November 2, 1962

This page includes diplomatic cables from November 2nd, 1962. Key documents touch on the theme of international reactions to the crisis, including French and British perspectives. Canadian responses and proposals to the crisis are also detailed below. The politics of the OAS are also discussed in reference to the maintenance of peace in Latin America. 

French Perspectives on Cuba 

Details revealed by French representative Spitalier in Cuba provide insight into the situation following the decision to withdraw Soviet missiles (CDNW12350). Spitalier discussed Castro’s attempts to spin events to maintain Cuban prestige and noted that officials were upset after being “used as pawns” by the Soviets. Additionally, Spitalier claimed to have been aware of potential Soviet buildup in Cuba as early as July. The Canadians remain in contact with “well informed” French colleagues in Cuba. 

 Reactions to the crisis in the French press are covered in document CDNW12609.

Canadian and American Perspectives on the “Resolution” of the Cuban Crisis 

Following Castro's address to the nation, Canadian ambassador to Cuba George Kidd wrote about the speech’s contents and Castro’s demeanor (CDNW12608). Kidd notes Castro’s efforts to maintain “pride and nationalism” amidst humiliation while not severing ties with the USSR. He described Castros' speech as having “a vintage Stalinist flavor.” 

Khrushchev’s decision to withdraw offensive missiles from Cuba and his unpublished letter of October 26, 1962, are discussed in document CDNW12605. The perspectives of various Americans are including, including a report in the Herald Tribune News, opinions of senior US officials, and a report of the White House Press Secretary. 

British Perspectives on Soviet Motives 

A report from London emphasized the support of the British Government for US policy on Cuba and includes information about what was known about military aid going to Cuba before the discovery of the missiles. The British Foreign Office interpreted Khrushchev's actions as a means to test the “will of the USA to react against an act or threat of force.” He then spoke of the “communist world” that might have emerged without Kennedy’s decisive reaction.

Proposals for Continued Peace in Latin America 

A meeting of the Council of the Organization of American States scheduled for November 5, was called on November 2, 1962 (CDNW12384). This meeting was to discuss a draft resolution from October 23 concerning the maintenance of peace in Latin America, which suggested the use of armed force. Edits to this draft are described in a telegram from November 7 (CDNW12621). 

The Canadian Embassy in Paris drew Ottawa’s attention to news articles suggesting the USSR would propose the use of the International Committee of the Red Cross to verify the dismantlement of Soviet missiles in Cuba (CDNW12344).