urging actions to support their cause, especially through OAS. Dept is of course maintaining its position of non-intervention and doubts that action through OAS would be appropriate or politically possible beyond expression of humanitarian desire see end of bloodshed and strife. On this basis, however, we still hope effective steps can be taken. You may convey appreciation to Tobar for his initiative.

Herter

NOTES:

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 737.00/12-3158. Confidential; Priority. Drafted by Dreier, cleared with Snow, approved by Little, and signed by Rubottom for Herter. Repeated to Havana.

2. In telegram 207, December 31, the Embassy in Quito reported that Tobar had received a further cable from persons in Miami claiming to be Castro representatives and wanted the Department of State's guidance before replying. According to the Embassy, Tobar was anxious not only to stop the bloodshed, but also to obtain Batista's and Castro's acceptance of an interim government. Tobar was prepared to designate a qualified person with the rank of Ambassador to conduct negotiations, but that person would function covertly. (Ibid.)

3.Document 195.