November 16 - November 19, 1962

In retaliation to American surveillance, Castro threatened to shoot down any reconnaissance planes, further fueling tensions between the US and Cuba. While the UK, US, and USSR were willing to negotiate, Castro refused to cooperate and remained a major roadblock to a resolution. The US wished to keep talks between themselves and the Soviets, asking the UK and its allies to “sit tight” for the time being (CDNW12462). 

Two telegrams discussed an interview between UK Ambassador, Sir Frank Roberts, and Nikita Khrushchev from November 12th (CDNW12445, CDNW12643). Disarmament remained a pressing question, as the United States had not yet answered Gromyko’s proposals. Khrushchev expressed a desire to discuss ending nuclear arms testing, but said the USSR could not end testing by November 20th, but could probably stop testing by December— and certainly by the new year. Khrushchev also said he agreed to the presence of Western troops in Berlin, but wished to see the end of NATO occupation in Germany. He also expressed hope that Britain would continue to mediate between the US and USSR in negotiations. The Americans, for their part, had not sought British involvement, wishing the United Kingdom would “sit tight” for now (CDNW12462).

The United States continued to make clear that “no guarantee against invasion would be given until negotiations with USSR were successful” (CDNW12458). The US remained worried about the IL28 bombers (CDNW12462). While little was known about the planes, Washington received confirmation that the bombers were “in Russian hands” (CDNW12463). The US hoped to negotiate for their removal with the Soviets, threatening invasion if they refused (CDNW12458).

Castro raised the matter of the US presence in Cuba, aimed at the Guantanamo Naval Base. However, the US would “not contemplate closing down any of its bases abroad” (CDNW12453). Indeed, the Americans argued that the base “represents no threat to Cuba or to any other country,” was necessary for protecting the West, and contributed to the Cuban economy, employing 3000 local people (CDNW12457).