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Havana, October 25, 1962
Dear Comrade Khruschev.
From an analysis of the situation, and the reports in our possession, I consider that the aggression is almost imminent, within the next 24 or 72 hours.
There are two possible variants: the first and likeliest one is an air attack against certain targets with the limited objective of destroying them; the second, less probable although possible, is an invasion. I understand that this variant would carry to: a large number of force and it is, in addition, the most repulsive form of aggression, which inhibit them.
You can - rest- assured that we will firmly and resolutely resist attack, whatever it may be.
The morale of the Cuban people is extremely high and the aggressor wil be confronted heroically.
At this time I want to convey to you briefly my personal opinion.
If the second variant is implemented and the imperialists invade Cuba whit the goal of occupying it, the danger that aggressive policy poses for humanity is so great that following that event, the Soviet Union must never allow the circumstances in which the imperialists could launch the first nuclear strike against it.
I tell you this because I believe that the imperialists aggressiveness is extremely dangerous and if they actuality carry out the brutal act of invading Cuba in violation of international law and morality, that would be the moment to eliminate such danger forever through an act of clear legitimate defense, however hard, and terrible the solution would be, for there is no other.
Is that. If has. It has influenced my opinion to see now this aggressive policy is developing now the imperialists, disregarding word public opinion and ignoring principles and the law are blockading the sea, violating our airspace and preparing an invasion, while at the same time frustrating every possibility for talks, even though they are aware of the seriousness of the problem.
You have been and continue to be tireless defender of peace and I realize how - been -: these hours must be. when the outcome of you superhuman efforts is so seriously threatened. - However up to the last moment we will maintain the hope that peace will be safeguarded and we are willing to contribute to this as mush as we can. But at the same time, we are ready to calmly confront a situation which we view as quite real and quite close.
Once more I convey to you the infinite gratitude and recognition of our people to the Soviet people who have been so generous and fraternal with us, as well as our profound gratitude and admiration for you, and wish you success in the huge task and serious responsibilities ahead of you.
Fraternally.
Fidel Castro.
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Dear Comrade Fidel Castro:
Our October 27 message to President Kennedy allows for the question to be settled in your favor, to defend Cuba from an invasion, and prevent war from breaking out.
Kennedy's reply which you apparently also know, offers assurances that the United States will not invade Cuba with as own forces, not will it permit it's allies to carry out an invasion. In this way the president of the United States has positively answered my messages of October 26 and 27, 1962.
We have finished drafting our reply to the president's message. I am not going to convey it here for you surely know the text which is now being broadcast over radio.
With this motive I would like to recommend to you now, at this moment of change in the crisis, not to be carried away by sentiment and show firmness. I must say that I understand your feeling of indignation toward the aggressive actions and violations of elementary norms of international law on the part of the United States.
But now, rather than law, what prevails is the senselessness of the militarists at the Pentagon. Now that an agreement is within sight the Pentagon is searching for a pretext to frustrate this agreement. This is why it is organizing the provocative flights. Yesterday you shot down one of these, while earlier you didn't shot them down when they overflow your territory. The aggressors wil take advantage of such a step for their own purposes.
Therefore, I would like advise you in a friendly manner to show patience, firmness and even more firmness. Naturally, if there's an invasion it will be necessary to repulse it by every means. But we mustn't allow ourselves to be carried away by provocation, because the Pentagon's unbridled militarists now that the solution to the conflict is in sight, and apparently in your favor, creating a guarantee aging the invasion of Cuba, are trying to frustrate the agreement, and provoke you into actions that could be used against you. I ask you not to give then the pretext for doing that.
On our part, we will do everything possible to stabilize the situation in Cuba, defend Cuba against invasion, and assure you the possibilities for peacefully building a socialist society.
I send you greetings, extensive to all leadership group.
N. Khruschev.
October 28, 1962
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