So, Rubiales frantically called around to see who he knew in the government who would listen to him that he'd acted in good faith and even seen the decree personally. Finally, he reached an official who had checked the claim and confirmed that it was entirely legit
The problem was that the announcement was meant to privately curry favor with the Spanish Ambassador but not be publicized. The problem was, of course the Ambassador (a Franquista) would crow about it.
Fidel later commented to Rubiales later 'you got us in quite a situation'
Replies
-
The Spanish Ambassador, meanwhile, apparently spent the 'mourning' period driving around Havana and insisting the flags be lowered to half mast. Cubans would respond with bewilderment, acquiesce when they confirmed 'mourning', and then raise the flags when the Ambassador left