261. Memorandum From William J. Jorden of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger)1 2
SUBJECT:
- Another Cuban “Feeler”?
A French businessman with long contacts with Cuba had lunch with our Consul General in Lyon on June 24. He claimed the Cuban Ambassador to France was a good friend, that he had visited Lyon recently, and that he told his French friend he would enjoy a “quiet chat” with the American Consul General. The Frenchman claims that Castro wants to loosen his ties with Moscow and to find some kind of modus vivendi with the U.S.
Our Consul General made no commitment but said he would answer if a firm invitation was extended.
Ambassador Watson (Paris) has recommended that Consul General in Lyon not see the Cuban diplomat. I plan to tell State to be very careful on this one and to keep us fully informed should there be any further development.
[Ref: Paris 13366]
- Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 781, Country Files, Latin America, Cuba, Vol. IV, 1972. Confidential. Sent for information. Kissinger initialed the memorandum. The referenced telegram was not attached.↩
- Jorden reported that the Cuban Ambassador to France had expressed interest in meeting with the American Consul General in Lyon.↩