NSC BRIEFING, 12 AUGUST 1960 WITH ATTACHED DOCUMENT TITLED "NSC BRIEFING - CUBA

Created: 8/12/1960

OCR scan of the original document, errors are possible

CIA HISTORICAL REVIEW PROGRAM : RELEASfAS SANITIZED

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WILLIA* A. HXBXBT Jr.

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N'SC BRIEFING

ugust0

CUBA -

Fidelugust tlrado against US was most intense to dateugust decree confiscating more American properties was regime's most provocative anti-US act.

properties nationalized are worth estimated

Uiolng companies (Including Moa Bay,anks,and smaller companies epill in American hands, but establishment of government/mineralugust may presage seizure of mine*

Physical seizure of nationalized plants clearlyand carried out immediately. Manager of one company found one of his office boys beading militia unit controlling company's offices.

Foreign Minister Roa calledDocument of economic independence for all latin America."

Former Guatemalan President Arbeoz, on speaker's stand whec Castro read decree, got up and embraced him.

extreme provocations suggest regime may even beUS military intervention in belief It would enhance

prospects for Latin American revolution against "US Imperialism Serious church-state conflict may be shaping upugust pastoral letter sharply attacking Communist Influence in government

usually reliable source reports some membersstronglj oppose any church activity that couldas political, Including aid to antl-Communlst

reliable sourco reports police at first refused toto clergy's call to protect churcngoors againstpro-Castro mobsugust.

1* Police claimed they had ordera not to interfere with "pcopl<

who were chastizing Archbishop then called President Dorticos, who sentwho on arrival berated clergy for "provocation"

C. Issue likely lo have strong impact Cuban public as well heml-

sphere opinion, particularly if continued outbreaks force arch-

o>

bishop to carry out threat to close all churches, charging

'inability to guarantee freedom of worship.

of Raul Cblbas, former enthusiastic Castro supporter,August another blow to Castro.

A. Chlbas headed oneajor anti-Batista parties prior Castro's victory and was brother of party's late founder, 'one of Fidel's early heroes.

Is now evidently preparing to deliver military aid to

A. Two officials from Soviet Chief EngineeringMoscow's organization handling supply of arms and military equipment to foreignin Havana last week.

-2-

SSCRET=

1. Their task probably wan to work out specific arrangements for future military deliveries.

arrangements between Czechoslovakia and Cubaconcluded earlier this year.

1. Croup of Cuban military students aro believed to be in Prague for training.

relations with Communist China may have begun on

1. Cuban importers told embassy that samples Chinese rice are very poor quality and government committed to buy large quantity.

.2. Importers plan protest on basis consumer resistance but expect no satisfaction. 3. They foresee rice shortage in very near future. Latin American Youth Congress,ugust, to be followed by otber Communist and Communist front gatherings.

from number countries, Including mostcountries, remaining to work on "school city."

Communists' Popular Socialist party invitingfor Its 8tb party congress (last ono was inbeen scheduled for July, now apparentlyugust.

1. Usually reliable source reports Klkhall Suslov, Duclos, Togllatti and others have been. Invited.

of Communistdftrdevclopedto be held^rtCuba laterrtbls^yearT

Original document.

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