November 7, 1962

This page includes diplomatic cables from November 7th, 1962. The documents touch on key themes include the role of the OAS, and frequently reference Cuba and Castro’s future as well as Soviet-Cuban relationships. The future of Cuba is discussed in the cable relating to the visit of U Thant, Secretary-General of the United Nations to Cuba. 

The Future of Cuba

U Thant, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, visited Cuba in early November (CDNW12597). Thant used a Norwegian and Irish diplomat as “unofficial confidants” to report on his trip. These two passed information to the British, who passed it to Canadian diplomats in London.  

Thant reported that Castro was “tense and unhappy” in CDNW12597 insisting on the implementation of his five points and refusing to allow any UN ground inspection in Cuba (Slater similarly mentioned this in CDNW12598). The Cubans were aware of the possibility of a US invasion but were willing to “fight to the end”. The anti-American sentiment in Cuba remained high, and one Cuban referred equated Kennedy’s success at end the crisis as akin to “that small pyrrhic victory of Napoleon” (CDNW12636). 

Slater, head of the American Department in the U.K. Foreign Office, emphasized the continuing uncertainty of the situation in Cuba, warning, “We are not out of the woods… the next ten days will bear watching” (CDNW12598). He mentioned Thant's recommendation to end the blockade against Cuba and to delay holding a security council meeting to prevent Russian representatives from introducing Castro’s points. 

In the first week of November 1962, the U.S. was especially eager to verify that missiles bases were being dismantled. An interview with Theodore Sorensen, Special Counsel to the President, reveals the American desire for ground inspection in addition to aerial inspection of incoming cargo (CDNW12414). Sorenson also emphasized that any end to the quarantine was dependent on international verification of the dismantling of the missile bases. Document CDNW12597 notes Soviet support for a Red Cross role in examining ships.  

Thant believed much was dependent on Mikoyan’s effort to repair Cuban and Soviet differences (CDNW12597). A report from Havana noted that by November 7th, the Cubans had released no information on progress in talks between Mikoyan and Castro (CDNW12636).

NATO Analyses of the Crisis 

At a meeting of the North Atlantic Council, the US Permanent Representative read his instructions allowed to the other representatives, and the Canadians reported the discussion (CDNW12626). The US instructions covered key points including US policy, an internal analysis of the situation, and official public relations in Latin America. The UK representative added to the discussion, referencing Soviet motives such as the need for leverage in Berlin. Representatives from the Netherlands discussed politics in Latin America, and the Canadian representative emphasized Canada’s desire to aid in the verification of the dismantling of missile bases in Cuba. It was agreed that the allies should focus on contingency planning for Berlin.

The Status of Latin America and the OAS 

State Department officials updated Canadians on happenings at the OAS, including re-drafts of resolutions (see CDNW12621 and CDNW12384).