Better Late Than Never

SENATOR EDWARD M. Kennedy '54's suggestion last week that the United States resume diplomatic relations with Cuba is a welcome call for a long overdue step in U.S. foreign policy. Kennedy's statement came in response to Secretary of State Henry A. Kissinger '50's earlier announcement that the U.S. was planning to ask the Organization of American States to lift the 14-year embargo on trade with Cuba, an action tantamount in itself to ending the embargo.

America's refusal to recognize the Castro government, and its immoral and disastrous attempts to overthrow the regime, are part of an unwillingness to come to terms with reality which unfortunately characterizes a great deal of recent American foreign policy. Throughout the 14-year period, Castro repeatedly expressed his readiness to establish amicable relations with this country. And just last fall, the Cuban government conveyed to visiting Senators Jacob K. Javits and Claiborne Pell its anxiousness to achieve a detente with the United States.

It is unfortunate, but not surprising, that the first official American overtures toward Cuba were preceded by moves to change the Cuba policy within the O.A.S. Thus by taking these steps, the United States is merely aceding to the general O.A.S. sentiment, lest the organization go ahead without American approval.

Nor is it surprising that these overtures come at a time when rising sugar prices have created a need for a new import market. But it is good that the government realizes that the Cuban revolution cannot be undone, and important that an American ambassador be sent to Cuba in the near future.