Glasgow And Ships Of The Clyde

U.S. accused of attacking the Cuba-bound Spanish freighter SIERRA DE ARANZAZU

   The Government of Cuba, at the island capital Havana, today accused the United States with having responsibility for the attack on the Cuba-bound Spanish freighter SIERRA DE ARANZAZU last Sunday.

   An Armed Forces Ministry statement said the U.S. “knows perfectly well who carried out this attack since the authors were mercenary elements equipped, paid, and directed by the Central Intelligence Agency.”

   The U.S. was “trying to wash its hands” of the incident because of the deaths of three Spaniards in the attack.

   In Madrid the Spanish Foreign Ministry said they had instructed the Spanish Ambassador in Washington to seek an urgent interview with the U.S. Secretary of State, Mr. Dean Rusk, before deciding on the measures Spain would take to protect her ships.

   “Spain is not disposed to tolerate acts of piracy against her merchant fleet,” the Ministry said.   The Spanish Government considered the U.S. had sufficient information “to clarify the situation in a sector where its responsibility in all that happens is evident.”