Havana, March 16, 1958 - 1 p.m.

543. Guell informed us night March 15:

(A) GOC greatly concerned over steps taken Deptel 492. [2]

(B) If GOC had been forewarned that MAP equipment was to be held back, they would have purchased such equipment from other countries.

(C) Present GOC equipment is obsolete and worn. As GOC is increasing size of army, it is especially anxious to receive rifles (Deptel 492).

(D) Guell will as soon as possible prepare note from GOC to US for presentation,

(E) It will be impossible to avoid publicity regarding steps taken Deptel 492,

(F) Reaffirmed that elections will be postponed and when held will be completely honest (Embtel 536[3]).

I conveyed assurances that there was no change in friendly attitude of US to GOC and again pointed out embarrassing position of US due to overwhelming criticism from Congress and press.

Smith

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 737.56/3-1658. Secret; Priority.

2. Supra.

3. Document 34.