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Anaicmed Document
Number:on: Language: Docummr. Dace: Report Type: Report Number: Report Series: Report Division:
Spanish 35 Sepaily reportaily Report
Caribbean
Entry Date: Status: Country: Category: Report Dats DDC Number; Start Page: Bod Page:
; stat3 ^cat)
ep 92
Subdivision: Cuba
Report Volume: Wednesday Vol VI No its
Dissemination:
City/Source of Dociunont: Havana Radio and Television Networks
Castro Ruz, president of the Cuban Councils of State anderemony markingh anniversary of the attack on the Mo cicada Barracks andh anniversary of the Cienfuegos uprising at the Media Center in Cienfuegos-live]
Kama: Latin America
Headline: Moncada Barracks Anniversary Ceremony Described Subheadline: Fidel Castro Speaks
Linei
Havana Radio and Television Networks in6ep 92
[Speech by Fidel Castro Rus. president of the Cuban
Councils of State and Ministers,eremony markingh anniversary of tha attack on tbe Moacada Barracks andh anniversary of the Cienfuegos uprising at the Xedia Center in Cienfuegos-live]
FULL TEXT OP ARTICLE:
by Fidel Castro Ruz, president of the Cuban Councilsand Ministers,eremony markingh anniversaryattack on the rtoncada Barracks andh anniversary ofuprising at the Media Center in Cienfuegos-livel
Relatives of the combatants ofuly and of 5guests, glorious athletes, people of Cienfuegos
ellow countrymen: As usual, weittle problem we have been unable to solve. We cannot see sorae of tha people at this
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rally cecau.se theybehind that wall of reporter* and cameraspparently, wa have not yetay of doing thu while leaving the area open so we can see the public.ope, ceuxadasannot see, chat you will be patient and perhaps this will-be repeated on television and then you will ae* Chitpologize for thia. Nonetheless, you can hear me. right? [crowdes] You are -ell there? [applause! Good.
As we all know. today weouble event. h oi July arid the 5th of September. This is the first tie* we have net torrMBcrateduly on its exact dace. Some observedave Been present at alluly coieoesorationa. but because thisad unavoidable international commitments, chey decided to postpone theuly celebrations. Itreat honor, bue notreat favor. One could have considered thstave spoken at alluly celebrations of the Revolution,ould be spared this one time, tcrowd shouts; no)
Then, there is also the coincidence that Cienfuegos gained the merit of being the site for theuly commemoration, which is a' national festivity, and Cienfuegos was the site of the greet, historical actioneptember. On that daye were still fighting in the city of Cienfuegos. Itruly decisive, fierce battle.
Theuly coesaenoration was assigned to Cienfuegos endeptember was close, Cienfuegos has had the privilege of celebrating two great historical events. (applause]
C. Cienfuegos won this privilege because of its work, efforts, and struggle, it was not that the others have not made Important efforts. It was truly not easy torovince, but we picked Cienfuegos. This province faced the most difficultuly in the history of the Revolution and the mosteptember in the history of the Revolution. We do not know how many new difficulties we might have to confront.
7. sk you, however, are we facing them? [crowd answers: no]sk you if we are willing to confront the difficulties and problees that might arise? [crowd answers: yes] That is, of course, the answer of the Cienfuegos peopleas also sure it would be the answer of all cur ccrapatnote because Cienfuegos has Itsistory rich in merits and patriotism.
I. Since the waruring which very important battles were waged, and the wsr of IMS. and throughout thepauses] well, nowentioned the ware must not forget that the most famous battle of that war was fought in Cianfuegoa. That was
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the war fought amid tad weather -hen the invading forces of Maceo destroyed sr. enemy csliasn.
I nu aayir.g, throughout our neocolonialhe frontlmes of patriotic andIt was present in the last liberation war witheptember. as present in the struggle againstand in the struggle against mercenaries of the Say ofwere deployed from cienfuegos to fight thehas always been ready to fight; Cienfuegos hasfirm stance at all moments of the history of the revolution.
Cienfuegos is currently involved in exemplary wort.sxed Comrade Kelson ;not further identified] what were, in his opinion, the most interesting things to highlight at thisienfuegos. Ke told me tha active participation of the people snd of the masses in problem-solving tastes was the most interesting, (applause]
Cienfuegos has thus achieved palpable results in facing
difficulties-it reached its harvest goal and even went beyond it; it fulfilled its cultivation of sugarcane and field-clearing tasks; it fulfilled production plans for roots and vegetables and even went beyond them. Its hog-breeding industry has faced very difficult problems becauseac'x of grains and animal feed in the poultry industry.
Cienfuegos has confronted problems with.services and resources, but it has managed to improve its gastronomic services. It has had excellent results with its health and educational programs.
Last year Cienfuegos had an infant mortality rateercent-one of the lowest in theelieve it was the second lowest, one of the two lowest in the country. It is achieving results ln all of its activities.an say Cienfuegos ia an example of what should be done during the special period, [applause;
It is precisely here in Cienfuegos that the Revolution developed seme of its nest important industrial developmentave explained in the past that because it isay. because of its geographical position and its aver present cooperation in all activities, some of the largest factories in the country were built here: The top fertilizer production industry and the top cement production industry.
IS. Cienfuegos has multiplied its power generation capabilities, the construction material industry has developed considerably and we were totally immersed in our creative work-w* were concluding the first
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phase of the Cienfuegos refinery, oil refinery, and the construction of the first electronuclear plant in the country-when this difficult period overtook us.
ar. say thst one of the provinces most effected in the area of industrial production during this special period is precisely Cienfuegos.ill again discuss this topicill not continue without pointing out that one of the characteristics of this event ise arc honoring Cienfuegos" revolutionariesill also pay deserved homage to our glorious Olympic athletes, [applause] who achieved such extraordinary successes during the recentill not discuss this at length because we already spoke at the reception, and what was said there was published in the newspapers and was broadcast on television, which currently is our mass media par excellence.
is enough to remember that they obtained more than twiceof medals won by all of the Latin American andtogether. Zz is enough to remember that they won twicegold medals won by the Latin American and CaribbeanCanada, whicharge country with considerablewon seven times the number of gold medals won by all theAmerican and Caribbean countries,
aidelcomedortion ofnot all of them arrived together as some were alreadytold them we had the privilege of ranking in firstthe world in gold medals per capita, according to ourthe results of the Olympiads were measured* according to theper capitaountry, we would be in first place.in (applause)
19- This country ispecial period, this country is blocked by the empire. Many are surprised. Many persons have sent us messages congratulating Cuba. They are surprised, they are marveled. With all the propaganda against our Revolution as Barroso was saying, with all the slander and lies, yet the world has had to admit what we can attain. These sports achievements are evidence of the social development of our people.
How many years would others need to achieve what we have attained? If there is no social change, if there is no socialf there is no social development, unfortunately our Third world brothers will never attain the laurels our people have reached in the field of sports.
Katu^ally, we must also consider social development and the revolutionary awareness of the people. The spirit, the awareness, and
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hcr.cr sf tfie athletes have had great influence cn these successes.ighly csemercialized world, certain athlete* in certain sports events are offered so many things to buy them. There is not enoughy ncr will there ever beold the athletss-to buy an athlete with honor and dignity, or toevolutionary, [applause]
It is not only the techniques, but also the spirit that many timesompetition. That is why we are still surprised that in the most recent Panamerican Games, we won more gold medals than the United States. This had never happened before in this hemisphere, never. We must admit that it was gold and gold medals for the honor, dignity, courage, honesty, and self-respect of our athletes and our people. (applause)
Therefore,as urging them to start preparing now for the next Olympiad in spite of the special period and all tha problems we may have-that way we are showing how much can be done with so little. The material wealth, the wealth of some countries-the wealthew countries have accumulated based on the past and present exploitationarge part of the country-is not enough for attaining the successesmall Third world country like Cuba can attain with tho Revolution.
I carefully listened to the words of the Puerto Seal mayor, cur friend Bacroso. Barroso was well-known from the very first day he arrived in our country, when he spoke on television to explain the solidarity work his people were doing for Cuba. He said something very beautiful. He said material goods are not as important as the political solidarity with the Revolution. Nonetheless, we also appreciate these material goods, not because of their intrinsic value, but because of what they symbolize.
Comrade Chavez, president of the city of Havana people's government, was telling me that many of the ambulances of the city of Havana were operating with the tire* they [the Spaniardsl collected and sent to Cuba. The Spaniards' sentiments of friendship, which is great, extensive, and strong, were mobilized with the purpose of helping us in practical issues. Aa they say, they gat everything they can obtain that can be useful for the country. In this case, the ship that brought their donations brought motors, buses, spare parts, oils, lubricants, medications, rint shop, in otherong list of materials they collected throughout various parts of Spain.
Barrcso explained to ma it is easier when this is collectedort than when it is collectedity in the interior, far from the coast. It is than more expensive to transport many o* those products. Aside from the intrinsic value, the message these donations
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bring is very stimulating. is is veryto know that there ara people la the world, aad notew people in the world, -ho ara -worried about our problems and worried about helping us in these difficult -moments.
21. Mandela, the African National Congress leader from South Africa, participated in the1 commemoration. Therefore, we thought itood idea on thisulyeptember to have th* participationolidarityymbol of the international solidarity with our country.
2*. Thi* is why we invited the mayor of Puerto Real, to have someone from that growing solidarity movement participate in thia ceremony. Hi* heartfelt words on the afternooneptember war* encouraging It ia encouraging to know there ara many people likehe world. It is encouraging to realise they view Cubaop* today. They view Cub*iscardane voice, as he said,niform world. Haorld where th* powerful establish the guidelinea; orld where few dare to disagree openly with the empire's unipolar power.
He knows Cuba dees not hesLCata; ha Knows Cuba ise knows Cuba is determined to fight. Heew examples that are very llluatrative of the scat* of thing* in that First World, th* Third world, and what he termed the Fourth World, which consists of the belts of misery that surround opulence formed by dozens of million* of people in thecapitalist world. Perhaps later on wo will touch on this idea.
The most important aspect of thia commemoration is that it is being held during the specialerious, acute special period. In these times, we must remember our heroes and combatants of those revolutionary deeds. We must be very aware of what la at stake, that the entire history of this country is at stake, in thiatruggle, we are risking th* laat drop of sweat and th* last drop of blood spilled during our3 to today. Th* independence of the Cuban nation la at stake. Not only the Revolution and socialism, but the Cuban nation is at stake, because we must decide if we are going to resign ourselves someday to lose socialism, the Revolution, our Independence, and the nation.
This is an age-old struggle well-known throughout history.ho know rj.S. history know that the United states always wanted to own Cuba-almoat from the earliaae period of. Republic, almost from the firstfollowing Its independence. Also wall-known is th* story of the ripe fruit; Cuba was to fall in tha hands of the United Statesiece of ripe fruit.. attempts to buy the island of Cuba is also well-known. Also known is
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the entire history of th* Piatt Amendment end the event* In Puerto Kico, but the United States has not given up it* dream of beinga*ong cime-of our country. It la precisely the Revolution and socialism chat Creed us from this and for the first time" truly gave us freedom, independence, and dignity, [applause]
o not want to be something else, we do not want to ba Yankee*, ant to be what we are. Cuban, and Latin American, and internationalist. want to speak. Spanish. Ma want to keep our culture, despite the fact that we sometime* have to us* English because w* hav* no choice because it has becooe an international language. The Englisharge part of tha world and with th* advent of tha Yankee empire tbey turnedsather simple languaga-lneo the language of international conferencea.epeat, we want to be what we are. Itatter of knowing if wa are going to continue being what we are or if we are going to loa* forever the opportunity to be what we ar* and what we want to be. [applauael
Thia ia what is at stake in this special period. Thia Is what is at stake in our struggle. This is what is at stake ln our resistance Difficult time* are difficulturing difficult times, tha number of hesitant Individuals increases; during difficult timea-and this i* tho law of hi*tory-some people are discouraged, some hold on, some .give in. aome betray and acme'desert, which haa happened in all the eraa and in all the revolutions.
ia. y opinion, however, it is during the difficult time* that men and women are truly put to the teat. It ia during difficult times that you find out who is really worth something.
times are the best measure of each parson; ofcharacter; of each person's courage and value; ofconscience, and of each person's virtues. Above all,eople and patriotic and revolutionary virtuaabe lacking; have never lacked among these people and willlacking among these people. lapplausel
e the revolutionaries, however, must be highly aware of the problema and difficulties. There ara people who ara not conscientious, chare are people who do not understand, and there are even people who will never understand. There are people who do not understand th* meaning of the fatherland andhere are peopl* who do not understand history and the root*eople. There ara people who do not understand the meaning of patriotic and revolutionary dignity. There are people who do not understand thia and wa must fight againat all those people.
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17. ight not realize) thistruggle. The special period alsoolitical struggle-against imperialism. Its campaigns, and slogans, tt (the united States] has never directed th* hundreds cf hours cf radio transmissions against any other country as it did against Cuba. It hasarrage of reactionary propaganda against the Cuban Revolution to weaken and soften it.
3S. he resource* that the empire directed against the socialist countries and the international communist movement, they now devcteingle purpose: to fight Cuba, to weaken Cuba, to defeat Cuba, to crush Cubs. The capitalist mentality cannot accept the idea that the Cuban people have had the audacity to challenge them and carryevolution of moving forward. It can much las* accept that Cubans are determined to forge ahead with the Revolution, even though the European socialist bloc sank, (applause)
19. They who have called us lackeys so many times, who have calledatellite country so many times, cannot admit that we are the most independent people of.the world. They refus* to admit we are the Earth's most courageous people because we are near them and are hallenging them, (applause]
could say that the [Americans'] great dream of the castears has been to crush Cuba. They could not accomplish that, but since .the collapse of oolish) socialism-which served as cur support and whose solidarityery important role in this struggle of ours against the empire for our identity and mdependence*the Americans believe this is their great opportunity to crush us. They believe we are not and will not be capable of resisting. They believe or want to believe this but. of course, they have notecond in working coward that goal.
The disappearance of the socialist bloc was, inreat tragedy for our country. The disintegration of the USSR was an even greater tragedy and some day history will demand that tbe offenders cake responsibility for this. The disappearance of the socialist bloc, the disintegration of the USSR, and tha disappearance of socialism in the USSR ha* done extraordinary damage, and will continue to cause u* extraordinary damage for an indefinite time.
One of its affect* wa* widespread demobilisation of the worldwide revolutionary movement's noralization movement. It caused widespread demoralisation and confusion, we were not going to be demoralized, nor were w* going to become confused. The disappearance of the USSR and th* emergenceituation in which the empire virtuallynipolar master hasood deal of fear worldwide. or the timee were not going to be frightened. Our decision, cur only decision, our onlyo
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struggle. Itnecessary, however, for our fellow countrymen ha revolutionaries, and the militant revolutionaries to have's c'ear idea of what the disappearance of tha socialist bloc and the disintegration of the USSR has meant to Cuba-not in the political sphere because we have always been politically strong.
He are proving this under the moat difficult circumstance* Our revolutionary process has always bean very strong. Many her* were confused and leftag) ball. They were not capable of tmnking wxth their own heads, and they listened to the songs of sirensertain political rhetoric and certain theories. Yes we had that type of problem, but politically speaking our party was very clear, because fortunately it learned to think with its own head we nc- have to ask where are those who were not clear, and where are we. the one* who were clear? The former diaappeared. yet we are here struggling [applause]
ong time we have knownilitary point of view, that if there was an imperialist attack, we were going to have to struggle alone, we have known thiaong time, it hasong time since we prepared the theory of the war of all the people and th* military concept of our defense, w* have advanced very much in this field, because we fele we vara capable and wa feel we ar* capable of defeating an imperialist aggression with the war of all the people, (applause]
Naturally, we received large amounts of weapons from tha former USSR, for which we ar* and will alwaya be eternally grateful. In our solidarity spirit vlth the rest of the world, we were willing to run the risksuclear war during that October crisis. Very *oon, it will beears since that crisis.ourageous and heroic role of our people. What exemplary strength. We are familiar with such experiences. We are strong in our conc*pt of th* war of all tha peopia to defend th* Revolution and th* country.
wh*r* did it hurt us the most? It was in tha economic field. It -ould be advisable to glv* you some information, we have already given this information, but thia information always has to be repeated. We have to repeat it ao th* revolutionariee will know it and the confused onaa will not try to confuse us, and so that those who have made bona fide mistakes will know what to do and will have elements to make judgments.
it was. however, the economic area that wa* hit they the socialist bloc disaster.ave some data herei ave many)o not wish to fill your heade with them. (Jinatead of words)
I will quote figures to giveense of what th* disappearance of
socialism in Europe meant to our economy.
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41. lllabout thahat have beer, cade) . How much hai our ability to import suffered la billions of dollars at current market prices, how much have we lost ln terms of export prices? In other words, the difference between the prleas we quoted, based on an agreement with the USSR and other countries, and the prices we receive in whai we call the trash heap of the world market, where surplus sugar ends up.
Because we no longer quota the prices we used with the USSR, if we compare those prices with current ones, we9 billion ln sugar sales to the USSR, and wa5 million in sales to Esstarn Europe, weillion in nickelillion in other products.esulteduction in credits we previously received-we never received credit* from the World Bank and international financial organisaciona controlled by the Unitedlostillion.a talking about aa annual loss; this is per year. Ms2 million in credits from East European countries. We lost SI3 mjllidn in credits from the Soviet international investment Bank.
We alsoillion because of higher import prices. We6 million due to difficulties in locating products, for example, citrus products. we areillion in locating others. We are4 billion per year, 1 billion per year for theisted, and they are not the only ones. Those are direct losses causededuction in the prices we used to quote for our exports.
In Indirect losses caused by the destabiliiation of supplies, problems involving export production, and certainroblems) we lost anotherillion. All these adds up7 billion comparede ar*2
This comparison indicates that tha purchasing power of th* country3 was chat5 billion. According to our estimates, the purchasing power2 will2 billion. Look at th* difference ia purchasing power, look what all of this brought us: The difference betweenillion2 billion-which is what w* have for this year. With thi* disaster, our country has lostc*nt of its purchasing power. Thiserrible blow on the economy.
I am not telling you thia to discourage you,now you ar* not the type that become* discouraged. (applause)ra telling you this so that you will have an idea of th* economic harm done by all this and what feats we have to do to solve2 billion what w* previously solved with overillion in imports. We have to do
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reat feat, [applause)
How have our people reacted? How haa th* inajority of ourthe cere of eur people, the *oul ofpl* reacted? How have the trueho constitute the arm and th* basic muscle of tha Revolution, reacted? They did not react with panic, nor did theydemoralized.etermination to struggle. They followed the line drawn by the party, by th* Revolution. They followed the logical line that must be followed in these circumstances.
55. What could we do?down our flag? (crowd *houts: no! Surrender? [crowd *houtsi no} Abandon our atruggl*? (crowd shouts: nol Give up the Revolution? (crowdo) Olv* up socialism? (crowd shouts; no] No, Just like you say.
SC. we have done what we had to do: Struggle, it is possible that very few people have had to goor* difficult trial.
57. we are also fortunat* because cf the qualities of our* bad already considered the possibilitypecial period in times of war in caseotal blockade against the country. W* had no other alternative but to Implement the principles of the"special period in times of peac* which,th* difficulties it may* not as difficultpecial period in times ofThe situation would be much more difficulteriod of war. We were always willing topecial period in times of war. we ware always willing tootal blockade of our country, and had thereotal blockade we would not have folded up our flag*, nor would we have surrendered.
St. How have our people reacted in different areas? with tru* feats, we oust acknowledge th*of our laborers, workers, efficiency expert*, innovators and technical youth brigades who have planned, innovated, invented, sought solutions, and fabricated parts on any lathe-very often Marching for scrap metal to keep the factorle* going and to keep transportation andconstruction equipment in working condition. This equipment came from many countries from which parts were not sent. For the second time in history we were faced with the same problem, but thia time it was moreAt the beginning of the Revolution, we had capitalist equipment, and now th* same thing was happening with socialist equipment, but the workers were determined to make theork aa much as possible.
55. Our people's response to the mobilizations was admirable. ave supported! th*who were mobilized from th* capital and th*of th* country. During the past two years, ln the capital
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city alone,ave worked in the agriculturalitizens produced food. Millions cf people have worked in the agricultural field over the past two years. They have produced ftod. vegetables, and weeded sugarcane.
herbicide was used to weed thearge portion of tha sugarcane is weeded byworkers, mobilized city dwellers, field workera.members, Ministry of tha Interior combatants, student students, young people, professionals, doctors, Jwords
nd instructors participate in this work to face the great inconveniences caused by this situation. Of course, under these circumatances-tha collapse of the Socialist. economic blockade inflicts much more harm. When the Socialist blcc existed, we
had accaaa to credit and the supply of oil. raw materials, and food was guaranteed, when weuaranteed market, tbe economic
blockade harmed us but not as much as tha present when the Socialist bloc and the Soviet Union no longer exist
. Government intensifies the blockade more and mora*and devises new measures against Cuba, which even harm the sovereignty of third countriaa.. Government is still not satisfied and wants to sub]act our country to even more difficult trials.. Government does everything possible so w* cannot buy fuel in tha market. It goe* to greater efforts'so we cannot have money to buy and pay for th* little fuel the countryeceiving. Government undermine* every Cuban effort to increase its exports and every Cuban effort to enter into partnership* with. Government undermines even the smallest effort that Cuba maXes to export ita new products, which Cuba is developing as never before andower it never had before.
This is why under these circumstances. blockade has become even morehink thi* gives you an idea of the difficulties we have been encountering. Now look what the people have done. Public transportation haa been decreased by nearly on*-third. Nevertheless, hundred* of thousand* of workers, students, and other people rid*an point out an example. In th* capital, bus trip's have decreased0 to0imilar situation occurs ln tha rest of the country. He see how the people participate in finding solutions with modest resources such as bicyclaa.
Dotana of thousands of oxen have been incorporated into agriculture to till and cultivate th* land. The railroad-transportation that turns out to ba most eeonoraical-i* being studied as much as possible. That ia. however, not true for railroads only. Trash collection services, as wall as other services virtually all
over the country, have incorporated the use of horses, mules, and small carts. Even taxi services have been replaced in many cities, including this one. by horse-pulled carts.
Thisevolutionaryeople determined to tackleourageous people. To solve food problems and find solutions for this country, families, citizens, and groups of workers hav* cultivated patios, tenements, and open spaces everywhere.
who would have said that amid such difficult circumstances our country would be able to say what no Latin American country can; what no Third world country and not even many developed capitalist countries can say; we started the new school term and not one child or teenager was left out of school, (applause] The new school term started and not one university student- those who were already attending and newly admitted ones-was left out of the university.
It is already September and in this year of the special period, the infant mortality rate is under the figure registered for the same period last year and any other previous year, [applause] We are*pecial period and not one worker lacks work or protectiononsiderable part of his salary if he cannot be relocated, we arepecial period and not one citizen haa been abandoned in this country, (applause] we arepecial period and weillion tons ofillion tons of sugar, [applause]
We have not only produced that, but ue have been able to sell it. after we had lost the markets of the socialist sphere. We have not only been able to sell the sugar we produce, but we have more demands for sugar and more commitments for sugar that we cannot meet. It is unbelievable that under the conditions of the special period, we haveillion tons of sugar withercent of the resources [applause] that we traditionally used in the harvest, [applause] withercent of the resources. [applause]
We have done it, and in what conditions. We have no herbicides, we have no fertilizers. Great efforts are being made by our research workers and scientists. They are seeking formulas to fertilize the crops through biological means and to control plagues through biological means. Such great efforts are being made to seek new, mors resistant varletlea. They are making such great efforts toethod to feed the cattle, which were left without cereals or fodder.
This has seriously affected some production, such as the production of milk. Th* flocks were suddenly left without any feed, andremendous effort to implement new techniques, such as rotating feeding grounds for livestock, planting sugarcane
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for producing eacharina, ype of fodder made from sugarcane] andhar* ar* many new measure* chat ara being implemented. In some provincaa, these measures are beginning to yield good results but th*s* could not compensate for the total elimination of fodder for Cattl*.
Great efforts are being made to feed cattl* byns. mainly using sugarcane byproducts. He- about the hogs, that wer* also left without any feed?
Great efforts are being made to utilise what little we can import to produce something, for example th* production ofe ar* always awaiting th* arrivalhip that will bring us some cereal. Th* lack of stability inaa greatly harmedreat effort*ng mad* by our experts, researchnd scientists to sav* th* cattl* and maintain the condition* that will allow us in th* future to increase production. Our people have responded well.
ingle contingent has been disbanded. We maintain the 'ten* of conojng*nt* we had organized for construction, and many of them ar* doing otherarge group of them are working in priority works, because we maintain our priority programs. In th* first place is the food program,pit* of all these difficultiesave not mentioned th* treswndou* efforts we are making to produce protein in water reservoirs. We have built hundreds of installation* in recent times to multiply the production of fresh water fish so the people will have that food available.
71. as telling you, however, that th* priority programs will continue to be implemented. We ar* working hard at it. Th* food programs,l of thosa of th* pharmaceutical and biotechnological industry, are progreaaing. Kayb*r* notat th* rat* we wi*h. Yet they ar* marching forward,ood clip, despite difficulties. We have had to stop many social programs. We do not have enough fuel for cement production. We do not have enoughfor construction materials. We do not have enough fuel for equipment. Consequently, we mustery strict order ofow, we can ask this.apitalist country resistlow on its economy?
74. During our history, our economy suffered heavy blow* from out*id*.in the previous and in this century, who has not heard of th* draatic price drop after World War I? who has not heard ofarticularly that of sugar, ins? Yet the economy of our country was never dealt solow as theust described with information and figures.apitalist country have been able to withstand this blow?apitalist country
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have been able toillion tons of sugar under these circumstances?apitalist country have been able toair, equitable distribution of th* available products, as ve areur country? [crowd answers: no]apitalist system have been able to reduce the child mortality rate ever, further under these circumstances? [crowd answers: no]apitalist country have been able toob or protection for all citizens of the country? [crowd answers: no] Thiserrible blow. Wouldountry have been able to guarantee schoolrooms for all teachers and professors? [crowd answers: no] Wouldountry have been able to guarantee books, professors, teachers, and classrooms for all children in the country? (crowd answers: no] What capitalist country would have been able to do this in the midst of difficult conditionshe presence oferrible blow?
Only the Revolution andocialistruly socialist and revolutionary country, could have resistedlow, [applause] what would have been the fate of these people had they beenapitalist society? What would have been tha fate of these people under these circumstances?
Notwithstanding the low price of sugar, our ability to buy products with sugar revenues has never been worse than now. Let us mention oneold you this harvestillion tons; of that total we have to discount local consumption and the rest is exported.
Th* sugar we export is barely enough to. buy the fuel we are consuming, because one of thehingsto thes that upon the triumph of the Revolution9when tha. measures against Cuba wereon of sugar boughtons ofonson of sugar. Pay attention: Today.on of sugar at so-called world market prices, buysons of petroleum;on of sugar weons of petroleum.
That correlation of sugar and petroleum prices never existed before. We had agreements with the USSR before petroleum prices skyrocketedesult of crises in the Middle East and certain international developments. The price of petroleum increased betweenndimes and those are the prices that are more or les* maintained today. Stop to think what buyingons of petroleumon of sugar means.
I said we signed agreements with the Soviets on the price of sugar and when petroleum prices increased, th* price of sugar also increased. That la why for nearly the paston of sugar-based on agreements we had with the Soviats-boughtons o* petroleum. Our people today have toon of sugar for
unclassified
on* of Thi* ratio could evenor decrease depending onr decreases in the price ofm, however, now talking about current price*.
80/ This neans every thermal plant, ev*ry locomotive, every truck, and every vehicle is consuming sugar. It ia as if we filled them with tans cf sugar instead of ton* of fuel. Today our automobiles are running cn sugar at tha lowestorrelation.
This means that forons of petroleum used, we areon of sugar. You know what it costs to produce sugar-to cut. transform, transport, and develop it. In other words, to cut the sugarcane, transport it. develop the sugar, store it, and export it.
at the situation and see if th* obstacle* ar* great. correlation of price* between sugar and petroleum, whathappened in thia country if weapitalist society?in which th*of production wer* privatem telling you that only socialism and onlyn able tolow as terrible a* th* oneus by virtue of events that have nothing to do with ua; byevents that ar* not our responsibility but the responsibilityThi* ism saying on this historical date, atcommemoration, that if in theelieved veryelieve inot more now. tapplause] If in the past
I believed in theelieve in it much mor* now, [applause} If tn th*elieved in socialelieve inot more now. If in theelieved in th* people.elieve inot mora now. [applause]
You may encounter *impletona whoth* *mpire is going to giveift. Th* empir* has never given anyon* anything. Prom th* time it emerged in th* world, it has exploited people, when the smallest concession Is made to the empir* it demands more, and when another concession is mad* it demands more, and th* more that is done the more ithis i* why wa follow Ch*'* philosophy: You cannot make the smallest concession to the empire. This is the philosophy tha history of our country has taught us. If imperialism -ere to regain it*on of Cuba, it would be to exploit it to the marrow of its bones, not to giveift of petroleum, not to reduce infant mortality, not to give everylassroom, not to give everyob, but once again to return to illiteracy, unemployment, poverty, gambling, drugs, and prostitution.
There may be simpletons who believe Cuba may have some other alternative other than th*m saying on this historic date, before this brave and revolutionary that if that were the alt*rr.ative-to return to being what we once were, to cease to be
Pag*: 25
what we ara and wane:-ar;ts would prafar a
deaths, [applause] and the revolutionaries will have to ba reckoned withong tine in this country.
ienfuegos is one of the provinces most affected by the socialist disaster. The nitrogen manufacturing plant is closed. Production at th* cement manufacturing plant is at its minimum. Many manufacturing industries are closed. Th* refinery,irst stage was completed, could not start operations for lack of fuel. Similarly, many of the industrial installations created by the Revolution will remain partially or temporarily paralysed. He will start them all some day if we succeed ln preserving the homeland, the Revolution, and socialism. 'applause] Cienfuegos is the province that has suffered the most.ak this.ingle Cienfuegos resident been leftob and protection? (crowd answers: no}ingle mother from Cienfuegos or any other place in the country say that her son could not go to school at th* opening of the school year?ingle mother say that she did not get medical attention, similar or better than that she had received earlier?ingle mother say chat her son was left without doctors or medical attention, that her son's risk increased? (crowd answers: noi
as. In other words, this province, on* of the most affected, would have had to make terrible sacrifices had it not been for the Revolution and socialism, [applause) Does this mean we ar* doing everything perfect? no. Does it mean that everyone is doing his fair share of work? No. He know it. Thia analysis should lead us to the awareness on th* need for every militant, each party and atate leader, every worker and technician, to make his bast effort wherever he is. Unfortunately, there will always be lumpen and sleaaes who attempt to solve their problems at the expense of someone else's work. This will not discourage or atop us. He will try more and more to seek ways so tha fruit of work can go to those who produce orervice to the society, (applauae]
Meanwhile, however, under tha circumstances, when it is necessary to make the distribution according to this situation, we have no choic* but to give the sleasaa and lumpen their share of bread and everything else. It Is not that w* like it, but it is our duty. This will not prevent us, however, from improving the dining rooms at manufacturing plants and working centers whenever possible and whenever we can make distributions to those who work and produce.
I'have one subject left. It is very Important for Cienfuegos as well as for th*egret having to speak longer on this subject but well, it is not every year we8 [July]eptember together.ant to tall youew daysuick visit to th* Juragua Nuclear Power Plant. I
Page: 18 of 25
guess everybody in Cienfuegos mora or laaa knows by nowalked about with the workers building th* nuclear power plant.
We have had no choice but to atop the construction of this projact-one of the cost important to Cienfuegos. and possibly on* of th* most important to th* country.et with th* workers. It was raining, yet weigorous, revolutionary ceremony.xplained to them why we had to stop this project. *ven if only temporarily.
50. Thesemake sur*r* well understood- are the same reasons weto th* Government of Russia inalt to this project. As you well know, Russia declared itself heir to the former USSR, its commitments and rlghta. Wa advised the Russian Oovemment of the reason* w* hav* found ourselves forced to make this sad decision. If you will be so kind,ould lik* to read tham to youhough it might take some time, if your patience allow* me to do so. [applause)
This is anu* for national public opinion, aa, much a* for international public opinion. The reason* we gave to the Russian authontes were a* follows: hen the tep level* of government of Cuba and of the Soviet Union agreed to begin collaboration on the introduction of nuclear energy, an advantageous opportunity was open not only to Cuba, but also to the Soviet nuclear industry to develop and perfect its technologyountry with conditions very different froa that of Europe, and which would make it possible for them, as it actually happened, to expand their market of exports to ether regions. In this context of mutual advantage for Both governments, th* step* were begun for th* nuclear power plant of Juragua.
Th* essential element for reaching an accord of that natur* wer* tha relations of friendship and trust astabliahed over many yeara between our peoples, and the political will toair exchangenabl* credit* for an inv*stm*nt of that type. On thiserious and solid agreement was reached for the conception, construction, beginning of operation, fuel supply, and maintenance during the useful life of the nuclear power plant; aa wellh* guarantee for saf* *xploitation of th* plant. The intergovernmental agreement* for *conomlc and technical cooperation included tba delivery of twonuclear reactora-Pro]ect
Hi-under appropiate credit conditions and joint responsibility by both parties in tbe execution of this project, whichotal Soviet supply of technology and technical aid. Succesive accordssigned.
6 accord astabliahed payment termsr the year followingr of
Pag*: 19 of 25
deliveryith an interest rat*ercent. The1 accordyear term, two years after deliver/ of the final supply required for the start-up of operations, with an interest rateercent. The6 accordyear termive-year grace period following the delivery,ercent interest.0 accord was signed under the same conditions as that In otheryear terra,ive-year grace period. Finally,, an intergovernmental accord was signed for construction cooperation on the Juragua Nuclear Power Plant in th* Republic of Cuba.
These are the accords signed with them regarding the construction of this plant, The truth is that we were making progress toward building four reactors, and studies were underway for constructionuclear power plant in the eastern part of the country.
An analysis of the level of construction of the nuclear power plant demonstrates the serious and sustained effort which Cuba has conducted under the most difficult conditions ino fulfill the accords,
So we see that the first block of the nuclear power plant is in the following condition:ercent of th* civil engineering haa been completed; more thanercent of construction of the auxiliary sices are close to completion and some are ready to begin operation; more0 square meters of concrete have been poured;ons of equipment andons of technical pipe* have been installed;oercent of supplies to begin operation of the block have been obtained. More1 billion has been invested so far. We have invested more1 billion there,ity has been built with moreousing units.
An industrial base which support* the construction of th* nuclear power plant, roads, railroadolytechnicalort for large ships, and the other projects required for the technical and service infrastructure of thi* colo**al projeet have been built. Our country has not spared any effort inolid foundation of scientific and technical support for the assimilation of nuclear energy and th* introduction of nuclear science and technology Into the national economy. Toward that end,rofessionals and thousands of skilled workers have been trained in thisworda indistinct] base has been created for this activity and for the institutions and entities that supportrogram.
96. These are the reasons we gave to th* Russian authorities. Cuba
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hasagnificent example of respect for what was agreed to, despite delays in building tha nuclear power plant resulting from uncertainty about the automatic system to be used to monitor theonsequence of the tragic accident at tha Chernobyl nuclear power plant, which forced tha Soviat organisations to review and improve the specifications for this kind of equipment.
reality, this type of reactor is nothing like theThe Chernobyl reactor uses different technology. we are building here are the safest in the world, andkind chat exist in almost all countries. Anyway, theforced the Soviet organlxatlona, aa it says here,review everything concerning the safetyetc.
we continued by telling the Russian authorities that to these delays were added other delays that raaulted from the serious internal difficulties in the Soviat Union and later from the radical and dramatic changes which have been occurring in the cooperative relationship between Cuba and Russia, for which we are not in the leaat responsible.
Under the most difficult conditions, the Cuban Government has harbored tha hope that we could presarve the conditions of
cooperation on the Juragua Nuclear Power Plant in order to conclude Its construction even after tha cancellation of other vitally important accords. Based on these coneiderationa, we have been
working toward that aim, and during tha first part ofe
met with the Russian delegation reaponsibla for reviewing cooperation
on the Juragua Nuclear Power Plant.
Unfortunately, the Russian authoritiea. after completely altering commercial trade relations between our two countries and unilaterally suspending all cooperativa relationehipa. had proposed continuing construction of the nuclear power plant under terms and conditions that make this completely impossible, since we have verified that even though they are offering ua credit to cover part of the Russianxpensea. the new conditions under which the project would have to be completed would be as follows.
The credit would not cover all the supplies and services from Russia, th* CIS, and other countries; nor the delivery of equipment, instruments, and materials additionally produced under agreement between the parties, including replacamenta for broken parte. Cuba would have to obtain part of tha automatic system directlyhird country without being able to relyussian guarantee. The conditions 'and payment forma for tha special assembly of the basicadjustment and start-up work; the training of personnel
1 Of 2}
who would work at the plant; installation, testing, and start-up of the automatic control system to be supplied by theervlcea; and technical assistance would be veiy different, and tha supplies would be. instead. as had previously been agreed upon.
This means that we would have to transport all this ecfulpment. which we had agreed would be delivered to us by the USSR fleet. On what ship? One of theid not mentionpoke of tha difficulties is that in thearge portion of our imported and exported products were transported on Soviet and socialist countries' ships. Even though our fleet has grown, it is not large enough.
Today, practically all importing and exporting has to be done by us. with our fleet, or by leaaing ships with convertible currency.
IOC. To propose that Cub* must pay0 million in caah to Russian organisations and arrange for credita in addition to thos* that were formerly agreed to. for0 Billion mor* from third countrie* for th* completion of th* nuclear power plant, means that one is not taking into account the fact that Cuba is resolutely confronting the intensification of the economic embargo which. Government has Imposed on us for the lastra. He do not have access to credit resources from international financial organisations, from otherr of any other type.
This, moreover, doe* not tak* Into consideration our eountry'e economic difficulties, which have forced us topecial period ln peacetime due topercent reduction in importa bacauaa Ruasi* suspended th* traditional trade relations between our two countries.
10a. He gave expressed objections to the new conditions proposed to finish this project to the delegation that visited us in April. They adviaad us chat tbe definite, official version of the Russian proposala would be conrpleted in May. He decided to wait for thl* veraion beforeeciaion on th* problem. Time passed and the document* that were promised were never submitted. Meanwhile, with every passing day, we invested mor* human and material resources ln th* project. For us. it is too burdensome to wait any longer.
These facts have brought us to tha painful conclusion that to continue tba project under tha new conditions proposed-and with so many obstacles, difficulties, and delay* ln defining tha path wa should follow,olid, reallatic basis-is something that our economy cannot bear under tha current circumstances. Therefore, waj hav* decided to propose to tha Russian Government chat this project be temporarily suspended- If in the future therehange ln the
F3IS Concatenated Dallyt 22
conditions that have forced us to make this decision. Cuba will be ready to evaluate th* resumption of construction,xplained to tha construction workers at the nuclear power plant.
tfe have been pouring resource* into th* project everyday, every year. We have already1 billion. For what? To wait who know* how long before we can turnight bulb in that plant, without any guarantee as to deliveries? Even right now.f the deliveries of the nuclear fuel this plant will need? Under theave just explained, which are the arguments we used when speaking to th* Soviet authorities, it would trulyinaan* to continue investing millions of work hours and numerous resourcesontinuation of that project.
techniciaas-and there are hundreds of Soviethimself] Russianr from the CIS. or
whatever, good technicians and good collaborators; we have no complaints about cheo-but there ar* hundred* of them, and today we hav* to pay them in hard currency for their cooperation. We have to spendonth. For example,onth, which is more5 million per year, we can obtain raw materials for six million pairs of plastic shoes. That ia how much w* have to pay the technicians. (applause] is it fair under these circumstances to continue committing those resources, as we have explained ln our arguments, in order to be able to turnight bulb who knows when? Once.0 men worked there; today,orkers work there,orkers. Is it fair that such magnificent workers be used for that project at the presentxplained all thia to thexplained to them that this suspension could be final. It all depend* on the condition* that th* future may bring. But we are going to maintain the hope that somehow the project may be resumed, that some *olution might appear ln thi* regard that will completely justify tbe effort.
it was very hard for thosehere are comrade* who haveonsiderable part of their live* in that project. They had greate arenot going to undo any ofxplained to them that the workforce must be transferred to other areas in which quicker result* can beropoaed to them that civil engineering sorters basically be moved Into tourism, into building tourism projects. We would landonot on vacation, but to bulldithere. We would send them to Cayo Coco, Isle of Youth, different areas where we are developing very important tourist centers that should yield substantial hard currency income for the country in less time andore sacur* form.
Therereat brigade of assemblers there. We must keep thi* brigade of assemblers organized, not disperse their strength. We
FSIS Concatenated Dailyf 23
should not disorganize them. He must keep the various forces there organized, united. These assemblers can work in the sugar industry-that is, in repair and maintenance-prioritized industries, different activities in the country, because they are some of the best welders this country has. He must keep them organized and give them duties, even if they are not all in the same place. But we must maintain the organization.
Besides this construction force that we can transfer to other areas, we mustonsiderable number there in the upcoming months. He must still continue trying to invest some cement and other materials, because if we want to preserve these construction works, we must cover them up-they cannot be left in their present stage-to preserve them, and maintain the hope that perhaps on* day we can resume the work. He must continue to invest andonsiderable number of workers should therefore remain thereime, performing construction tasks to preserve the equipment and technology.
A group of maintenance workers should also remain there. He willertain number there. But besides these construction forces, we have those who were to work at the nuclear plant.orkers have been trained over many years. There are hundreds of engineers and technicians- He propose not to disperse these forces either. He should give them employment Cher* in maintenance and other things, but we should keep these forces, we must keep all these human resources, who we have trained and prepared for the construction and operation of the nuclear power plant.
There are few countriesabor force as qualified as this one. as well-trained and experienced aa tha force we have there. Our proposal is not to disorganize or dispersexplained to everyone that no worker-construction workers or chose who would work Che nuclear plane in the future-would be leftob. That is the principle we have followed to-date. xplained theae details to the workers.ust sayxplained this to them with greatead them these materials,dded some arguments.neward blow it was for many of the workers, for all of them, their reaction was formidable. It was extraordinary.nvited all of them to this ceremony.old themad gotten ahead of myaalfxplained the problem to ehera, (applause) and that we had to explain it to the rest of the country, the rest of the provinces, the rest of th* country during the ceremony, and naturally the international press will disseminate this news as well.
The workers' response was excellent. It was what we had hoped for. There they are. ready to work, anywhere, (applause] ready to work wherever they are assigned so as to keep this extraordinary
family of builders and workers of tha nuclear power planthould say that on that day, as is natural, there were sum and women who cried. Even nature wept that afternoon.old them chat nature could weep, but we could not weep except out of patriotism and emotion, as many of those there cried, [applause] He were truly amaied at the spirit of these comrades. Theyorce we cannot
lose for any reason. We must always be prepared and ready for anything.
If we must definitively halt the work, then we will do so. if we must gather this work force together once again and send them there again, we will do so.romised them that we would even have to recall good workers who at one time had worked there, but had moved on to other activities. Far from reducing this construction force, we should increase it so as to rely on it at any time. These ara the things we oust do during the special period. These measures were delayed, as we explained there, we were waiting and waiting, discussing and discussing it, always with the hope that we would find some solution, until the time came when it was very clear to all of us that we had to take thia measure.
I do not knowxplained hare, lready told you. that with thia we were going toillion tons of ail from the first two reactor units. As you know, tha units the electricity industry has kept in operation are the moat efficient. We are making efforts in manyo not much like to talk about the efforts w* are making, so the enemy will not know too much or be too aware. But we are not forgetting other directions, other fronts, the search tor other sources of energy, the possibilities of uelng certain rivers. We are not forgetting about oil, prospecting for It. We haveumber of step* in that direction. We have been looking for technology to increaee the production of our own oil, which thia year will beillion tons. We are notingle program: biotechnology, the pharmaceutics industry, ave already told you this- energy, food production for Che populace.
Because we are not abandoning, nor will we abandon, our struggle, we will not restingle second. That is our most sacredave already today explained to you the reasons for this. Me axe going to struggle. We are going to resist. We ara never going to surrender, and imperialism will have to put up with the Cuban revolutionariesong time to come. [applause]
If we work well; if we atruggle intelligently; if we keep our unity, firmness, andf we ar* able to rise to the occasion;
if we never want to fail in the reliance other nations of tbe world have placed on us, the reliance all revolutionary and progressive people ln the world have placed on us, and all the poor people in the
who see Cubaymbol of struggle andymbol we cannotymbol we cannotymbol we cannot betray-we will move forward. We will find solutions to our problems, we will never forget that this is the nationB andf Moncadaeptember, of the mountains and the plains, the underground struggle, the glorious internationalist missions, (applause)
We will never forget this, or that we are the descendents of those who fought forears, of those who endured (Spanish General ValenanoJ Weyler's plan of concentration. He did something that. Government is trying to do today: make our people surrender out of hunger; kill our people, workers, farmers, women, and children through hunger. Weyler already tried to do that once at an extremely high cost, and he did not succeed. He did not succeed in making our people surrender. (applause) Imperialism will succeed even less, because of the glorious and beautiful traditions our people and the Cuban nation have stored up.
That is why today, on this historic date.ecall very rightly and Justly those words Camilo (Cienfuegos) spoke during his final speech at the old Government Palace, when he recalled the lines of Bonifacio Byrne: If one day my flag is torn into tiny pieces, our dead, raising their arms, will still know how to defend It.
(applause) Just as we will know, just as we will know (repeats) how
to defend our dead, our heroes and martyrs, all those who have died
throughout the glorious history of our nation.
Because we know that if one day imperialism were able to again take over this land-where, as Maceo said, they would have to get the blood-soaked dust of our earth, if they did not die in the struggle [applause]-we know that if imperialism were able to take over this land once again, th* memory of our martyrs and heroes would be erased. The struggle of more (corrects himself] or of much moreears, would be lost. Not even the remains of our heroes would be left. There would be nothing that would recall their memory,ingle symbol,ingle statue,ingle tomb,ingle martyr's name on any of our hospitals, schools, cooperative farms, or factories.
We know thia, and we know what the return of imperialism and capitalism to our country would mean. This is why, as Byrne said, our dead will defend our flag, and with our hands and lives and hearts and blood we will know how to defend our dead. Socialism or death, fatherland or death, we will win! [applause]
Original document.
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