November 11, 1963: Castro Proves Receptive to JFK's Backchannel Diplomacy

Through their secret emissaries, the two leaders move toward direct dialogue.

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Nov 11, 2023

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As we near the 60th anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, JFK Facts is looking back at key moments in the lead-up to JFK’s killing.

JFK with seven U.S. ambassadors in March 1961. William Attwood is at far right. (Photo: JFK Library)

Sixty years ago today, President Kennedy was discreetly opening a diplomatic backchannel to Cuba.

On Monday, November 11, Maj. Rene Vallejo, an aide to Cuban leader Fidel Castro, sent a message to President Kennedy’s special envoy, William Attwood, through ABC News reporter Lisa Howard.

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