DOUBTLESS the people of Lancaster and Morecambe were shocked and horrified by the wicked crime in New York last September.

Some may even have been personally involved and everyone will share their grief.

Events following the war in Afghanistan and the establishment of Camp X-Ray have involved Cuba in the news.

Cuba is totally opposed all forms of terrorism and made a public statement to that effect after September 11.

Cuba has itself been subject to terrorism from outside for many years.

What few people will know is that the occupation of the naval base at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba by the United States was imposed upon Cuba as a condition for the withdrawal of the US army occupying Cuba in 1903.

This humiliation was reaffirmed in 1934 when it was agreed that the USA pay Cuba $4,085 annually by cheque (34.7 cents per hectare).

The Cubans have sufficient dignity and pride never to have cashed any of these derisory cheques!

The Cuban revolution of 1959 resulted in the defeat of a corrupt regime and the arrival of a popular government that introduced reforms resulting in improvements to the health, education and welfare systems that have made Cuba an example of good practice to the entire world.

This caused friction with the United States and a crippling 40-year blockade imposed upon Cuba by its powerful neighbour.

The base at Guantanamo Bay has continued to be occupied by US forces and the Cubans can do nothing about it.

The United States has used the base for various purposes, some of them outside the scope of the original agreement, including the internment of prisoners from Afghanistan at Camp X-Ray.

Up to then the views of the Cubans were sought on only one occasion when Kosovan refugees were sheltered there and Cuba responded constructively and offered to help.

Details of the US plans for the accommodation of the present foreign war prisoners were given to Cuba on January 7 and, although it is outside the original agreement, Cuba will not oppose it and has noted with satisfaction the public reassurances by the United States concerning the humane treatment of the prisoners.

Cuba remains totally committed to the eradication of terrorism wherever it arises.

This is the position of Cuba.

Cllr Brian Penney, Grebe Wharf, Lancaster.