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November 29, 1962

Czechoslovak Ambassador to the United States (Dr. Miloslav Ruzek), Report on Anastas Mikoyan’s Conversations in Washington

The report details Mikoyan's talks with President John F. Kennedy in Washington D.C. Among the topics of discussion were questions of hemispheres of influence, whether the Soviet Union promoted a revolution against the USA in Cuba, and whether Castro was made an enemy of the USA or was one from the beginning. Conduct of both nations with regards to the Cuban question is discussed at length, ranging from whether U.S. was correct in acting against a perceived threat to security, the conduct of the Cuban people, the extent of Soviet involvement in Cuba, and what military hardware would be left in Cuba after the removal of the nuclear missile bases.

November 28, 1962

Cable no. 388 from the Czechoslovak Embassy in Havana (Pavlíček)

According to this cable by Pavlicek, the Czechoslovak government was covertly supplying the Cuban armed forces with ammunition a month after the crisis was resolved. It appears the delivery of ammunition was made to maintain the promised supply for the end of the yearly quarter.

November 24, 1962

Cable no. 384 from the Czechoslovak Embassy in Havana (Pavlíček)

Anastas Mikoyan awaits the results of the New York City meetings and is actively preparing for the UN Security Council meeting in this cable. While Mikoyan is waiting with anticipation, there are still signs of reservation among the Cuban people and the revolutionary government regarding the approach of the Soviet Union. Confidence in the Soviet Union as a reliable ally has waned, accompanied by a loss of prestige and trust. The doubts are marked by a belief the U.S. will not hold up its end of the agreements, Cuba's stubborn refusal of inspections, and the belief that the resolution was bought at too high a price at the expense of the Cuban revolution.

November 21, 1962

Cable no. 370 from the Czechoslovak Embassy in Havana (Pavlíček)

Pavlicek, through Mikoyan, relays the results of the talks with the Cubans, despite Mikoyan being tightlipped about the nature of the talks in front of the Chinese. Mikoyan made the case that Soviet actions prevented a devastating nuclear war, while the USA provoked the situation and presented the danger of a nuclear war. The Cuban revolution will remain unchanged and instead grow stronger, with the blockade lifted and a guarantee of non-aggression on the part of the USA. In exchange, the missile sites will be dismantled and removed under supervision. Mikoyan concluded it was understandable that Cubans felt confused and rattled after the crisis, as in the Soviet Union the reactions were the same.

November 16, 1962

Cable no. 365 from the Czechoslovak Embassy in Havana (Pavlíček)

The cable relays an important development in regards to press coverage of the resolution of the Cuban Missile Crisis. There are strict controls and reviews to be placed on news from the Soviet Union, and there is to be no publications by Presna Latina about peaceful coexistence or solidarity with the Soviet Union, about export of arms, etc. until a resolution has been reached. Khrushchev's name is not to be mentioned anywhere. There are also strict limitations placed on foreign correspondents and journalists.

November 9, 1962

Cable no. 358 from the Czechoslovak Embassy in Havana (Pavlíček)

Mikoyan's talks with the Cubans appears to be stalling, according to Pavlicek. The Cuban delegation is adamant about Castro's 5 points, stubbornly refusing any inspection of the missile bases, especially by the UN. Pavlicek also reports on a reception held the previous day at the Soviet Embassy in Havana. It drew a large crowd, and was marked by "warm feelings and openness," but discussions of the Soviet Union's handling of the crisis remain in doubt.

November 7, 1962

Cable no. 355 from the Czechoslovak Embassy in Havana (Pavlíček)

The cable reveals serious misgivings by the Cubans with regard to Soviet handling of the crisis. Roy Inchaustegui was criticized by Castro for discussing the question of document authenticity about the missile bases instead of discussing Cuba's right to defense at the UN Security Council. Pavlicek reports the Council asked on Czechoslovakia's stance towards Castro's 5 Points. While responding with support, he still asked for an official viewpoint from the Czechoslovak government in Prague.

November 6, 1962

Cable no. 350 from the Czechoslovak Embassy in Havana (Pavlíček)

Pavlicek communicates that Anastas Mikoyan's talk with the Cubans has suffered a personal setback with the loss of Mikoyan's wife. The results of the meeting between the Soviet and Cuban delegations remain unknown as of this cable. Pavlicek speaks of a proposal by Brazil to "Finlandize" Cuba, which would mean permanent Cuban neutrality and the end of the US base in Guantanamo Bay. Calm has taken over Cuba in the aftermath of Castro's speech on 1 November, although many still have reservations about the actions taken by the Soviet Union, and demand answers from Mikoyan.

November 2, 1962

Cable no. 348 from the Czechoslovak Embassy in Havana (Pavlíček)

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.

November 2, 1962

Cable no. 346 from the Czechoslovak Embassy in Havana (Pavlíček)

Pavlicek's primary focus in this cable is the effect of the crisis on the national media. The Cuban media is stressing Castro's 5 Points, and some journalists are hesitant to report anything else. There is a slight thread of anticommunism and anti-Soviet sentiment breeding among the media, but these feelings are not widespread, according to Pavlicek. The press is holding off on coverage of all other events such as the Sino-Indian border conflict and Chinese support for Castro's 5 points until after his speech.

Pagination