NSC MEETING (412TH), 23 JULY 1959 WITH ATTACHED DOCUMENT TITLED "NSC BRIEFING -

Created: 7/23/1959

OCR scan of the original document, errors are possible

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Castro still has not clarified his position as Prime Minister. He probably will clarify his role at the massive demonstration thisuly) celebrating sixth anniversary of his original armed attack against Batista government.

Cxi

Nonetheless, he will remain undisputed boss of Cuba.

Castro has again demonstrated his wide support among masses.

Z. Thousands of peasants, armed with machetes, alreadyfor Sunday's demonstration.

ouster of President Urrutia, however, has probably

him with important middle class, where respect for democracy always strongest.

i

also likely to bo used by anti-Castro plotters furtherattempts against the regime, though Urrutia hadsupport.

Government increasing its arrests of alleged

Sources among Cuban exiles in Dominican Republic are still claiming readinoss to invade Cuba this month.

K. Newyear old lawyer Osvaldo Dortlcps, likely to be compliant Castro tool.

1. Has energetically denied being Communist and in past was closely associated with moderate pro-US Jose Mlro Cardona, Castro's predecessor as Prime Minister.

2. prominent in National Bar Association during Batista

regime and led that group In strong attacks on regime;

exiled just prior to Batista's fall.

Castro's action against Urrutia clearly helps Communists.

more committed than ever to public positionto control Commonists.

of Castro's chief charges against Urrutia was thatstrong anti-Communist speech ofulyto attacks by reactionaries, including some inwho using false charges of Communist penetrationin plot against Cuba. Urrutia's actionon treason.

Lanz case, which deeply upset Castro, probablyUrrutia's ouster.

after Urrutia's resignation, Communist leadercalled for formation of "truly revolutionaryCommunist participation*

1. This demand unlikely to be acceeded to, at least for now.

indications that Urrutia's ouster may increase influenceCastro.

who as chief of armed forces has facilitatedof military, reported by several sources topressing Fidel to oust Urrutia after argumentspresident over appointments.

Urrutia's resignation, Raul has been observedsessions which normally would not be the casechief.

has said that Raul would succeed him as "Leader

of the Revolution.

Original document.

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