Washington, March 14, 1958 - 8:19 p.m.

492. Department has requested Customs to suspend export license for 1950 M-1 rifles for Cuban Army now in New York awaiting shipment.

In taking this action [2] Department considered failure of GOC to create conditions for fair elections and deteriorating political situation. Department feels long range US interests served by suspending action on all Cuban arms requests and shipments, in accordance instructions to Embassy on this subject and outlined Rubottom's January 17 memorandum to Secretary[3] pouched to Embassy.

Officers in L express opinion that act does not constitute implied recognition of state of belligerency.

Herter

NOTES:

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 737.56/3-1458. Secret; Priority. Drafted by Leonhardy, cleared in draft with L/ARA, and approved by Snow who signed for Herter.

2. A discussion of the pros and cons of stopping the shipment of rifles was included in a March 14 memorandum from Snow to Herter. (Ibid., 737.00/3-1458)

3. Document 5.