Vanderbilt Television News Archive

(Studio: Connie Chung) Report introduced.

(Atlanta, Georgia: Kenley Jones) Standoff between Cuban prisoners holding hostages and prison authorities in Atlanta, Georgia, prison reported; details given, scenes shown. Prison officials said cutting off water. [Radio voice of CUBAN - (thru translator) threatens hostages.] [Bureau of Prisons spokesperson Michael QUINLAN - says goal is hostages' safety.] Problem of lack of leadership among prisoners noted. [Justice Department spokesperson Tom STEWART - says prisoners have rigged up public address system.] [Cuban deputy foreign minister Ricardo ALARCON - (thru translator) promises prisoners will not be punished if returned to Cuba.] Response of Cuban exiles given. [Huber MATOS - (thru translator) says Fidel Castro would kill or jail them.] Inmates' fears of Cuba said making negotiations difficult.

(Oakdale, LA: Steve Delaney) Use of bed sheet signs by Cuban prisoners in Oakdale, LA, prison reported; details given, scenes shown. Possible role of Miami, Florida, archbishop Agustin Roman in ending standoff detailed. [Justice Department spokesperson Mark SHEEHAN - says no plans for involvement of third party in negotiations.] No negotiations said taking place today. Plans for Cuban detainees after ending of standoff reported Danbury, Connecticut, prison facility shown. Hostages' families shown singing. [Hostage relative Carla WINTER - wants hostages out safely.]

(Studio: Connie Chung) Suggestion from United States ambassador to United Nations Vernon Walters that Mexico might accept Cubans who don't want to return home reported; details given.