VISNEWS filmed bearded ex-revolutionary leader Fidel Castro Apl 17 as he met Vice-President Nixon during 5 day visit to Washington, and when he placed a wreath on the Jefferson Memoria.

The bearded victor of the Cuban revolt, wearing green battledress and accompanied by his Finance Minister and a large party of "barbudos" (jungle fighters) had arrived Apl 15 in Washington by air from Havana for an 11-day unofficial visit.

Later he met America's Secretary of State Christian Herter and senior officials of the State Department.

Castro told Mr. Herter at a luncheon on Apl 16 "I am saddened and confused to find so much ignorance and misinformation about what we are doing. I find that I am being called a dictator and a tyrant. But my government stands for all the
principles on which freedom and human rights are based. I hope I will now be able to reach the American people and explain what we stand for".

At his last appearance in Washington Apl 20 the Cuban Prime Minister went before
the National Press Club to repeat the assurances that he means nothing but
friendship to the United States; that there are no Communists in his government;
that he has no plans to expropriate any foreign holdings in Cuba; that he will
hold free elections as soon as possible - which may be as long as four year, but
will anyway be as soon as "the people want them".

He left Washington Apl 20 for Princetown.