Habana, September 13, 1957 1 p.m.

153. Department's 152.[2] Key factor in breaking Cienfuegos revolt[3] was strafing and bombing rebel strong points including naval headquarters by F-47 and B-26 aircraft.

F-47s were purchased by Cuban Government prior to Mutual Defense Assistance Agreement of March 7, 1952. They eligible for MAP support although none supplied to date. B-26s given to Cuban Government and supported under MAP. Complicating factor is that Cuban Government turned over four B-25s which it had purchased prior to MDAP agreement in exchange for B-26s. Bombs and ammunition used by aircraft may have been MAP-supplied but impossible determine this precisely.

No other US-supplied or supported military equipment known to have been used in this incident, though possibility exists army may have employed few MAP machine guns. However army has used substantial amount MAP-supplied and supported equipment past several months in campaign against rebel force of Fidel Castro in Sierra Maestro mountains.

No MAP equipment known to have been in hands rebels Cienfuegos. Some such equipment may have been captured by rebels in Sierra Maestro operations.

Although no actual evidence of Communist participation in conspiracy, Communists do oppose regime and are well organized. Therefore logical suppose they encourage and assist all actions which foment unrest and unstable conditions. We understand local leaders of 26 of July movement were involved in Cienfuegos revolt.

We are being criticized in Cuba for supplying arms to Cuban Government. Cuba has no outside enemies. Therefore military equipment supplied by US is primarily used to maintain internal security, which means keeping any existing government in power. We understand that when Chilean Government wished to use MAP equipment against rioters in Santiago, permission was requested from Department and in view of particular circumstances of that case was refused. Cuban Government does not consult with Department before using MAP equipment.

Recommend careful consideration all aspects this matter in deciding on warning. Careful review of status of aircraft under MAP also indicated. GOC will undoubtedly maintain that use MAP equipment against rebellious groups to maintain internal security clearly within Cuban mission in defense hemisphere. Any action by US criticizing GOC for improper use MAP equipment would seriously weaken Batista regime, particularly if action public and contains implications further MAP assistance not forthcoming.

Despatch follows.[4]

Smith

NOTES:

[1] Source: Department of State, Central Files, 737.00/9-1357. Confidential; Niact.

[2] In telegram 152 to Habana, September 10, Dulles requested a report on the use of U.S. supplied or supported MAP military equipment by Cuban armed farces in the suppression of Cienfuegos revolt. (Aid., 737.00/9-1057)

[3] Reference is to an anti-government attack on Cuban armed forces at Cienfuegos on September 5 and b, which was quelled by Batista's military.

[4] Despatch 10 from Habana, September 13. (Department of State, Central Files, 737.00/9-1357)