Fidel Castro on Che Guevara
TL;DR
Fidel Castro held Che Guevara in the highest esteem, viewing him as an extraordinary, incorruptible revolutionary model and devoted comrade.
Key Points
He wrote a lengthy introduction to Che Guevara's The Bolivian Diary in 1968, praising his personal and intellectual qualities.
In his October 18, 1967, speech, the leader stated that revolutionaries should aspire to be like Che, calling him a true revolutionary model.
Fidel Castro publicly revealed the existence of Che Guevara's farewell letter in October 1965, confirming his departure from Cuba to fight elsewhere.
Summary
Fidel Castro viewed Ernesto "Che" Guevara with profound admiration and trust, a sentiment solidified from their first meeting in 1955 when Castro categorically insisted Che join the expeditionaries, despite Che's communist status potentially jeopardizing the plan. Castro consistently praised Guevara's character, sincerity, selflessness, and profound revolutionary ideas throughout their shared history and, following Che's death, elevated him to the status of a universal, incorruptible revolutionary model for future generations.
After Che resigned his Cuban posts in 1965 to fight internationally, a decision Castro publicly supported by revealing Che's farewell letter, Castro positioned him as the supreme example of proletarian internationalism, citing his willingness to shed blood for any oppressed people. The leader honored his former comrade in a massive 1967 speech, detailing Che's military genius and unparalleled virtues, arguing that while his physical loss was a tremendous blow, his example and ideas would be invincible and would inspire millions.
Key Quotes
If we want to express how we want the men of future generations to be, we must say: Let them be like Che! If we want to say how we want our children to be educated, we must say without hesitation: We want them to be educated in Che's spirit!
Frequently Asked Questions
Fidel Castro considered Che Guevara one of the most extraordinary revolutionary comrades, valuing his absolute honesty, supreme virtues, and profound thinking above all else, according to his eulogy. He viewed Che as an impeccable model of revolutionary character and sensibility.
Yes, the leader publicly supported Che Guevara's decision to leave Cuba for international revolutionary struggles by revealing his farewell letter, although reports suggest there was initial disagreement regarding Che's specific plan to go to Bolivia.
The leader described Che Guevara as an unsurpassable soldier and an extraordinarily capable military leader and artist of the guerrilla struggle, citing his feats in the invasion and the battle of Santa Clara. However, Castro emphasized that Che's ideas and virtues were more important than his military skills.
Sources5
Che and Fidel: Revolutionaries to the end
In Tribute to Che Guevara
Che Guevara felt betrayed by Castro
"A Necessary Introduction" by Fidel Castro, excerpted from "The Bolivian Diary" by Ernesto Che Guevara
Che Guevara (1928-1967) | American Experience | Official Site | PBS
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.