As we discussed a few weeks ago, US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Bisa Williams traveled to Cuba for the September 17 talks on reestablishing mail service between the two countries. Only today, however, did State Department officials tell the press that Williams remained in Cuba for five days following those talks. The mail service discussions had been public, but neither country revealed that the senior US diplomat stayed on.

During those extra five days, Williams apparently met with host government officials and a wide range of civil society representatives to “gain a full appreciation of the political and economic situation on the ground.” She also met with Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Dagoberto Rodriguez, visited an area affected by hurricanes in the Western province of Pinar del Rio and toured a government agricultural facility. State Department spokespeople would not confirm reports that Williams might have also met with Cuban dissidents, but further details on the trip will likely come out with a bit more time.

This is a classic example of the effect of history, politics and interest group concerns on the US-Cuba relationship: steps toward normalization are shielded in secrecy in order to pad the reaction.