Washington, Havana, Brussels

Abstract

Spanish and other European interests reaffirmed their presence in Cuba after the triumph of the Cuban Revolution. They aimed to maintain the economic relations as well as the political links they had built in the past. But now they encountered a scene that was dominated by a direct confrontation between Castro and the United States. Up to that time, Europeans had learned how to coexist with the overwhelming economic and political hegemony of the United States. Now they were witnessing a standoff with unknown and unpredictable consequences.

The American continents are not to be considered a subject for future colonization by any European power.

James Monroe, 1823

We will oppose, with all our means, the forcible interposition of any power, as auxiliary, stipendiary, or under any other form or pretext, and most especially, [Cuba’s] transfer to any power by conquest, cession, or acquisition in any other way.

Thomas Jefferson, 1823

The policy of the United States towards Cuba has been just waiting for my death. I am not willing to cooperate.

Fidel Castro to a representative of President Jimmy Carter, 1977

All we are saying to these countries is, obey our law.

Senator Jesse Helms, CNN, March 12, 1996

The United States has enacted laws that purport to regulate activities of persons under the jurisdiction of member states of the European Union; this extra-territorial application violates international law and has the adverse effects on the interest of the European Union.

European Union Regulation, November 1996

It is none of your business.

Popular expression, applicable to the European attitude toward U.S. demands on Cuban legislation and foreign investment