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Records of the Office of Political Affairs (Clinton Administration)
Joan Baggett's Files
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FOIA Number: 2016-0920-F
FOIA
MARKER
This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the William J. Clinton
Presidential Library Staff.
Collection/Record Group:
Clinton Presidential Records
Subgroup/Office of Origin:
Political Affairs
Series/Staff Member:
Joan Baggett
Subseries:
OA/ID Number:
4055
FolderID:
Folder Title:
Cuba
Stack:
Row:
Section:
Shelf:
Position:
S
28
4
4
1
Withdrawal/Redaction Sheet
Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
RESTRICTION
AND TYPE
001. memo
Morton Halperin to Deputies Committee re: Summary of conclusions
08/22/1994
P1/b(1)
on Cuba (3 pages)
002. memo
William Itoh to Deputies Committee re: Summary of conclusions on
08/19/1994
P1/b(1)
Cuba (3 pages)
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
Political Affairs
Joan Baggett
OA/Box Number: 4055
FOLDER TITLE:
Cuba
2016-0920-F
m1886
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - [44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act - [5 U.S.C. 552(b)]
P1 National Security Classified Information [(a)(1) of the PRA]
b(1) National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA]
P2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office |(a)(2) of the PRA]
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
P3 Release would violate a Federal statute |(a)(3) of the PRA
an agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA]
P4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA]
financial information [(a)(4) of the PRA]
b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
information |(b)(4) of the FOIA]
and his advisors, or between such advisors [a)(5) of the PRAJ
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA]
personal privacy |(a)(6) of the PRA
b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
of gift.
financial institutions |(b)(8) of the FOIA]
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
2201(3).
concerning wells [(b)(9) of the FOIA]
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
Jorge Mas Canosa
305 968 7632
Tara have Have with ti call OMB
chiles
BAGGETT
DATE:
8/26
PHONE CALL LOG
TIME
NAME
NUMBER
RE/COMMENTS
who are Pol. Contacts
Steve Bahar should work
3:34p
Anne Walley
steye in Maine ? in no is CEO
of of Ba Ba loon
Figurish
225-2040
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up
Cory LynnSchenk
logar
just calling to see non
4:30p
Brian Focant
202-416-1135
you are daing [wants
to
get
together for lunch.
4:40p
grace garcia
66481
Sueline State ISSUE -
5p
Ann Barmolini
366-1103
are you wrening in Then
may be requesting PRES
Emergency Board
Keith
Macon
John Coskenin
gide of non to get and -
56190
call mangaret peren inhir
affere
56937 yao
Larry Hawkins
05 29/94
14:46
202 456 7929
WH POLITICAL AFF
4.
002
P
202 456 7929
RE 29. 1994 P.22
THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF FUDRIDA
LAWTON CHILES
August 29, 1994
The Honorable William J. Clinton
President of the United States
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear Mr. President:
During 1993. a. total of 4,840 Cuban and Haitians were granted entry into Florida. As of
August 25, 1994 the number of entrants into Florida this year is 11,414- an increase
over last year of more than 150 percent. Once Cuban and Haitian refugees from the most
recent activity are also reflected, the total number will increase even further.
Yet, over the last three years, the allocation of U.S. refugee assistance to Florida has
remained consistently inadequate to meet the demands we are confronting. This
approach gravely concerns me and is a serious financial threat to Florida.
As you know. the fiscal restraints on U.S. refugee assistance programs have forced a
serious limitation on their scope and effectiveness. Currently, the assistance is confined
to eight months. Florida's dramatic escalation of entrants means an even shorter period of
federal coverage for refugees and a cost shift and burden to our taxpayers -- through our
health, education and social services programs. The State of Florida cannot withstand the
trauma caused by this deluge.
I urge you 10 act swiftly to send a supplemental budget request to Congress for a $25
million increase in targeted assistance under the Refugee Assistance Act to address the
crisis created by the number of Cubans and Haitians rising in Florida. An increase of
population by potentially 20,000 to 30,000 to any community is analogous to the
relocation of a small city. Such a burden cannot be withstood by state and local
governments.
In addition, it is apparent that there will be a corresponding need for additional refugee
resettlement resources for the Department of State and Department of Justice programs
which have also been heavily strained by the recent actions in the Caribbean. I urge you
to consider increases for these programs.
The federal government must acknowledge and provide for those refugees to whom they
extend an open door. My top priority remains the protection of the health and safety of
Floridians and the prevention of loss of lives among Cubans desperate to flee Castro's
failed revolution.
A RECEIVED PRODUCT PRINTED Wrnt Sor be
8/29/94
14:47
202 456 7929
WH POLITICAL AFF
4
003
TC:
222 456 7929
RUE
29,
1854
On behalf of the people of Florida, I am grateful for your efforts to minimize the latest
impact on our State. We will continue to work together towards an orderly, humane
process that is adequately supported by the federal government. We will do our part but
need to be reassured that the federal government will address the financial needs of
Florida.
With kind regards, I am
Sincerel
C.O:
Secretary Donna Shalala
Department of Health and Human Services
Director Alice Rivlin
OMB
Florida Congressional Delegation
08/29/94
14:45
202 456 7929
WH POLITICAL AFF
001
FROM:
TO.
202 450 7323
na
OF
THE
SEAL
STATE
FOLLOWING 2 PAGES
OF
GREAT
FLORIDA
TO: Marcia Hale Joan Beggett
Kith Mason
fax #
IN GOD TRUST
*
phone #
WE
FROM: DKilmer
The State of Florida's
Washington Office
DATE: 8-29 TIME:
NOTE:
444 North Capitol Street
Suite 349
Washington, D.C. 20001
Telephone (202)624-5885
IMMEDIATE ATTENTION
Fox
(202)624-5886
OFFICIAL USE ONLY:
PLEASE DO NOT CIRCULATE BEYOND ADDRESSEES
8/25
DRAFT MEMORANDUM
TO: Mort Halperin
Richard Clarke
Alexis Herman
Joan Baggett
Tara Sonenshine
Bill Danvers
Reta Lewis
Susanna Valdez
Joe Valasquez
Tim Atkin
Rand Beers
FROM:
ERIC SCHWARTZ
Subject: Visit to Miami and Follow-up
Here is a rough draft. I don't know who should be the recipient
of this memo. Perhaps we can discuss tonight.
OVERVIEW OF THE VISIT
The White House/NSC/State/DOD team sent to Florida yesterday went
a long way toward dispelling rumors and opening deeper lines of
communication with community and opinion leaders. However, the
community is disparate and we will not have unanimous support for
any measures we adopt. At the same time, close and continual
contact is essential if we hope to communicate our policy
messages clearly to Cubans in Cuba, who rely so heavily on the
Cuban-American community in Miami. It is also essential to build
support among those who might be sympathetic to our approaches
and to anticipate and deflect opposition.
ESSENTIAL FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
1. The need for a Presidential message
will happen
POTUS
Even among more moderate members of the Cuban-American community,
there is skepticism about the credibility of the messages coming
from the Administration. Many doubt that we will continue to be
"tough" toward Castro and there is palpable fear that we will be
forced into a broad negotiation with him. On the migration
issue, Cuban-Americans report that their brethren in Cuba simply
Tarnoff is official apokespercon.
2
do not believe the U.S. message that Cubans will not be
resettled.
In addition, we were told that the U.S. seems to lack a
"gameplan" for change in Cuba. We heard strong expressions of
support for a Presidential statement on Cuba which would address
these issues.
RECOMMENDATION
That NSC staff prepare a draft Presidential statement to be
delivered as soon as possible.
-
Low-level
(dep. akt. us)
2. Migration "Talks"
- Continuing
We believe that any bilateral migration discussions scheduled in
the near future will evoke strong protests from large segments
(i.e., beyond the most dogmatic members) of the Cuban-American
community. Those who might in other circumstances accept such
talks argue that the symbolism at this moment would be wrong - -
that we would be negotiating with Castro under threat.
Under current circumstances, we will take political hits for any
migration talks. By conceiving of the talks as narrowly as
possible, consulting beforehand with political allies in south
Florida and traveling there for broad consultations with the
community, we could effect some damage control.
RECOMMENDATION
That prior to any initiation of such discussions, NSC staff
Ed Boord
coordinate with White House offices of Public Liaison and
Political Affairs.
Rick Nuccio
-
Once a week
3. STRUCTURE AND STRATEGY FOR COMMUNICATION WITH FLORIDA
We need to send periodic messages to south Florida community
groups and leaders emphasizing the main components of our message
on Cuba, including the need to urge Cubans in Cuba not to take to
boats.
We also need to be have periodic personal contact with these
groups, with the next trip including visits to Florida editorial
boards and follow-up discussions with local groups to pin them
down on actions they are taking to discourage Cubans in Cuba from
leaving by boat.
We should continue to work through the Governor's Office as our
main point of liaison with south Florida groups and public
officials.
OFFICIAL USE ONLY:
PLEASE DO NOT CIRCULATE BEYOND ADDRESSEES
3
RECOMMENDATIONS
NSC staff will draft a "message of the day" for clearance at a 9
am White House/NSC staff meeting, which will then be faxed by OPL
to local officials, civic groups and others in south Florida.
OPL will also make this available to NSC Legislative Affairs and
NSC press as well as other White House offices.
OPL and White House Political Affairs will prepare, by OOB
Friday, a short list of south Florida leaders and Florida public
officials who can be called to be informed of important policy
initiatives, of misinformation that needs to be corrected, etc.
PA, OPL, and NSC staff will coordinate when it is believed that
such calls need to be made.
OPL and PA will provide to Justice (Phyllis Coven: 514 3392) a
list of organizations/individuals with whom we met, so that
Justice's Community Relations Service and the INS can ensure
those groups are doing everything possible to discourage boat
departures.
The Administration will, as soon as possible, dispatch a
representative to south Florida to meet with editorial boards and
follow-up liaison with the Cuban-American community. The
representative, who will be accompanied by someone from White
House media affairs, will speak with CRS and INS on the issue of
encouraging Cubans not to take to rafts and will seek concrete
information on actions being taken by Cuban-Americans to
discourage boat departures. Media Affairs will provide to NSC
press a list of Florida publications to be visited, and NSC Press
will coordinate with Media Affairs in arranging appointments.
4. OTHER MEASURES INVOLVING AGENCY ACTION
The groups and individuals we met made a number of other
suggestions, which will be raised with appropriate agencies by
White House/NSC offices as indicated.
Encouraging third countries to condemn Cuba's violations of
human rights (NSC will raise with State).
[see about Fenaro, UN Human Rights Com duing come media
this already
Taking a series of measures suggested by the Governor' Office
(and listed at Attachment A) to promote quality of life at
Krome Detention Center (NSC will raise with Justice).
Publicizing human rights violations by the Cuban Government - -
it was also suggested that we use film footage of women and
OFFICIAL USE ONLY:
PLEASE DO NOT CIRCULATE BEYOND ADDRESSEES
4
children being put onto rafts (NSC will raise with Coast Guard
and State).
Creating an empowerment zone in south Florida to promote
development in the context of immigration (Political Affairs
will raise with HUD).
Providing additional assistance, possibly through a
supplemental, for south Florida (Intergovernmental Affairs
will discuss with DPC staff).
most
Codel - No codels for
- Tonecelli wants
- - No public members
POTUS - Sandy Beign checking
on for Relations FL members
[alveld, Maynihan, Pell, Lugar]
OFFICIAL USE ONLY:
PLEASE DO NOT CIRCULATE BEYOND ADDRESSEES
CONFIDENTIAL
MEMORANDUM TO JOAN BAGGETT AND ALEXIS HERMAN
FROM:
RETA LEWIS
RiD
SUZANNA VALDEZ (unsigned)
RE:
POLITICAL AND PUBLIC OUTREACH -- SOUTH FLORIDA
DATE:
AUGUST 25, 1994
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS
There is a great lack of information and communication between
the Administration and the Cuban American community. This is
generating confusion and unhealthy speculation about what the
next steps will be. Radio talk shows are filled with rumors that
a complete naval blockade will be set up in a matter of weeks and
a government in exile will be established in Guantanamo Naval
Base. Additionally, the humanitarian issues are very central to
the stability in the detention center and for the emotional
stability of the Cuban-American South Florida residents.
In addition, the community believes that we are going to begin
talks/negotiations with Castro. Community leaders believe that
at some level within the State Department talks have occurred.
POLITICAL RED FLAG!!! If we precede with any talks -- even if
centered on the migration issue only, this will be a political
disaster for Chiles and for the POTUS in the state of Florida.
The POTUS will never be trusted in that state again. We will in
effect have broken a major campaign promise.
The Administration's actions would have been better received had
the community been consulted, primed and prepared for them. Due
to the nature of the situation as it unfolded there was very
little advance work done to insure a positive reception by a
larger/broader group of the more important elected and community
opinion-makers.
The Administration representatives sent to Florida yesterday,
helped tremendously towards dispelling rumors and opened deeper
lines of communication with a broader group of community leaders
and opinion-makers. I am convinced that given the results of
yesterday, if we had been able to prime the community, the
Administrations' position would have been overwhelmingly
endorsed.
page 2
WHAT ARE OUR NEXT STEPS?
*
We should continue to work with and keep the Governor and
Lt. Gov. and their staff as our lead in Florida regarding how the
Administration is implementing the Cuba initiatives. (We must
remember it is their political future that is at stake in
November). Currently, the Governor is looking very strong on
this issue. This crisis has in effect pushed the political
campaign on the back burner. The Republicans have not been able
to get much air space.
We need more messengers spreading the positive words. The
Public and Political Affairs staff will recommend a very broad
bipartisan array of individuals that we will stay in touch with
regularly. These individuals will be selected from
representatives of the Governor's Free Cuba Commission, the
elected leadership, Miami's civic organizations, President
Clinton Democrats and from representatives of Cuban-American
civic groups.
We believe this communication should be channeled through the
public and political affairs department and must be included as a
part of a well thought out plan of action for the hispanic, civic
and political community in South Florida.
If any representatives of the Administration continue to go
to Miami to brief/consult key constituent groups -- it should be
coordinated out of the political and public affairs department.
A media representative should be included in that group.
We should in the next two-three weeks invite to Washington a
representative group of leaders from the people we briefed
yesterday. This briefing should be conducted by Cabinet level
officials and conclude with a meeting with the POTUS.
*
Since the balance of political power is shifting in the
Florida Cuban-American community -- the Administration should
take this opportunity to empower our democratic supporters and
then to forge a closer bi-partisan leadership group.
It was interesting to learn first hand the history of the Cuban-
American community, its leadership and its perceived relationship
to the Washington power structure. We must not forget that there
has been a close ideological and political alignment of the
Cuban-American community with the Republican party. The former
Republican Administrations were able to identify that alignment
and to take maximum advantage of it early. NOTE: Republican
Gubernatorial candidate Jeb Bush was a major player in that
reality.
page 3
Prior to the POTUS, there has been a void of a major democratic
Presidential player that has identified with the needs and truly
understands the concerns of the Cuban-American community.
President Clinton has the potential to fill that void. The
President speaks their language. His philosophy towards Cuba is
exactly in tune with that community. What this Administration
needs to do is to ensure that the Cabinet and senior officials
continue to tow only the President's line. (NOTE: NO
NEGOTIATIONS WITH CASTRO AND THAT THE EMBARGO WILL NOT BE
LIFTED).
Within the next two months, the VPOTUS and the POTUS are
planning campaign stops in Florida -- we must begin to take a
look at how they will respond to the community during those
visits. Additionally, several Cabinet Secretaries have scheduled
campaign visits to Florida. We should capitalize on this
opportunity to do some additional community outreach.
*
The Cuban-American community is responding very positively
to the face of Under Secretary of State, Peter Tarnoff. In
conversations today, people think he is political, close to the
POTUS, passionate and believable.
We should remember to always assess our policy not only from
the Cuban-American perspectives, but also how it is being viewed
by the overall community and particularly by the African-American
community. The briefings yesterday, because it included all
segments of the Florida community, was appreciated and
complimented.
*
We must remember that the Summit of the Americas is only
three months away.
cc: Eric Schwartz (points to be included in a draft memorandum to
POTUS)
US Policy toward Cuba
Speaking Points
Background
The current situation in Cuba is a direct result of and a testament to the failed
polices of Castro. The large number of people willing to flee Cuba reflects the
growing frustration of the Cuban people; the encouragement given by the
Castro regime for people to flee in unsafe rafts is an indication of Castro's
weakening grip and his desire to divert attention from Cuba's internal problems.
Main Themes
1. The President has made it clear: the answer to Cuba's internal problems are
economic and political reform and Castro will not be allowed to export Cúba's
problems to the United States. Undocumented migrants from Cuba will not be
allowed to enter the United States.
2. Castro's safety valve of encouraging Cubans to risk their lives at sea is
despicable and unacceptable. The U.S. will do everything within its power to
ensure that Cuban lives are saved and that people stop risking their lives.
Several people have already died and several are still unaccounted for as
some rafts are found empty.
Secondary Themes
1. The best hope for democracy in Cuba is for the Cuban people to stop risking
their lives and to stay in Cuba and work toward a democratic future.
2. Cubans who desire to reach the United States should not risk their lives at sea
but rather take advantage of the legal immigration available through the US
Interest Section in Havana.
3. There has been no change to the economic embargo placed on Cuba. The
President's actions to stop remittances and reduce charter flights are increasing
pressure.
For Press Interviews: Call Tara at 456-7291 w/questions.
Messages for 26 August:
1. IS THE POLICY WORKING: Since the President's announcement over 11,000
migrants headed for US shores have been picked up from sea by the Coast
Guard and Navy and on their way to or already at Guantanamo. The Coast
Guard and Navy have enough resources to deal with the flow of migrants in a
safe and orderly fashion. With Navy support the Coast Guard will soon begin
diverting cutters back to other routine missions.
2. WHY ARE FLOWS STILL SO HIGH: We anticipated it would take time for Cubans
to fully understand, through our message and more importantly our actions,
they would not reach the US by setting out in rafts. Cubans in Guantanamo
have already said on news reports that if they'd fully understood where they
would end up they would not have risked their lives.
3. BUT WILL CUBANS ULTIMATELY BE ALLOWED ENTRY TO THE US: No they will not.
The pictures speak for themselves. We are expanding the capacity at
Guantanamo and finalizing plans for safe havens in other countries. We are
acting quickly to back up our words.
4. WON'T CUBANS DETAINED IN THE US BE RELEASED INTO THE COMMUNITY: The
Cubans will be accorded their rights under US law. We have no plans to release
them and that is why they are still in detention. They have the opportunity to
apply for asylum.
5. ARE WE NEGOTIATING WITH CASTRO TO CUT A DEAL: No we are not. Since being
established by President Reagan in 1984 there have been continuing talks with
Cuba regarding migration issues, these may be the talks some people are
misinterpreting as negotiations.
6. ARE WE GOING TO REPATRIATE CUBANS: We are not planning nor discussing
forcibly returning Cubans to Cuba. It has always been US policy that if a Cuban
comes to America and then decides he or she wants to return, we would allow
them to return. There has been no change to that policy.
To Discuss on Call:
Cubans taken to Texas (method of transport).
# to Port babel
You have-
max
yest twice they
Jane Case , Sipports contrated who Prei for to if My tasts
7 you DAMA
cause
August 19, 1994
MEETING WITH FLORIDA LEADERS
Date:
August 19, 1994
Time:
Flexible (approximately 8:00 p.m.)
Location:
Cabinet Room, The White House
From:
Joan Baggett, Political Affairs
I. PURPOSE
To meet with Florida Governor Lawton Chiles, Dade County leaders
and members of Florida's Cuban community to discuss recent events
in Florida and the new Cuban immigration policy.
II. BACKGROUND
The key participants in tonight's meeting are Governor Chiles;
Jorge Mas Canosa, Chair of the Cuban American National Foundation
and Arthur Teele, Chair of the Dade County Commission.
Although he is a Republican, Teele is supporting the Governor's
efforts to prevent the potential surge of Cuban immigrants into
the state. Teele, a leader in Florida's African American
community, strongly supports consistency in immigration policies
for Haitian and Cuban refugees. Teele has indicated a high level
of support for the new immigration policy from Florida's African
American community.
Jorge Mas Canosa is a strong and effective opinion-maker in
Florida's Cuban-American Community. Mas Canosa has indicated
support for Governor Chiles in his 1994 re-election bid (although
he has not officially endorsed) and has been a supporter of your
Administration's position on Cuba. Fundamentally, however, he
does not agree with the repatriation of Cubans.
Mas Canosa has pledged to support your policy on Cuban
immigration and to lobby its merits within the Cuban-American
leadership. His support is due in large part to the
implementation of the following recommendations.
1. Lower cash limits (remittances) for donations from $300
per quarter, per household to $150 per quarter, per
household. Gift packages would be restricted to medicines,
food, clothes and other clearly humanitarian items.
2. Use all available means to broadcast into Cuba, in
compliance with international convention.
Page 2, Florida Meeting
3.
Review the passenger makeup of charter flights to
determine if the number of flights is appropriate. The
purpose of the review is to reduce the number if consistent
with the need to use the flights to bring legal immigrants
to the United States.
You should be aware that the offices of Political Affairs and
Public Liaison have initiated calls to Florida's Democratic
leadership, Cuban American leadership and African American
leadership regarding the new immigration initiatives.
III. PARTICIPANTS
White House/Administration Staff:
Leon Panetta, Chief of Staff
Attorney General Janet Reno
Sandy Burger, NSC
George Stephanopoulos
Joan Baggett, Political Affairs
Dennis Hays, State Department
Mort Halperin, NSC
Joe Velasquez, Political Affairs
Reta J. Lewis, Political Affairs
Suzanna Valdez, Public Liaison
Florida Leadership:
Governor Lawton Chiles
Jorge Mas Canosa
Luis Lauredo, Summit of the Americas Chief of Staff
Cesar Odio, Miami City Manager
Fernando Rojas, Assistant to Jorge Mas Canosa
Art Teele, Chair of the Dade County Commission
Maria Elena Torano, Businesswoman and Democratic Supporter
IV. PRESS
Closed Press.
V.
SEQUENCE OF EVENTS
-You will welcome the participants of the meeting and
acknowledge Governor Chiles. This will be an opportunity
for you to state what you have done with the four
recommended points regarding the new immigration policy.
-Governor Chiles will open the discussion.
-Jorge Mas Canosa will give brief remarks.
-You will participate in open discussion.
Withdrawal/Redaction Marker
Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
RESTRICTION
AND TYPE
001. memo
Morton Halperin to Deputies Committee re: Summary of conclusions
08/22/1994
P1/b(1)
on Cuba (3 pages)
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
Political Affairs
Joan Baggett
OA/Box Number: 4055
FOLDER TITLE:
Cuba
2016-0920-F
jm1886
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - |44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act - [5 U.S.C. 552(b)]
P1 National Security Classified Information [(a)(1) of the PRA]
b(1) National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA]
P2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office |(a)(2) of the PRA]
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
P3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(a)(3) of the PRA]
an agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA]
P4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute |(b)(3) of the FOIA]
financial information |(a)(4) of the PRA]
b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
information |(b)(4) of the FOIA|
and his advisors, or between such advisors [a)(5) of the PRA]
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy |(b)(6) of the FOIA]
personal privacy |(a)(6) of the PRA
b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes |(b)(7) of the FOIA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
of gift.
financial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA]
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
2201(3).
concerning wells [(b)(9) of the FOIA]
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
EXEC OFC OF GOVERNOR TEL : 904-922-4292
Aug 19 94 10:03 No 003 P.02
Joan
GOVERNOR'S
CLIPS
Lawton Chiles, Governor
in the Onst
August 19, 1994
Daily Clips
STATE OF FLORIDA OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA
Florida's Chiles Callsfor U.S. Assistance
WALL ST. JRC,
10:04 No.003 P.03
Amid Swelling Tide of Cuban Refugees
Alarmed by reports that Cubans are
massing by the hundreds on the island's
north coast to set sail for the U.S., Florida
Gov. Lawton Chiles declared an immigra-
OM Daytons Beach Hows. Jarnal
lion emergency and asked the federal
government to help the state cope with the
swelling flood of Cuban boat and raft
BEATIE
people.
In Washington. the Clinton administra.
lion's initial reaction to the influx of
Aug 19 94
By Wall Street Journal reporters
Jose de Cordoba in Miami and Robert
S. Greenberger in Washington.
Cubans was low-key. But U.S. officials
hinted that more stringent options were
discussed at a top-level White House
meeting yesterday and could be an-
nounced today.
Officials were reluctant to disclose de-
talls. but measures to stem the now could
range from lowing back Cuban rafters to
putting Cubans in third-country "sale
havens," as the U.S. now does with
Haitian boat people.
But so lar, Washington's only action
AUG 19 1994
has been Attorney General Janet Reno's
COAST GUARD
announcement yesterday that the admin-
EXEC OFC OF GOVERNOR TEL:904-922-4292
istration would increase to 86 from 26 the
number of Immigration and Naturalization
Service agents being sped to Key West,
Fla., to deal with Cuban refugees.
Trying to avoid a sense of crisis, offi-
clais in Washington insisted the U.S. could
easily absorb the number of Cubans ex-
pected in 1994. An official estimated that at
current rates, a total of 20,000 Cubans
could head here this year. but he added
that the hurricane season is likely to hold
the figure below that.
"Look
the Cubans are racing the Haitlans!"
'Distant Shores' Plan
The U.S. has for years had a contin-
gency plan. known as "distant shore,"
periodically updated by the administra-
tion, for dealing with an unmanageable
level of emigration, one official noted.
The plan involves such steps as moving
boat people who arrive in Florida to other
EXEC OFC OF GOVERNOR
TEL : 904-922-4292
Aug 19 94
10:05 No 003 P.04
U.S. states and sealing off the coasts. But
"we are well below the levels that would
Asking for Freedom
trigger this kind of thing." an official
"The people ask for freedom. and since
insisted.
Castro can't give freedom. the only thing
"It's 8 controlled Mariel." says Agustin
possible is to leave." says Mr. Suarez. "If
de Cardenas. a 46-year-old university
they stop people from leaving. then there
physical education teacher who arrived at
will be demonstrations against the gover.
a Cuban processing center in Miami 10
ment."
days ago after spending three days on 8
Mr. de Cardenas says the U.S. is very
raft with six fellow refugees. "Whoever
generous to Cubans. and permits them to
wants to build his raft and go. well. he can
come in. unlike Haltians. It's precisely that
go."
difference in treatment. stemming from
During the 1980 Mariel boatlift. more
the 28-year old Cuban Adjustment Act,
than 125,000 Cubans came to the U.S., most
which allows Cubans who escape Cuba and
on boats manned by their Cuban-American
arrive in the U.S. to stay. that has come
relatives. A number of them were crimi-
under attack. Groups such as the Congres.
nals and mental patients hastily freed
sional Black Caucus have complained
from Cuban prisons and institutions and
about this double standard. and the grip-
sometimes forced to emigrate. So far this
ing could grow louder If Cubs mush
time, the people leaving Cuba appear to be
H cross-section of the population. including
rooms Into a high-profile issue.
professionals. workers and families-from
This time around the newcomers might
toddlers to 90-year-old grandmothers.
not be as welcome. Cuban Americans who
The new flow of refugees. though well
sailed boats to Mariel to pick up relatives
below Mariel levels. has been growing
were the driving force behind the 1980
since Fidel Castro, reacting last week to a
boatlift. Now. for diverse reasons. includ-
riot and a spate of boat hijackings. said his
ing the feeling that Mr. Castro is on the
government would no longer restrain Cu-
ropes and can only profit from another
bans wanting to leave the country. unless
mass migration. there is little enthusiasm
the U.S. negotiated an Immigration agree-
to sail again for Havana.
ment and an end to its three-decade-old
"Cubans have developed a lot stronger
trade embargo on Cuba.
ties to the community." says Pedro
Confirms Castro's Orders
Freyre, a lawyer who chairs the Free Cuba
committee of the Greater Miami Chamber
A Foreign Ministry official reached by
of Commerce. "They are balancing how
telephone in Havana confirmed that Mr.
much can the community put up with vs.
Castro's orders that Cuban police and
"I've got to get my brothers in here.'
coast guard not do the work of the U.S.
Coast Guard were being followed.
The number of Cubans picked up by the
Coast Guard has climbed almost geometri-
cally every day this week. On Wednesday.
the Coast Guard picked up 537 people. the
largest number since the 1980 boatlift. By 5
p.m. yesterday the number was 247.
Nearly 7,000 Cubans have been picked up
SO far this year. about twice last year's
total.
Luis Alvarez, sunburned and sporting a
donated T-shirt. waits patiently as throngs
of refugees threaten to overwhelm the staff
at the main refugee processing center on
the edge of Miami's Little Havana.
"All of Cuba is going to come here."
says Mr. Alvarez. a 48-year-old taxi driver.
rescued by the Coast Guard several days
WALL SI, INL
ago after spending 18 hours on a raft with
10 other people.
Mr. de Cardenas. the physical educa-
tion teacher. says everyone in Cuba wants
to leave the island before the U.S. govern.
ment decides to clamp down. "Before the
Americans stop 11. they want to get out."
he says.
One of Mr. de Cardenas's companion on
the raft trip to the U.S.. Pastor Suarez. a
32-year-old truck driver, says the recent
Havana riots have underscored Mr. Cas.
tro's need to permit his disgruntled sub-
jects to leave the island as a safety valve to
Cuba's disastrous economic situation.
EXEC OFC OF GOVERNOR
TEL 904-922-4292
Aug
19
94
10:05 No 003 05
PRESIDENT DENIES
THE TALLY
EMERGENCY MONEY
Total arrivals:
133,825
Refugees From Cuba
April September
The number of Cuban refugees arriving in
ON CUBAN INFLUX
(Manel boat Ift:):
the United States each year.
125,266
'NOI 10 scale.
Number arriving during 1980 Mariet boat lift
and over the last week (Aug. 11 Aug. 18).
FLORIDA PLEA REBUFFED
10,000
All other arrivals each year.
8000
Justice Department Chief Tells
Gov. Chiles That Refugees
6000
Jan. 1 Aug. 18: 7,341
Are Being Absorbed
4000
Aug. " Aug. 18: 2,003
By STEVEN GREENHOUSE
2000
Specialio The New York Times
WASHINGTON, Aug. 18 - with
hundreds of Cubans continuing to flee
0
1661
in rafts and rubber dinghies. Gov.
'78
'80
'82
'84
'se
'88
'90
'92
'94
Lawion Chiles of Florida asked the
Federal Government today to declare
Scurces: Immigration and Naturalization Service: Associated Press. U.S. Coast Guard
a state of emergency there but Presi-
dent Clinton denied the request.
The New
The Governor pressed the Admin-
with an eye to November, Mr.
istration for millions of dollars in
Chiles is insisting that the Adminis-
Castro has stopped prohibiting Cu-
emergency Federal aid to deal with
tration declare a state of emergency,
bans from fleeing in rafts. inner tubes
the more than 2,000 Cubans who have
and small boats.
partly to show Florida voters that he
flocked to Florida so far this month.
has clout in Washington. He is also
According LO Administration poli-
But Allorney General Janet Reno,
cymakers. Mr. Castro has permitted
asking for a total $75 million in emer-
who comes from Miami, insisted that
the recent wave of refugees in the
gency Federal funds to counter Re-
hope that It would vex the Adminis-
the situation was under control and
publican charges that he is spending
tration and pressure it to ease its
that the refugees were being easily
too much on social services for immi-
trade embargo against Cuba. This
absorbed. Miami already has a huge
grants and others.
would enable Cubans and Mr. Castro
Cuban population.
But diplomatic concerns are giving
to breathe more easily at a time when
According to the Coast Guard. 401
President Clinton a strong tug in the
the Cuban leader faces the most da
fleeing Cubans had been picked up by
other direction. Administration offi-
mestic dissent in years.
& P.M. today. while 537 were picked
Senior American officials said to-
clais said today that they were reluc-
up on Wednesday. That was the high-
day they had ruled out relaxing the
tant to declare a full-scale emergency
est number on any single day since
embargo, which Mr. Castro asserts is
because it would send a signal LD
the 1980 Mariel boat life, in which
destroying Cuba's economy and caus-
Cubans that the door was open wide
125,000 refugees ultimately fled to the
ing the wave of refugees.
United States from Cuba. 50 far more
Options List Prepared
for them to flee in their boats and
than 7,000 refugees have fled Cuba by
A White House official said that
rafts. AI the same time, declaring an
boat this year, the largest annual
emergency would tell Fidel Castro,
Anthony Lake. the national security
number since 1980.
adviser, would soon give President
the Cuban leader, that he had suc-
The Federal Government's emer-
Clinton an updated list of options on
ceeded in unnerving the Administra-
the Cuban situation.
gency plan for Florida would send
lion.
One option under consideration, the
additional Coast Guard or Navy boats
10 patrol the Florida Straits and
Emergency at White House
official said, would be to stop grant.
ing blanket entry to virtually all Cu-
lense lens of millions of Federal dol:
After an emergency high-level
bans who flee to the United States.
lars to the state to provide service
White House meeting on the Cubs
Refuge is granted because the Cu.
for the refugees.
situation today, Administration offi-
bans are fleeing from a Communist
In resisting the pleas of Governor
cials said they were considering nu-
country.
Chiles, President Clinton finds him-
merous contingency plans. These in-
Several officials said they doubted
cluded increasing the number of
self torn between domestic politics
that the President would stop grant-
Coast Guard vessels off Cuba and
and foreign policy imperatives.
ing blanket entry. mainly because it
enabling more Cubans to gain refu-
On one hand. the President wants
would enrage many Cuban-Ameri-
gee status by applying in Havana,
cans.
to help Governor Chiles, a fellow
rather than by taking to rafts. The
Another option under consideration
Southern Democrat who faces a
Coast Guard now has a dozen cutters
would be to transfer fleeing Cubans to
tough re-lection race this November,
and 31 small boats patrolling the
third countries or safe havens, a poli-
possibly against former President
Florida Straits.
cy the Administration pursued 10 han-
George Bush's son Jeb.
Pentagon officials said Navy per-
die the flood of Haitians this summer.
In a mid-term election year when
sonnel were trucking tents from Gulf-
That option is also expected to meet
port, Miss., to Homestead Air Force
the Democrats fear major reversals,
resistance from Cuban-Americans.
Base in Florida in case the wave of
especially in the larger. more
Cubans surged suddenly.
In a news conference today in Key
tial states, one of the last things that
Administration officials say
Administration wants is to lose the
wretched economic conditions in
Governor's mansion in Florida, the
Cuba are the underlying factor be
fourth most populous state, which has
hind the exodus, but they add that the
25 electoral voles.
immediate reason for It is that Mr.
EXEC OFC OF GOVERNOR
TEL 904-922-4292
Aug
19
94
10:06 No 003 P.06
West, where the Coast Guard has
Administration officials vow not-10
taken most of the Cuban refugees.
allow a replay of the Mariel exodus,
Governor Chiles declared an emer-
in which an estimated 90 percent of
gency situation within his state. He
the refugees were carried by boats
said the Florida National Guard, ma-
belonging to Cuban-Americans from
rine patrol and other branches of
Florida.
government would be used to respond
to the wave of Cubans.
The Coast Guard has been ordered
"These large numbers create an
to increase patrols 10 stop and seize
emergency situation for services and
boats heading to Cuba from Florida
assistance," Governor Chiles said.
to pick up refugees.
"Already, this emergency creates a
burden on local and state resources."
"We are not going to permit an-
other massive exodus," said Ms My-
At a news conference, Ms. Reno
ers. "We will not allow Fidel Castrato
treated Mr. Chiles's depiction of the
dictate our Immigration policy.'
situation as an exaggeration, saying
the Administration was handling the
One senior State Department offi-
problem "in an orderly way and with-
cial said he doubted the flow of a
out disruption." She said the Immi-
bans would grow to the same propor-
gration and Naturalization Service
tions 86 wave of Haitians last June.
was adding more than 8 dozen work.
He said that since Cuba did not have
crs in Florida 10 handle the Cuban
free enterprise, It was harder for
refugees.
Cubans to build medium-sized boats
"We do not believe that this current
to carry lots of refugees. That is why
influx has been a burden yet on the
Haltian refugees often fled 50 or POO
community," she said. To buttress
to a boat, while the Cubans flee five or
this point, she noted that 75 percent of
ten to a raft.
the Cuban refugees who have arrived
this year have been settled with rela-
Attorney General Reno seized-on
tives in Florida and 15 percent with
the new exodus to indict Mr. Castro.
relatives in other states, primarily
"To divert the Cuban people from
New York and New Jersey. The other.
seeking democratic change. the gov-
10 percent, she said. have also been
ernment of Cuba has resorted to the
placed outside of Florida.
unconscionable tactic of letting peo-
But Administration officials said
ple risk their lives by leaving in frim-
they were analyzing the situation day
sy vessels through the treacherous
to day and would not rule out putting
waters of the Florida Straits," she
an emergency plan into effect.
said.
"We're watching it very closely,
"An uncontrolled exodus from
but to date we've been able to man-
Cuba will do nothing to address Cu-
age the situation and we expect we'll
ba's internal problems. The solution
continue 10 be able 10." said Dee Dee
to Cuba's problems is rapid, funda-
Myers, the White House Press Secre-
mental and far-reaching political and
tary,
economic reform."
EXEC OFC OF GOVERNOR TEL: 904-922-4292
Aug
19
94
10:07 No. 003 P.07
Tallahassee Democrat
Cuban
refugees Nancy
Lopez. left,
and Laura
Lopez are
CUBA:
greeted by their
cousin
Chiles savs Florida's
Thursday in
safety is jeopardized
Miami, after
arriving earlier
by unchecked
in the week
Cuban immigration
aboard a
23-foot boat.
CARAH THOMAS-MASKELL/Tre Associated Press
which Fidel Castro is trying 10 ma-
nipulate U.S. foreign and immigra-
Reno approves
tion policy." Graham said. "The ac-
tions by the attorney general
indicate that this will not be
tolerated."
TALL DEMOCRATE
Chiles has demanded more fed-
detention for
eral help to pay for housing, health
care and other services for the
thousands of refugees streaming
into Florida in the largest migra-
tion since the 1980 Mariel boatlift.
But the Clinton administration
Cuban refugees
earlier Thursday responded coolly
10 Chiles' request. insisting there
was no crisis at hand.
In an interview before Reno's
hastily called news conference.
Gov. Lawton Chiles says
done. Right now, we don't know
Chiles look a defiant stance.
he is thrilled with the
who is coming in. Castro could be
"When (White House Press Sec-
sending agents."
retary) Dee Dee (Myers) says that
decision because it. will
Since 1966, Cubans arriving in
they are handling the situation that
send a strong message 10
Florida have been released 10 rela-
means that in these 15 or 30 min-
Fidel Castro.
lives or other sponsors in the Unit-
utes they are processing these peo-
ed States upon their arrival, after
ple and turning them loose on my
being interviewed by immigration
streets," Chiles said on CNN. "We
By John Pacenti
officials.
are not going 10 stand for that."
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
KEY WEST
But the administration has
The governor complained that
AS hundreds of Cubans landed
been under pressure from a steach
the refugees are not receiving health
in Florida and thousands more
ly increasing now of refugees the
screenings and said he would issue
gathered along the Cuban shore-
past week to stem the tide.
an executive order to quarantine
line. Allorney General Janet Reno
The Coast Guard has rescued
them until they are checked out by
announced for the first time Thurs-
more than 2,000 Cuban refugees
doctors. He did not elaborate.
day that Cubans arriving by boat
from the Straits of Florida in the
In declaring an emergency.
will be detained. effective immedi-
past week. The guard picked up
Chiles authorized the Florida Nation-
ately. rather than released 10
547 Cubans on Wednesday, the big
al Guard to activate its members to
friends and relatives.
gest single day since the 1980 exo-
deal with the growing influx
Florida Gov. Lawton Chiles,
dus, and 527 by late Thursday.
Pan of the urgency is fueled by
who earlier Thursday declared an
U.S. Sen. Bob Graham, D-Mi-
fear of a repeal of the 1980 Mariel
immigration emergency. said he
ami, also repeated Chiles' assertion
boatlift that swamped Florida with
was delighted by the decision. He
that the announcement was a mes-
125,000 refugees in five months. Law
said it sends a strong message to
sage 10 Castro and that it would
enforcement health services,
Cuban leader Fidel Castro.
allow for careful processing of the
AUG-1994
schools and social agencies were
"This keeps Castro from being
refugees.
overwhelmed.
1661
able to call the shots in regard to
"Clearly this indicates that the
Cubans in a ragiag flotilla of
immigration policy," Chiles said.
administration and president rec-
homemade rafts and leaky boats
"It also allows us to make sure
ognize that this situation has
have been making the perilous 90-
these people get the proper health
moved to a new stage, a stage in
mile crossing in growing numbers
screening, that other screening is
since Aug 5 when Cuban leader Cas-
Please see CUBA, 11A
tro threatened another Mariel after
EXEC OFC OF GOVERNOR
TEL 904-922-4292
Aug
19
94
10:08 No. 003 P.08
CHUCK FADELY/The Miami Herald
A Cuban refugee waves as he and his fellow passengers ball water Thursday from
their sinking raft in the Straits of Florida.
friends to go in boats."
Until Reno's announcement, at
Cuban refugees
bans who arrive were briefly ques-
tioned by U.S. Immigration and Nat-
Tallahassee
uralization Service agents at the
Atlantic
Coast Guard base in downtown Key
Ocean
West and then taken by bus to the
Cuban Transit Center. From there
Florida
they go on to Miami.
547*
A new arrival at the center said
Gulf of
Thursday he sailed with a group of
Mexico
15 Cubans after hearing the Castro
government was no longer stopping
refugees from leaving
"Before, when we try (to leave),
1994
they take everything But now Cas-
tro says, 'Go,''' said Pedro Gonzalez
who sailed with his wife, three sons.
daughter. son-in-law and the family
dog from Mariel.
The Coast Guard believes the
SOURCES immigration and Naturalization Service. US Coast Guard research DY BRENNA SINK
Knight-Ridder inbune
number of refugees will peak at
1.500 refugees a day because of the
the worst noting of his 35-year rule.
trying 10 reach freedom, and anoth-
limited number of boats available to
Cuban journalists who spoke to
er reached shore on 8 stretcher. A
make the trip from Cuba. said a U.S.
The Associated Press by phone said
91-year-old woman crossed with her
government source who spoke on
refugees were setting off openly
son rather than be left behind.
condition of anonymity.
from beaches and harbors around
"Everyone was talking about
The U.S. government through
Havana with no apparent interfer-
leaving" Yamilka Santos Lopez 23,
the Coast Guard and federal immi-
ence from police.
said Thursday after arriving at the
gration agents, already handles the
Forty-three rafts - often rope-
Cuban Transit Center. an exile-run
brunt of the influx in its initial stage.
bound contraptions made of inner
program 10 help refugees find their
But Chiles pleaded for activation of
tubes, canvas, even house doors -
relatives near Key West "Lois of
an emergency federal refugee plan
were intercepted Wednesday alone
people were starting to build rafts or
that includes resettling refugees in
by the Coast Guard. One man died
make plans 10 get together with
other states.
TALL DEMOCRATE
Aug 19 94 10:09 No No.003 P.09
U.S. to detain Cuban refugees
AUG 19 1994
W.PETE TIMES
TEL:904-922-4292
EXEC GOVERNOR
OFC OF
Time: photo - RICARDO FERRO
Cubans picked up by the Coast Guard wait for Gov. Lawton Chiles to finish speaking so they can touch free land in Key West on Thursday.
EXEC OFC OF GOVERNOR
TEL : 904-922-4292
Aug
19
94
10:09 No 003 P.10
Don Addis
PERSBURG TIMES
don
addis
CUBAN
HAITIAN
HAITIAN
Gov. Lawton Chiles says
sterviewed by immigration offi-
1 flood. The items, including tents
Fals.
and cots, were being flown to
the refugees are creating a
But the administration has
Homestead Air Force Reserve
Keen under pressure from a steadi-
Base.
"true emergency" in
increasing flow of refugees the
Other than taking those steps,
Florida.
must week to stem the tide.
Myers would only say that White
Chiles wants the administra-
House officials met to discuss the
By NED SEATON
tion to implement an emergency
situation Thursday and that they
and DAVID DAHL
immigration plan that would bring
were evaluating Chiles' request.
Times Staff Writers
Florida federal help. He wants Na-
"We're not going to permit
TIMES
Cubans arriving in Florida by boat
vy ships sent to the Florida Straits,
another Mariel," the spokeswom-
will be detained rather than released
possibly to intercept the desperate
an said,
into the community, the Clinton ad-
Cubans who are boarding make-
That's exactly what Chiles
ministration announced late Thurs-
shift boats and rafts to take the
wants to avoid. An estimated
day.
treacherous 90-mile trip from
125,000 Cuban refugees came to
their homeland.
the United States in 1980 to es-
Attorney General Janet Reno an-
cape Fidel Castro's communist re-
nounced the new policy. Details about
But earlier Thursday the ad-
it will be disclosed by President Chin-
ministration was cool to the gover-
gime. Many of the refugees were
hor's request, and no one at the
(escued by their Cuban-American
White House would agree with his
gelatives, who took boats to their
ton today.
description of the situation as an
former bomeland.
The decision came after a day
AUG 1994
when Gov. Lawton Chiles declared a
emergency.
The influx altered South Flon-
state of emergency and demanded
"I think clearly we've been
da dramatically, swamping
federal help with the largest wave of
able to handle the surge in Cuban
schools, public health programs
migrants in an orderly fashion and
and law enforcement. In the years
Cuban immigrants to hit Florida since
we'll continue to do that," said
since, state leaders often have ar-
the 1980 Mariel boatlift.
"There are hundreds of people.
White House spokeswoman Dee
gued that these immigration costs
perhaps thousands, massing on the
Dee Myers.
are the responsibility of the federal
shores of Cuba," Chiles told a news
An additional 86 Immigration
government. Washington hasn't
conference held at the Key West
and Naturalization Service agents
entirely agreed.
Coast Guard station. "A true emer-
were dispatched to South Florida
Now, with B new, though much
gency exists for the state of Florida."
this week. And a senior Pentagon
smaller, wave of Cuban refugees,
Since 1966, Cubans arriving in
official said Defense Secretary Wil-
Chiles doesn't want to get stuck
Florida have been released to rela-
Itam Perry authorized shipment of
with the tab again - especially
lives or other sponsors in the United
excess military supplies to South
when he's facing a tough re-elec-
Florida as a "prudent measure" in
tion fight this fall.
States upon their arrival, after being
case the flow of refugees turns into
EXEC OFC OF GOVERNOR
TEL 904-922-4292
Aug 19 94
10:10 No 003 P.11
dog on a leash. The refugees ap-
gressional delegation was joining
Chiles'
peared to be in good condition,
Chiles in his demand for federal
request
walking off the boat with no assis-
help.
tance.
Sen. Bob Graham, a Democrat
The latest round of refugees
who was Florida's governor during
Gov. Lawton Chiles on
apparently is arriving because Cas-
the Mariel boatlift and its after-
Thursday appealed to
tro is opening Cuban ports in the
math, contacted Clinton adminis-
President Clinton for a
wake of the worst rioting of his
tration officials Thursday evening.
four-pronged federal
35-year regime.
One target: Reno. herself a Floridi-
response to Florida's
The Coast Guard has rescued
an who was Dade County state
refugee situation. The
more than 1,600 Cuban refugees
attorney in the 1980s.
components of his request
from the Florida Straits in the past
The Floridians want some of
include:
week, including 547 on Wednes-
the nearly $1-billion the state has
day. the biggest single day since
been requesting from the Federal
An increased naval
the 1980 exodus, and 369 by
Immigration Emergency Fund.
presence in the Florida
Thursday evening.
They also want help to guard
Straits 10 deter Cubans trom
The Coast Guard believes the
against disease that could be
taking to the seas.
number will peak at 1,500 a day
spread by the new arrivals.
Some $75-million to assist
and then drop off. limited by the
"There exists a public health
local communities affected
number of available boats and bad
threat to the residents of Dade
by the refugee influx. This
weather expected from Tropical
County because the federal gov-
money presumably would
Storm Chris, a U.S. government
ernment has not yet established a
go to communities such as
source told the Associated Press.
mechanism for conducting medical
Miami and Key West. where?
Forty-three rafts - often
screenings at the point of entry (in
large numbers of refugees
rope-bound contraptions made of
Key West)," Dade County Manag-
are coming ashore.
inner tubes, canvas, even house
er Joaquin Avino said in a letter to
U.S. Public Health Service
doors - were intercepted
Reno on Wednesday.
officials to assist state
Wednesday alone. One man died
"This is of great concern to us
health officials in the
trying to reach freedom, and an-
because there exists the real po-
medical screening of
other reached shore on a stretch-
tential for a resurgence in trans-
incoming refugees.
er. A 91-year-old woman crossed
mittable diseases such as tubercu-
A second refugee
with her son rather than be left
losis," Avino wrote.
processing center. Florida's
behind.
Reno didn't offer a sympathetic
existing processing center
Under the 1960s-era Cuban
ear to her home-state allies, how-
the Krome detention center'
Adjustment Act. any Cuban who
ever. She pointed out that the
in west Dade County, is
reaches the United States gets
state already receives federal
inundated with refugees.
permanent resident status auto-
money for South Florida's hospi-
Sites mentioned as possible
matically. The federal government
tals and other needs. She told re-
secondary facilities include
processes the immigrants, with an
porters the administration was
Homestead Air Force Base
emphasis on reuniting the immi-
handling the latest problem "in an
and the Naval Installation on
grants with relatives.
orderly way and without disrup-
Boca Chica near Key West
Reno said about 75 percent of
tion."
the new arrivals end up in Florida
Furthermore, Reno argued the
and about 15 percent in New York
administration has taken a big step
"This is not a manageable situ-
or New Jersey. The rest are being
in avoiding a repeat of the Mariel
ation." Chiles said at his news
placed outside of Florida.
boatlift. The Coast Guard is warn-
conference.
Chiles would like to bus the
ing Florida boaters that they will
He urged Cubans to stay in
immigrants out of the state in 72
be seized if they're headed to Cu-
their homeland and declared: "The
hours, but he wasn't getting a lot
ba. Ninety percent of Mariel's in-
Castro government is clearly
of help from the federal govern-
flux resulted from Floridians trav-
weakening and the day of freedom
ment. Customarily a close ally of
eling to Cuba to get relatives.
in Cuba is near."
President Clinton. the governor
Chiles praised Florida's Cuban
As Chiles spoke. the 82-foot
said, "I wouldn't be here this
community for showing restraint
Coast Guard cutter Point Baker
morning if everything was working
in not attempting to haphazardly
pulled up to the Key West dock,
the way it should be."
boat out into the straits to find
carrying 49 refugees and one small
By day's end, Florida's con-
friends or relatives.
ST. PETE TIMES
AUG 18 1994
10
10:11 No.003 P.12
Aug 19 94
AUG
Times photo - RICARDO FERRO
TEL:904-922-4292
This Cuban family was among those who escaped their homeland on rafts Thursday. They were picked up by the Coast Guard.
Until more federal help ar-
Monroe County Sheriff Rich-
rives, Chiles said his declaration of
ard Roth said a $38-million jail in
emergency will draw people and
Key West, opened just six months
resources from state agencies to
ago, would be used as a staging
implement Florida's immigration
area for the refugees. The jail has
emergency plan.
room to hold about 2,000 refugees
Command posts will be set up
- temporarily. at least - in an
in Key West and Tallahassee,
area under the building.
Chiles said, to coordinate the Flori-
At the state's Emergency
OF GOVERNOR
da National Guard, the Marine Pa-
Operations Center in Tallahassee,
trol, the Highway Patrol and sev-
Joe Myers was preparing for what
eral other state departments.
could be a one-two punch - the
"Just as Florida prepares for
immigration wave and a possible
and deals with natural storms that
blow from Tropical Storm Chris.
PETE TIMES
Cross our shores or burricanes,
- Information from the
we're prepared to respond to this
Associated Press and Times staff
storm of immigration emergency."
writers Jennifer 5. Thomas and Bill
EXEC OFC
Chiles said.
Moss was used In this report.
EXEC OFC OF GOVERNOR
TEL : 904-922-4292
Aug 19 94
10:12 No 003 P. 13
AUG 19 1994
Graham, Florida delegation
join call for U.S. response
"If
Fidel Castro is consciously
Gov. Lawton Chiles has requested emergency
aid, including a higher Navy profile in the Florida
directing Cubans to leave, then the
Straits, federal dollars for affected local communi-
U.S. should interdict and return those
ties, U.S. Public Health Service officials to help
refugees," says Sen. Bob Graham.
state health officials deal with the incoming refu-
gees and the establishment of a second refugee-
processing center.
By JENNIFER S. THOMAS
Graham said that the Krome refugee detention
Times Staff Wither
center in west Dade County is filled to capacity
WASHINGTON - Democratic Sen. Bob Gra-
with recent arrivals from Cuba and Haiti. Home-
ham led a chorus of Florida lawmakers Thursday
stead Air Force Base, which is being prepared for
demanding a federal response to the most recent
partial closure, and the Navy base on Boca Chica
water-borne exodus of refugees from Cuba.
near Key West, have been mentioned as possible
"It is imperative that the federal government
sites for a processing center.
do everything in its power to address what is fast
When asked if the government should continue
becoming another Mariel situation," said Graham,
to admit all Cuban refugees able to reach U.S.
referring to the 1980 boatlift that brought
shores, Graham responded, "As long as we are
125,000 Cubans to the United States.
dealing with people who are leaving of their own
Graham's request-for a face-to-face discussion
motivation. then 1 think our policy should remain
the same."
with President Clinton was turned down. Instead,
he made his case to White House Chief of Staff
But Graham added, "If the determination is
Leon Panetta in a phone conversation Thursday
made that Fidel Castro is consciously directing
evening.
Cubans to leave, then the U.S. should interdict and
Earlier in the day, Graham expressed confi-
return those refugees."
dence that the president would respond quickly to
Fifteen members of the Florida House delega-
Florida's refugee situation.
tion and Sens. Graham and Connie Mack, R-Fla.,
"I don't think he wants to relearn the lesson
signed a letter to Clinton, demanding that the
Jimmy Carter learned in 1980," Graham said.
administration shoulder the responsibility for pro-
Carter was repudiated at the polls in November
cessing, transporting and caring for the incoming
1980, in no small part because of his handling of
Cubans.
Mariel.
Lawmakers pointed to the fiscal hardship that
Clinton suffered his own political setback dur-
compelled Chiles in April to file a lawsuit against
ing the Mariel influx. when he was the governor of
the U.S. government for the costs of providing
Arkansas. Several thousand Marielitos were de-
services for illegal aliens.
tained at Fort Chaffee in Arkansas, and Clinton
"The state has repeatedly sought federal relief
was forced to call in the National Guard to quell
for the financial burdens of immigration on states
rioting. Arkansans' disapproval of Clinton's han-
like Florida." the lawmakers told the president.
dling of the Cuban situation is often cited as a
"Today's escalating crisis will only the sharpen the
major reason for his defeat when he ran for
dire need for this reimbursement."
re-election in 1980. Graham, who was governor of
They warned that the state was "neither able
Florida during the Mariel crisis, did not face the
nor obligated" to continue shouldering the finan-
voters in 1980.
cial burden.
PETE TIMES
EXEC OFC OF GOVERNOR
TEL 904-922-4292
Aug
19
94
10:13 No 003 P.
PETE TIMES
AUG
1994
COLUMNS
Bernard Aronson
The executive and Congress should begin a bipartisan
effort to define the specific steps the United States is
Let's give Cuba
prepared to take in response to peaceful democratic
change. The Cuban-American community must be a full
partner in such a negotiation. The administration would be
incentives to move
wise to appoint someone well-trusted by the Cuban-Ameri-
can community, such as Rep. Robert Torricelli, author of
the Cuban Democracy Act, to negotiate any final deal.
toward democracy
For its part, the United States should be prepared to
place on the table: (1) withdrawal from the U.S. naval base
The recent, unprecedented street protests in Havana
at Guantanamo Bay and relinquishing of U.S. base rights:
and Fidel Castro's subsequent threat to unleash another
(2) confidence-building measures to reassure the Cuban
"Mariel Harbor" flood of refugees upon the United States
military that the United States would not take advantage of
should serve as a warning.
a democratic opening to intervene; and (3) a step-by-step
The United States is uniquely vulnerable to events 90
relaxation of the provisions of the embargo in exchange for
miles away in Cuba. But we have no real policy to influence
concrete steps by the Cuban government to move irrevers-
them.
ibly toward democracy. As a sweetener. the United States
How can U.S. policy help ensure that the inevitable
should offer to a fully democratic Cuba immediate negotia-
change coming to Cuba will be peaceful rather than violent
tions to join the North American Free Trade Agreement.
and traumatic? Instead of trying to answer that question, we
The steps Cuba would be required to take might
have been locked for years into a paralyzing impasse
include freeing political prisoners, halting violence against
between advocates and opponents of the U.S embargo.
civilians by state-sponsored "rapid deployment brigades,"
It is time to transcend that debate and seek a new
on-site monitoring of human rights by the United Nations,
consensus about Cuba.
constitutional reforms guaranteeing civil and political liber-
To do so, we must acknowledge first that there are
ties and, ultimately, internationally monitored elections.
honest, principled people on both sides of the embargo
The United States also should engage Latin America
divide. Supporters believe that isolating the Castro regime
and the Caribbean in this process. Latin and Caribbean
and depriving it of hard currency are the surest and
democracies know that violent convulsion in Cuba will only
quickest routes to Cuban democracy. They fear that Castro
divert progress from their agenda of attracting foreign
would manipulate trade opportunities with the United
investment and pursuing free trade with the United States.
States to enhance his international legitimacy while keeping
Were the United States to offer a credible set of incentives,
his police state apparatus well fed and well equipped. They
the hemisphere's democracies could emerge as the stron-
do not want to breathe oxygen into a dying dictatorship.
gest and most effective voices pressing Cuba to respond.
Opponents believe that flooding Cuba with goods,
people and information would undermine Castro's dictator-
There is no guarantee that the Cuban government
ship more effectively. They argue that dropping the embar-
would do so. Initially the odds are that it would not.
go would focus international criticism on Cuban repression
Still. simply offering such a bipartisan initiative for
rather than U.S. policy.
peaceful democratization would shift the weight of interna-
What we should be seeking, instead of capitulation by
tional and internal pressure onto the Castro regime to
one side or the other. is common ground between the two.
justify why it refuses to take reasonable steps to reduce its
A framework already exists on which a new consensus
own isolation and regain symbols of national sovereignty
about Cuba could be constructed - the 1992 Cuban
like Guantanamo Bay. And as social pressures inside Cuba
Democracy Act. The conventional wisdom is that the act
grow, such an initiative - particularly measures to reas-
merely tightens the embargo.
sure Cuba that it faces no military threat - might make it
In fact, the act also opens up for the first time
less likely that the Cuban army will choose to be the
telecommunications and direct-mail services between Cuba
ultimate enforcer of regime repression and terror at the
and the United States. And it declares it "should be the
expense of its fellow citizens.
policy of the United States to be prepared to reduce
Administration advisers will argue no doubt it is too
sanctions in carefully calibrated ways in response to positive
risky to engage in negotiation over an issue as volatile as
developments in Cuba."
Cuba. Recent events in Havana prove the more dangerous
The challenge to U.S. policy - and the opportunity
course is to do nothing while the struggle for democracy in
is to give meaning to those words. The United States has
Cuba unfolds.
never spelled out what specific steps it is prepared to take in
Bernard Aronson was assistant secretary of state for
response to which "positive developments in Cuba." We
inter-American affairs from June 1989 through July 1993.
should do so now.
Special to the Washington Post
08-19-94 10:04AM
TO 9/4562604
P002/002
CARRIE P. MEEK
Please Respond To:
17TH DISTRICT, FLORIDA
404 CANNON HOUSE
OFFICE BUILDING
COMMITTEE ON
WASHINGTON. DC 20615
APPROPRIATIONS
(202) 225-4506
(202) 226-0777 FAX
SUBCOMMITTEES:
ENERGY AND WATER
DEVELOPMENT
Congress of the United States
25 WEST FLAGLER STREET
SUITE 1015
MILITARY CONSTRUCTION
MIAMI, FL 33130
House of Representatives
(305) 381-9541
(305) 381-8376 FAX
Mashington, BC 20515-0917
August 10, 1004
The President
The White I louse
Washington, D.C. 20500
BY FACSIMILE
Dear Mr. President:
I write to urge you to act quickly and swiftly to put an end the influx of Cubans
entering South Florida.
Urging potential Cuban rafters to use restraint simply will not work. Our
governor, our Dade County government and our South Florida community all support
an end to the influx of Cubans. We have truly borne a greater burden of now entrants
than the federal government has a right to expect.
Also, there is a crucial need to release immigration emergency funds to Dade
County.
There is a terrible resentment that is building up in every part of our community
because of the burden of these additional entrants, particularly in the African
American community. which compares the different treatment of Haitians and Cubans
and rightfully questions the consistency and fairness of your Administration's
immigration policies in the Caribbean.
Please know that there is great need for bold action to deal directly with this
problem.
Sincerely,
Canic P. meek
CARRIE P. MEEK
Member of Congress
CPM/js
PAINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
August 19, 1994
MEMORANDUM FOR THE CHIEF OF STAFF
FROM: Joan N. Baggett
SUBJECT: Cuba Response
We are still working out whether a meeting with Cuban-American community leaders here
late this afternoon will elicit a positive response. In the meantime, we are moving ahead to
get out as much accurate information and positive press as possible.
I need your immediate approval on the following:
1. Dennis Hayes, State Dept. Cuba desk and Ray Ruga, DOD Cuba desk will do a
background briefing in the Roosevelt Room at 2:30 pm following the press conference with
Florida press.
2. At 3:00 pm in the Roosevelt Room you would do a satellite teleconference with Miami
stations.
3. Ray Ruga, DOD Cuba desk, who is Cuban-American would do Spanish radio feeds into
the region on the policy.
The four points that need to be reacted to for a Jorge Mas Canosa meeting are the following:
2. 1. Stopping Stop American charter dollars flights going to Cuba to Cuba - assume will only exclude allow food minimal & medicine counts.
will cut back
OK 3. Using C-130's to enhance communication on the island
per week
4. Do Haiti-like blockade
[will look at if
per freen
Castro
Tony referred me to Halperin who indicated #3 is possible. Numbers 1 and 2 we could
possibly consider if our current policy doesn't deter Castro. #4 should not be discussed.
FLORIDA PARTICIPANTS
Group 1
1.
Jorge Mas Canosa -- Chair of Cuban Democratic Foundation
2.
Lawton Chiles -- Governor of Florida
3.
Luis Lauredo -- Summit of Chief of Staff
4.
Art Teele -- Chairman of Dade County
5.
Maria Elena Torano -- Businesswoman
6.
Cesar Odio -- City Manager, Miami
7.
Fernando Rojas, Assistant to Jorge Mas Canosa
Group 2 (from Dominican Republic)
1.
Paul Chair, Free. Cuba Commission
2
Alfre Fanjul President/CEO Flg Sun Corporation
SUMMIT OF THE AMERICAS ID:305-372-1994
AUG 19'94 10:16 No 004 P.01
CONFIDENTIAL
Post-it Fax Note
7671
Date 8/19/94
# of
pagos
2
To JOEVEL020482
From L. LAURED
DATE:
August 19, 1994
Co./Dept.
Co. SOD 94
Phone #
Phone # 579-7641
TO:
DISTRIBUTION
Fax 202/406-2983 #
Fax #
FROM:
Luis Lauredo
RE:
CUBAN CRISIS SUGGESTIONS / TALKING POINTS
I.
BE AND TALK FIRM
DETERMINED TO BE AN
ADMINISTRATIVE MARKING
II.
ERODE THE "ATTRACTION" OF COMING TO U.S.A.:
INITIALS: JAM DATE: 6/14/18
2016-0920-F
A.
Unsafe seas/passage - Loss of lives
B.
Detain those who arrive
C.
Transfer arrivals to 3rd countries for processing:
1.
Guantanamo Base
2.
Panama Canal Zone
III.
CONGRATULATE CUBAN-AMERICAN EXILE COMMUNITY OF MIAMI FOR
MATURITY AND RESTRAINT SHOWN DURING THESE DIFFICULT TIMES
A.
"Do not allow Castro to use us"
B.
"Cuba does not need a mass exodus. It needs an exodus of one: Fidel
Castro."
A country, a people, divided by one man.
C.
Solution is not exodus, but Cuba's return to democracy and economic
reconstruction. Join the family of Hemispheric democracy.
- Cont. .
SUMMIT OF THE AMERICAS ID:305-372-1994
AUG 19'94
10:16 No.004 P.02
MEMORANDUM CUBAN CRISIS
CONFIDENTIAL
Page 2
IV. TAKE THE OFFENSIVE - -- STOP REACTING TO CASTRO
A.
Castro's actions are acts of aggression against U.S.A. Put Castro on notice.
B.
Take matter to U.N. Security Council & OAS:
1)
Human rights: Cuban government encouraging unsafe, inhumane
migration -- disregard for life.
2)
Use international forums to highlight real problem -- lack of
democracy in Cuba
V. INITIATIVES
A.
Suspend all cash transfers to Cuba
B.
Cancel all tourist visas from Cuba to U.S.A.
C.
Continue to allow humanitarian assistance to Cuba.
D.
Consider Increasing legal Immigration quota from 3,000 annually (current)
to 15-20,000.
VI.
President's remarks on announcing initiatives or "change of policy" (or the
perception that it is a change) must be accompanied by strong words
condemning the Castro regime and urging the international community to
be actively involved in pursuing a change in Cuba.
If proposed policy "changes" in fact more closely align U.S. Cuba and Haiti
immigration policy, It should also more closely align U.S. foreign policy to
Cuba and Haiti (i.e. active policy to return both countries to democratic
regimes).
001
08/19/94 18:00
202 456 9240
NSC DEMOCRACY
UNCLASSIFIED
FAX TRANSMITTAL SHEET
THE NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
FROM:
Morton H. Halperin
X
Kathy Cooper
PHONE:
202-456-9241
FAX:
202-456-9240
JOAN BAGGETT
TO:
FAX:
62983
PHONE:
NUMBER OF PAGES INCLUDING COVER SHEET
3 .
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
UNCLASSIFIED
08/19/94
18:23
202 456 9240
NSC DEMOCRACY
002
August 19, 1994
MEMORANDUM FOR LEON PANETTA
FROM:
MORTON H. HALPERIN
SUBJECT:
The Four Requests
Attached is a memorandum which describes what we can say about the four requests.
We have also listed several other matters of concern to the Cuban American community. The
recommendations have the concurrence of Peter Tarnoff (Acting Secretary of State).
Concurrence: Richard Feinberg
CC: Joan Baggett
08/19/94
18:02
202 456 9240
NSC DEMOCRACY
002
MEMORANDUM ON THE FOUR REQUESTS
1. Remittances - The present limit for cash donations is $300 per quarter, per household. This
was lowered from $500 per quarter several years ago. Gift packages can include many different
items, such as household appliances or tools.
Recommendation - Lower cash limits to $150 per quarter per household. Restrict gift
packages to medicines, food, clothes, and other clearly humanitarian items.
2. Broadcasts to Cuba - Radio Marti is often jammed, TV Marti is always jammed.
Recommendation Use a C- 130 as an air borne platform to broadcast into Cuba, in
compliance with international convention.
3. Charter flights - There are 10 or 11 flights a week between Miami and Havana.
Recommendation - Review passenger makeup to determine if number of flights is
appropriate. Reduce the number if consistent with the need to use the flights to bring legal
immigrants to the United States.
4. Blockade
Recommendation If Castro responds to our action by continuing to encourage large
outflows of refugees we would consider a variety of tough additional measures including
exploring the possibility of a blockade. NOTE: we would not want anything said publicly about
this.
OTHER ISSUES:
1. Visas for Cuban Officials - Cuban officials require a 212 f waiver of ineligibility.
Recommendation - Restrict issue of visas for all government officials except those on
diplomatic missions.
2. Embargo Protesters - At present many individuals and groups seek to violate embargo law S.
Recommendation - Enunciate a clear policy of enforcement of the embargo. Investigate
and, if warranted, prosecute offenders.
3. Outbound inspections Many travelers exceed authorized limits on travel to Cuba.
Recommendation - The appropriate authorities will conduct full outbound inspection of
visitors to Cuba.
08/19/94
18:04
202 456 9240
NSC DEMOCRACY
003
4. UN motions
Recommendation - The USG will aggressively promote motions in the United Nations and
other fora to expose and condemn human rights violations in Cuba such as the sinking of the 13th
of March tugboat.
5. Private Sector Initiative
Recommendation - Sign a new MOU for the PSI for this year. Explore if the PSI can be
used for new groupings of Cubans overseas.
08/19/94
18:23
202 456 9240
NSC DEMOCRACY
002
August 19, 1994
MEMORANDUM FOR LEON PANETTA
FROM:
MORTON H. HALPERIN
SUBJECT:
The Four Requests
Attached is a memorandum which describes what we can say about the four requests.
We have also listed several other matters of concern to the Cuban American community. The
recommendations have the concurrence of Peter Tarnoff (Acting Secretary of State).
Concurrence: Richard Feinberg
CC: Joan Baggett
08/19/94 18:02
202 456 9240
NSC DEMOCRACY
1.
002
MEMORANDUM ON THE FOUR REQUESTS
1. Remittances - The present limit for cash donations is $300 per quarter, per household. This
was lowered from $500 per quarter several years ago. Gift packages can include many different
items, such as household appliances or tools.
Recommendation - Lower cash limits to $150 per quarter per household. Restrict gift
packages to medicines, food, clothes, and other clearly humanitarian items.
2. Broadcasts to Cuba - Radio Marti is often jammed, TV Marti is always jammed.
Recommendation - Use a C- 130 as an air borne platform to broadcast into Cuba, in
compliance with international convention.
3. Charter flights - There are 10 or 11 flights a week between Miami and Havana.
Recommendation - Review passenger makeup to determine if number of flights is
appropriate. Reduce the number if consistent with the need to use the flights to bring legal
immigrants to the United States.
4. Blockade
Recommendation -- If Castro responds to our action by continuing to encourage large
outflows of refugees we would consider a variety of tough additional measures including
exploring the possibility of a blockade. NOTE: we would not want anything said publicly about
this.
OTHER ISSUES:
1. Visas for Cuban Officials - Cuban officials require a 212 f waiver of ineligibility.
Recommendation - Restrict issue of visas for all government officials|except those on
diplomatic missions.
2. Embargo Protesters - At present many individuals and groups seek to violate embargo laws.
Recommendation- Enunciate a clear policy of enforcement of the embargo. Investigate
and, if warranted, prosecute offenders.
3. Outbound inspections - Many travelers exceed authorized limits on travel to Cuba.
Recommendation - The appropriate authorities will conduct full outbound inspection of
visitors to Cuba.
08/19/94
18:04
202 456 9240
NSC DEMOCRACY
003
4. UN motions
Recommendation - The USG will aggressively promote motions in the United Nations and
other fora to expose and condemn human rights violations in Cuba such as the sinking of the 13th
of March tugboat.
5. Private Sector Initiative
Recommendation - Sign a new MOU for the PSI for this year. Explore if the PSI can be
used for new groupings of Cubans overseas.
08/19/94
18:00
202 456 9240
NSC DEMOCRACY
001
UNCLASSIFIED
FAX TRANSMITTAL SHEET
THE NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
FROM:
Morton H. Halperin
X
Kathy Cooper
PHONE:
202-456-9241
FAX:
202-456-9240
JOAN BAGGETT
TO:
FAX:
62983
PHONE:
NUMBER OF PAGES INCLUDING COVER SHEET
3
.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
UNCLASSIFIED
08/19/94
18:23
202 456 9240
NSC DEMOCRACY
002
August 19, 1994
MEMORANDUM FOR LEON PANETTA
FROM:
MORTON H. HALPERIN
SUBJECT:
The Four Requests
Attached is a memorandum which describes what we can say about the four requests.
We have also listed several other matters of concern to the Cuban American community. The
recommendations have the concurrence of Peter Tarnoff (Acting Secretary of State).
Concurrence: Richard Feinberg
CC: Joan Baggett
08/19/94
18:02
202 456 9240
NSC DEMOCRACY
002
MEMORANDUM ON THE FOUR REQUESTS
1. Remittances - The present limit for cash donations is $300 per quarter, per household. This
was lowered from $500 per quarter several years ago. Gift packages can include many different
items, such as household appliances or tools.
Recommendation - Lower cash limits to $150 per quarter per household. Restrict gift
packages to medicines, food, clothes, and other clearly humanitarian items.
2. Broadcasts to Cuba - Radio Marti is often jammed, TV Marti is always jammed.
Recommendation - Use a C- 130 as an air borne platform to broadcast into Cuba, in
compliance with international convention.
3. Charter flights - There are 10 or 11 flights a week between Miami and Havana.
Recommendation - Review passenger makeup to determine if number of flights is
appropriate. Reduce the number if consistent with the need to use the flights to bring legal
immigrants to the United States.
4. Blockade
Recommendation -- If Castro responds to our action by continuing to encourage large
outflows of refugees we would consider a variety of tough additional measures including
exploring the possibility of a blockade. NOTE: we would not want anything said publicly about
this.
OTHER ISSUES:
1. Visas for Cuban Officials - Cuban officials require a 212 f waiver of ineligibility.
Recommendation - Restrict issue of visas for all government officials/except those on
diplomatic missions.
2. Embargo Protesters - At present many individuals and groups seek to violate embargo law S.
Recommendation Enunciate a clear policy of enforcement of the embargo. Investigate
and, if warranted, prosecute offenders.
3. Outbound inspections - Many travelers exceed authorized limits on travel to Cuba.
Recommendation - The appropriate authorities will conduct full outbound inspection of
visitors to Cuba.
08/19/94
18:04
202 456 9240
NSC DEMOCRACY
003
4. UN motions
Recommendation - The USG will aggressively promote motions in the United Nations and
other fora to expose and condemn human rights violations in Cuba such as the sinking of the 13th
of March tugboat.
5. Private Sector Initiative
Recommendation - Sign a new MOU for the PSI for this year. Explore if the PSI can be
used for new groupings of Cubans overseas.
08/19/94 18:00
202 456 9240
NSC DEMOCRACY
001
/
UNCLASSIFIED
FAX TRANSMITTAL SHEET
THE NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
FROM:
Morton H. Halperin
X
Kathy Cooper
PHONE:
202-456-9241
FAX:
202-456-9240
TO:
JOAN BAGGETT
FAX:
62983
PHONE:
NUMBER OF PAGES INCLUDING COVER SHEET
3 .
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
UNCLASSIFIED
August 20, 1994
MEMORANDUM
"
SUBJECT:
Hill contacts on Cuba
FROM:
Bill Danvers, NSC
Beginning two weeks ago, when Castro first made his comments on TV that he would allow
immigrants to freely leave Cuba, we began contacting the Florida delegation. That Saturday, 6
August, we made a round of calls to the Florida delegation and other key Members/Senators that
follows either immigration or politics in this hemisphere-- i.e. Sen. Dodd, Rep. Torricelli, etc.
In the period between those calls and today's decision, key Members and Senators were briefed
and talked to frequently. as often as they felt necessary. We also made calls the evening of 11
August when the AG made her announcement indicating that we would stop boats from going to
Cuba to pick up refugees. There were at least three large briefings-- two last week with the
Florida delegation and with Rep. Torricelli's and other members of HFAC-- and another briefing
on 17 August with the Florida delegation in which there was a strong message from many
attendees that we were creating a "magnet" with our policy. Others, including Sen. Mack, Rep.
Torricelli and the two Cuban-American Representatives from Florida, disagreed. They wanted us
to continue with our policy of accepting all Cubans who get beyond the 12 mile limit.
In addition, we worked with White House leg.- Tim Keating-- in arranging a 17 August briefing
with the Florida delegation. On Thursday night, 18 August, we called the offices of every/every
member of the Florida delegation, as well as a number of other Members /Senators-- 46 calls
were made in all, and an additional eight were made Friday morning, 20 August, to DoD
appropriators and authorizers because Gtmo is being used.
We set up two briefings today-- House and Senate-- to provide more details of the policy change.
We set them up after the President's and AG's press conference. One was canceled by Rep.
Hamilton about an hour before it was to take place, but we rescheduled it for Saturday, 20
August. The Senate briefing went on as planned and we had a number of staff and three Senators
in attendance. This is all in addition to calls we made to Senators/Members who were concerned
about our policy. Both Graham and Mack were called before the President's press conference, as
were a number of other Members. We did cancel a briefing with Reps. Torricelli, Diaz-Balart and
Menendez scheduled for late yesterday afternoon because of the imminent change in policy. I
have attached a list of offices that were called last night. I know the AG called both Florida
Senators, as well as Reps. Diaz-Balart and Ros-Lehtinen.
We also contacted a number of friendly Senate and House offices, asking them to make positive
public statements about our policy. Sen. Dodd, for one, attempted to make a statement on the
floor of the Senate, but had to leave before he could get floor time (he did make a positive
statement about our policy on Imus in the Morning show). He, instead, decided to send out a
press release. Rep. Meek made a positive statement on our policy today during one-minutes.
Today, we-- DoJ, State and NSC-- made 58 calls to the Hill on the most recent adjustments to
our policy. We did not make calls last night because we did not know about the changes until
this morning-- other than what was on CNN.
18 August
Cuba Call List
DoJ
Graham
Obey
Mack
Livingston
Hutto
Leahy
Petersen
McConnell
Brown
Fowler
NSC
Thurman
Stearns
Mitchell
Mica
Dole
McCollum
Foley
Bilirakis
Gephardt
Young
Bonior
Gibbons
Michel
Canady
Gingrich
Miller
Goss
Bacchus
Lewis
Meek
Shaw
Mazzoli
Kennedy
Simpson
Simon
Ros-Lehtinen
Diaz-Balart
State
Hamilton
Gilman
Pell
Helms
Dodd
Coverdell
Torricelli
Chris Smith
Harry Johnston
Hastings
Deutsch
Menendez
20 August
Cuba Call List
DoJ
State
Graham
Hamilton
Mack
Gilman
Hutto
Pell
Petersen
Helms
Brown
Dodd
Fowler
Coverdell
Thurman
Torricelli
Stearns
Chris Smith
Mica
Harry Johnston
McCollum
Hastings
Bilirakis
Deutsch
Young
Menendez
Gibbons
Obey
Canady
Livingston
Miller
Leahy
Goss
McConnell
Bacchus
Lewis
NSC
Meek
Shaw
Mitchell
Mazzoli
Dole
Kennedy
Foley
Simpson
Gephardt
Simon
Bonior
Ros-Lehtinen
Michel
Diaz-Balart
Gingrich
Rangel
Serrano
Mfume
Mack
Payne
Graham
McKinney
Dodd
Torricelli
CAlled
Wynne
Waters
Diaz-Balart
Owen
Menendez
NSC by as well
Lewis
Ros-Lehtinen
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
August 18, 1994
MEMORANDUM FOR LEON PANETTA
JOAN BAGGETT
MARK GEARAN
ALEXIS HERMAN
TONY LAKE
GEORGE STEPHANAPOULOS
FROM:
MARCIA L. HALE Must
ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT &
DIRECTOR OF INTERGOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS
SUBJECT: GOVERNOR CHILES
Attached please find information about Governor Chiles' activities related to Cuban refugees.
08/18/94
16:24
202 514 0468
ATTORNEY GENERAL
WHITE HOUSE
002/002
08/18/94
Governor Chiles relayed following information to the Attorney
General via John Hogan:
Governor Chiles conducted a meeting this afternoon August 18, 1994,
with local Dade County officials and they were uniform in
indicating the need to be firm in interdicting boats from Cuba to
Miami. People who make it to Miami should be detained. Florida is
prepared to set up Homestead using the National Guard. 500 people
per day is too many for South Florida to absorb. The impact on the
black community is very serious. Jackson Memorial Hospital is
overloaded. We need to hold people as they come in. All local
government officials are in agreement. with respect to what
Castro is doing, "Our hearts say let the people in, our minds say
don't let Castro tear our community apart."
Diario Las Americas, the principal Spanish language newspaper,
is coming out with an editorial today, "Stop boats southbound to
Cuba and Navy should stop exodus from Cuba headed North. "
Withdrawal/Redaction Marker
Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
RESTRICTION
AND TYPE
002. memo
William Itoh to Deputies Committee re: Summary of conclusions on
08/19/1994
P1/b(1)
Cuba (3 pages)
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
Political Affairs
Joan Baggett
OA/Box Number: 4055
FOLDER TITLE:
Cuba
2016-0920-F
jm1886
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - [44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act - 15 U.S.C. 552(b)]
P1 National Security Classified Information [(a)(1) of the PRA]
b(1) National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA]
P2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office |(a)(2) of the PRA]
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
P3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(a)(3) of the PRA]
an agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA]
P4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute |(b)(3) of the FOIA]
financial information |(a)(4) of the PRA|
b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
information [(b)(4) of the FOIA]
and his advisors, or between such advisors [a)(5) of the PRAJ
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy |(b)(6) of the FOIA]
personal privacy |(a)(6) of the PRA]
b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
of gift.
financial institutions |(b)(8) of the FOIA]
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
2201(3).
concerning wells [(b)(9) of the FOIA]
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
I
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Danel Jones
5V
maria Elena
856. 2061
mig wl POTUS approved by avoid
Jorge M. met w/ Lawton -
leon- - plane ready
on Larnj king tonght Reengle ul -
Over the past month, several ferries were hijacked from the port
of Havana by fleeing Cubans and there has been an increasing
amount of unrest as seen by demonstrations in Cuba. On August
5th, Castro made provocative statements indicating that he would
instruct Cuban border guards "not to intercept those boats that
want to go to the United States
"
The Coast Guard has experienced a steady increase in the number
of Cuban migrants during the past week. Yesterday the Coast Guard
made 50 separate rescues saving 538 Cubans. The total number of
Cubans picked up this week exceeded 2,000 and was the largest
number in one week since 1980. The Coast Guard has rescued more
Cuban migrants in the Florida Straits during the past eight
months than it did during 1992 and 1993. While the Immigration
and Naturalization Service has been able to handle the present
flow of migrants from Cuba, the steady flow and the number of
empty rafts found at sea raises serious humanitarian concerns
that must be confronted before a crisis occurs.
As announced by the Attorney General, in an effort to deter more
Cubans from risking their lives, as of last night the INS is
detaining individuals interdicted that were brought to American
shores.
The current situation is a reflection of the failed economic and
political policies of the Cuban regime.
The actions I am taking today are designed to avert a crisis in
which hundreds of lives are endangered. Primary concern right now
is to stop people from risking their lives at sea.
Like Haitains, Cubans will be rescued at sea and offered safety
and protection outside their country. They will not be allowed to
enter the United States illegally by boat.
The Cuban regime has shown a callous disregard for the lives of
its people by turning a blind eye to their departure in unsafe
rafts and by actively encouraging the life risking voyage.
WE WILL NOT ALLOW A NEW MARIEL.
WE WILL NOT ALLOW CUBA TO DICTATE OUR IMMIGRATION POLICY.
WE WILL NOT ALLOW CUBA TO EXPORT ITS DISCONTENT.
THERE IS NO CHANGE IN THE U.S. ECONOMIC EMBARGO ON CUBA.
THERE IS NO CHANGE IN THE CUBAN ADJUSTMENT ACT.
Schwartz, Eric P.
From:
Darragh, Sean J.
To:
Schwartz, Eric P.
Subject:
Cuban Talking Pts
Date:
Friday, August 19, 1994 1:00PM
-
As with Haitians, the US will not do refugee screening at Guantanamo. Bona fide refugees may
apply in Havana for entry to the U.S. We currently admit almost 3000 Cubans refugees a year through in-country
processing.
-
We urge Cubans to stay in Cuba and to enter the US lawfully rather than risk their lives at Sea.
-
We do not anticipate a long term Cuban safe haven at Guantanamo. Every effort will be made
to offer protection to Cubans in third countries.
We believe that nations in the region will help us in this effort.
-
We expect that these actions will stem the flow of Cubans fleeing and risking their lives. We
expect this to avert another Mariel boat lift.
--
For the Cubans being detained in the U.S., we are complying with the immigration and
nationality act and a determination of their admissability is being made.
Page 1
000 000 GADA
USCO
HO
PUB
AFF
DOJ-OAAC
002/003
U.S. Coast Guard
Talking Points -- Cuban Interdictions -- 19 August 1994
The U. S. Coast is acting today to implement the President's
statement regarding Cuban migrants. To that end, the Coast Guard
has increased its patrols in the South Florida area. Cutters,
small boats, and aircraft are actively patrolling the Florida
Straits and south Florida area to support the safety of life at
sea and to enforce the laws of the United States.
Cuban migrants rescued at sea will be taken to tt
S. Naval
Base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, where they will be
over to
INS authorities. All persons rescued by the Coast
will
be
given humanitarian treatment, including medical assistance, food,
water, and shelter.
The U. S. Coast Guard will continue to conduct search and rescu
patrols looking for Cuban migrants and persons in distress on the
high seas. The paramount concern is the
life at sea.
The Coast Guard will board U. S. flag vessele that appear to be
bound for Cube. The purpose of this action is to determine the
intended destination and purpose of travel of each vessel.
If the Coast Guard finds probable cause to believe that a vessel
is being used in an attempt to transport undocumented migrante to
the U. S. in violation of U. S. law, the vessel will be seized
and appropriate legal action taken.
U. S. vessels returning from Cuba with undocumented migrants on
board will be seized by the Coast Guard and their crews will be
turned over to the Department of Justice for appropriate legal
action.
Note: The U. S. Coast Guard does not routinely release the
location of its law enforcement assets. Coast Guard units
deployed at sea are engaged in a variety of multi-mission
activities, including search and rescue, law enforcement, drug
interdiction, and environmental protection. The release of unit
location may compromise ongoing law enforcement cases.
CLINTON LIBRARY PHOTOCOPY
10:49
000 000 0000
USCG HQ PLB AFF - DOJ-OAAG
2003/003
Q. Do you have enough cutters in the South Florida area for this
mission?
A. Yes, the Coast Guard is maintaining a strong presence in the
Straits of Florida. Additional resources will be provided as at
sea operations require.
Q. Will Navy vessels be used?
A. The Coast Guard and the Navy will continue their cooperative
and complementary life saving efforts in the Caribbean. U. S.
Navy assets may be used as the circumstances require.
Q. Will you detain U. S. boats outbound from Florida "on the
spot?"
A. Violations of U. S. law will be evaluated on a case by case
basis.
Q. Will legitimate Cuban political refugees be taken to Florida
or Guantanamo?
A. The Coast Guard will take all rescued migrants to GITMO for
processing by the INS.
Q. Will the Coast Guard attempt to stop people who voluntarily
attempt to rescue Cubans at sea.
A. No. Persons engaged in legitimate activities who are
attempting to rescue persons in distress are not violating U. S.
law. When the actions of a boat are unclear, an appropriate
assessment will be made. If there is probable cause to believe
that U. S. laws have been violated, then a proper legal action
will ensue.
CLINTON LIBRARY PHOTOCOPY
President William J. Clinton
Opening Statement
Press Conference
August 19, 1994
Good afternoon. In recent weeks, the Castro regime has
encouraged Cubans to take to the sea in unsafe vessels to escape
their nation's internal problems. In so doing, it has risked the
lives of thousands of Cubans, and several have already died in
their efforts to flee.
Castro's action is a cold-blooded attempt to maintain his
grip on Cuba and to divert attention from his failed Communist
policies. He is trying to export to the United States the
political and economic crises he has created in defiance of the
democratic tide flowing throughout our hemisphere.
Let me be clear: the Cuban government will not succeed in
its attempt to dictate American immigration policy. : The United
States will do everything within its power to ensure that Cuban
lives are saved and that the current outflow of refugees is
stopped.
I have today ordered that illegal refugees from Cuba will
not be allowed to enter the United States. Refugees rescued at
sea will be taken to our naval base at Guantanamo while we
explore the possibility of other safe havens in the region.
To enforce this policy, I have directed the Coast Guard to
continue its expanded effort to stop any boat attempting to bring
Cubans to our shores through the Florida straits. The United
States will detain, investigate and, if necessary, prosecute
1
Americans who take to sea to pick up Cubans. Vessels used in
such activities will be seized.
I want to compliment the Coast Guard and the Immigration and
Naturalization Service for their efforts and thank Florida
officials -- starting with Governor Chiles and the Florida
Congressional delegation -- for their help in protecting and
saving the lives of Cubans who seek to escape the Castro regime.
I want to speak for a moment about the Crime Bill. In the
last week, I have fought hard to put the Crime Bill back on
track. After extensive talks with members of Congress from both
parties, I have indicated my support for strengthening the
provisions that require sexual predators to report to the police
and that make sure our communities are notified of their
presence. And I support cutting overall spending in the bill by
ten percent. The cuts will ensure that every dollar authorized in
the Bill will be paid for, not with new taxes or cuts in
necessary services, but -- as I have always insisted -- with
savings from reducing the federal bureaucracy to its lowest level
since John F. Kennedy was President. All of these historic
savings will go to help empower our communities make their
streets safe again.
I have insisted that we retain the most profoundly important
elements of the Crime Bill. We are going to keep it tough -- by
putting 100,000 more police on the street, building more prisons
and putting violent criminals away for good by making "three-
strikes-and-you're-out" the law of the land and, with other
2
requirements, making sure criminals serve their time. And we are
going to keep it smart -- with sensible crime prevention programs
that steer our kids away from drugs and gangs and give them
something to say yes to.
This Crime Bill must ban handguns for juveniles and take
deadly assault weapons off our streets. Even though we have come
under intense pressure from forces that will say or do anything
to take the assault weapons ban out of this Bill, I won't do it.
Let's keep in mind what this Crime Bill is all about. It is
about removing fear from our streets, our schools and our homes.
Innocent Americans should not have to fear being preyed upon.
Young lives should not be snuffed out by insane violence. We owe
it to the American people to make sure that those who commit
crimes get caught, those who are guilty get convicted and those
who are convicted do their time.
That is why it is SO important that no one be allowed to
turn this into a partisan issue. This isn't a Democratic Crime
Bill or a Republican Bill. It is an American Crime Bill, and I
call on Congress to pass it without further delay.
3
1.
Simon Ferro 1 Lawyer, Demo Actnst
2.
Alfre Fanjuel Businessmen, 110-San - chairmen
3.
Paul Cejas / Chain God. Free Cubs Commission, Businen
4.
Mas Jorge Canosa / Chan CDF
5.
Hermino San Roman / LAwyer Deno Activist
6.
Gov. Lawton Chiles
7.
Luis Laredo 1 Sumit chief of staff
8.
Rafatel Penalven - Cuhan Comm Activist -civic leader
-right hand
Luisa Garica gacia Toledo -
person to
9.
10.
Amm
Frmr. Pres. Cabun in municiplalities Exite
Msgr.
laJunta Patriotica
Julio Estorino
-
Unidad Cubana
Rado commentate
civic /chugch reader
11.
Art Teele/M. Holifield
LAwyer, Co-Chain Summet on
12.
Guarione Diaz - Pres. Ceban American camal Activity
Toraño -
13.
Maira Elena Torenelo
Clarina of Min
Dade cty
August 19, 1994
MEMORANDUM FOR THE CHIEF OF STAFF
FROM: Joan N. Baggett
SUBJECT: Cuba Response
We are still working out whether a meeting with Cuban-American community leaders here
late this afternoon will elicit a positive response. In the meantime, we are moving ahead to
get out as much accurate information and positive press as possible.
I need your immediate approval on the following:
1. Dennis Hayes, State Dept. Cuba desk and Ray Ruga, DOD Cuba desk will do a
background briefing in the Roosevelt Room at 2:30 pm following the press conference with
Florida press.
2. At 3:00 pm in the Roosevelt Room you would do a satellite teleconference with Miami
stations.
3. Ray Ruga, DOD Cuba desk, who is Cuban-American would do Spanish radio feeds into
the region on the policy.
The four points that need to be reacted to for a Jorge Mas Canosa meeting are the following:
1. Stopping charter flights to Cuba
2. Stop American dollars going to Cuba
3. Using C-130's to enhance communication on the island
4. Do Haiti-like blockade
Tony referred me to Halperin who indicated #3 is possible. Numbers 1 and 2 we could
possibly consider if our current policy doesn't deter Castro. #4 should not be discussed.
August 19, 1994
MEMORANDUM FOR THE CHIEF OF STAFF
FROM: Joan N. Baggett
SUBJECT: Cuba Response
We are still working out whether a meeting with Cuban-American community leaders here
late this afternoon will elicit a positive response. In the meantime, we are moving ahead to
get out as much accurate information and positive press as possible.
I need your immediate approval on the following:
1. Dennis Hayes, State Dept. Cuba desk and Ray Ruga, DOD Cuba desk will do a
background briefing in the Roosevelt Room at 2:30 pm following the press conference with
Florida press.
2. At 3:00 pm in the Roosevelt Room you would do a satellite teleconference with Miami
stations.
3. Ray Ruga, DOD Cuba desk, who is Cuban-American would do Spanish radio feeds into
the region on the policy.
The four points that need to be reacted to for a Jorge Mas Canosa meeting are the following:
1. Stopping charter flights to Cuba
2. Stop American dollars going to Cuba
3. Using C-130's to enhance communication on the island
4. Do Haiti-like blockade
Tony referred me to Halperin who indicated #3 is possible. Numbers 1 and 2 we could
possibly consider if our current policy doesn't deter Castro. #4 should not be discussed.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Paul Cejas
305-591-3311
(Todd 863.7157)
SUMMIT OF THE AMERICAS ID:305-372-1994
AUG 19'94 10:16 No. 004 P.01
CONFIDENTIAL
Post-it Fax Note
7671
Date 8/19/94
# of
pagos
2
To JOEVEL020482
From L.LDURED
DATE:
August 19, 1994
Co./Dept.
Co. SOD 94
Phone #
Phone # 579-7641
TO:
DISTRIBUTION
Fax 202/406-2983
Fax #
FROM:
Luis Lauredo
RE:
CUBAN CRISIS - SUGGESTIONS / TALKING POINTS
I.
BE AND TALK FIRM
II.
ERODE THE "ATTRACTION" OF COMING TO U.S.A.:
A.
Unsafe seas/passage Loss of lives
B.
Detain those who arrive
DETERMINED TO BE AN
ADMINISTRATIVE MARKING
INITIALS: JAM DATE: 6/14/18
2016 10920-F
C.
Transfer arrivals to 3rd countries for processing:
1.
Guantanamo Base
2.
Panama Canal Zone
III.
CONGRATULATE CUBAN-AMERICAN EXILE COMMUNITY OF MIAMI FOR
MATURITY AND RESTRAINT SHOWN DURING THESE DIFFICULT TIMES
A.
"Do not allow Castro to use us"
B.
"Cuba does not need a mass exodus. It needs an exodus of one: Fidel
Castro."
A country, a people, divided by one man.
C.
Solution is not exodus, but Cuba's return to democracy and economic
reconstruction. Join the family of Hemispheric democracy.
- Cont.
SUMMIT OF THE AMERICAS ID:305-372-1994
AUG 19'94
10:16 No.004 P.02
MEMORANDUM CUBAN CRISIS
CONFIDENTIAL
Page 2
IV. TAKE THE OFFENSIVE - STOP REACTING TO CASTRO
A.
Castro's actions are acts of aggression against U.S.A. Put Castro on notice.
B.
Take matter to U.N. Security Council & OAS:
1)
Human rights: Cuban government encouraging unsafe, inhumane
migration - disregard for life.
2)
Use International forums to highlight real problem -- lack of
democracy in Cuba
V. INITIATIVES
A.
Suspend all cash transfers to Cuba
B.
Cancel all tourist visas from Cuba to U.S.A.
C.
Continue to allow humanitarian assistance to Cuba.
D.
Consider increasing legal Immigration quota from 3,000 annually (current)
to 15-20,000.
VI. President's remarks on announcing initiatives or "change of policy" (or the
perception that it is a change) must be accompanied by strong words
condemning the Castro regime and urging the international community to
be actively involved in pursuing a change in Cuba.
If proposed policy "changes" in fact more closely align U.S. Cuba and Haiti
immigration policy, it should also more closely align U.S. foreign policy to
Cuba and Haiti (i.e. active policy to return both countries to democratic
regimes).
002
09:17
202 736 4476
ARA/CCA
08/19/94
DRAFT
DRAFT STATEMENT
For over three decades, the regime in Cuba has sought to
divert attention from its repressive system by allowing, at
times forcing, its own citizens to flee the island. In recent
weeks, the Cuban people have again pressed the government for
basic human rights and a more democratic system. The regime's
response, as always, has been to try to create a safety valve
for itself through uncontrolled emigration. In so doing, the
regime willingly risks the lives of thousands of Cubans, and we
must all regret that in recent days several individuals have
lost their livon in the trecherous waters off Cuba.
The regime's actions are a desperate attempt to maintain a
grip on power and to shift attention from its failed policies.
The Cuban government is trying to export to the United States
the crisis it has created and refuses to address.
Let me he clear: the United States will do everything in
its power to ensure that Cuban lives are safeguarded and the
the current dangerous outflow is stopped.
To accomplish this, the Attorney General has announced that
we
will
******
JUSTICE ADD LANGUAGE
******
If necessary, we
will detain Cuban refugees rescued at sea at Guantanamo Naval
Base or other possible safe havens in the region.
To enforce this policy, I have directed the Coast- Guard- to
continue its efforts to stop any boat leaving the U.S. to bring
Cubans to our shores. The U.S. will detain, investigate, and,
if necessary, prosecute anyone who takes to the seas to pick up
Cubans. Vessels used in such activities will be seized.
I have also directed the State Department and the INS to
take new steps to ensure that every possible avenue be made
available for legal, orderly, and safe migration to the United
States.
I want to compliment the Coast Guard, INS and Florida
officials for their cooperation in protection and saving the
lives of Cubas who seek to escape the Castro regime. We are
resolved to continue safeguarding the lives of those Cubans put
callously in harms way by the Cuban regime.
DRAFT
DRAFT
Draft - uncleared by anyone but
Dennis
003
ARA/CCA
08/19/94
09:18
202 736 4476
2.
DRAFT
As I have noted, the cause of the outflow of Cuban migrants
is a repressive government which denies its citizens freedom,
economic security, and most especially hope. We have a long
standing policy toward Cuba which we believe will promote a
peaceful transition to democracy. There will be no change to
this policy. We will continue to enforce a comprehensive trade
embargo against Cuba. We will increase our efforts to get
timely, objective news to information starved Cuban citizens
through Radio and TV Marti. We will continue to bring the
facts about the Cuban regime to international organizations and
press for collective action to bring respect for human rights
to the Cuban people. The democratic tide which has been
sweeping through our hemisphere has can and will reach Cuba.
DRAFT
EXEC OFC OF GOVERNOR TEL : 904-922-4292
Aug 19 94 10:03 No.003 P.02
GOVERNOR'S
CLIPS
Lawton Chiles, Governor
August 19, 1994
Daily Clips
STATE OF FLORIDA OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA
Florida's Chiles Callsfor U.S. Assistance
WALL ST. JRC,
Amid Swelling Tide of Cuban Refugees
Aug 19 94 10:04 No.003 P.03
Alarmed by reports that Cubans are
massing by the hundreds on the island's
north coast to set sail for the U.S., Florida
Gov. Lawton Chiles declared an immigra-
094 Daytons Beach Hows- Jaurnal
tion emergency and asked the federal
government to help the state cope with the
BEATiE
swelling flood of Cuban boat and raft
people.
In Washington. the Clinton administra-
lion's initial reaction to the influx of
By Wall Street Journal reporters
Jose de Cordoba in Miami and Robert
S. Greenberger in Washington.
Cubans was low-key. But U.S. officials
hinted that more stringent options were
discussed at a top-level White House
meeting yesterday and could be an-
nounced today.
Officials were reluctant to disclose de-
talls. but measures to stem the Now could
range from towing back Cuban rafters to
putting Cubans in third-country "sale
havens," as the U.S. now does with
Haitian boat people.
But so far. Washington's only action
AUG 19 1994
&
COAST GUARD
has been Attorney General Janet Reno's
announcement yesterday that the admin-
EXEC OFC OF GOVERNOR TEL:904-922-4292
istration would increase to 86 from 26 the
number of Immigration and Naturalization
Service agents being sped to Key West,
Fla., to deal with Cuban refugees.
Trying to avoid a sense -crisis, offi-
clais in Washington insisted the U.S. could
easily absorb the number of Cubans ex-
pected in 1994. An official estimated that at
current rates, a total of 20,000 Cubans
could head here this year. but he added
that the hurricane season is likely to hold
the figure below that.
"Look
the Cubans are racing the Haitians!"
'Distant Shores' Plan
The U.S. has for years had a contin-
gency plan, known as "distant shore,"
periodically updated by the administra-
tion, for dealing with an unmanageable
level of emigration, one official noted.
The plan involves such steps as moving
boat people who arrive in Florida to other
EXEC OFC OF GOVERNOR
TEL 904-922-4292
Aug
19
94
10:05 No 003 P.04
U.S. states and sealing off the coasts. But
"we are well below the levels that would
Asking for Freedom
trigger this kind of thing." an official
"The people ask for freedom. and since
Insisted.
Castro can't give freedom, the only thing
"It's a controlled Mariel." says Agustin
possible is to leave." says Mr. Suarez. "If
de Cardenas. a 46-year-old university
they stop people from leaving. then there
physical education teacher who arrived at
will be demonstrations against the gover.
a Cuban processing center in Miami 10
ment."
days ago after spending three days on a
Mr. de Cardenas says the U.S. is very
raft with six fellow refugees. "Whoever
generous to Cubans. and permits them to
wants to build his raft and go. well. he can
come in. unlike Haltians. It's precisely that
go."
difference in treatment. stemming from
During the 1980 Mariel boatlift, more
the 28-year old Cuban Adjustment Act,
than 125,000 Cubans came to the U.S., most
which allows Cubans who escape Cuba and
on boats manned by their Cuban-American
arrive in the U.S. to stay. that has come
relatives. A number of them were crimi-
under attack. Groups such as the Congres.
nals and mental patients hastily freed
sional Black Caucus have complained
from Cuban prisons and institutions and
about this double standard. and the grip-
sometimes forced to emigrate. So far this
ing could grow louder If Cubs mush
time, the people leaving Cuba appear to be
a cross-section of the population. including
rooms Into a high-profile issue.
professionals. workers and families-from
This time around the newcomers might
toddlers to 90-year-old grandmothers.
not be as welcome. Cuban Americans who
The new now of refugees. though well
sailed boats to Mariel to pick up relatives
below Mariel levels. has been growing
were the driving force behind the 1980
since Fidel Castro. reacting last week to a
boatlift. Now, for diverse reasons. includ-
riot and 8 spate of boat hijackings. said his
ing the feeling that Mr. Castro is on the
government would no longer restrain Cu-
ropes and can only profit from another
bans wanting to leave the country. unless
mass migration. there is little enthusiasm
the U.S. negotiated an immigration agree-
to sail again for Havana.
ment and an end to its three-decade-old
"Cubans have developed a lot stronger
trade embargo on Cuba.
ties to the community." says Pedro
Confirms Castro's Orders
Freyre, a lawyer who chairs the Free Cuba
committee of the Greater Miami Chamber
A Foreign Ministry official reached by
of Commerce. "They are balancing how
telephone in Havana confirmed that Mr.
much can the community put up with vs.
Castro's orders that Cuban police and
"I've got to get my brothers in here.
coast guard not do the work of the U.S.
Coast Guard were being followed.
The number of Cubans picked up by the
Coast Guard has climbed almost geometri-
cally every day this week. On Wednesday.
the Coast Guard picked up 537 people. the
largest number since the 1980 boatlift. By 5
p.m. yesterday the number was 247.
Nearly 7.000 Cubans have been picked up
so far this year, about twice last year's
total.
Luis Alvarez. sunburned and sporting a
AUG 19 1994:
donated T-shirt. waits patiently as throngs
of refugees threaten to overwhelm the staff
at the main refugee processing center on
the edge of Miami's Little Havana.
"All of Cuba is going to come here,"
says Mr. Alvarez. a 48-year-old taxi driver.
rescued by the Coast Guard several days
WALL SI, JHL
ago after spending 18 hours on a raft with
10 other people.
Mr. de Cardenas, the physical educa-
tion teacher. says everyone in Cuba wants
to leave the island before the U.S. govern.
ment decides to clamp down. "Before the
Americans stop 11, they want to get out."
he says.
One of Mr. de Cardenas's companion on
the raft trip to the U.S.. Pastor Suarez. a
32-year-old truck driver, says the recent
Havana riots have underscored Mr. Cas.
tro's need to permit his disgruntled sub-
jects to leave the island as a safety valve to
Cuba's disastrous economic situation.
EXEC OFC OF GOVERNOR
TEL 904-922-4292
Aug
19
94
10:05 No 003 P.05
PRESIDENT DENIES
THE TALLY
EMERGENCY MONEY
Total arrivals:
133,825
Refugees From Cuba
April September
The number of Cuban refugees arriving in
ON CUBAN INFLUX
(Mariel boat Ift;):
the United States each year.
125,266
'NOI 10 scale.
Number arriving during 1980 Mariel boat lift
and over the last week (Aug. 11 Aug. 18).
FLORIDA PLEA REBUFFED
10,000
All other arrivals each year.
8000
Justice Department Chief Tells
Gov. Chiles That Refugees
6000
Jan. 1 Aug. 18: 7,341
Are Being Absorbed
4000
Aug. 11 . Aug. 18: 2,003
By STEVEN GREENHOUSE
2000
Special 10 The New York Times
WASHINGTON, Aug. 18 - With
1661 61,9nv
hundreds of Cubans continuing to flee
0
in rafts and rubber dinghies. Gov.
'78
'80
'82
'84
'se
'88
'90
'92
'84
Lawion Chiles of Florida asked the
Federal Government today 10 declare
Sources: immigration and Naturalization Service: Associated Press, U.S. Coast Guard
a state of emergency there but Presi-
dent Clinton denied the request.
The New
The Governor pressed the Admin-
with an eye to November, Mr.
istration for millions of dollars in
Chiles is insisting that the Adminis-
Castro has stopped prohibiting Cu-
emergency Federal aid to deal with
tration declare a state of emergency,
bans from fleeing in rafts. inner tubes
the more than 2,000 Cubans who have
and small boats.
partly to show Florida voters that he
flocked to Florida so far this month
According LO Administration poli-
has clout in Washington. He is also
But Attorney General Janet Reno,
cymakers, Mr. Castro has permitted
asking for a 1018) $75 million in emer-
who comes from Miami, insisted that
the recent wave of refugees in the
gency Federal funds to counter Re-
hope that It would vex the Adminis-
the situation was under control and
publican charges that he is spending
tration and pressure it to ease its
that the refugees were being easily
100 much on social services for Immi-
trade embargo against Cuba. This
absorbed. Miami already has a huge
grants and others.
would enable Cubans and Mr. Castro
Cuban population,
But diplomatic concerns are giving
10 breathe more easily at a time when
According to the Coast Guard, 401
President Clinton 8 strong tug in the
the Cuban leader faces the most do-
fleeing Cubans had been picked up by
other direction. Administration offi-
mestic dissent in years.
8 P.M. today. while 537 were picked
Senior American officials said to-
cials said today that they were reluc-
up on Wednesday. That was the high-
day they had ruled out relaxing the
tant to declare a full-scale emergency
est number on any single day since
embargo, which Mr. Castro asserts 18
because It would send a signal to
the 1980 Mariel boat lift, in which
destroying Cuba's economy and caus-
Cubans that the door was open wide
ing the wave of refugees.
125,000 refugees ultimately fled to the
United States from Cuba. So far more
Options List Prepared
for them to flee in their boats and
than 7,000 refugees have fled Cuba by
A White House official said that
rafts. AI the same time, declaring an
boat this year, the largest annual
Anthony Lake, the national security
emergency would tell Fidel Castro,
number since 1980.
adviser, would soon give President
the Cuban leader, that he had suc-
The Federal Government's emer-
Clinton an updated Jist of options on
ceeded in unnerving the Administra-
the Cuban situation.
gency plan for Florida would send
lion.
One option under consideration, the
additional Coast Guard or Navy boats
10 patrol the Florida Straits and
Emergency at White House
official said, would be to stop grant.
ing blanket entry to virtually all Cu-
lease lens of millions of Federal dol-
After an emergency high-level
bans who flee to the United States.
lars to the state to provide service
White House meeting on the Cuba
Refuge is granted because the Cu.
for the refugees.
situation today, Administration offi-
bans are fleeing from a Communist
In resisting the pleas of Governor
cials said they were considering nu-
country.
Chiles. President Clinton finds him-
merous contingency plans. These in-
Several officials said they doubted
cluded increasing the number of
self torn between domestic politics
that the President would stop grant-
Coast Guard vessels off Cubs and
and foreign policy imperatives.
ing blanket entry. mainly because it
enabling more Cubans to gain refu-
would enrage many Cuban-Ameri-
On one hand, the President wants
gee status by applying in Havana,
cans.
to help Governor Chiles, 8 fello
rather than by taking to rafts. The
Another option under consideration
Southern Democrat who faces a
Coast Guard now has a dozen cutters
would be to transfer fleeing Cubans to
tough re-election race this November,
and 31 small boats patrolling the
third countries or safe havens, a poli-
possibly against former President
Florida Straits.
cy the Administration pursued 10 han-
George Bush's son Jeb.
Pentagon officials said Navy per-
die the flood of Haitians this summer.
In 8 mid-term election year when
sonnel were trucking tents from Gulf-
That option is RISO expected to meet
port, Miss., to Homestead Air Force
the Democrats fear major reversals,
resistance from Cuban-Americans.
Base in Florida in case the wave of
especially in the larger. more tefluen-
Cubans surged suddenly.
In a news conference today in Key
tial states, one of the last things that
Administration officials say
Administration wants is to lose the
wretched economic conditions in
Governor's mansion in Florida, the
Cuba are the underlying factor be
fourth most populous state, which has
hind the exodus, but they add that the
25 electoral voles.
immediate reason for it is that Mr.
EXEC OFC OF GOVERNOR
TEL : 904-922-4292
Aug
19
94
10:06 No 003 P.06
West, where the Coast Guard has
Administration officials vow not- 10
taken most of the Cuban refugees,
allow a replay of the Mariel exodus,
Governor Chiles declared an emer-
in which an estimated 90 percent of
gency situation within his state. He
the refugees were carried by boats
said the Florida National Guard, ma-
belonging to Cuban-Americans from
rine patrol and other branches of
Florida.
government would be used to respond
10 the wave of Cubans.
The Coast Guard has been ordered
"These large numbers create an
10 increase patrols 10 stop and seize
emergency situation for services and
boats heading to Cuba from Florida
assistance," Governor Chiles said.
to pick up refugees.
"Already, this emergency creates a
burden on local and state resources."
"We are not going to permit an-
other massive exodus," said Ma My-
At a news conference, Ms. Reno
ers. "We will not allow Fidel Castrolo
treated Mr. Chiles's depiction of the
situation as an exaggeration, saying
dictate our immigration policy
the Administration was handling the
One senior State Department offi-
problem "in an orderly way and with-
cial said he doubted the flow of Cu-
out disruption." She said the Immi-
bans would grow to the same propor-
gration and Naturalization Service
tions as wave of Haitians last June,
was adding more than 8 dozen work-
He said that since Cuba did not have
ers in Florida 10 handle the Cuban
free enterprise, It was harder for
refugees.
Cubans to build medium-sized boats
"We do not believe that this current
to carry lots of refugees. That is why
influx has been a burden yet on the
Haitian refugees often fled 50 or 100
community," she said. To buttress
to a boal, while the Cubans flee five or
this point, she noted that 75 percent of
ten to a raft.
the Cuban refugees who have arrived
this year have been settled with rela-
Attorney General Reno seized- on
tives in Florida and 15 percent with
the new exodus to Indict Mr. Castro.
relatives in other states, primarily
"To divert the Cuban people from
New York and New Jersey. The other
seeking democratic change. the gov-
10 percent, she said, have also been
ernment of Cuba has resorted to the
placed outside of Florida.
unconscionable tactic of letting peo-
But Administration officials said
ple risk their lives by leaving in flim-
they were analyzing the situation day
sy vessels through the treacherous
to day and would not rule out putting
waters of the Florida Straits," she
an emergency plan into effect.
said.
"We're watching it very closely,
"An uncontrolled exodus from
but to date we've been able to man-
Cuba will do nothing to address Cu-
age the situation and we expect we'll
ba's internal problems. The solution
continue 10 be able 10." said Dee Dee
to Cuba's problems is rapid, funda-
Myers, the White House Press Secre-
mental and far-reaching political and
tary.
economic reform."
AUS 19 199r
EXEC OFC OF GOVERNOR
TEL 904-922-4292
Aug
19
94
10:07 No 003 P.07
Tallahassee Democrat
Cuban
refugees Nancy
Lopez. left,
and Laura
Lopez are
CUBA:
greeted by their
cousin
Chiles savs Florida's
Thursday in
safety is jeopardized
Miami, after
arriving earlier
by unchecked
in the week
Cuban immigration
aboard a
23-foot boat.
CARAH THOMAS-MASKELL/Tne Associated Press
which Fidel Castro is trying 10 ma-
nipulate U.S. foreign and immigra-
Reno approves
tion policy." Graham said. "The ac.
tions by the attorney general
indicate that this will not be
tolerated."
TALL DEMOCRATE
Chiles has demanded more fed-
detention for
eral help to pay for housing, health
care and other services for the
thousands of refugees streaming
into Florida in the largest migra-
tion since the 1980 Mariel boatlift.
But the Clinton administration
Cuban refugees
earlier Thursday responded coolly
to Chiles' request. insisting there
was no crisis at hand.
In an interview before Reno's
hastily called news conference.
Gov. Lawton Chiles says
done. Right now, we don't know
Chiles took a defiant stance.
he is thrilled with the
who is coming in. Castro could be
"When (White House Press Sec-
sending agents."
retary) Dee Dee (Myers) says that
decision because it will
Since 1966, Cubans arriving in
they are handling the situation that
Florida have been released to rela-
means that in these 15 or 30 min-
send a strong message 10
lives or other sponsors in the Unit-
utes they are processing these peo-
Fidel Castro.
ed States upon their arrival, after
ple and turning them loose on my
being interviewed by immigration
streets," Chiles said on CNN. "We
By John Pacenti
officials.
are not going to stand for that."
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
But the administration has
The governor complained that
KEY WEST
AS hundreds of Cubans landed
been under pressure from a steach
the refugees are not receiving health
in Florida and thousands more
ly increasing Now of refugees the
screenings and said he would issue
gathered along the Cuban shore-
past week to stem the tide.
an executive order to quarantine
line. Allorney General Janet Reno
The Coast Guard has rescued
them until they are checked out by
announced for the first time Thurs-
more than 2,000 Cuban refugees
doctors. He did not elaborate.
day that Cubans arriving by boat
from the Straits of Florida in the
In declaring an emergency.
will be detained. effective immedi-
past week. The guard picked up
Chiles authorized the Florida Nation-
547 Cubans on Wednesday, the big-
al Guard to activate its members to
ately. rather than released 10
friends and relatives.
gest single day since the 1980 exo-
deal with the growing influx
Florida Gov. Lawton Chiles,
dus, and 527 by late Thursday.
Pan of the urgency is fueled by
who earlier Thursday declared an
U.S. Sen. Bob Graham, D-Mi-
fear of a repeat of the 1980 Mariel
immigration emergency. said he
ami. also repeated Chiles' assertion
boatlift that swamped Florida with
was delighted by the decision. He
that the announcement was a mes-
125,000 refugees in five months. Law
said it sends a strong message to
sage to Castro and that it would
enforcement health services,
Cuban leader Fidel Castro.
allow for careful processing of the
schools and social agencies were
"This keeps Castro from being
refugees.
overwhelmed.
1661
able to call the shots in regard to
"Clearly this indicates that the
Cubans in a ragiag flotilla of
immigration policy," Chiles said.
administration and president rec-
homemade rafts and leaky boats
"It also allows us to make sure
ognize that this situation has
have been making the perilous 90-
these people get the proper health
moved to a new stage, a stage in
mile crossing in growing numbers
screening, that other screening is
since Aug 5 when Cuban leader Cas
Please see CUBA, 11A
tro threatened another Mariel after
TALL DEMOCRAME
EXEC OFC OF GOVERNOR TEL 904-922-4292
Aug
19
94
10:08 No 003 P.08
CHUCK FADELY/The Miami Herald
A Cuban refugee waves as he and his fellow passengers ball water Thursday from
their sinking raft in the Straits of Florida.
friends to go in boats."
Until Reno's announcement, at
Cuban refugees
bans who arrive were briefly ques-
tioned by U.S. Immigration and Nat-
Tallahassee
uralization Service agents at the
Atlantic
Coast Guard base in downtown Key
Ocean
West and then taken by bus to the
Cuban Transit Center. From there
Florida
they go on to Miami.
547*
A new arrival at the center said
Gulf of
Thursday he sailed with a group of
Maxico
15 Cubans after hearing the Castro
government was no longer stopping
refugees from leaving
AU619 1994
"Before, when we try (to leave),
1994
they take everything But now Cas
tro says, 'Go,'' said Pedro Gonzalez
who sailed with his wife, three sons.
daughter. son-in-law and the family
dog from Mariel.
The Coast Guard believes the
SOURCES immigration and Naturalization Service. U.S Coast Guard. research by BRENNA SINK
Knighi-Ridder Tribune
number of refugees will peak at
1.500 refugees a day because of the
the worst rioting of his 35-year rule.
trying 10 reach freedom, and anoth-
limited number of boats available to
Cuban journalists who spoke to
er reached shore on a stretcher. A
make the trip from Cuba said a U.S.
The Associated Press by phone said
91-year-old woman crossed with her
government source who spoke on
refugees were setting off openly
son rather than be left behind.
condition of anonymity.
from beaches and harbors around
"Everyone was talking about
The U.S. government through
Havana with no apparent interfer-
leaving" Yamilka Santos Lopez 23,
the Coast Guard and federal immi-
ence from police.
said Thursday after arriving at the
gration agents, already handles the
Forty-three rafts - often rope-
Cuban Transit Center, an exile-run
brunt of the influx in its initial stage.
bound contraptions made of inner
program 10 help refugees find their
But Chiles pleaded for activation of
tubes. canvas, even house doors -
relatives near Key West "Lots of
an emergency federal refugee plan
were intercepted Wednesday alone
people were starting to build rafts or
that includes resettling refugees in
by the Coast Guard. One man died
make plans 10 get together with
other states.
TALL DEMOCRATE
Aug 19 94 10:09 No 003 No.003 P.09
U.S. to detain Cuban refugees
AUG 19 1994
W.PETE TIMES
TEL:904-922-4292
EXEC OFC OF GOVERNOR
Times photo - RICARDO FERRO
Cubans picked up by the Coast Guard wait for Gov. Lawton Chiles to finish speaking so they can touch free land in Key West on Thursday.
EXEC OFC OF GOVERNOR TEL 904-922-4292
Aug
19
94
10:09 No.003 P.10
Don Addis
PETERSBURG TIMES
addis
CUBAN
HAITIAN
HAITIAN
terviewed by immigration offi-
a flood. The items, including tents
Gov. Lawton Chiles says
Sals.
and cots, were being flown to
the refugees are creating a
But the administration has
Homestead Air Force Reserve
Keen under pressure from a steadi-
Base.
"true emergency" in
Florida.
increasing flow of refugees the
Other than taking those steps,
week to stem the tide.
Myers would only say that White
Chiles wants the administra-
House officials met to discuss the
By NED SEATON
tion to implement an emergency
situation Thursday and that they
and DAVID DAHL
immigration plan that would bring
were evaluating Chiles' request.
SL PETE TIMES
Times Staff Writers
Florida federal help. He wants Na-
"We're not going to permit
Cubans arriving in Florida by boat
vy ships sent to the Florida Straits,
another Mariel," the spokeswom-
will be detained rather than released
possibly to intercept the desperate
an said.
into the community, the Clinton ad-
Cubans who are boarding make-
That's exactly what Chiles
ministration announced late Thurs-
shift boats and rafts to take the
wants to avoid. An estimated
day.
treacherous 90-mile trip from
125,000 Cuban refugees came to
their homeland.
the United States in 1980 to es-
Attorney General Janet Reno an-
But earlier Thursday the ad-
cape Fidel Castro's communist re-
nounced the new policy. Details about
it will be disclosed by President Chin-
ministration was cool to the gover-
gime. Many of the refugees were
hor's request, and no one at the
rescued by their Cuban-American
White House would agree with his
gelatives, who took boats to their
ton today.
description of the situation as an
former homeland.
The decision came after a day
AUG 1994
emergency.
The influx altered South Flori-
when Gov. Lawton Chiles declared a
state of emergency and demanded
"I think clearly we've been
da. dramatically, swamping
federal help with the largest wave of
ble to handle the surge in Cuban
schools, public health programs
Cuban immigrants to hit Florida since
migrants in an orderly fashion and
and law enforcement. In the years
we'll continue to do that," said
since, state leaders often have ar-
the 1980 Mariel boatlift.
White House spokeswoman Dee
gued that these immigration costs
"There are hundreds of people.
perhaps thousands, massing on the
Dee Myers.
are the responsibility of the federal
shores of Cuba," Chiles told a news
An additional 86 Immigration
government. Washington hasn't
conference held at the Key West
and Naturalization Service agents
entirely agreed.
Coast Guard station. "A true emer-
were dispatched to South Florida
Now, with 2 new, though much
gency exists for the state of Florida."
this week. And a senior Pentagon
smaller, wave of Cuban refugees,
Since 1966, Cubans arriving in
official said Defense Secretary Wil-
Chiles doesn't want to get stuck
Florida have been released to rela-
Iam Perry authorized shipment of
with the tab again - especially
tives or other sponsors in the United
excess military supplies to South
when he's facing a tough re-elec-
Florida as a "prudent measure" in
tion fight this fall.
States upon their arrival, after being
case the flow of refugees turns into
EXEC OFC OF GOVERNOR
TEL 904-922-4292
Aug 19 94
10:10 No 003 P.11
dog on a leash. The refugees ap-
gressional delegation was joining
Chiles'
peared to be in good condition,
Chiles in his demand for federal
walking off the boat with no assis-
help.
request
tance.
Sen. Bob Graham, a Democrat
The latest round of refugees
who was Florida's governor during
Gov. Lawton Chiles on
apparently is arriving because Cas-
the Mariel boatlift and its after-
Thursday appealed to
tro is opening Cuban ports in the
math, contacted Clinton adminis-
President Clinton for a
wake of the worst rioting of his
tration officials Thursday evening.
four-pronged federal
35-year regime.
One target: Reno, herself a Floridi-
response to Florida's
The Coast Guard has rescued
an who was Dade County state
refugee situation. The
more than 1,600 Cuban refugees
attorney in the 1980s.
components of his request
from the Florida Straits in the past
The Floridians want some of
include:
week, including 547 on Wednes-
the nearly $1-billion the state has
day. the biggest single day since
been requesting from the Federal
An increased naval
the 1980 exodus, and 369 by
Immigration Emergency Fund.
presence in the Florida
Thursday evening.
They also want help to guard
Straits to deter Cubans trom,
The Coast Guard believes the
against disease that could be
taking to the seas.
number will peak at 1,500 a day
spread by the new arrivals.
Some $75-million to assist
and then drop off, limited by the
"There exists a public health
local communities affected
number of available boats and bad
threat to the residents of Dade
by the refugee influx. This
weather expected from Tropical
County because the federal gov-
money presumably would
Storm Chris, a U.S. government
ernment has not yet established a
go to communities such as
source told the Associated Press.
mechanism for conducting medical
Miami and Key West. where
Forty-three rafts - often
screenings at the point of entry (in
large numbers of refugees
rope-bound contraptions made of
Key West)," Dade County Manag-
are coming ashore.
inner tubes, canvas, even house
er Joaquin Avino said in a letter to
U.S. Public Health Service
doors - were intercepted
Reno on Wednesday.
officials to assist state
Wednesday alone. One man died
"This is of great concern to us
health officials in the
trying to reach freedom, and an-
because there exists the real po-
medical screening of
other reached shore on a stretch-
tential for a resurgence in trans-
incoming refugees.
er. A 91-year-old woman crossed
mittable diseases such as tubercu-
A second refugee
with her son rather than be left
losis," Avino wrote.
processing center. Florida's
behind.
Reno didn't offer a sympathetic
existing processing center
Under the 1960s-era Cuban
ear to her home-state allies, how-
the Krome detention center
Adjustment Act. any Cuban who
ever. She pointed out that the
in west Dade County, is
reaches the United States gets
state already receives federal
inundated with refugees.
permanent resident status auto-
money for South Florida's hospi-
Sites mentioned 85 possible
matically. The federal government
tais and other needs. She told re-
secondary facilities include
processes the immigrants, with an
porters the administration was
Homestead Air Force Base
emphasis on reuniting the immi-
handling the latest problem "in an
and the Naval Installation on
grants with relatives.
orderly way and without disrup-
Boca Chica near Key West.
Reno said about 75 percent of
tion."
the new arrivals end up in Florida
Furthermore, Reno argued the
and about 15 percent in New York
administration has taken a big step
"This is not a manageable situ-
or New Jersey. The rest are being
in avoiding a repeat of the Mariel
ation," Chiles said at his news
placed outside of Florida.
boatlift. The Coast Guard is warn-
conference.
Chiles would like to bus the
ing Florida boaters that they will
He urged Cubans to stay in
immigrants out of the state in 72
be seized if they're headed to Cu-
their homeland and declared: "The
hours, but he wasn't getting a lot
ba. Ninety percent of Mariel's in-
Castro government is clearly
of help from the federal govern-
flux resulted from Floridians trav-
weakening and the day of freedom
ment. Customarily a close ally of
eling to Cuba to get relatives.
in Cuba is near."
President Clinton, the governor
Chiles praised Florida's Cuban
As Chiles spoke. the 82-foot
said, "I wouldn't be here this
community for showing restraint
Coast Guard cutter Point Baker
morning if everything was working
in not attempting to haphazardly
pulled up to the Key West dock,
the way it should be."
boat out into the straits to find
carrying 49 refugees and one small
By day's end, Florida's con-
friends or relatives.
St.
PETE
TIMES
AUS 18 1994
10
10:11 No.003 P.12
Aug 19 94
AUG
Times photo - RICARDO FERRO
This Cuban family was among those who escaped their homeland on rafts Thursday. They were picked up by the Coast Guard.
OF GOVERNOR TEL:904-922-4292
Until more federal help ar-
Monroe County Sheriff Rich-
rives, Chiles said his declaration of
ard Roth said a $38-million jail in
emergency will draw people and
Key West, opened just six months
resources from state agencies to
ago, would be used as a staging
implement Florida's immigration
area for the refugees. The jail has
emergency plan.
room to hold about 2,000 refugees
Command posts will be set up
- temporarily, at least - in an
in Key West and Tallahassee,
area under the building.
Chiles said, to coordinate the Flori-
At the state's Emergency
da National Guard, the Marine Pa-
Operations Center in Tallahassee,
trol, the Highway Patrol and sev-
Joe Myers was preparing for what
eral other state departments.
could be a one-two punch - the
"Just as Florida prepares for
immigration wave and a possible
and deals with natural storms that
blow from Tropical Storm Chris.
PETE TIMES
Cross our shores or burricanes,
- Information from the
we're prepared to respond to this
Associated Press and Times staff
storm of immigration emergency,"
writers Jennifer S. Thomas and Bui
EXEC OFC
Chiles said.
Mose was used In this report.
EXEC OFC OF GOVERNOR
TEL : 904-922-4292
Aug 19 94
10:12 No 003 P. 13
AUG 19 1994
Graham, Florida delegation
join call for U.S. response
"If
Fidel Castro is consciously
Gov. Lawton Chiles has requested emergency
directing Cubans to leave, then the
aid, including a higher Navy profile in the Florida
Straits, federal dollars for affected local communi-
U.S. should interdict and return those
ties, U.S. Public Health Service officials to help
refugees," says Sen. Bob Graham.
state health officials deal with the incoming refu-
gees and the establishment of a second refugee-
processing center.
By JENNIFER S. THOMAS
Graham said that the Krome refugee detention
Times Staff Wither
center in west Dade County is filled to capacity
WASHINGTON - Democratic Sen. Bob Gra-
with recent arrivals from Cuba and Haiti. Home-
ham led a chorus of Florida lawmakers Thursday
stead Air Force Base, which is being prepared for
demanding a federal response to the most recent
partial closure, and the Navy base on Boca Chica
water-borne exodus of refugees from Cuba.
near Key West, have been mentioned as possible
"It is imperative that the federal government
sites for a processing center.
do everything in its power to address what is fast
When asked if the government should continue
becoming another Mariel situation," said Graham,
to admit all Cuban refugees able to reach U.S.
referring to the 1980 boatlift that brought
shores, Graham responded, "As long as we are
125,000 Cubans to the United States.
dealing with people who are leaving of their own
Graham's request-for a face-to-face discussion
motivation. then I think our policy should remain
the same."
with President Clinton was turned down. Instead,
he made his case to White House Chief of Staff
But Graham added, "If the determination is
Leon Panetta in a phone conversation Thursday
made that Fidel Castro is consciously directing
evening.
Cubans to leave, then the U.S. should interdict and
Earlier in the day, Graham expressed confi-
return those refugees."
dence that the president would respond quickly to
Fifteen members of the Florida House delega-
Florida's refugee situation.
tion and Sens. Graham and Connie Mack, R-Fla.,
"I don't think he wants to relearn the lesson
signed a letter to Clinton, demanding that the
Jimmy Carter learned in 1980," Graham said.
administration shoulder the responsibility for pro-
Carter was repudiated at the polls in November
cessing. transporting and caring for the incoming
1980, in no small part because of his handling of
Cubans.
Mariel.
Lawmakers pointed to the fiscal hardship that
Clinton suffered his own political setback dur-
compelled Chiles in April to file a lawsuit against
ing the Mariel influx, when he was the governor of
the U.S. government for the costs of providing
Arkansas. Several thousand Marielitos were de-
services for illegal aliens.
tained at Fort Chaffee in Arkansas, and Clinton
"The state has repeatedly sought federal relief
was forced to call in the National Guard to quell
for the financial burdens of immigration on states
rioting. Arkansans' disapproval of Clinton's han-
like Florida." the lawmakers told the president.
dling of the Cuban situation is often cited as a
"Today's escalating crisis will only the sharpen the
major reason for his defeat when he ran for
dire need for this reimbursement."
re-election in 1980. Graham, who was governor of
They warned that the state was "neither able
Florida during the Mariel crisis, did not face the
nor obligated" to continue shouldering the finan-
voters in 1980.
cial burden.
PETE
TIME
EXEC OFC OF GOVERNOR
TEL 904-922-4292
Aug
19
94
10:13 No 003 P.14
PETE TIMES
AUG
1994
COLUMNS
Bernard Aronson
The executive and Congress should begin a bipartisan
effort to define the specific steps the United States is
Let's give Cuba
prepared to take in response to peaceful democratic
change. The Cuban-American community must be 8 full
partner in such a negotiation. The administration would be
incentives to move
wise to appoint someone well-trusted by the Cuban-Ameri-
can community, such as Rep. Robert Torricelli, author of
the Cuban Democracy Act, to negotiate any final deal.
toward democracy
For its part, the United States should be prepared to
place on the table: (1) withdrawal from the U.S. naval base
The recent, unprecedented street protests in Havana
at Guantanamo Bay and relinquishing of U.S. base rights;
and Fidel Castro's subsequent threat to unleash another
(2) confidence-building measures to reassure the Cuban
"Mariel Harbor" flood of refugees upon the United States
military that the United States would not take advantage of
should serve as a warning.
a democratic opening to intervene; and (3) a step-by-step
The United States is uniquely vulnerable to events 90
relaxation of the provisions of the embargo in exchange for
miles away in Cuba. But we have no real policy to influence
concrete steps by the Cuban government to move irrevers-
them.
ibly toward democracy. As a sweetener, the United States
How can U.S. policy help ensure that the inevitable
should offer to a fully democratic Cuba immediate negotia-
change coming to Cuba will be peaceful rather than violent
tions to join the North American Free Trade Agreement.
and traumatic? Instead of trying to answer that question, we
The steps Cuba would be required to take might
have been locked for years into a paralyzing impasse
include freeing political prisoners, halting violence against
between advocates and opponents of the U.S embargo.
civilians by state-sponsored "rapid deployment brigades,"
It is time to transcend that debate and seek a new
on-site monitoring of human rights by the United Nations,
consensus about Cuba.
constitutional reforms guaranteeing civil and political liber-
To do so, we must acknowledge first that there are
ties and, ultimately, internationally monitored elections.
honest, principled people on both sides of the embargo
The United States also should engage Latin America
divide. Supporters believe that isolating the Castro regime
and the Caribbean in this process. Latin and Caribbean
and depriving it of hard currency are the surest and
democracies know that violent convulsion in Cuba will only
quickest routes to Cuban democracy. They fear that Castro
divert progress from their agenda of attracting foreign
would manipulate trade opportunities with the United
investment and pursuing free trade with the United States.
States to enhance his international legitimacy while keeping
Were the United States to offer a credible set of incentives,
his police state apparatus well fed and well equipped. They
the hemisphere's democracies could emerge as the stron-
do not want to breathe oxygen into a dying dictatorship.
gest and most effective voices pressing Cuba to respond.
Opponents believe that flooding Cuba with goods,
people and information would undermine Castro's dictator-
There is no guarantee that the Cuban government
ship more effectively. They argue that dropping the embar-
would do so. Initially the odds are that it would not.
go would focus international criticism on Cuban repression
Still, simply offering such a bipartisan initiative for
rather than U.S. policy.
peaceful democratization would shift the weight of interna-
What we should be seeking, instead of capitulation by
tional and internal pressure onto the Castro regime to
one side or the other, is common ground between the two.
justify why it refuses to take reasonable steps to reduce its
A framework already exists on which a new consensus
own isolation and regain symbols of national sovereignty
about Cuba could be constructed - the 1992 Cuban
like Guantanamo Bay. And as social pressures inside Cuba
Democracy Act. The conventional wisdom is that the act
grow, such an initiative - particularly measures to reas-
merely tightens the embargo.
sure Cuba that it faces no military threat - might make it
In fact, the act also opens up for the first time
less likely that the Cuban army will choose to be the
telecommunications and direct-mail services between Cuba
ultimate enforcer of regime repression and terror at the
and the United States. And it declares it "should be the
expense of its fellow citizens.
policy of the United States to be prepared to reduce
Administration advisers will argue no doubt it is too
sanctions in carefully calibrated ways in response to positive
risky to engage in negotiation over an issue as volatile as
developments in Cuba."
Cuba. Recent events in Havana prove the more dangerous
The challenge to U.S. policy - and the opportunity -
course is to do nothing while the struggle for democracy in
is to give meaning to those words. The United States has
Cuba unfolds.
never spelled out what specific steps it is prepared to take in
Bernard Aronson was assistant secretary of state for
response to which "positive developments in Cuba." We
inter-American affairs from June 1989 through July 1993.
should do so now.
Special to the Washington Post