The interactive parts of this resource no longer work, but it has been archived so you can continue using the rest of it.

Leaders & Controversies the national archives
Home > Kennedy & Cuba > Why didn’t this lead to nuclear war? > Source 8  
source seven
Extracts from a letter from Fidel Castro, leader of Cuba, to the Secretary General of the United Nations, broadcast on Havana Radio in November 1962
(Catalogue ref: FO 371/162405)
FO 371/162405; message from Fidel Castro, 1962 FO 371/162405; message from Fidel Castro, 1962
8a 8b              
Transcript
FO 371/162405; message from Fidel Castro, 1962

Questions
  1. The tone of this source is very dramatic. What do you think is Castro’s purpose or reason for writing in this way?

  2. Who are his intended audiences?

  3. What words or phrases suggest Castro wants peace?

  4. What words or phrases suggest Castro is ready for a fight?

  5. Compare this with the viewpoint in source 4. Which viewpoint do you find most persuasive?

  6. Is this source biased? Is it of value to historians? Explain your answer.
Background | Activity | Timeline
  Contact us | Credits | Site map | Glossary | Teacher's notes