Guantánamo Public Memory Project

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1961: Embargo and the End of Diplomatic Ties

U.S. policy toward communism is “containment” and though concerns that actions by the U.S. in response to Castro's seizing of property will force Castro to seek an alliance with the Soviet Union, President Eisenhower opts for economic action. He puts an embargo on Cuban raw materials and sugar and all U.S. exports to Cuba except medical and humanitarian supplies. The policy backfires. Castro strikes deals with the Soviet Union and other Eastern European communist states for them to purchase Cuban goods.

The U.S. responds by cutting all diplomatic ties. On January 4, 1961, President Dwight D. Eisenhower issues the following statement:

“The termination of our diplomatic and consular relations with Cuba has no effect on the status of our Naval Station at Guantanamo. The treaty rights under which we maintain the Naval Station may not be abrogated without the consent of the United States.”

President Kennedy issued the permanent embargo on Feb. 7, 1962. The embargo and lack of formal diplomatic relationship remains in effect.