Cuba - UN Press Releases

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Expanded Number S-0872-0002-06-00001

Title ltems-in-Peace-keeping operations - Cuba - UN Press Releases

Date Created 24/10/1962

Record Type Archival Item

Container s-0872-0002: Peace-Keeping Operations Files of the Secretary-General: U Thant: Cuba

Print Wame of Person Submit Image Signature of Person Submit <»" UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, N.Y. (For use of information media — not an official record)

Press Release SG/1353 2k October 1962

STATEMENT MADE BY ACTING SECRETARY-GENERAL U THANT BEFORE SECURITY COUNCIL, 2k OCTOBER 1962

Mr. President, Today the United Nations faces a moment of grave responsibility. What is at stake is not just the interests of the parties directly involved, nor just the interests of all Member States, but the very fate of mankind. If today the United Nations should prove itself ineffective, it may have proved itself so for all time. In the circumstances, not only as Acting Secretary-General of the United Nations but as a human being, I would be failing in my duty if I did not express my profound hove and conviction that moderation, self-restraint and good sense will prevail over all other considerations. In this situation, where the very existence of mankind is in the balance, I derive some consolation from the fact that there is some common ground in the .resolutions introduced in the Council, Irrespective of the fate of those resolutions, that common ground remains. It calls for urgent negotiations between the parties directly involved, though, as I said earlier, the rest of the world is also an interested party. In this context I cannot help expressing the view that some of the measures proposed or taken, which the Council is called upon to approve, are very unusual, and I might say even extraordinary, except in wartime. At the request of the Permanent Representatives of a large number of Member Governments, who have discussed the matter amongst themselves and with me, I have sent, through the Permanent Representatives of the two Governments, the following identically worded message to the President of the United States of America and the Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the USSR: "I have been asked by the Permanent Representatives of a large -number--, of• Member Governments of the United Nations to address an urgent appeal to you in the present critical situation. These Representatives feel that in the interest of international peace and security all concerned should refrain from any action which may aggravate the situation and bring with it the risk of war. In their view it is important that time should be given to enable the parties concerned to get together with a view to resolving the present crisis peacefully and normalizing the situation in the Caribbean. (more} -2- Press Release SG/1353 2k October 1962

This involves on the one hand the voluntary suspension of all arms shipments to Cuba, and also the voluntary suspension of the quarantine n:easures involving the searching of ships bound for Cuba. I believe that such voluntary suspension for a period of two to three weeks will greatly ease the situation and give time to the parties concerned to meet and discuss with a view to finding a peaceful solution of the problem. In this context I shall gladly make myself available to all parties for whatever services I may be able to perform. I urgently appeal to Your Excellency to give immediate consideration to this message. I have sent an identical message to the President of the United States of America." Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the USSR." I should also like to take this occasion to address an urgent appeal to the President and the Prime Minister of the Revolutionary Government of Cuba. Yesterday Ambassador Garcia-Inchaustegui of Cuba recalled the words of his President, words which were uttered from the rostrum of the General Assembly just over two weeks ago, and I quote: "Were the United States able to give us proof, by word and deed, that it would not carry out aggression against our country, then, we declare solemnly before you here and now, our weapons would be unnecessary and our army redundant." Here again I feel that on the basis of discussion,, some coirmon ground may be found through which a way may be traced out of the present impasse. I believe it would also contribute greatly to the same end if the construction and development of major military facilities and installations in Cuba could be suspended during the period of negotiations. Mr. President, I now make a most solemn appeal to the parties concerned to enter into negotiations immediately, even this night, if possible, irrespective of any other procedures which may be available or which could be invoked. I realize that if my appeal is heeded, the first subject to be discussed will be the modalities, and that all parties concerned will have to agree to comply vrith those responsibilities which fall on them before any agreement as a whole could become effective. I hope, however, that the need for such discussion will not deter the parties concerned from undertaking these discussions <, In my view it would be short-sighted for the parties concerned to seek assurances on the end result before the negotiations have even begun. I have stated in my message to both the President of the United States of America and the Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the USSR that I shall gladly make myself available to all parties for whatever services I may be able to perform. \ I repeat that pledge now. (more) -3- Press Release SO/1355 2k October

During the seventeen years tli&t . .ave pc •. od since the end of World War II, there has never been a more dangerous or closer confrontation of the major powers. At a time when the danger to world peace was less immediate, or so it appears by comparison, my distinguished predecessor said: "The principles of the Charter are, by far, greater than the Organization in which they are embodied, and the aims which they are to safeguard are holier than the policies of any single nation or people." He went on to say; "The discretion and impartiality.., imposed on the Secretary-General by the character of his immediate task may not degenerate into a policy of expediency.. .A Secretary -General cannot serve on any other assumption than that — within the necessary limits of human frailty and honest differences of opinion — all Member Nations honour their pledge to observe all articles of the Charter..." It is after considerable deliberation that I have decided to send the two messages to which I have referred earlier., and likewise I have decided to make this brief intervention tonight before the Security Council including the appeal to the President and Prime Minister of Cuba. I hope that at this moment, not only in the Council Chamber but in the world outside, good sense and understanding will be placed above the anger of the moment or the pride of nations . The path of negotiation and compromise is the only course by which the peace of the world can be secured at this critical moment. Vac.. President, I thank you.

*** # UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, K.Y. (For use of information media -- not an official record)

Press Release SG/1557 26 October 1962

'TEXTS OF MESSAGE FROM ACTING SECRETARY-GENERA.! U THAIiT TO CHAIRMAN KHRUSHCHEV MD HIS REPLY 25 October 1962 I would "be grateful if you would be so kind as to transmit the enclosed message to the Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Soviet Union.

Sincerely yours,

U Thant Acting Secretary-General

H.E. Mr. V.A. Zorin Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Permanent Mission of the U.S.S.R. to the United. Nations,, 136 East 6?th Street New York, N.Y. 25 October 1962

Message to Chairman Khrushchev

In continuation of my message of yesterday and my statement before the Security Council, 1 would like to bring to Your Excellency's attention my grave concern that Soviet ships already on their way to Cuba might challenge the quarantine imposed by the United States and produce a confrontation at sea between Soviet ships and United States vessels, which could lead to an aggravation of the situation. What concerns me most is that such a .confrontation and consequent aggravation of the situation would destroy any possibility of the discussions I have suggested as a prelude to negotiations on a peaceful settlement. In the circumstances I earnestly hope that Your Excellency may find it possible to instruct the Soviet ships already on their way to Cuba to stay away from the interception area for a limited time only, in order to permit discussions of the modalities of a possible agreement which could settle the problem peacefully in line with the Charter of the United Nations.

(more) - 2 - Press Release SG/1357 26 October 1962

I am confident that, if such instructions could be issued "by Your Excellency, the United States authorities will take action to ensure that a direct confrontation between their ships and Soviet ships is avoided during the same period in order to minim?. se the risk of any untoward incident taking place. If I could be informed of the action taken by Your Government on the basis of this appeal, I could inform President Kennedy that I have assurances from your side of your cooperation in avoiding all risk of an untoward incident. I am at the same time addressing the enclosed appeal to president Kennedy.

U Acting Secretary-General

MESSAGE FROM CHAIRMAN KHRUSHCHEV (Unofficial translation from Russian)

Dear U Thant, I have received and studied your telegram of 25 October. I understand your anxiety for the preservation of peace, and I appreciate highly your efforts to avert military conflict. Indeed, if any conflict should arise on the approaches to Cuba — and this may become unavoidable as a result of the piratical measures taken by the United States — this would beyond question seriously complicate the endeavours to initiate contacts in order to put an end, on a basis of negotiation, to the critical situation that has now been thrust on the world by the aggressive actions of the United States, We therefore accept your proposal, and have ordered the masters of Soviet vessels bound for Cuba but not yet within the area of the American warships' piratical activities to stay out of the interception area, as you recommend. But we have given this order in the hope that the other side will understand that such a situation, in which we keep vessels immobilized on the high seas, must be a purely temporary one; the period cannot under any circumstances be of long duration. I thank you for your efforts and wish you success in your noble task. Your efforts to ensure world peace will always meet with understanding and support on our part.

(more) Press Release SG/1557 26 October 1962

The Soviet Government has consistently striven, and is striving, to strengthen the United Nations — that international Organization which constitutes a forum for all countries of the world, regardless of their socio-political structure, in order that disputes arising may Toe settled not through war "but through negotiations. Accept, Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration.

N. Khrushchev

26 October 1962

His Excellency U Thant Acting Secretary-General United Nations ' New York

# *** * UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, N.Y. (For use of information media -- not an official record)

Press Release SG/1358 26 October 1962

TEXTS OF MESSAGE FROM ACTING SECRETARY-GENERAL U THAMT TO PRESIDENT KENNEDY AND HIS KSPLY

25 October 1962

I would be .grateful if you would be so kind as to transmit the enclosed message to the President of the United States, John F. Kennedy. Sincerely yours, U Thant Acting Secretary-General

H.E. Mr. Adlai E. Stevenson Permanent Representative to the United Nations United States Mission to the United Nations United Nations Plaza, New York, W.Y.

25 October 1962 Message to President Kennedy I have today sent a further message to Chairman Khrushchev expressing my grave concern that Soviet ships already on their way to Cuba might challenge the quarantine imposed by your government and produce a confrontation at sea between Soviet ships and United States vessels, which could lead to an aggravation of the situation. I have also stated that what concerns me most is the fact that such a confrontation, and consequent aggravation of the situation would destroy any possibility of the discussions that I have suggested as a prelude to negotiations on a peaceful settlement. I have accordingly expressed to him my earnest hope that Soviet ships already on their way to Cuba wight be instructed to stay away from the interception area for a limited time only, in order to permit discussions of the •sodalities of a possible agreement which could settle the problem peacefully in line 1th the Charter of the United Nations. (more) -2- Press Release SG/1358 26 October 1962 + In continuation of my message of yesterday and my speech before the Security Council, I would now .like to appeal to Your Excellency that instructions may be issued to United States vessels in the Caribbean to do everything possible to avoid direct confrontation with Soviet ships in the next few days in order to minimize the risk of any untoward incident. If I could be informed of the action taken by your government on the basis of this appeal, I could inform Chairman Khrushchev that I have assurances from your side of your cooperation in avoiding all risk of an untoward incident„ I would express the further hope that such cooperation could be the prelude to a quick agreement in principle on the basis of which the quarantine measures themselves could be called off as soon as possible.

U Thant Acting Secretary-General

MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT KENNEDY 25 October 1962

Excellency: I have the honor to transmit a reply from the President of the United States to your message to him of 25 October: "I have your further message of today and I continue to understand and welcome your efforts for a satisfactory solution. I appreciate and share your concern that great caution be exercised pending the inauguration of discussions. "If the Soviet Government accepts and abides by your request 'that Soviet ships already on their way to Cuba.,.stay away from the interception area' for the limited time required for preliminary discussion, you may be assured that this government will accept and abide by your request that our vessels in the Caribbean 'do everything possible to avoid direct confrontation with Soviet ships in the next few days in order to minimize the risk of any untoward incident.' I must inform you, however, that this is a matter of great urgency in view of the fact that certain Soviet ships are still proceeding toward Cuba and the interception area.

(more) « -3- Press Release SG/1358 26 October 1962

"I share your hope that Chairman Khrushchev will also heed your appeal and that we can then proceed urgently to meet the requirements that these offensive military systems in Cuba be withdrawn^ in order to end their threat to peace. I must point out to you that present work on these systems is still continuing.*" Accept, Excellency, the renewed assurances of my highest consideration.

Sincerely yours,,

Adlai E. Stevenson His Excellency U Thant, Acting Secretary-General of the United Nations

* UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, N.Y. (For use of information media — not an official record) Press Release SG/1359 27 October 1962

TEXT OF MESSAGE FROM ACTING SECBETARY-GSEEBAL U TOAHT

TO PREMIER FIDEL CASTRO A3TO HIS RSFLY

26 October Dear Mr. Ambassador, I would be grateful if the enclosed message could urgently be transmitted to His Excellency Senor Fidel Castro.

Sincerely yours,

U Thant Acting Secretary-General

H.E, Sr. Mario Garcia-Inchaustegui Permanent Representative of Cuba' to the United Nations

Message to His Excellency Senor Fidel Castro, Prime Minister of the Revolutionary Government of Cuba

I hope that Ambassador Garcia-Inchaustegui has conveyed to Your Excellency the appeal that I addressed to you and to President Dorticos through him in the course of the statement I made before the Security Council on 2h October. I then recalled the following words of President Porticos, uttered from the rostrum of the General Assembly on 8 October: "Were the United States able to give us proof, by word and deed, that it would not carry out aggression against our country, then, we declare solemnly before you here and now, our weapons would be unnecessary and our army redundant." I added that I believed it would also contribute greatly to finding a way out of the present impasse "if the construction and development of major military facilities and installations in Cuba could be suspended during the period of negotiations," As Ambassador Garcia may have reported to you I have received fairly encouraging responses to my appeal for'negotiations and a peaceful solution of the problem from the President of the United States and from the Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the USSR. Your Excellency can make a significant contribution to (more) - 2 - Press Release S 27 October 1962

the peace of the world at this present critical juncture by directing that the construction and development of major military facilities and installations in Cuba, and especially installations designed to launch medium range and intermediate range ballistic missiles,be suspended during the period of negotiations which are now under way. It would encourage me greatly to have an affirmative reply to this appeal very urgently.

U !Ehant Acting Secretary-General

27 October 1962 Letter from Prime Minister Castro to Acting Secretary-General II Thant Translation from the Spanish

Your Excellency, On the instructions of the Revolutionary Government of Cuba I have the honour to transmit to you the following message; "Your Excellency, "I have received your message dated 26 October, and express my appreciation of 'your noble concern. "Cuba is prepared to discuss as fully as may be necessary, its differences with the United States and to do everything in its power, in co-operation with the United Hations, to resolve the present crisis. However, it flatly rejects the violation of the sovereignty of our; country involved in the naval blockage, an act of force and war committed by the United States against Cuba, In addition, it flatly rejects the presumption of the United States to determine what actions we are entitled to take within our country, what kind of arms we consider appropriate for our defence, what relations we are to have with the USSR, and what international policy steps we are entitled to take, within the rules and laws governing relations between the peoples of the world and the principles governing the United Nations, in order to guarantee our own security and sovereignty.

"Cuba is victimizing no-one; it has violated no international law; on the contrary, it is the victim of the aggressive acts of the United States, such as the naval blockade, and its rights have been outraged.

(more) - 5 - Press Release SG/1359 27 October 1962

"The Revolutionary Government of Cuba would "be prepared to accept the compromises that you request as efforts in favour of peace, provided that at the same time, -while negotiations are in progress, the United States Government desists from threats and aggressive actions against Cuba, including the naval "blockade of our country. "At the same time I express to you our willingness to consider attentively any new suggestion you may put forward; furthermore, should you consider it useful to the cause of peace, our Government would be glad to receive you in our country, as Secretary-General of the United Nations, with a view to direct discussions on the present crisis, prompted by our common purpose of freeing mankind from the dangers of war, "Unreserved respect for the sovereignty of Cuba is the essential prerequisite if Cuba is to contribute with the greatest sincerity and goodwill, grudging no step towards the solution of the present problem, and joining forces with all those peoples who are struggling to save peace at this dramatic moment in the life of mankind; Cuba can do whatever is asked of it, except undertake to be a victim and to renounce the rights which belong to every sovereign State. "I reiterate the assurances of my highest consideration. "Major Fidel Castro Ruz "Prime Minister of the Revolutionary Government of Cuba." Accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.

(signed) Dr. Mario Garcia Inchaustegui Ambassador Permanent Representative of Cuba to the United Nations

-* -»*•* *- UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, N.Y. (-For use of information media — not an official record) press Release SG/1J60 28 October 1962

TEXT OF A LETTER FROM ACTING SECRETARY-GENERAL U THANT TO PREMIER FIDEL CASTRO OF CUBA, DATED 28 OCTOBER

Dear Mr. Ambassador, I shall be grateful if you would convey the following message to prime Minister Fidel Castro: "Your Excellency, "I have received with much gratitude and deep appreciation your kind letter of 27 October. I am particularly pleased to note that the Revolutionary Government of Cuba is prepared to accept the suggestion that I made as an effort in favour of peace, provided that, at the same time, while negotiations are in progress, the United States Government 'desists from threats and aggressive acts against Cuba including the naval blockade of your country1. "i am also glad to note your willingness to consider any new suggestion that may be put forward. I am deeply sensible to the honour that your Government has done me in inviting me, as Secretary-General of the United Nations, to visit Cuba with a view to having direct discussions on the present crisis, prompted by our common concern to free mankind from the dangers of war. "I have much pleasure in accepting your invitation. I hope to be able to leave early next week. I hope to bring a few Aides with me and to leave some of them behind to continue our common effort towards the peaceful solution of the problem. "I also note and appreciate your feeling that the unreserved respect for the sovereignty of Cuba is an essential pre-requisite to any solution of the problem. "I would very much hope that it might be possible for me to discuss with you all important aspects of the problem. It would be my hope that as a result of these discussions, a solution would be reached by which the principle of respect for the sovereignty of Cuba would be assured, and it may also be possible for action to be taken which would reassure other countries which have felt themselves threatened by recent developments in Cuba." Yours sincerely,

U Thant Acting Secretary-General His Excellency Sr. Mario Garcia-Inchaustegui Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Permanent Representative of Cuba to the United Nations 155 East Wth Street, 31 st Floor New York 17, New York UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, N.Y. (For use of information media — not an official record) Press Release SG/1361 29 October 1962

ACTING SECRETARY-GENERAL U THANT TO LEAVE FOR CUBA TOMORROW \ Acting Secretary-General U Thant is expected to leave for Cuba by air tomorrow morning on a Varig Airlines plane chartered by the United Nations. He plans to stay for two or three days. He will be accompanied by Omar Loutfi, Under-Secretary for Special Political Affairs, Dr« Hernane Tavares de Sa_, Under-Secretary for Public Information, Brigadier I.J. Rikhye, the Secretary-General's Military Adviser, and a party of 26 others. The additional members of the group include the Acting Secretary-General's personal staff, secretaries; security guards, interpreters and telecommunications personnel.

«** * UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, N.Y. (For use of information media — not an official record) Press Release SG/136J 29 October 1962

TEXT OF MESSAGE FROM ACTING SECRETARY-GENERAL U THANT TO CHAIRMAN NIKITA KHRUSHCHEV, DATED 28 OCTOBER 1962

Dear Mr. Ambassador, I shall be grateful if you would be so good as to transmit the following message to Chairman Khrushchev: "I wish to express my deep gratitude to Your Excellency for sending me a copy of your message to President Kennedy dated 28 October, in reply to President Kennedy's letter to Your Excellency of 27 October. "I note the constructive proposals you have made in order to remove tension in the Caribbean area, I believe that when these proposals are implemented the situation in the Caribbean area will be normalized. "I would like to inform Your Excellency that I have accepted an invitation extended to me by Prime Minister Fidel Castro on behalf of the Revolutionary Government of Cuba to visit his country. I feel that at the present time such a visit could contribute to the peaceful solution of the problem. As I stated in my letter to Premier Castro, the result of my discussions with him could lead to a solution 'by which the principle of respect for the sovereignty of Cuba would be assured, and it may also be possible for action to be taken which would reassure those countries which have felt themselves threatened by recent developments in Cuba.' "I am particularly gratified to note that you have already instructed your officers to take the necessary measures to stop the building of missile bases, to dismantle them, and to return the missiles to the Soviet Union, and that you are ready "to come to an agreement that representatives of the United Nations may verify the dismantling of these bases.

(more) - 2 - press Release SG/1J63 '29 October 1962

"I am also happy to note that the Soviet Government has sent 'to New York the First Deputy-Minister for Foreign Affairs of the USSR, Mr. Kuznetzov, with a view to assisting me in my efforts, .Mr. Kuznetzov is., an.old.and- valued, friend, and I look forward very much to exchanging views with him as scon as he arrives, I shall"discuss with Mr. Kuznetzov/' as well as with Premier Castro, the modalities of verification "by United Nations Observers to which you have so readily agreed, and I hope that I shall be able to 'reach a satisfactory understanding with them. "I am convinced that, with the spirit of co-operation and concern for peace that .you have shown, the outcome of these discussions will- be successful and satisfactory to all the , parties concerned.". • •

•• . >- Tours' sincerely, •'

•U Thant Acting Secretary-General

Eis Excellency Mr, V.A. Zorin Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary permanent Representative of'the•Union of Soviet Socialist Republics to the United Nations 1J6 East 67th"Street New York 21, ,N.Y. ..-.,- ' •-•'.- UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, H.Y. (For use of information media — not an official record)

Press Release SG/136U 30 October 1962

ACTING SECRETARY-GENERAL BEGINS CONFERENCES IS CUBA

(The following was received from a UN Information Officer with the Acting Secretary-General's party in Havana,, Cuba*)

United Nations Acting Secretary-General U Thant and his party arrived in Havana at 1:15 P.M. today, aboard a Varig Airlines chartered plane from New York. The Acting Secretary-General and his party were met at the Havana airport by Raul Roa, Foreign Minister of Cuba; Pelegrin Torras, Deputy Foreign Minister; General Albino Silva, Special Envoy of the President of Brazil to Cuba; Luis Bastian Pinto, Brazilian Ambassador in Havana; and Abdel Monem El Shinawi, Charge d'Affaires of the United Arab Republic in Cuba. The Acting Secretary-General began his first round of official talks at 3:10 p.m. at the Presidential Palace in Havana, Participating in the talks on the Cuban side were President Osvaldo Dorticos, Prime Minister Fidel Castro and Foreign Minister Raul Roa; and on the Secretary- General's side, Under-Secretaries Omar Loutfi and Dr. Hernane Tavares de Sa, and Brigadier I.J. Rikhye, Military Adviser.

* #*•* * UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United nations, W.Y, (For use of information media — not an official record)

Press Release SG/1365 30 October 1962

U THAMT CONCLUDES FIRST ROUND OF TALKS IH HAVANA. (The following was received from a UN Information Officer with the Acting Secretary-General's party in Havana, Cuba.)

The first round of talks between United Nations Acting Secretary-General U Thant and the Cuban Government, which began at 3slO p.m, today, lasted about two hours and ten minutes. Another meeting is scheduled for tomorrow at about 10:00 a.m. A United Nations spokesman said that the discussions "were very useful." It was added that all points raised in the Secretary-General's letter accepting Prime Minister Castro's invitation* were discussed at today's meeting. Participating in the talks were President Osvaldo Dorticos, Prime Minister Fidel Castro and Foreign Minister Raul Roa, on the one hand; and Acting Secretary- General U Thant, Under Secretary for Special Political Affairs Omar Loutfi, Under-Secretary for Public Information Dr. Hemane Tavares de Sa and Military Adviser Brigadier I.J. Rikhye, on the other.

* #** #

*See Press Release SG/1360. UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, N.Y. (For use of information media -- not an official record)

Press Release 30/1367 31 October 1962

• U THANT HOLDS FURTHER CONVERSATIONS IN HAVANA

(The following was received from a UN Information Officer with the Acting Secretary-General's party in Havana, Cuba.)

United Nations Acting Secretary-General U Thant met this morning in Havana with President Osvaldo Dorticos, Prime Minister Fidel Castro, Foreign Minister Raul Roa and Ambassador Carlos Lechuga, the new Permanent Representative of Cuba to the United Nations. The meeting started at 10:20 a.m. and ended at noon. There was a e&nctei exchange of views in a cordial atmosphere. There was general agreement that the United Nations should participate in the settlement of the problem. All the points raised in the Secretary-Generalrs letter of 28 October, accepting Prime Minister Castro's invitation to visit Cuba>* were discussed. Discussions between the Secretary-General and the Government 'of Cuba will continue with a view toward achieving a peaceful solution of the problem.

* # #

A United Nations spokesman said that, as far as is known, no further meetings are scheduled in Havana by the Secretary-General and the Cuban Government, and that the Secretary-General and his party are expected to return to New York this evening.

* ##•# *

*See Press Release SG/1360. UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, N.Y. (For use of information media — not an official record)

Press Release SG/1368 51 October 1962

STATEMENT MADE. BY ACTING SECRETARY-GENERAL U THAMT ON ARRIVAL AT IDLEWIID AIRPORT, ?1 OCTOBER

I return from Havana after fruitful 'discussions with the leaders of Cuba. These discussions were conducted strictly in the context of my correspondence with Premier Fidel Castro, resulting from the proceedings of the Security Council meetings. There was agreement that the United Nations should continue to participate in the peaceful settlement of the problem. During my stay in Havana, I was reliably informed that the dismantling of the missiles and their installations was already in progress and that this process should be completed by Friday. Thereafter, there would corae their shipment and return to the Soviet Union, arrangements for which are understood to be in hand. One last word. At my request, the Cuban Government has agreed to return, on humanitarian grounds, the body of Major Anderson to the United States.

# * #

(Note: The Acting Secretary-General, on arrival at Idlewild Airport tonight, was met by Evgeny D. Kiselev, UN Under -Secretary for Political and Security Council Affairs; C.V. Narasimhan, UN Under -Secretary for General Assembly Affairs and Chef de Cabinet; Charles P. Noves, Counsellor of the United States Mission to the United Nations; and Juan Juarbe, Counsellor of the Mission of Cuba to the United Nations . )

|V-A VA ,Ay UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, N.Y. (For use of information media -- not an official record)

Press Release SG/lJ568/Rev.l 51 October 1962

STATEMENT MADE BY ACTING SECRETARY-GENERAL U TEAM1 ON ARRIVAL AT IDLEWILD AIRPORT, gl OCTOBER

I return from Havana after fruitful discussions with the leaders of Cuba. These discussions were conducted strictly in the context of my correspondence with Premier Fidel Castro, resulting from the proceedings of the Security Council meetings. There was agreement that the United Nations should continue to participate in the peaceful settlement of the problem. During my stay in Havana, I was reliably informed that the dismantling of the missiles and their installations was already in progress and that this process should be completed by Friday, Thereafter, there would come their shipment and return to the Soviet Union, arrangements for which are understood to be in hand. One last word. At my request, the Cuban Government has agreed to return, on humanitarian grounds, the body of Major Anderson to the United States.

# Vn VKi AV- UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, N.Y.. (For use of information media — not an official record)

Press Release SG/13J6 10 November 1962

TEXT OF LETTER FROM ACTING SECRETARY-GENERAL U THANT TO PAUL RUEGGER, INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE OF THE RED CROSS REPRESENTATIVE

9 November 1962

Dear Mr. Ruegger, As you are about to return to Switzerland after several days of intensive and fruitful consultations at United Nations Headquarters, I wish to express to you my personal gratitude for the important service you and the Interna- tional Committee of the Red Cross are rendering to the United Nations and the cause of peace. My appreciation of this service is heightened by my realization that the favourable response of the International Committee of the Red Cross to my invitation was given despite the fact that the service the organisation was being called upon to provide was unusual and unprecedented in view of the traditional activities and those based on the Red Cross Conventions. I understand, however, that the Committee was inspired in its cooperative attitude by the resolutions adopted by International Red Cross Conferences of recent years encouraging the Red Cross to develop its efforts towards maintenance of peace. I am sure that the willingness of the Committee, which has such a long and distinguished record of assistance to mankind in various humanitarian fields, was due to its recognition that the prevention of nuclear war must be a paramount concern of all of us. Will you be so kind as to convey to the Committee the thanks of the United Nations for their find attitude of cooperation in an hour of very, grave need. Sincerely yours, U Thant H.E. Mr. Paul Ruegger Acting Sectary-General International Committee of the Red Cross Representative Geneva, Switzerland UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, N.Y. (For use of information media — not an official record)

Press Release SG/1378 16 November 1962

TEXT 0? LETTER DATED 15 NOVEMBER FROM PH:a/E MINISTER FH3L CASTRO OF CUllA TO ACTING SgCEZSTARY-C-ERST-UL U THANT

Following is the text of a communication from Prime Minister Castro to Acting Secretary-General U Thant, transmitted by Ambassador Cjrlos M. Lechuga, Permanent Representative of Cuba to the United Nations:

(Unofficial translation from Spanish)

15 November 1962

"His Excellency, U Thant, Acting Secretary-General of the United Nations

"Your Excellency, "The conciliatory action which you are conducting as Acting Secretary-General of this world organization is very closely linked with the latest world events concerning the crisis in the Caribbean. "There is no need, therefore, to dwell upon each and every one of the events, circumstances and incidents which have occurred in these weeks of extreme tension. "I should like to refer solely to the following matter: we have given you — and we have also given it publicly and repeatedly — our refusal to allow unilateral inspection by any body, national or international, on Cuban territory. In doing so we have exercised the inalienable right of every sovereign nation to settle all problems within its own territory in accordance with the will of its Government and its people. "The Soviet Government, carrying out its promise to Mr, Kennedy, has withdrawn its strategic missiles, an action which was verified by United States officials on the high seas.

(more) - 2 - Press Release SG/L378 16 November 1962

"We should like to repeat once more that the installation of these weapons was nothing other than an act of legitimate self-defense on the pert of the Republic of Cuba against1he aggressive policy which the United States has been pursuing against our country since the very triumph of the Revolution. This did not confer any right upon the Government of the United States with respect to Cuba, since all our actions hove been effected within the framework of international law and in exercise of the sovereign prerogatives of our state. It was, however, the pretext used to perpetrate acts of force which brought the world to'the edge of war. The pretext has now dis- appeared. Nevertheless officials of the United States Government declare that they do not consider themselves bound by any promise, among other reasons because Cuba has not permit;Led the inspection of its territory. "The Unibc'd States, resorting to the law of force, is constantly violating our territory through the use of air forces based in various parts of the Caribbean and on aircraft carriers which it is employing against us, "We have given'proof that we are ready for a worthy peace. We have put forward five points as guarantees, the minimum which any sovereign nation can ask for. We have handed over the body of Major Anderson who died while carrying out an illegal flight over Cuban soil. We have warned the Government of Hie United States that it must stop these acts of violation of our sovereignty and at the same time we have done everything possible to prevent the occurrence of any incidents in connection with these acts. "What have we obtained in exchange? The violations have increased in number; every day'the incursions of war planes over our territory become more alarming; military aircraft harass our air bases, make low-level flights over our military defenses and photograph not only the dismantled strategic missile installations but in fact'our entire territory, foot by. foot and inch by inch. "The capture of the leader of a group of spies trained by the CIA and directed by it, here in Cuba, has shown us how the photographs taken by the spying planes serve for guidance in sabotage and in their operations. and has also revealed, among other things, a design to cause chaos by provoking the deaths of UOO workers in one of our industries. "This impairs in its essence the security of our nation and outrages the dignity of our people. The object has been not only to secure advantages for military and sub- versive purposes through information and detailed knowledge of our industrial installations and defense arrangements, but also in addition to humiliate and demoralize the Cuban people. (more) - 3 - Press Release bG/L378 16 November 1962

"These are typically Hitlerite methods for softening the resistance of peoples. "Mr. Acting Secretary-General, no sovereign state can allow its air space to be violated in this manner without feeling an impairment of its dignity. If in addition this violation is perpetrated "by ths reconnaissance aircraft of an enemy which openly threatens our country, tolerating it means, more than a lack of dignity, a shameful submission to the enemy. We cannot be asked to accept this by virtue of the discussions which are taking place with regard to the crisis, for the integrity of our physical space :;oi the sovereignty of Cuba will never be negotiable. "We for our part have not failed to give constant warnings to the aggressors. "On 27 October, in the midst of the crisis, the Cuban Government declared that it would never acknowledge the vandalic and piratical privilege of any war plane to violate our air space since this was essentially a threat to our security and facilitated the conditions for a surprise attack. Cuba's right to resist such violations can never "be renounced. "Today again through this communication which we are sending you as Secretary- Gnneral of the United Nations, we wish to give warning that to the extent of the fire power of our anti-aircraft weapons, any war plane which violates the sovereignty of Cuba, by invading our air space, can only do so at the risk of being destroyed. "If the United States sincerely desires — as we ourselves desire -- to take steps toward the solution of the present problems, it should begin by respecting these elementary rights of our country. "In the history of our Republic, the United States has more than once intervened in our domestic affairs, with the use of force. It secured this right in the first constitution of our Republic, by virtue of a law adopted by the United States Con- gress, and supported by an army of occupation. The present action of the United States is designed to reinstate, in fact, these militaristic and imperialist privileges. "The long history of struggle of our country, culminating in full sovereignty and national dignity after a century-long fight written in blood and heroism, cannot be reversed. A powerful military force could annihilate us but it could never make us yield and we should first demand a very high price of the pirates who dared to invade the soil of the Cuban fatherland. And even if we should die our banner would fly victoriously because we are defending something even more sacred than our right as a sovereign nation in the concert of free nations of the earth.

(more) - k - Press Release 80/1378 16 November 1962

"We are sounding the necessary alarm for the defense of world peace, we are defending the right of the small countries to be considered on a footing of equality, we are telling all the peoples of the earth that before the imperialist enemy there can be no weakening. The path of calm and stern vigilance, strong an the security of a response commensurate with the magnitude of the aggression, is the only way to the salvation of peace. "Our right to live is something which cannot be discussed by anyone. "But if our right 'to live is made conditional upon an obligation to fall to our knees, our reply once again, is that ve will not accept it. "We believe in the right to defend the liberty, the sovereignty and the dignity of this country,"and ve shall continue to exercise that right to the last man, woman or child capable of holding a weapon in this territory. "ife'y I reiterate to you the expression of my highest consideration.

Fidel Castro Prime Minister of the Revolutionary Government."

* #*# * UNITED NATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Kations, N.Y. (For use of information media -- not an official record)

Press Release SG/1379 20 Nov-risber 1962 TEXT OF COMMUNICATION DATED 19 NOVEMBER 1962 FROM PRIME MINISTER FIDEL CASTRO OF CUBA TO ACTIFG- SECRETARY-- GENERAL U TFMT

Following is the text of a communication* from Prime Minister Fidel Castro to Acting Secretary-General U Thant, as transmitted to the United Nations by the Permanent Mission of Cuba: .

The Permanent Mission cf Cuba to the United Nations presents its compliments to the United Nations Secretary-General and has the honcurto transmit to him, upon the instructions of the Revolutionary Government of Cuba, the following message:

"U Thant, Acting Secretary-General of the United Nations "Your Excellency: "The Government of the United States and the most reactionary section of the press of that country are endeavouring to create the impression that the Government of Cuba wishes to hamper and sabotage the possibilities for a peaceful solution of the present crisis. "This attitude is based on two absolutely legitimate decisions of our people: "The first: not to accept the unilateral inspection of our land whereby the Government of the United States wishes to decide questions which are entirely within our jurisdiction as a sovereign nation. "The second: not to be prepared to permit invasion, of our air space which are injurious to our security and offensive to our national dignity. "The Government of Cuba has not created the slightest obstacle to the negotiations which are taking place. This has been and it is our position; Our attitude to the threats and insults of the Government of the United States is something very different.

(more)

Unofficial translation from Spanish. - 2 - Press Release SG/1379 20 November 1962

"The United States has now made the IL-28 medium "bombers stationed on Cuban territory the crux of the.problem. "These planes are the property of the Soviet Government. They were brought to Cuba for the defence of our country when faced with aggression. Owing to their limited speed and low flight ceiling,.they are antiquated equipment in relation to modern means of anti-aircraft defence. "It is clear that the position of the Government of the United States in demanding the withdrawal of these planes merely constitutes a pretext for maintaining tension, prolonging the crisis and continuing its policy of force. Nevertheless, if the Soviet Government considers it desirable for the smooth conduct of the negotiations and the solution of the crisis to withdraw these planes, the Revolutionary Government of Cuba will not object to this decision. "At the same time high officials of the Government of the United States have declared that military aircraft of that country will continue violating Cuban sovereignty and invading our air space. "These illegal and aggressive acts are in flagrant contradiction with international law and the United Nations Charter. "Cuba possesses a legitimate and indisputable right to defend its territory against such violations and it repeats the warning that to the extent of the fire power of our anti-aircraft weapons any war plane which invades Cuban air space can do so only at the risk of being destroyed. "If during the perpetration of such arbitrary acts against our country, an . incident should occur, the responsibility will fall wholly upon the Government of the United States. "We wish to tell you once.again, Mr. Secretary-General, that we are prepared sincerely to consider a broad solution which will resolve .the present tension once for all. (more) - 3 - Press Release SG/1379 20 November 1962 "We believe that this will be beneficial for all the peoples affected by the present situation, just as any conflict would be harmful to all. The moment has arrived when it will become clear who wants peace and who does not want peace. Cuba will never be an obstacle to a just and decent solution, acceptable to all. Cuba is simply defending its sovereignty, the right of self-determination of its people, the legal equality of all States, large or small, the right of every nation to work, to progress and to live in peace; to respect and be respected. "If the Government of the United States, despite the. sober attitude of the Soviet Union and the readiness of Cuba to promote a worthy and stable peace, insists on its acts of force against our country, no one need have any illusions about the inevitable result of this policy. "Cuba will not give in to a policy of force. Its Revolution will remain firm, its people will resist, cost what it may. Let our enemies not deceive themselves. With the strength born of right and patriotism we shall make the aggressors, if they attack us, pay very dearly for their crime. "The United States is constantly threatening our country with war. It would be a war without glory and without honor, against a people who will never admit to defeat. "May I assure you once again of my highest consideration, Fidel CASTRO RUZ Prime Minister of the Revolutionary Government of Cuba" The Permanent Mission of Cuba to the United Nations takes this opportunity of repeating to the Secretary-General of the United Nations the assurance of its highest consideration.

Hew York, 19 November 1962 UNITED NATIONS Press r Office of Public Information United nations, N.Y. (For use of information media — not an official record)

CJUJJT _I_0 N Press Release SG/1^13 Hot for release "before 7 January 1963 8 p.m. (EST) Monday, 7 January

JOINT LETTER FROM THE GOVER3MBICTS OF TEE UNITED STATES AND THE SOVIET UNION. TO SECRETARY-GENERAL U THANT

The following joint letter, dated 7 January 1963, signed by Adlai E. Stevenson, Permanent Representative of the United States to the United Nations, and Vassily V. Kuznetsov, First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the USSB, was given to United Nations Secretary-General U Thant today:

On behalf of the Governments of the United States of America and the Soviet Union we desire to express to you our appreciation for your efforts in assisting our Governments to avert the serious threat to the peace which recently arose in the Caribbean area. "While it has not been possible for our Governments to resolve all the problems that have arisen in connection with this affair, they believe that, in view of the degree of understanding reached between them on the settlement of the crisis and the extent of progress in the implementation of this understanding, it is not necessary for this item to occupy further the attention of the Security Council at this time. The Government of the united States of America and of the Soviet Union express the hope that the actions taken to avert the threat of war in connection with this crisis will lead toward the adjustment of other differences between them and the general easing of tensions that could cause a further threat of war.

* «** * UNITED NATIONS

Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, N,Y.

(For use of information media -- not an official record)

CAUTION Press Release Not for release before 7 January 1963 8 p.m. (EST) Hondas'-, 7 January

Lj&TflR FROM THE GOVERNMENT OF CUBA TO SECRETARY-GENERAL U TEAM

The following letter, dated 7 January 1963, signed by Carlos M. Lechuga, Perma- nent Representative of Cuba to the United Nations, was given to Secretary-General U Thant today:

(Unofficial translation from Spanish)

On instructions from my government and with the request that they be made available to the President of the Security Council, I have the honor of sending you copies of the message which the Prime Minister of the Revolutionary Government of Cuba, Fidel Castro, addressed to you on 28 October 1962* and of the statement of 25 November of the same year by the National Directorate of the Integrated Revolutionary Organiza- tions and the Council of Ministers**, so that they can be included in the files of that body with regard to the crisis in the Caribbean. At the same time I request that you ask the President of the Security Council to issue instructions so that those documents are distributed to the Member States, and we request that you kindly circulate the text of this letter to all Member States of the United Nations. As you know, Mr. Secretary-General, the negotiations carried on with your gene- rous intervention have not led to an effective agreement capable of guaranteeing, in a permanent way, the peace of the Caribbean and in liquidating the existing tensions. The Revolutionary Government of Cuba considers that, essentially, those negotiations have not produced agreements acceptable to Cuba because the Government of the United States, far from renouncing its aggressive and interventionist policy with respect to the Republic of Cuba, has maintained the position of force assumed in flagrant violation of international juridical principles. (more) * Doc. A/5271 ** Doc. S/5210 - 2 - Press Release SG/lklk 7 January 1963 The Cuban Government has expressed, and takes this opportunity to ratify that viewpoint, that it does not consider as effective any agreement other than one which •would include the consideration of the five points or measures -which, as minimum guarantees to peace in the Caribbean, our Prime Minister Fidel Castro stresses in his declaration of 28 October 1962 which is attached. These Cuban demands are based on elementary principles of international law. They are not irrational demands and Cuba considers that no one wltMn the Ua.itcd Fatiwua can validly object to them, without disowning the foundations of that world organization. Consequently the Cuban Government understands that even the simple promise of no invasion "by the Government of the United States, which, on the other hand, has not even been formalized, would not constitute any type of guarantee for our country and would not safeguard peace in the Caribbean. We would like to call attention to the fact that the Government of the United States, besides the aggressions committed against Cuba and the preparations carried out to launch an armed invasion of our country, that placed the world on the brink of war, -- a war avoided by virtue of the agreements that provided a pledge on the part of the United States to cancel its aggressive and criminal policy against Cuba — even refuses to guarantee that it will not once again violate the Charter of the United Nations by invading Cuba , en invasion under the pretext that our country has not accepted international inspection, as has been publicly reiterated throughout this issue. The Government of Cuba understands that to accept or not an inspection of its territory is the sovereign right of a nation, and that to offer the pledge of no invasion, which is equal to not committing an international crime, on condition that the country it intends to invade will accept an inspection of its territory, is a preposterous insolence. On the other hand the Government of Cuba understands that the Soviet Government fulfilled the requirement of verification which it offered in the letter from Prime Minister Wikita Khrushchev of 28 October 1962, when it permitted the checking on the high seas of the withdrawal of the medium-range ballistic missiles with nuclear war- heads, and in accepting a similar means of verification with regard to the IL-28 bombers. Consequently the demand of the Government of the United States lacks founda- tion and practical objective and is a simple pretext in order not to carry out its part of the agreement but to insist on the policy of aggression against Cuba. The Government of Cuba also forcefully rejects the statement of the Government of the United States in which it reserves the right to carry out its own inspection and control by other means. It is truly alarming and a challenge to the United (more) - 3 - Press Release 7 January 1963 Nations that a power should officially announce its decision to inspect the territory of a member count-y. This implies an intolerable violation of national sovereignty, which Cuba denounces. The Revolutionary Government of Cuba has already said that it would be willing to accept a multiple system of verification in the countries of the Caribbean zone vhlch would include the corresponding territory of the United States, which would sllow the verification of the fulfillment of accepted agreements, if the United States would accept as its own obligation the adoption of the five measures or points demanded by the Cuban Government. The Revolutionary Government of Cuba regrets that the negotiations carried out under a Security Council agreement and given impetus by you, with nobility and impartiality, have not r^a-ilied the happy conclusion which would safeguard peace in this hemisphere and, consequently, peace in the world. We repeat that the recent history of this crisis openly shows that the responsibility of this failure and the continuation of the tensions that dramatically shocked, all of humanity in days past, fall exclusively on the Government of the United States. Once e^ain the Revolutionary Government of Cuba declares that there is no better solution to criros like these, than peaceful negotiations and discussions among governments, based on the respect of the sovereign rights of each country and on the acceptance of the principles of international law that determine the co- existence of nations. These, however, have not been the ideas that have determined the conduct of the Government of the United States, and it is its obstinate opposition to any stable, satisfactory and dignified agreement that prevents us today from reaching a real solution of the crisis. Cuba reiterates its policy of peace and its acceptance of peaceful solution, but it again declares, as stated in the joint statement of the National Directorate of the Integrated Revolutionary Organizations and the Council of Ministers, that "to their positions of strength we shall oppose our firmness; to the intent to humiliate us, our dignity; to aggression, the resolve to fight to the last man." The Cuban people, to quote the words of our Prime Minister during the recent commemoration of the fourth anniversary of the Revolution, "always reserves itself the complete right, in the face of its imperialist enemies and in the face of the imperialist aggressors, to take all the measures that it deems necessary and to have the weapons that it considers pertinent." We have not abandoned that right,

y. TV UNITED STATIONS Press Services Office of Public Information United Nations, H.Y. (For use of information media— not an official record)

Press Release (Translation from Spanish) 15 February 1963

TEXT OF LETTER FROM SECRETARY-GENERAL TO DEPUTY REPRESENTATIVE OF CUBA

Following is the text of a letter, dated 13 February, from Secretary-General U Thant to Raul Primelles, Deputy permanent Representative of Cuba to the United Nations:

Sir, I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your communication of 10 February 1963 concerning the "initiation"of Special Fund -assistance--for the experimental agricultural station at Santiago de las Vegas in the Province of Havana, Cuba. As your recent conversations with Mr. Paul G. Hoffman, the Managing Director of the Special Fund, as well as our own conversations have made clear, the question of proceeding with the implementation of the Special Fund-assisted project in Cuba has been the subject of active and con- tinuous study and negotiation between the Managing Director of the Special Fund and the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organiza- tion, which is the agency with responsibility for field implementation of the project. It is my understanding that the Managing Director of the Special Fund has already informed you that he has authorised the signature of the Plan of Operation for this project. He did so by cable of 12 February addressed to the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization which reads as follows: "For Sen. Thanks for your cable 123 of 11 February replying to my 129 of k February. Please refer my cable 102 of 30 January in which the sole question raised by the Special Fund was whether under present conditions Cuba agricultural research project can successfully be., carried out. Am favourably

(more) (Translation from Spanish) .,...- 2 - Press Release SG/1^28 1 '•- 13 February 1963

impressed with your suggestion that.in recognition of possible difficulties the Plan of Operation include provision for three phases of project implementation of which first phase of six months will determine whether suitable working arrangements for experts and counterparts can be made as well as V7ork Plan for phase two. On this basis I authorize you to sign Plan of Operation after incorporating changes specified in my cable 102."

As this cable makes aTaimdan'ltfit evident, there:has been no need for me to intervene villa the Managing Director of the Special Fund in respect of tbI-.1'project. I have every confidence in his capacity and integrity as an international civil servant in charge of one of the United Nations Eid j or development assistance programmes. I should appreciate your communicating this reply to His Excellency, Dr. Raul Roa, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cuba. Accept, Sir, the assurance's of ray highest consideration.

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