LATIN AMERICAN REACTION TO THE CUBAN CRISIS

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP80B01676R001800020015-7
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 12
• Document Creation Date: December 12, 2016
• Document Release Date: March 26, 2002
• Sequence Number: 15
• Publication Date: November 3, 1962
• Content Type: MEMO

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T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S
.SUM+'iARY
ARGENTINA
BOLIVIA
BRAZIL
CHILE
COLOMBIA
COSTA RICA
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
ECUADOR
GUATEMALA
HONDURAS
MEXICO
NICARAGUA
PANAMA
PARAGUAY
PERU
URUGUAY
VENEZUELA
FOREIGN BROADCAST INFORMATION SERVICE
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LATIN AMERICAN REACTION
TO THE CUBAN CRISIS
S U M M A R Y
From the time of President Kennedy's 7-point Quarantine of Cuba ;speech oz
22 October to this date, Latin American press and radio sources have ;given
predominant attention to the Cuban crisis, focusing particularly on the
President's speech and Premier Khrushchev's 28 October letter to the
President. Reaction to these has been heavy from Argentina, Brazil,
Costa Rica, and Panama, and only slightly less so from Venezuela and
Colombia. Monitored sources offering little original comment in several
other countries--Bolivia, Chile, Mexico, and Peru--excerpted extensively
from the President's speech and gave prominent play to situation repo:eta
from Cuba and reaction reports from abroad.
Sources lauding the President's speech believed it an especially "decis're"
and "courageous" statement, indicating the United States' firm determination
to hurl back, with force if need be, a missile threat aimed at all the
Americas. Several radio commentators voice the view that out of the Cuban
crisis will come a more respected United States and a more united Free
World. In only a few countries--Argentina, Panama, Guatemala, and
Uruguay---did press and radio come out in immediate support of the U.S.
action. In two countries, Brazil and Chile, the public was repo?:ted unsure
as to the legality of the U.S. action, and from Brazil came frequent,
reports of civic, labor, and social organizations demanding that Cuba be
permitted to manage its own affairs.
Reports of Latin American relief over Khrushchev's letter have been
accompanied by speculation on negotiations over other local and :.nter_.
national issues. The period since Khrushchev's letter was released has
also been marked by increasing charges that Castro is less than a puppet.
that he stands revealed as the "worst of traitors." San Jose speaks of
him as being "alarmed" and "furious" over Khrushchev's decision, while a
Costa Ricans workers union calls Castro a symbol of "tyranny, treachery,
and dishonor."
While the view is general that the United States has scored an important
success, several broadcasts warm of premature victory yells, cautioning
that Khrushchev may seek compensation elsewhere perhaps Berlin---for
his Cuban setback. Area commentators note the wave of disillusionment,
engulfing Latin American leftists, including Brazilian Provincial
Governor Leonel Brizola who, it is said, now blames the Russians for
the Cuban situation after originally accusing the United States of an
"act of aggression" when it announced the blockade.
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ARGENTINA
The Kennedy Speech: Opinions expressed uniformly supported the U.S.
position. A broadcast in Spanish to North America immediately after
Kennedy's address put Argentina solidly in the Western camp, and this
commitment was followed the next day by press and voice reports that
the nation had decided that its navy would cooperate "for the defense
of the continent against communism." A Lima APP dispatch on reaction
to this decision reported public astonishment and press support. Press
agencies told of government measures to avoid public disturbances, but
reported no outbreaks.
Khrushchev's Letter: Claiming that President Kennedy's decisive action
and supporting QAS measures had helped bolster free world unity, the
Buenos Aires radio says that Khrushchev's backdown on the Soviet
missiles in Cuba means that for the first time in 17 years the free
world has assumed the initiative. The radio contends that wherever the
free world has challenged the communists -- in Cuba, in Korea, in
Berlin -- they have yielded in every instance. The influential EL MUNDOh
as quoted by APP, says that Khrushchev's revelation about Soviet bases in
Cuba comes as additional evidence of Fidel Castro's "traitorous break"
with his own people. Castro stands revealed as a Soviet puppet who
cannot even count on the support of his own masters.
The Kennedy Speech: Bolivian reportage of the speech and related events
was heavy. There was no monitored comment, however.
Khrushchev's Letter: In the estimation of AFP, Bolivia's general public
was much relieved by Khrushchev's letter. Editorial writers and radio
commentators, however, believe for the most part that Khrushchev's
concession in one area may lead to fateful consequences in other areas.
according to the agency, which reports.ULTIMA HORA as saying that the "shrewd"
Mr. Khrushchev has already demonstrated an ability to adjust international
conflicts on a "gross gains" basis for the USSR. Radio La Cruz del Sur,
of Pa Paz, comments that Khrushchev has made FiSc%Te del Castro appear as a
npR Ees98RnmY5s it s, s , gHPFth0en4Ye91cS8H" wR ki a~rnot"F1
Another commentator of the same station notes that Khrushchev sent arms
to Cuba secretly for a long time but now has admitted it in his message
to President Kennedy. The La Paz radio reports, however, that the
leftist national mineworkers conference adopted a resolution supporting Cuba.
The Kennedy eech: Reportage of President Kennedy's speech was
immediate through use of Voice of America material, followed within two
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hours by full texts of the speech. The official position as reported on
the air was apparently equivocal, supporting the OAS decision but oppoaing
the use of armed force for this purpose+ Opposition to the American stand
was vocal and widely reported. Radio National quoted Premier Hernias
Lima as reasserting "the Brazilian position in favor of self-determina~1io1
and free initiative for all states" before a group of demonstrators soon
after Kennedy's speech. Lima AFP reported him as saying: "We Latin
Americans have the duty to defend the right which Cuba has to carry out
the political experiment which it is carrying out," and former Foreign
Minister Can Tiago Dantas is quoted as calling a naval blockade "not
legally justified" and asking for U.S. verification of Kennedy's
accusation against Cuba. Voice and press reports indicated serious doubt
among the Brazilian people that Kennedy's accusation against Cuba was
valid, and a practically universal determination to insist on exclusively
peaceful methods of attacking the problem. On the other hand, accordi~:ng
to TRANSPRESS, the Brazilian armed forces stood ready to carry out the
orders of the President, "especially in the case when a foreign nation
furnishes weapons to a nation of the American continent."
Khrushchev's Letter: As quoted by APP, Premier Hermas Lima says the
outcome of the Cuban crisis testifies to the "great political ability"
of the United States and to the "statesmanlike" vision of President
Kennedy, and also of Premier Khrushchev. The Brazilian leader praises
the "prudence" and "caution" shown by the American Government. And the
leader of the leftwing of the Brazilian Labor Party, Rio Grande do Sul
Governor Leonel Brizola, is quoted by Lima AFP as accusing the USSR of
having used the Cuban people as a mere instrument in the Cold War. Brizola
had originally charged President Kennedy with an "act of aggression" whey.
he began the quarantine action. AFP says that Brizola's statement attacking
Khrushchev testifies to the disillusionment of leftists in Brazil who
believed Cuba was managing its own affairs. The influential JORNAL DO
BRASIL expresses regret that "certain groups" are pointing to Khrushchev's
letter as an indication of Soviet weakness. By shouting that the
adversary is weak, he will be forced to prove the contrary, the paper says.
Brazilian sources devote considerable attention to the Brazilian proposal
to create a nuclear-free zone in Latin America. The press feels,
according to APP, that Brazilian foreign policy gained a "beautiful
victory" from the outcome in Cuba.
The Kennedy Speech: After reporting the Kennedy speech at some length,
but not in full text, Chilean stations told of confused opinion about it
throughout the country. Students and political circles, they said, were
divided., but most labor organizations, particularly CUTCH, opposed the
U.S. move. La Voz de Chile said commentators were "disoriented," while
Radio Corporacion reported doubling of the guards at both the U.S. and
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Cuban embassies, but no disturbances. Anticipating official reaction,
the minister of economy stated late 22 October, according to
Le Voz de Chile, that other mirket$ could be found for Chilean pwoduc;s
destined for Cuba. The official government statement on the crisis,
broadcast the next day, committed Chile to support "the mechanism of
the security of the inter-American system," but avoided describing
measures to be taken. One commentator, who said the statement meant
practical suspension of Chilean-Cuban relations, noted that though
Chilean public opinion was divided, the ideological war was only rhetorical
and no incidents were reported. On this day, however, other stations
reported several arrests. Voice broadcasts reported the legislature,
labor, and student organizations divided on the government's stand along
political lines. While known anticommunist commentator
Manuel Heliodoro Molina more than once supported the U.S. position and
attacked Castro's "arrogance," a commentary aired by Radio Corporation
reported divided opinion in the nation on whether the arms in Cuba were
offensive or meant solely for defense. Radio Mineria added that many
doubt that air photographs can determine the kind of missiles in Cuba,
and reported expectat-on of a Soviet countermove against Berlin.
Khrushchev's Letter: Although full reports on Khrushchev's letter are
carried by both press and radio sources, comment is almost entirely
lacking. As reported by AFP, the Santiago daily EL MERCURIO has advied
the government that in the wake of Khrushchev's admission of Soviet
missile bases in Cuba, the government has no choice but to sever
relations with the Castro government, which is "neither free nor sovereign."
The Kennedy Speech: While offering no original comment, monitored
Colombian transmitters gave prominent and extensive coverage to the
President's speech and related events. The Voice of America relay of
the speech was carried, and subsequent newscasts highlighted the entire
passage in the address dealing with the U.S. seven-point plan. Bogota
radios headlined the Colombian Government's statement reiterating its
adherence to the Rio Treaty, and the Government's orders calling for a
full military and police alert. Also extensively carried were reports
of expressions of support by all Colombian political parties--excepting
the MRL--for Kennedy's Cuban arms quarantine order. News agency reports
of the Cuban mobilization order, Radio Moscow's reaction to Kennedy's
speech, and favorable Latin American and West European reaction to the
quarantine order were also prominently carried. According to Lima AFP,
there were "persistent rumors" in Bogota, immediately after
President Kennedy's address, of a plan to create disturbances in reaction
to it. The following day, AFP reported the appearance in Bogota of placards
supporting Cuba but declared the city calm as a result of government
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measures, though the citizens were "concerned" over the threat of Cuban
rockets. Later in the days reporting the government's adherence to its
international commitments under the Rio Treaty and the OAS Charter,
Lima AFP quoted EL TIEMPO as blaming the USSR for converting Cuba into
a "Soviet territory."
Khrushchev's Letter: Colombian Foreign Minister Jose Antonio MonLalve,
heard over the Bogota radio, says no one can be deceived by Khrushchev's
claim that Soviet missiles in Cuba were stationed in Cuba for defensive
purposes. The Bogota RCN reports that the Liberal Revolutionary
Movement has announced that whereas the party formerly was in agreemei'-
with Castro on social issues, it can no longer maintain this position
in view of the fact that "Khrushchev is managing the Caribbean from
Moscow and is using the premier as a puppet." EL TIEMPO of Bogota
comments that the Russian move to remove the bases is worthy of praise
and believes it has opened the door to an understanding on many of the
issues that caused the United States to take a determined stand.
EL ESPECTADOR is quoted by AFP as saying that, following Khrushchev's
action, the United Scates should shok' its good will by giving up
Guantanamo. The paper claims the military base has lost its significance
with the advance of military science and weaponry. Bogota's Radic
Santa Fe says the United States has bolstered its international stature
and that the Russians have taken Castrots armaments and left him with
"nothing to do but continue firing his high-calibre rantings over radio
and television."
C 0 S T A R I C A
The Kennedy Speech: A Radio Monumental commentary praised Costa Rican
President Orlich's quick action in expressing his country's solidarity
with President Kennedy's action on Cuba. Another commentary by the same-
radio called for unanimous public support for Orlich's decision "to place
Costa Rica alongside the United States to share its destiny." Several
Costa Rican radios carried the text of the President'.s speech. Reports on
Orlich's speech in support of the U.S. action, the Cuban mobilization orde,?,
and the U.S. military buildup were headlined.
Khrushchev's Letter: Speaking over the San Jose radio, Foreign Minister
Daniel Oduber Quiros says Khrushchev is far from finished in Cuba.
Claiming that the Cuban crisis is only in its first phase, the minister
says Khrushchev intends to use Cuba as his trump card when the Berlin
and other international issues begin to heat up. San Jose's Radio Relo4
sees four results emanating from Khrushchev's decision: 1) the beginning
of the end of Castro as a heroic symbol; 2) more respect for the
United States; 3) firmer solidarity between the United States and 1cATO;
and 4) renewed unity in the American continent against the communist threat.
Castro, despite his proclamations of adherence to Marxism-Leninism, was not
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consulted and appeared "alarmed and furious" over Khrushchev's move, the
radio declares. Another Radio Reloj commentary refers to Russia's
"surrender" and the "victory" of the U.S.. policy. Radio Monumental of
San Jose carries a resolution of the Union of Workers of the Municipal
Council of Cartago saying the Cuban revolution "is dead" and that
Fidel Castro has emerged as a symbol of "tyranny, treachery, and dishonor."
D O M I N I C A N R E P U B L I C
The Kennedy Speech: Dominican President Bonnelly, in a live speech carried
by Radio Caribe, noted the "grave threat" the missile bases posed to all,
nations of America, and expressed satisfaction that the Council or State
would participate "without reservation" in international bodies tc contain
this threat.
Khrushchev's Letter: Radio Caribe states that the dismantling of Soviet
bases has been a sharp blow to Latin American communists, particularly to
Castro and associates. Russian failure to support Castro in this instance,
Caribe says, is due to the Soviet belief that the Cold War is more advan-
tageous than a hot war. From this crisis Fidel and Raul Castro have emerged
"thoroughly discredited," unable to protest because they lack the aioral right.
The Kennedy Speech: Several Ecuadoran radios carried the text of the
President's speech, while other monitored Quito newscasts carried extensive
excerpts, stressing the passage on the seven-point plan. Newscasts reported
extensive comment in "varying tones" on President Kennedy's speech in
Ecuadoran political and public sectors. The Ecuadoran Government spokeamati's
statement supporting the President's action was prominently featured. Also
carried were agency reports on the U.S. request for a U.N. Security
Council meeting, Secretary of State Rusk's statement to the OAS Council
and the council vote, Radio Moscow's charge of U.S. war hysteria, the Cuba.t
mobilization order, and both favorable and unfavorable world reaction to
Kennedy's Cuban arms quarantine order. A Quito radio newscast reported an
anti-U.S. demonstration in Quito conducted by a small group of leftists.
Khrushchev's Letter: No comment on the letter has been heard.
G U A T E M A L A
The Kennedy Speech: A Guatemala City radio commentary largely paraphrased
President Ydigores Fuentes' statement expressing solidarity with President
Kennedy's measures regarding Cuba and declaring that Guatemalan troops were
prepared to proceed to any point "to settle the issue with arms." The
commentator added that the "decisive" words of President Kennedy had began
to fill democratic and free Americans with "vibrant hope."
Khrushchev's Letter: No comment on the letter has been heard.
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H O N D U R A S
The Kennedy Speech: Honduran - t~dnsmitters carried the Voice of America
relay of t e President's speech. There was no monitored comment.
Khrushchev'"s Letter: Almost immediately following the release of
Khrushchev's letter, Tegucigalpa's Radio Centro carries a statement, of
the Government Public Relations Office denouncing the "call to
subversion" made by Radio Havana and asserting the Honduran Government's
determination to act in the strongest way whenever any event arises in
Honduras that is aimed at fulfilling orders emanating from Havana.
The Kenne S eech: Initial Mexican reaction to the Kennedy address
came in the form of a prompt, firm statement by President Lopez Mateos
in Manila, reported by both REUTERS in Singapore and the Mexican radio,
condemning Cuban possession of any aggressive arms. Lima AFP soon
afterward reported Mexico City "in the grip of a war psychosis" as a
result of widespread rumors during the conference of the inter-American
Economic and Social Council there, and then, after the Kennedy address,
in response to favorable reactions by Central American delegates. Later,
Lima AFP reported everything quiet in Mexico, with no reactions from
leftist elements. The Mexican radio gave full coverage to Soviet and
Cuban reaction as well as to free world moves and opinions.
Khrushchev's Letter: A commentary by Barrios Gomez, broadcast by the
Mexico City radio, says that fortunately Khrushchev was not as senseless
as Hitler when he failed to withdraw his troops from Warsaw. The
commentator says Khrushchev backed down when confronted with the exctreme
degree of U.S. readiness to fight, when he realized that to fight would
mean "total, definitive death" for his nation.
Nicaraguan transmitters have accorded considerable attention to the
Cuban crisis, with major developments receiving bulletin treatment.
There has been no monitored comment, however, from Nicaraguan stations.
The Kennedy Speech: President Kennedy's speech was carried in full by
several Panama radios, while other monitored newscasts carried extensive
excerpts stressing the passage on the U.S. seven-point plan. Panamanian
newscasts also featured extensive reports on the U.S. military buildup in
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the Caribbean, the Cuban mobilization order, the Soviet military alert
order, Secretary of State Rusk's statement and the OAS Council vote,
and the U.S. request for a U.N. Security Council meeting. Also
prominently reported were Panamanian Government and public statements
of support for President Kennedy's action, as well as news agency
reports of favorable world reaction to the President's quarantine order.
A Carrasco commentary over RPC stressed the far-reaching significance
of the President's speech because it revealed U.S. military opinion,
issued a firm warning, and backed words with action. An RPC commentary
described Kennedy's seven-point plan as a well-planned answer to
communist aggression, adding that at long last the United States was
learning that peaceful attempts were useless when dealing with the
communists. A Radio Mia commentator, citing the danger of a missile
attack on Panama and the Canal, called on the Panamanian Government,
as well as all hemispheric governments, to support President Kennedy's
measures without delay.
Khrushchev's Letter: Panama City's Circuito RPC says Khrushchev's
action has removed any doubts that Castro has made a total sellout to ";he
Soviet Union. The station says the fact that Khrushchev did not eonsuimt
Castro on the missile withdrawal "could not have been more humiliating
for the Cuban puppet." Radio Mia says Khrushchev has "clearly denonst;a-ated
that he gives the orders in Cuba, and that he ignores Castro's op.nions3,"
but warns that the Cuban threat must be eliminated once and for all. The
radio declares that the "time has come to eliminate the cancer that has
pierced the head of the Americas." The OAS, it is said "has the
obligation to adopt all appropriate measures to dissolve this absurd,
bloody, and totalitarian regime." A Televisora National commentator
notes the Brazilian proposal for the "denuclearization" of Africa and
Latin America and says the Brazilian initiative deserves "great
consideration."
The Kennedy Speech: Although Paraguayan stations carried the
Voice of America relay of the speech, no comment on the speech or related
developments was heard.
Khrushchev's Letter: Claiming that the world political scene is "clearing
up rapidly," Radio Encarnacion says Castro now has no alternative but to
allow the inspection of the guided missile bases installed by the Soviets
on his island in view of the pressing demands of the United Nations. The
Paraguayan transmitter says this can be considered a setback to Soviet
policy -- a setback Khrushchev will have to explain to other Red leaders.
Another Encarnacion commentary says Khrushchev "had to retreat."
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P E R U
The Kennedy Speech: Peruvian stations carried extensive excerpt3 of ,he
speec , including the entire passage with the seven-point plan. Acco2ding
to Lima AFP, the speech caused "great commotion" in Lima at first, but the
people relaxed when they learned that nuclear war was not imminent. An AFP
dispatch on 23 October reported without elaboration the possibil:+_ty of
disturbances in the Peruvian capital.
Khrushchev's Letter: A Lima Radio America commentator says the victory of
the United States has been overwhelming from every standpoint, considering
the proportions of the crisis threatening peace and security in the
continent." The commentator says Khrushchev had to "capitulate" in the
face of President Kennedy's "firm, resolute action," and that Castro
has been left with nothing to show but the absurdity of his role as a
"servant and slave of the Russians." The Russian move, it is said,
should serve to lessen world tension.
The Kennedy Speech: A Melo radio commentary expressed praise anc? full.
support for the vigorous decision" taken by President Kennedy in his
"fervent desire" to defend America from Soviet imperialist aggression.
Other monitored Uruguayan radios noted the absence of official Uxiiguayan
reaction to the President's speech.
Khrushchev's Letter: While reports on the Cuban situation appear
frequently in Uruguayan newscastsp there has been no comment specifically
linked to Khrushchev's action.
The Kenne Speech: Although there was no monitored comment frcm
Venezuelan transmitters, coverage of the speech and related events was
extensive and headlined. The speech was carried in full by a number cf
Venezuelan radios. Statements of Venezuelan Government support for the
U.S. seven-point plan were prominently featured by various transmitters.
Khrushchev's Letter: Caracas and San Cristobal radios, while noting that
Khrushchev's decision to remove the rocket bases from Cuba has confirmed
Castro's role as a mere puppet of an outside power, warn that Castroism
remains a threat to democracies in the Americas. Radio Continente of
Caracas says Khrushchev's action reveals a "great truth" about Castro--
that he was not only willing to provide Cuban soil for nuclear bases, but
that he was willing to provide "a foothold for an awesome attack against
continental democracy and our nation's sovereignty." The radio observes
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that Castro has "emerged as a fraud" and a "pathetic puppet who meekly
submits to the whims of extracontinental bosses."
The Caracas independent daily LA ESFERA calls for the overthrow of the
communist regime in Cuba, while the progovernment daily LA REPUBLICA,
also of Caracas, says Castro must stop creating disturbances in other
Latin American countries before his government can be respected.
LA REPUBLICA says Khrushchev's action is a retreat but that he is trying
to cover it up by the allegation that Washington will now respect the
Cuban regime. The paper adds: "Something must be done" to make Castro
promise "seriously and formally not to meddle in the internal affairs
of other nations of the Americas."
San Cristobal's radio Ecos del Tarbes quotes R. Ramon Escovar Salcm,
head of the Progressive Republican Movements as declaring that dismantling
of the bases is "not enough" and that "Sino-Soviet penetration of the
Americas via Havana is intolerable." The head of the Democratic Action
Party, Dr. Raul Leoni, is quoted by Caracas radio as asserting that the
dismantling of the bases shows that Castro's country has been "turned
into a beachhead for extracontinental military penetration." Venezuelan
radios continue to report special vigilance by public security forces,
and a government warning that anyone disseminating reports that cause
panic, discouragement, or disorder will be tried for treason. Caracas
reports a message from the Venezuelan chamber of deputies to U.N.
Secretary U Thant supporting his efforts to maintain peace.
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