Pact of Miami (1 November 1957)

translated by Jules Dubois, as published with his introduction and comments in:
Jules Dubois (1959): Fidel Castro: Rebel-Liberator Or Dictator? (Indianapolis:Bobbs-Merrill),
pp188-190

Cuban exiles drafted a "Document of Unity of Cuban Opposition to the Batista

Dictatorship," which was signed November 1 in Miami Beach at the home of Dr.
Lincoln Rodon, former speaker of the house of representatives, by representatives of
seven groups. Among them were former Presidents Carlos Prio and Carlos Hevia,
together with Dr. Manuel Antonio de Varona, former president of the senate. Dr.
Roberto Agramonte, former presidential candidate, and three signatories of the 26th
of July Movement. I witnessed the ceremony at Dr. Rodon's invitation.

The document reviewed the situation of Cuba and then went on to say:

"In view of the above, the political parties, the revolutionary

organizations and the Federation of University Students, united on
free soil belonging to this great democracy that is the United
States of America, agree to the following:

"First: Increase the fight against the regime of terror of Batista

until a democratic form of government is restored to the island.

"Second: Constitute the Council of Cuban Liberation to unite the

civic and material forces of the Cuban people and organize the
transition between the dictatorship and a constitutional and
democratic government.

"Third: Underline that a constitutional, legal and democratic

government is sought in which the people of Cuba will be able to
express their wishes and declare that the existing tyranny has not
been able and will never be able to offer anything but anarchy,
repression, terror and plunder.

"Fourth: Declare that owing to the dangerous situation existing in

the nation, there is no other solution but to bring about the end
of the present government and to constitute a provisional
government which will preside over the process of reconstruction
and summon a general election which will be celebrated as soon as
possible, so that the Cuban people can freely elect its
candidates, and offer this democratic government a solid backing
so that its stability and impartiality will be assured. This
provisional government shall in no case exceed the term of
eighteen months, at the end of which the new government elected by
the people shall take over.

"Fifth: Agree that the provisional president shall not be

permitted to become a candidate for any position to be filled by
the elections presided over by the provisional government. Agree
also, that the ministers, governors and mayors must give up their
offices six months before the elections to be able to participate
Pact of Miami (1 November 1957) [translated by Jules Dubois] page 2

as candidates for the presidency or for any other elective

position.

"Sixth: Agree to the minimum program to be undertaken by the

provisional government in its work to restore order and democracy
under the compliance of the 1940 Constitution. This program should
be inspired by the following objectives:

"A. Immediate liberty of all political prisoners, civilians and

military.

"B. Restoration of civil liberties.

"C. Establishment of systems of control and punishment to end

graft.

"D. Enactment of a Civil Service Act.

"E. Creation of a higher standard of education, scientific

research, technical education and the conservation of our natural
resources.

"F. Betterment of governmental agencies and institutions violated

and plundered by the dictatorship.

"G. Preservation of the monetary stability and work to channel

credit in a manner productive to the country.

"H. Establishment of regulations covering agrarian reform.

"I. The organization of free elections in the trade unions, in

whose operation the dictatorship has intervened.

"J. Creation of new sources of employment and higher standard of

living for farmers and workers through the establishment of new
industries and the development of agriculture and mining.

"Seventh: Declare that the Council of Cuban Liberation backs up

all the charges of violation of human rights committed by Batista
made by Cubans to the United Nations and other international
organizations; request that, until peace is obtained in Cuba, all
the shipments of arms given to the Cuban government for
hemispheric defense be suspended by the government of the United
States, as the dictatorship is using such equipment against the
Cuban people and not for continental defense. And request from the
United States and the Organization of American States the
recognition of this Council of Cuban Liberation, in view of the
civil war existing on the island.

"Eighth: Invite all the Cuban civic, professional, religious and

cultural institutions and the trade unions and financial
Pact of Miami (1 November 1957) [translated by Jules Dubois] page 3

institutions and organizations to back up these ideals integrating

this movement against Batista.

"Ninth: Reiterate our firm decision to separate the armed forces

from the political battles and guarantee the proper organization
of same, and we appeal to them requesting that they also unite
with us and support the common objective of obtaining freedom from
the tyranny which has caused Cuba so much bloodshed, so that the
present climate of hate and death strangling the Republic ceases,
never to return.

"Tenth: Maintain after the success of the revolutionary goal the

necessary integration to bring about the task of furnishing our
country with the freedom it needs and consolidate a democratic
regime for our nation."