-DATE- 19880116 -YEAR- 1988 -DOCUMENT_TYPE- MESSAGE -AUTHOR- F.CASTRO -HEADLINE- CASTRO SENDS LETTER TO OLYMPIC COMMITTEE -PLACE- CUBA -SOURCE- HAVANA TELEVISION SVC -REPORT_NBR- FBIS -REPORT_DATE- 19880119 -TEXT- Fidel Castro Sends Letter to Olympic Committee FL160333 Havana Television Service in Spanish 0100 GMT 16 Jan 88 [Passages within quotation marks recorded] [Text] Manuel Gonzalez Guerra, president of the Cuban Olympic Committee this afternoon reported that Cuba will not attend the 24th Olympic Games. Alberto Juan Torrena, second vice president of that organization, then read the letter from our Commander in Chief Fidel Castro addressed to Juan Antonio Samaranch, head of the International Olympic Committee, which underscores Cuba's position. [Gonzalez Guerra] "We had an Executive Committee meeting this morning where we discussed Cuba's participation or nonparticipation in the Olympic games. We notified Antonio Samaranch at 1100 in Lausanne that the Cuban Olympic Committee had decided not to attend." [Juan Torrena] "My dear friend Samaranch: You are aware of our country's efforts--in which I have personally participated--to make possible the most successful 24th Olympic Games with both Koreas hosting them. "When I wrote you on this matter in September 1987, I confirmed our desire to do everything to avoid thwarting what still seemed possible at that time. In this regard, I addressed the authorities and people of the DPRK and gave our opinion that all parties should agree, in one way or another, on methods to hold the Olympics in an orderly manner; that they should demonstrate their highest aspirations and be willing to pass up everything that was not fundamental and would harm our principles. "We realized that if we could not hold the Olympic Games satisfactory to everyone, the Olympic spirit would take a great step backwards. "We watched your activities with hope: the visits of the International Olympic Committee to the two Koreas, your meetings with their representatives. We learned with satisfaction that the DPRK was doing everything possible and, in a laudable conciliatory effort, even expressed its willingness to accept an unequal role in the Olympics. "There was also another hope at that time: That the complex and difficult internal situation in the southern part of Korea would change. A situation arose in 1987 that was to be expected. The protests of South Korea's people shook the prevailing system and the regime, which was on its way out, took all measures, even the most ferocious, sowing death in several parts of the country so it could remain in power. "The announcement of general elections as the result of the heroic struggle of the people created the hope for a democratic opening which, on the one hand, would provide an adequate climate for the Olympics and, at the same time, would facilitate a better spirit of cooperation for the co-hosting of the games. "Unfortunately, it has not been so. Such an opening did not occur. Hopes were dashed and nothing changed. Repression again prevails; arrests increase. Mistreatment of the population has worsened and the people's discontent becomes more intense. No one can guarantee that the violent popular demonstrations will not arise again in the middle of the Olympics and, along with them, the fiercest repressive measures against the people. "Actually, although I have no intention of mixing Korea's political problems with sports, even our children in elementary school know that bullets, tear gas, and massive repression of the people would not constitute the healthiest and most honorable conditions for the Olympic Games. "Based on those negative circumstances, in our opinion, the Olympic Games held under such risky conditions can only be guaranteed through the miracle of a consensus of the internal political factors of the southern part of Korea, which is currently engaged in an irreconcilable fight, for the peaceful realization of the games and the co-hosting of the same by the two parts of Korea. Aware of the importance of the Olympic movement, we think this possibility can still be examined and we hope such premises can be fulfilled. "We act from deep convictions in stating our conduct toward the 1988 Olympics; we do not wish to contravene in any way the Olympic rules and no one can accuse us of trying to sabotage the activity just because we disagree with holding the Olympic Games under those conditions. "The Olympic Committee and the Cuban Government have reached the agreement that we will not register. That is to say, simply, we will not commit ourselves to participate in the games. "Although we deeply regret this unavoidable decision, our people and our athletes who are guided by deep ethical norms and by a great sense of honor will not be discouraged and will continue to prepare for the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, if the foolish act of sanctioning us for maintaining a dignified conduct is not taken. "Nevertheless, we want to convey to you, dear friend Samaranch, that in consideration of the great interest you have expressed in our participation, if the miracle of holding secure games, without violence, in Seoul becomes possible, and you, with your proverbial tenacity, accomplish the heroic feat of having the games co-hosted, we would be willing to reconsider our decision, if under those circumstances you and the International Olympic Committee would decide Cuba's modest presence would be useful. "I ask you to consider that the moral principles of the people are more important for Cuba than the emotions of the Olympic Games and the gold medals that can be won. "With best regards, "Fidel Castro Ruz." -END-