From: rich@pencil.cs.missouri.edu (Rich Winkel)
Subject: Act to Support CUBA CARAVAN
Followup-To: alt.activism.d
Originator: rich@pencil.cs.missouri.edu
Organization: PACH
Distribution: na
Date: Sat, 21 Nov 1992 01:43:10 GMT

/** reg.cuba: 253.0 **/
** Topic: Act to Support CUBA CARAVAN! **
** Written  8:11 pm  Nov 19, 1992 by sfaria in cdp:reg.cuba **
CUBA CARAVAN UPDATE
NOVEMBER 19, 1992

U.S.-Cuba Friendshipment Caravan contingents from all parts of the
U.S. converged safely in Laredo early this week.  It was learned
last Sunday that the U.S. Customs Service was readying for the
Caravan's border approach, and had plans to stop all embargoed
items from passing through, even if that meant arrest.

Vocal support for the Caravan has been strong domestically, and
international opinion is also making itself known directly to U.S.
government officials.  Apparently in response to this, the office
of Pastors for Peace received notification from the State
Department on Tuesday, November 17, that they must apply for a
license to transport their cargo of humanitarian aid across the
border and to their stated destination of Cuba.  Petition for this
license will not be considered by the Caravan, as it would grant
legitimacy to the illegal blockade of Cuba by the United States.
It is in this political environment that the drivers will attempt
to cross the Texas-Mexico border early tomorrow morning, Friday,
November 20.

Pastors for Peace has found that public support has been very
effective in pressuring the government to allow free movement of,
or release detained caravanists in the past.  For this reason, and
to focus broader public attention on the issue of the blockade, we
ask for the following:

1.   Demonstrate on Friday afternoon.  Supporters in many cities
around the country will be coming out to take a stand for the
Caravan and against the blockade:
     In San Francisco, we will meet at 5:00pm outside 425 Market
     Street near Fremont, half a block from the Embarcadero BART
     station.
     In San Jose, gather at the Federal Building, 1st and San
     Carlos, from 4:30pm to 6pm.

2.   Call or send mailgrams immediately to the following government
officials.  Demand that the Caravan be allowed to pass.
     Lawrence Eagleburger, Acting Secretary of State, c/o Vicki
     Huddleston, Coordinator, Office of Cuban Affairs.
          Dept of State
          ARA/CCA  Room 3250
          Washington, D.C.  20520
          telephone:  202-647-9272
          fax:  202-736-4476
     Richard Newcomb, Director of the Office of Foreign Assets
     Control of the Treasury Department (which administers the
     embargo)
          telephone:  202-622-2510
          fax:  202-622-1657
     Michael Schmitz, Chief Counsel, Office of Customs
          telephone:  202-927-6900
Calls from a Senator or Representative to these offices will be
extremely important.  One congressperson has the impact of many
individuals.
     Congress Switchboard:  202-224-3121

3.   Authorize us to send a mailgram in your name.  It costs about
$7 and you will be billed by Western Union. The mailgram reads:

"I protest any enforcement of the immoral U.S. Blockade against
Cuba.  The blockade is a flagrant violation of international law. 
I urge you to allow passage of the U.S.-Cuba Friendshipment and its
cargo into Mexico without conditions."

We need your name, address and zip, and phone number with area
code.  Send to sfaria, or leave on voicemail hotline below.

4.   Activate your own phone list with this information.

5.   Give money.  The effort is now facing legal and other
additional costs.  Make donations to "ALTA/U.S.-Cuba
Friendshipment," and send to 3181 Mission St, #14, San Francisco CA
94110.

Keep updated on news about the caravan by calling the 24-hour
caravan hotline:  510-273-9199.  Or call 415-821-7575.
** End of text from cdp:reg.cuba **

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