A farewell that still resonates: Che's letter to Fidel read for the first time, October 3, 1965

On October 3, 1965, a visibly emotional Fidel read the letter, which signified not only the conclusion of Che's physical involvement in the Cuban Revolution, where he was recognized as a visionary and essential architect, but also became a symbol of revolutionary loyalty, internationalism, and anti-imperialist dedication.

On October 3, 1965 Fidel Castro read Ernesto Che Guevara's farewell letter to the people of Cuba and the Communist Party of Cuba for the first time.

Here Cuban sociologist Rafael Hidalgo Fernández provides some of the context for this reading (translated from the Spanish):

Sixty years ago, in April 1965, Ernesto Che Guevara penned one of the twentieth century's most iconic letters, his farewell to Fidel Castro. This letter, rich in intrinsic values, deserves regular revisiting and contemplation. It should not be seen merely as a political artifact but as a tool to confront the contradictions of our era and address some of today's critical ethical and political questions. In both respects, the letter provokes thought and compels us to reflect.

In 605 words, Che eloquently summarizes his Cuban career from July 1955 until his departure for "other lands" at the end of March 1965. And, in addition, he offers crucial reasons that clarify the paradigmatic significance of his relationships with Fidel and the Cuban people, which, as he admits, "has now become my own."

From start to finish, every emphasis and detail of the text helps us understand why Che was embraced by the people like a son who continually surprises due to the enduring relevance of his ideas, the power of his consistency, and his exemplary life. Notably, as a revolutionary leader, he turned austerity and daily sacrifice into defining traits that are hard to match. These two aspects alone explain why his persona both challenges and inspires genuine revolutionaries, while equally provoking those who are not, even if they pretend to be.

On October 3, 1965, a visibly emotional Fidel read the letter, which signified not only the conclusion of Che's physical involvement in the Cuban Revolution, where he was recognized as a visionary and essential architect, but also became a symbol of revolutionary loyalty, internationalism, and anti-imperialist dedication. These qualities are crucial for safeguarding another triad: the Revolution, Socialism, and the Independence of Cuba under any circumstances.

Sixty years on, the text encourages us to explore more deeply, in a unique way, the elements that led to the emergence, development, and strengthening of one of the most beautiful and instructive brotherhoods in the revolutionary camp—his relationship with Fidel.

Recognizing these factors is essential and both a political and intellectual obligation, particularly given the numerous unexplained silences within the revolutionary camp about Che's life and work. This is especially important when considering the frequent malicious distortions by opponents of the Cuban Revolution, who often misrepresent the relationship between Che and the leader he consistently praised with humility, perhaps unaware of his own greatness.

Composed in the latter half of March before he left Cuba, the letter was handed over without a date on April 1, allowing for its release at the right moment. This moment becomes inevitable at the conclusion of the inaugural meeting of the current Communist Party of Cuba, coinciding with the presentation of its first central committee.

In this context, it was essential to clarify to the public why a symbolic and crucial figure for the success of January 1, 1959, and the implementation of the changes during the first six years of the Revolution in power, was not included as a member of the highest governing body of the new party. This event also marked the first official acknowledgment of the historical reason behind Che's departure from Cuba. Additionally, it served as a necessary refutation of the harmful rumors spread by the Revolution's adversaries regarding this matter.

(For the rest of his essay about the letter see: The Goodbye That Resonates: Che's Farewell Letter to Fidel | Communist Party of Cuba)

Farewell letter from Che to Fidel Castro:

Fidel:

At this moment I remember many things: when I met you in Maria Antonia's house, when you proposed I come along, all the tensions involved in the preparations. One day they came by and asked who should be notified in case of death, and the real possibility of it struck us all. Later we knew it was true, that in a revolution one wins or dies (if it is a real one). Many comrades fell along the way to victory.

Today everything has a less dramatic tone, because we are more mature, but the event repeats itself. I feel that I have fulfilled the part of my duty that tied me to the Cuban revolution in its territory, and I say farewell to you, to the comrades, to your people, who now are mine.

I formally resign my positions in the leadership of the party, my post as minister, my rank of commander, and my Cuban citizenship. Nothing legal binds me to Cuba. The only ties are of another nature — those that cannot be broken as can appointments to posts.

Reviewing my past life, I believe I have worked with sufficient integrity and dedication to consolidate the revolutionary triumph. My only serious failing was not having had more confidence in you from the first moments in the Sierra Maestra, and not having understood quickly enough your qualities as a leader and a revolutionary.

I have lived magnificent days, and at your side I felt the pride of belonging to our people in the brilliant yet sad days of the Caribbean [Missile] crisis. Seldom has a statesman been more brilliant as you were in those days. I am also proud of having followed you without hesitation, of having identified with your way of thinking and of seeing and appraising dangers and principles.

Other nations of the world summon my modest efforts of assistance. I can do that which is denied you due to your responsibility as the head of Cuba, and the time has come for us to part.

You should know that I do so with a mixture of joy and sorrow. I leave here the purest of my hopes as a builder and the dearest of those I hold dear. And I leave a people who received me as a son. That wounds a part of my spirit. I carry to new battlefronts the faith that you taught me, the revolutionary spirit of my people, the feeling of fulfilling the most sacred of duties: to fight against imperialism wherever it may be. This is a source of strength, and more than heals the deepest of wounds.

I state once more that I free Cuba from all responsibility, except that which stems from its example. If my final hour finds me under other skies, my last thought will be of this people and especially of you. I am grateful for your teaching and your example, to which I shall try to be faithful up to the final consequences of my acts.

I have always been identified with the foreign policy of our revolution, and I continue to be. Wherever I am, I will feel the responsibility of being a Cuban revolutionary, and I shall behave as such. I am not sorry that I leave nothing material to my wife and children; I am happy it is that way. I ask nothing for them, as the state will provide them with enough to live on and receive an education.

I would have many things to say to you and to our people, but I feel they are unnecessary. Words cannot express what I would like them to, and there is no point in scribbling pages.

The beginning of Rafael Hidalgo Fernández's essay was translated and shared via a License CC-BY-NC