November 2, 1962
Cable no. 348 from the Czechoslovak Embassy in Havana (Pavlíček)
This document was made possible with support from Leon Levy Foundation
Telegram from Havana
Arrived: 2.11.62 18:45
Processed: 3.11.62 01:50 Office of the President, G, Ku, 6
Dispatched: 3.11.62 06:00
Commentary related to [Cuban leader] Fidel [Castro]’s speech.
Together with our Cuban friends and our own, we think that Fidel’s speech had considerable importance both domestically and abroad and shows his significant and quick political growth. His speech related the strength and unity of the Cuban revolutionary government to not allow an agreement under undignified terms, nor to allow the rights of the Cuban people to be trampled upon. As well, his evaluation of the internal situation and acknowledgement of the Cubans’ fighting spirit and determination has and will have a large response internally and externally. I conclude that given the present situation where the UN is still discussing the matter and [Soviet Deputy Premier Anastas] Mikoyan has not yet arrived to clarify some open questions, he did a very good job of evaluating and explaining the situation regarding relations with the Soviet Union, and its views. He was able to speak openly about some disagreements that will be dealt with during joint talks, and on the other hand he clearly placed above all else the help and friendship of the USSR, as well as about the anti-Soviet campaign that was unleashed by the counter-revolutionaries and which was assisted by the unsuitable writings of the local press on Sunday 28 October. However, we would have liked to have heard an emphasis on the [critical] role of the USSR in saving world peace and preventing a nuclear war, although much of this could be deduced from the speech. He will probably concern himself with the entire situation after Mikoyan’s visit and the talks end. Thus far the reaction to Fidel’s speech means an absolute calming of the situation and a clear orientation for the Cubans in the current situation.
Pavlíček 348
Fidel Castro's speech is the centerpiece of this cable from Pavlicek. Castro's rhetoric touched on the unity of the Cuban people, and their refusal to an "undignified agreement." Pavlicek predicts his speech will foster a great response both internally and externally. Castro also acknowledged the help provided by the Soviet Union and the anti-Soviet campaign mounted by counterrevolutionaries. Pavlicek's only complaint was a lack of emphasis on the "critical role" the Soviet Union has played in the negotiations to resolve the crisis. However, the reaction to Fidel's speech is one of calming the situation and a clear orientation for the Cubans.
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