JAPAN CONTEMPLATING RESPONSE TO CASTRO'S ILLNESS

C O N F I D E N T I A L TOKYO 004433 SIPDIS SIPDIS WHA/CCA E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/07/2016 TAGS: PGOV PHUM PREL CU JA SUBJECT: JAPAN CONTEMPLATING RESPONSE TO CASTRO'S ILLNESS REF: STATE 125684 Classified By: Acting Political Minister Counselor Carol Reynolds. Rea son: 1.4 (b)(d). ¶1. (U) This message contains an action request. Please see para 3. ¶2. (C) Acting Political Minister-Counselor drew from reftel talking points to discuss Fidel Castro's illness and political transition in Cuba with MOFA's Mexico and Central America Division Principal Deputy Director Daisuke Nakano on August 7. Nakano said that the government of Japan was still gathering information about Castro's illness, and was not planning on making any statements at this time. Japan will continue its policy of annual discussions with the government of Cuba about democracy and human rights, said Nakano. ¶3. (C) ACTION REQUEST. During the meeting, Mexico and Central America Division officer Hiroki Matsui asked what kind of assistance the United States was considering providing to Cuba during the anticipated political transition period and what kind of assistance the United States envisioned might come from Japan. Please provide guidance on how to respond. SCHIEFFER