No available shotlist




Initials KJ/V/PB



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: As he left the American Embassy in Havana, Oct 20 - following the announcement of his recall from Cuba - U.S. Ambassador Philip W. Bonsal was approached by several Cubans asking him to intercede on their behalf in securing visas to leave Cuba for the United States. Bonsal was only able to tell them to apply through diplomatic channels.

U.S. sources said Bonsal had reached the point in Havana where his presence could do no more good at this time. The 57-year-old career diplomat, personally popular with many Latin Americans, has been treated coldly by Cuban officials and repeatedly insulted by Castro and his aides.

Bonsal, who first went to Havana in February 1959, returned to the United States for two months early this year after an especially virulent attack by Castro. He finally went back to Havana March 20, intending to make the best of whatever opportunities might remain for bettering Cuban-American relations and to report to Washington on Cuban affairs.