DS, signed as Prime Minister, one page, 9 x 13, Republica de Cuba Presidencia letterhead, October 16, 1959. An official decree, “Law No. 602,” relating to the budget of the Ministry of Social Welfare. After a long, bloody struggle, a triumphant Castro was named Commander-in-Chief of Cuba’s armed forces on February 16, 1959. When Cuba’s President, Manuel Urrutia Lleó, resigned less than a month later, Castro assumed the post of Prime Minister. Though the President—not the Prime Minister—is officially regarded as the head of the Cuban government, Castro’s appointment made him the de facto leader of that country, marking the beginning what was to become one of the longest—and stormiest—political tenures of modern times. (He “officially” became President in 1976.) Countersigned by Cuban president Osvaldo Dorticos Torrado. The embossed paper-and-ribbon seal remains fully intact. In very good condition, with filing holes, pinholes, and loss to left margin (all of which can easily be matted out), scattered faint and tiny spots, and embossed seal touching (but not affecting the appearance of) Castro’s signature. R&R COA.
