151.          Editorial Note

 

Prior to the Cuban national elections scheduled for November 3, the Public Affairs Adviser in the Bureau of Inter‑American Affairs, Orville Anderson, prepared an information memorandum, dated October 29, regarding the elections (ARA Series No. 163) for the U.S. Information Agency. After providing background, a list of parties and candidates, and a description of the rebel groups, Anderson offered the following guidance on the U.S. Government's position:

 

"The continued suspension of constitutional guarantees‑freedom of expression, right of assembly, and freedom of movement‑is hardly a proper climate for the elections. The stated purpose and potential of the rebels to disrupt elections in certain areas is another damper on the elections. In addition, the weakness of the presidential candidates and the unpopularity of the regime and distrust over how it will handle the elections all combine to produce an apathetic and cynical Cuban electorate.

"The US position both public and otherwise, is one of complete hands‑off, the election being an internal matter to be decided by the people of Cuba. It is suggested that only such factual coverage as may be required for credibility be given the election results." (Department of State, ARA Special Assistant Files: Lot 60 D 513, Cuba 1958)

 

On November 3, the day of the elections, the Consulate at Santiago de Cuba reported through the Embassy in Havana that it was doubtful if 5 percent of the electorate voted in that city. It had been widely rumored that party caucuses had determined the winning provincial and local candidates the previous day. Wollam said that, although there had been shooting forays in the city the previous two nights, the city had been extraordinarily quiet that day. (Telegram 463 from Havana, November 4; ibid., Central Files, 737.00/11‑458)

On November 4, Ambassador Smith reported that early returns indicated that Rivero Agüero had been elected President by a wide majority, and that the elections in Havana had been held in a notably peaceful and calm atmosphere. Smith said that charges of fraud would undoubtedly soon be forthcoming. (Ibid.) For Smith's recollections concerning the elections, including his election‑night telephone con­versation with Foreign Minister Guell, see The Fourth Floor, pages 152‑157.

In telegram 247 to Havana, November 6, the Department asked for, as soon as there was a basis for judgment, the Embassy's "evalua­tion of election results, their acceptability to Cuban people, and pros­pects of Rivero Aguero's assuming real control and success in intention to ameliorate present strife." (Department of State, Central Files, 737.00/11‑658)