437. Circular Telegram From the Department of State to Certain Posts 1

760. For Ambassador from Martin. President has directed that most urgent action be taken improve US communications facilities particularly in American Republics area. Numerous and serious communications shortcomings encountered last several days prior President’s statement on Cuba demonstrate unequivocal, immediate, and continuous need for effective overt US Govt-controlled radio communications system with facilities in each ARA country.

Request you immediately seek from Fonmin, or higher level, oral agreement in principle to necessity for such radio communications system (in light its crucial importance to hemispheric cooperation and defense) and willingness of Govt to which you accredited to explore with us immediately means for putting it into effect. FYI. If necessary, pursuant to recently enacted legislation US Govt prepared consider granting radio operations privileges in Washington, D.C.

Reply urgently by cable giving your estimate time required for conclusion successful negotiations.

Rusk
  1. Source: Kennedy Library, National Security Files, Meetings and Memoranda Series, NSAM No. 201, Box 339. Top Secret; Niact; Limit Distribution. Drafted by Clarence E. Birgfeld and Melbourne L. Spector (ARA/EX) on October 25; cleared by Assistant Secretary Edwin M. Martin (ARA), Colonel Hill (DOD/ISA), Bromley Smith (White House), Jordan T. Rogers (S/S), Robert G. Kreer (DC), Warde L. Cameron (L), and Colonel William B. Robinson (G/PM); and approved by Deputy Under Secretary William H. Orrick, Jr. This telegram was sent to all posts in Latin America except La Paz, with information copies to the POLADs at CINCCARIB and CINCLANT.