Pact Of Miami 1957 (english Translation)

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]

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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

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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."