Speech #870052423

Reports from Cuba indicate there are many thousands of political prisoners held by the Castro government. If they wish to leave the country. my resolution would authorize negotiations for their release. The text of my resolution follows: Whereas the United States and Cuba have committed themselves under the Charter of the Organization of American States to settle their disputes by peaceful procedures. such as "direct negotiation. good offices. mediation. investigation and conciliation. judicial settlement and arbitration". and Whereas the expansion of Communist influence within Cuba has contributed to greatly increased tensions between Cuba and the United States and has resulted in an armed invasion of Cuba by Cuban refugees which has failed. with an unfortunate loss of life and the capture of more than 1.000 invaders by the Cuban Government. which Is now threatening to sentence them to hard labor for an Indeterminate period of time. and Whereas Premier Fidel Castro on May 17 is reported to have offered to exchange. most of these prisoners for 500 bulldozers. and Whereas the United States in the past has participated in arrangements whereby prisoners were exchanged for prisoners. and Whereas It Is reported that many thousands of men and women in Cuba have been arrested and are being held as political prisoners. and Whereas the United States has a moral responsibility to aid these military and political prisoners: Now. therefore. be it Resolved by the House o/ Representatives (the Senate concurring). That it Is the sense of the Congress that the United States should offer to explore the possibilities for some exchange. through the United Nations or the Organization of American States or otherwise. which would result in the freeing of the captives and political prisoners. and at the same time show the Cuban people in Cuba that the United States is willing to supply them with nonmilitary equipment. health or technical assistance programs. school lunches or milk for children. or other programs which will contribute to the well being of the Cuban people as a whole.