493. Minutes of the Cabinet Meeting, White House, Washington, March 25, 1960, 9 a.m.1
[Here follows discussion of matters unrelated to Cuba.]
Cuba Overflights (CI 60–69)2—Mr. Quesada reported on the measures taken since the last Cabinet discussion of this subject when he was asked to coordinate Federal activities to prevent these overflights. He stated that an information clearing point had been established in Miami, under the Bureau of Immigration, and that arrangements had been made with all who lease light planes to report activities other than those with regular customers. In addition, light plane operators have been made thoroughly aware of the heavy penalties provided for violations of existing laws and regulations; also the Air Defense Identification Zone regulations are being sharply enforced.
There was brief discussion of the most recent incident and of the evidence suggesting that it may have been inspired by a well-known Castro supporter. Mr. Rogers hoped that in the light of such devious possibilities, State Department would not ever prematurely apologize for overflights. Mr. Herter assured him that State Department was being careful to await the establishment of pertinent facts.
It was noted also that the evidence in this latest incident is not yet sufficiently clear to determine what might best be done in the interests of the United States.
[Here follows discussion of matters unrelated to Cuba.]