Letter from Fidel Castro to Nikita Khrushchev - October 26, 1962

Letter from Fidel Castro to Nikita Khrushchev
October 26, 1962

Dear Comrade Khrushchev:

Given the analysis of the situation and the reports which have reached
us, [I] consider an attack to be almost imminent -- within the next 24
to 72 hours. There are two possible variants: the first and most
probable one is an air attack against certain objectives with the
limited aim of destroying them; the second, and though less probable,
still possible, is a full invasion. This would require a large force and
is the most repugnant form of aggression, which might restrain them.

You can be sure that we will resist with determination, whatever the
case. The Cuban people's morale is extremely high and the people will
confront aggression heroically.

I would like to briefly express my own personal opinion.

If the second variant takes place and the imperialists invade Cuba with
the aim of occupying it, the dangers of their aggressive policy are so
great that after such an invasion the Soviet Union must never allow
circumstances in which the imperialists could carry out a nuclear first
strike against it.

I tell you this because I believe that the imperialists' aggressiveness
makes them extremely dangerous, and that if they manage to carry out an
invasion of Cuba -- a brutal act in violation of universal and moral law
-- then that would be the moment to eliminate this danger forever, in an
act of the most legitimate self-defense. However harsh and terrible the
solution, there would be no other.

This opinion is shaped by observing the development of their aggressive
policy. The imperialists, without regard for world opinion and against
laws and principles, have blockaded the seas, violated our air-space,
and are preparing to invade, while at the same time blocking any
possibility of negotiation, even though they understand the gravity of
the problem.

You have been, and are, a tireless defender of peace, and I understand
that these moments, when the results of your superhuman efforts are so
seriously threatened, must be bitter for you. We will maintain our hopes
for saving the peace until the last moment, and we are ready to
contribute to this in any way we can. But, at the same time, we are
serene and ready to confront a situation which we see as very real and
imminent.

I convey to you the infinite gratitude and recognition of the Cuban
people to the Soviet people, who have been so generous and fraternal,
along with our profound gratitude and admiration to you personally. We
wish you success with the enormous task and great responsibilities which
are in your hands.

Fraternally,

Fidel Castro"

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/presidents/35_kennedy/psources/ps_attackus.html