Guantanamo Bay – 110 years of togetherness: Closing for good?

The history of how we got Gitmo might be of interest to folks now that we may be talking to Fidel and Raul a bit more. It is very worrisome that our government may consider returning it as a good will gesture to Cuba and the Latin American countries. Since the communist takeover in 1959, the Cuban government has held that the US presence is illegal and in violation of international law. We should give it back. The former Soviet Union residue would like that too. Why? The Guantanamo Bay is an exquisite and rare deep water harbor close to our shores. It is an excellent year round training site for our Navy. As one leaves the Bay proper, deep water is found quickly. Plus, the position is near the inside island passage as well as Florida. These geographic considerations alone are compelling reasons to stay there.

Back in 1898, US Marines and Navy invaded the Bay and took control. They tried other incursions into Cuba from there but failed. In 1903, we signed a treaty with the new Cuban government ceding us the Bay for a coaling station. It is the oldest overseas naval base the US Navy has. We now hold the base as a perpetual lease. We previously paid annual fee to Cuba of $2000.00 in gold coins. This was set at $3085.00 in 1934. American control was guaranteed in the Cuban constitution although Cuba regains ultimate control of the land if we leave. Fidel has only cashed one of our checks and holds the others in his office. Both governments must agree to changes in the lease before any action can be done. In the treaty changes of 1934, the bay were opened to all port traffic so all countries can use it for trade. It was amazing for me to watch from the bridge of an American frigate in the late 70’s, as Russian and other communist ships would transit in and out of the harbor.

This territory that we control under the lease is only 45 square miles total. Laughingly, most of it is really underwater. Few realize that fact. Nor do many know that it has the biggest minefield in the free world. When the cold war was in existence, the Marines told us medical people serving there that they just had to hold for 24 hours and we would be relieved. With amusement, they seriously pointed out that the hospital with its huge Red Cross markings was the Cuban artillery main target. Thanks guys.

Finally, we need to keep this post open and in our hands to keep our friends—the detainees—there. The Pentagon just released information that when released, these terrorists are rejoining the fight against our troops. We should just throw away the key.