Speech #880023738

The fact that we were not responsible for the Alpha 66 raid is not going to stop Castro and Khrushchev from saying that we were. That kind of propaganda. which the Russians are able to disseminate about the world. puts us in a very embarrassing situation. The other night a group of us were discussing the subject. and the question was asked. "What would happen in a discussion of this situation in the United Nations. where the contention is made by the Red bloc. and by other countries which are not Communist countries. that we have the responsibility for doing a better job than is being done. to hold the Cuban exiles in check while we give them protection or sanctuary in this country?" My plea today is that we make clear. not only to the Cuban refugees. but to the world. that we are going to conduct our own foreign policy. and that we will not tolerate any meddling with it or intervention in it by a group of patriotic Cuban exiles who would like very much to have armed intervention in Cuba on the part of the United States. I had referred to a letter which I wrote to the Attorney General under date of March 20. It outlines in part the position of the senior Senator from Oregon. I stated in that letter: DEAR MR. ATTORNEY GENERAL: I have called my office staff from Costa Rica. asking them to obtain for me certain information concerning the recent attack on Cuba by a refugee group. and asking that a letter be sent to you over my signature. posing some specific questions about it. As you know. the Department of Justice is responsible for the enforcement of section 960 of title 18 of the United States Code. which provides: "Whoever. within the United States. knowingly begins or sets on foot or provides or prepares a means for or furnishes the money for. or takes part in. any military or naval expedition or enterprise to be carried on from thence against the territory or domination of any foreign prince. or state. or of any colony. district. or people with whom the United States is at peace. shall be fined not more than $3.000 or imprisoned not more than three years. or both." I would like to know whether the Department has ascertained the facts of the raid on Cuba claimed to have been carried out by the groups called Alpha 66 and the Second National Front of Escambray. widely reported in the press on March 19 and 20. 1. From where was this expedition begun? 2.