Havana, July 20, 1958 - 5 p.m.

113. For William Snow ARA. Re Embtels 79, [2] 847, [3] 63 (paragraph 3)[4] and Deptel 728.[5] Today (July 20) Minister State inquired regarding delivery T-28 trainers. I said I would advise Department of inquiry by GOC.

Delivery of T-28 trainers was promised to GOC by me in accordance with Deptel 728.

When GOC was about to accept delivery of T-28 (to be used in training student pilots), delivery was postponed by Department because of kidnapped Americans.

Now that all Americans have been released I again recommend (Embtel 79) that Department fulfill commitment. For US to do otherwise could be interpreted in Cuba that US had been intimidated by kidnappers.

Smith

NOTES:

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 737.5622/7-2058. Confidential; Priority.

2. Document 103.

3. Document 66.

4. Document 102.

5. See footnote 2, Document 66.