Soviet steps on Cuba?

Press, 2 November 1979, Page 6

Soviet steps on Cuba?

NZPA-Reuter Washington The United States Secretary of State (Mr Cyrus Vance) indicated yesterday the Soviet Union had taken steps in Cuba to reduce United States concerns about Soviet troops there. He was unwilling at a news conference to provide details. But he said: “Some factors are different from what they were.” He added that while there was no basis yet for great optimism, the developments in Cuba, which are moni--to-ed closelv by United States intelligence, are “not unpleasant/' The United States had accused the Soviet Union of placing a combat brigade of 2000 to 3000 men in Cuba.

possibly leading up to an unacceptable Soviet force in the Western Hemisphere. Protracted negotiations dir’, not appe; r to produce a settlement. On October 1, President Carter announced a series of countermeasures. While suggesting that the Soviet Union may have changed the nature of the brigade, Mr Vance also took! a low-key approach to con-j struction'by the Russians of j a new pier at the Cienfuegosl naval base. He said: “There is no indi-1 cition the pier is for any-. thing other than Cuban use.” ■ The construction did not' violate the 1962 United States-Soviet understanding that ended the "missile crisis.” he said.