MANIFESTO IN CUBA

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28539, 19 March 1958, Page 13

MANIFESTO IN CUBA

8 Resignation Of Batista Wanted

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) <Rec. 8.30 p.m.)

i HAVANA, March 18. Cuban civic and professional leaders called last night for President Fulgencio Batista to resign “to save Cuba from anarchy and chaos.”

They issued a manifesto saying that only the resignation of President Batista and his Government could end bloodshed and resolve “a grave crisis affecting the nation.”

The declaration coincided with an ultimatum from the rebel leader, Fidel Castro, telling President Batista to resign by April 5 or face a fight to the finish. The manifesto came from representatives of 42 religious, fraternal, professional, civic and cultural organisations. It said the bitter passions “inundating the country would plunge it into anarchy” unless the Government resigned.

There was no immediate comment from the Presidential palace, but it was evident, according to the American Associated Press, that President Batista intended to continue in power and carry through with elections on June 1.

His. Presidential choice, the former Premier, Andres Ribero Aguero, had said nothing, the news agency added.

Rebel forces have maintained that opposition groups would not have a chance in the elections under existing*circumstances. The sweeping manifesto demanded abdication of all executive power and the dissolution of Congress.

It said peace could be returned only through the formation of a provisional transitory government made up of persons representing all vital factions in Cuba. Such a government, the manifesto said, would adopt all measures necessary for full democratic guarantees.

The manifesto added: “This *s the only solution at the dramatic crossroads for Cuba to emerge triumphant from chaos.”

It assailed “the repressive forces exercised by the regime” in an attempt to put down the growing revolution. It declared that President Batista’s enlistment of 7000 more soldiers would be useless. The number of victims would be increased, it said, but the rebel movement would be rapidly extended.

“The people, alarmed by the continuing bloodshed of their best citizens, cannot understand why the military forces support a regime that the Republic repudiates,” the manifesto said.