The isolation of Cuba

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33694, 18 November 1974, Page 16

The isolation of Cuba

In the vote on the status of Cuba, taken at the Quito meeting of the Organisation of American States, the abstentions were more important—and more significant diplomatically—than the votes for or against the continuance of trade and diplomatic sanctions. Had two of the largest abstaining States — Brazil and the United States — voted to lift the sanctions imposed 10 years ago the required two-thirds majority would have been obtained. The defeat of the motion may thus be seen as procedural rather than factual, in the sense of persisting diplomatic estrangement The evidence, indeed, points to a slow thawing of O.A S. relations with Dr Castro’s republic. In its early years the Nixon Administration was particularly intransigent. Mr Nixon, when he was campaigning for the Presidency in i 960, used to refer to the Castro regime as “an intolerable cancer” in American-Cuban relations. Yet only a year ago the Secretary of State, Dr Kissinger, said that the Administration was at least willing to consult other O.A.S. Governments about the possibility of relaxing the embargo against Cuba. The voting at Quito now shows that an increasing number of States regard the isolation of Cuba as futile. This was very plainly indicated after the result of the vote to end sanctions was known. The 12 Governments opposing their retention said unequivocally that they now considered themselves free to renew relations with Dr Castro’s Government if they wished to do so. Such a development, which is almost certain to come about, could gravely split the O.A.S. on the question of resuming trade with Cuba, which the country badly needs if it is to reduce Its economic dependence on Russia. It may well be that President Ford is coming to realise that the sanctions against Cuba are indeed “unrealistic and anachronistic ” —as they were described by the Argentinian Foreign Minister at a meeting of the O.A.S. in Atlanta early this year. The anachronism certainly became obvious when, just before the meeting, an Administrative dispensation allowed the sale of some 40.000 motor vehicles to Cuba by subsidiaries of American companies in Argentina. The State Department then apparently tried to justify an untenable position by saying that the decision was “ a rare exception ”, not indicating any change in American policy. But if American abstention at Quito is any indicator at all, it must be of a softening of attitude.

No hasty readjustment of relations between Washington and Havana need be expected, but a move in that direction would be welcomed throughout most of Latin America. Havana claims that Cuban revolutionary policy has been substantially modified in recent years; and that, while Cuba would in no circumstances join the 0.A.5., it would welcome any diplomatic overtures from friendly American countries. President Ford may be hoping for a general detente, which would be realistic. Estrangement with Cuba is surely inconsistent with the increasing accord with Russia and China.