Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1962-12-23
PRISONERS
Officials Hope to Complete AirIift
Between Cuba and Miami in a Day
Continued From Page Al

lation here was that castro was
tossing a red herring into the
complex agree mt either
through mere perversity or to
keep his volatile citizenry out of
the way when the prison gates
open.
State and Justice Department
officials, as we'll as representa-
tives of Dade County, Fla, and
the American Red Cross, have
set up headquarters at Home
stead. The first plane will re-
turn with a contingent Of be-
tween SO and 1903 men of As
sault Brigade .2506.
One Plane at Time
Officials said only one plane
will be on the ground at a time
in the Cuban capital during
the shuttle. The flight from
Florida to Havana takes 40
minutes for a propeller-driven
D-C6B. Turn-around time at
Homestead will be about 35
minutes, but it is unpredicta-
BILE how long it will take each
plane to clear Havana. Esti-
mates of the number of planes
to be used range from two to
six.
Every effort will be made to
complete the airlift in one day,
but it might run into a second
day since the mission calls for
no night flying, officials said.
Pan American has offered It's
planes for the mercy flights
free Of charge, 1t was under
stood.
Still hanging over the prep
aration was uneasy speculation
that Mr.. Castro might turn the
exchange into another cliff
hanger through unwillingness
to exchange all Of the prisoners
for only a part Of the ransom.
This possibility seemed I'M
likely, however, since three of
Mr.. Castro's doctors were per-
mitted by this Government to
fly over to Florida to inspect
the cargo yesterday. The trio
flew home this morning, SEEM
ingly we'll pleased with what
they saw on African Pilot.
Quick Processing |
When the prisoners arrive at
Homestead, they will be proc
essed as quickly as possible ac-
cording to Government sources.
They will be screened by the
immigration and Naturalization
Service and will receive physi-
cal checkups from both United
States and Florida health au-
thorities. Those who are sick
will be taken directly to Miami
hospitals, where beds already
have been reserved.
Each man will be given a
change of underwear, a short
sleeved shirt and khaki trous-
ers. He also will receive a small
amount of cash, probably $50.
as every Cuban refugee does
when he seeks asylum in this
country. This money comes
from the Department of Health,
Education and Welfare.
Then the prisoners will be
given a hot meal at Home
stead-not too big a meal be-
cause they have been on near
starvation rations in Castro's
jails and too much food might
make them i'll.
After they have eaten, the
men will board buses and be
driven to Dinner Key in the
Coconut Grove section Of Mi
ami. where there is a huge
auditorium with a large park
ing area. 1t is here that vir-
tually every Cuban exile in
Florida is expected to stage an
uproarious welcome for the
men they have come to idolize.
No relatives, sweethearts or
friends OF the invasion force
will be permitted to enter
Homestead. Their first sight of
the returnees will be at Dinner
Key.
Leon Levine, public relations
man for a New York firm, said
Committee Chairman Aware
Sanchez. jr., was allowed to
tell the prisoners at Mr.. Cas-
tro's prison on the Isle Of Pines
by telephone they were about
to be released.
Mr.. Sanchez and another
negotiator, Mrs. Virginia Bet
ancourt. also we're allowed to
meet with IA Of the prisoners
at the Castillo ell Principe Pris-
on in Havana to tell the 900
others there of the eminent
release.
They reacted excitedly and
rushed away to tell the Others"
Mr.. Sanchez reported by phone
from Havana.
Mr.. Donovan is expected to
return TO Miami with the last
planeload Of prisoners.