Book on Fidel’s 1959 visit to the U.S. presented in Cuba

Havana, Oct 26 (Prensa Latina) — The book "In the Name of Hope" (*En nombre de la esperanza*), which covers Fidel Castro’s historic 1959 visit to the United States, was presented as a tribute to the leader of the Cuban Revolution.

October 27, 2026
08:39

The event, organized by the publishing house Ocean Sur and the Fidel Castro Ruz Center, featured remarks by historian Rene Gonzalez, a co-author of the book and director of the institution.

In his presentation, Gonzalez explained the historical background of U.S.-Cuban relations, highlighting the interventionist stance taken by U.S. administrations between 1902 and 1959.

He also refuted claims—which he characterized as manipulations—regarding alleged interference by the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) during the national liberation struggle waged by Fidel Castro against the tyranny of Fulgencio Batista (1952–1958).

“At no point was there any influence from the USSR during this period. Movements such as the March 13th Revolutionary Directory, the Popular Socialist Party, and principled members of the Authentic Party [Partido Autentico] were involved,” he stated.

In exclusive comments to Prensa Latina, Gonzalez emphasized the value of this work for an in-depth study of the conflict—a conflict that intensified under the “maximum pressure” policy of the Donald Trump administration.

Meanwhile, Fernando Gonzalez, president of the Cuban Friendship Institute, underscored the significance of this work within the current Cuban context.

jdt/oda/wch