Castro had named a moderate lawyer, Manuel Urrutia, as the provisional head of state, and despite Castro’s fulminations against America, his movement appeared “free from Communist taint,” Dulles claimed. Dulles probably did not really believe that. He simply knew that the United States had lost an ally in Batista and now had no choice but to try to work with, and guide, the youthful rebel. Tacitly admitting failure, the United States recognized Castro’s new government and proffered a cautious hand of friendship.
