79-15-1
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Cuba Overseas[edit]
Transcript[edit]In recent weeks, our attention has been fixed on the subject of Russian troops in Cuba. The discovery has been widely considered as just another indication of the Soviets' desire to expand their presence in the western hemisphere. In exchange for Soviet military support, and some nine million dollars a day in economic subsidies, Cuban dictator Fidel Castro serves as a cheerleader for Russian interests throughout the world. A recent notable example of this came at the recent Third World "summit" conference in Havana. In contradiction to the supposed ideal of the organization to assume a position of nonalignment between the superpowers, Castro made a mockery of the proceedings with his podium- pounding exhortations to the Third World nations Soviet system. Despite the power the Soviet Union is able to exert over Castro, the Cuban dictator still fancies himself a revolutionary leader who aids and inspires revolts in Africa, Latin America and the Middle East. The Russians aren't bothered by Castro's delusions ·because much of his international interference fits nicely into their own foreign policy designs. The evidence of Castro's meddling in foreign affairs is staggering. Back in 1961, just two years after seizing power, Castro sent a handful of troops to Ghana to provide training in guerilla tactics. In 1963, he sent tanks, arms and advisors to Algeria, which was then involved in a border dispute with Morocco. The Congo received Castro's blessing--- and Castro's troops---in 1965. In 1973, Castro ventured into Middle East affairs. South Yemen and, according to some reports, Syria, received Cuban military support. With this pattern established, U.S. policy makers should not have been surprised by the major Cuban involvement in Angola and Ethiopia in 1975 and 1976. 20,000 Cuban troops fought on the Communist side in Angola. 16,000 troops were sent to Ethiopia. Latin America is a favorite Castro target, too. Most recent is his well-documented support of the more radical elements of the Sandinistas in Nicaragua. Castro readily acknowledges his intention to instigate rebel movements elsewhere in the Americas, in such countries as El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras. These activities pose a serious threat to our own interests. Castro has helped undermine and overthrow a number of governments friendly to the United States. That makes economic and military aid to Cuba seem a good investment for the Soviet Union. Meanwhile the Cuban people continue to suffer with economic hardships so that their leader can sell the "virtues" of his failed system to others. I'll discuss what life is like in Cuba in my next broadcast. This is Ronald Reagan. Thanks for listening. |
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