Exiles’ Attack Brings Warning

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30094, 30 March 1963, Page 11

Exiles ’ Attack Brings Warning

(N.Z Press Association —Copyright) WASHINGTON, March 2«. The United States confirmed today that seaborne raiders on Monday night attacked and damaged a Soviet freighter loading sugar at a port on the north coast of Cuba, United Press International reported. But the State Department said it had no idea where the assault group had its base.

In Havana today, the Cuban Primo Minister (Dr. Fidel Castro) warned that Cuba might have to acquire longrange bombers and warships to protect its merchant shipin® against American “aggressors." Dr. Castro gave his warning in an official statement which accused the United States of responsibility foi the armed attacks on the two Soviet freighters in Cuban norts and for the recent crash of a Bolivian airliner in wl ich two Cuban diplomats died State Department sources said the United States was doing everything possible to discourage hit - and - run attacks on Soviet ships by Cuban exile groups. Coast Guard vessels, it was stated had been patrolling off the Florida coast for several months and intercepting any suspicious-looking fishing boats heading in the direction of Cuba. Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation also had been active in Florida

magnetic bomb exploded. A column of water 10 metres high rose up. The raiders then tried to engage the Cuban patrol boat, but it retired rapidly from the port. “The magnitude of the explosion and the hole ripped in the hull of the ship permit us to assume th art the vessel, if not sunk, has been rendered useless. We do not know if any casualties resulted among the men who were guarding the ship. “As soon as the operation was completed, the attacking crew withdrew to its operational base in the Caribbean with no casualties.” said the communique

“Commandos L" which made tire raid on the Russian freighter on March 26. tonight issued a communique m Miami the Associated Press reported The communique said •The military target was a Russian freighter which was loading sugar and was about readv to sail All lights were on and there were watchmen on deck The port was guarded and a patrol launch was ‘here.

“Patriots ot -Commandos L opened fire on the merchant ship from a distance of 200 yards and continued approaching while firing with heavy artillery and supporting arms or. the side of the ship. “They placed a contact magnetic mine below the water line near the bow and hand grenades were hurled aboard causing heavy damage to the ship “Two minutes later, five