Manuscript interview drafted with questions for Castro during an interview held with the future dictator while he was leading the Cuban revolution from the Sierra Madre foothills, one page, both sides, dated September 1, 1958. The historic interview with a European correspondent was held just a few months before Cuban Dictator Fulgencio Batista was ousted. Manuscript reads, in full, “9/1/58. Note for U.P. In an exclusive interview Fidel Castro with Enrique Meneses for Le Figaro of Paris, the Rebel leader answers the declarations of January 8. Castro: To who should we give the weapons we have stolen from the military? To the same military we have been fighting for the last year? It would have been better had we taken the weapons that we really need in the first months of the mountain fight. The weapons that we captured from the military will be given back once the possibility of the dictatorship is gone. We don’t have any political aspirations because we don't represent any danger of dictatorship. When the armed forces are reorganized and the military dignitaries have them under control; When any possibility of a Military Junta are gone and Batista is no longer a threat, the Revolution of 26 July will return the arms to the armed forces. Q. What do you think of the acceptance of Manuel Urrutia as provisional president? Castro: It would make us very happy that all agree in the Urrutia is the person to preside over the Republic. We will support him whether or not Carlos Prio accepts the definite conditions from the Revolution of 26 July. Carlos Prios no longer counts for anything in Cuba. The revolution is in the hands of a new generation and not in the hands of those who want to chain their destiny to an oppressive past. Q. Do you believe that without the help of the rest of the opposition you will be able to defeat Batista? Castro: It’ll take us longer but we will…The days in which the troops come to find us in the mountains will pass. The time they came to look for us is in the past… Today we have to go look for them at Liano. Here it is already more peaceful than in the rest of the Republic. Here, this is “Free Cuba.’” Signed at the bottom of the second page by Castro. In very good condition, with ntersecting folds (one vertical fold through Castro’s signature), some scattered light toning and wrinkling, and several crossed-out words. Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
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