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One of the most interesting contributors was Wayne Smith, former Head of US Interests Section, Havana. It was both refreshing and inspiring to hear a former US diplomat being so outspoken and honest:
“US policy (on Cuba) is so stupid, so counter-productive and against the interests of the US that it’s an embarrassment. I was determined to help my country to find its way back to a sane policy.”
Wayne Smith contributed to a session on Cuba, USA and the War on Terror where he explained the hypocrisy of US policy.
“In 2001, after 9/11, Cuba offered to open its air space to US planes and expressed a willingness to work with the US against terrorism. I hoped that this would lead to a more harmonious approach by the US. But this was not to be.”
Colin Burgon MP reported on a recent visit to Cuba by the All Party Group on Cuba.
“The mood of the Cuban people was absolutely solid in the face of the celebrations taking place in the streets of Miami” (in response to Castro’s ill health). .... “There was a calmness and a readiness to face the future with confidence”.
In probably the highlight of the day, Harold Pinter, Nobel Prize Winner, author, playwright and political activist, gave a thought provoking lesson in the absurdity of US foreign policy over many years. He read out a statement by US General Smedley Butler made in 1933 after 33 years of active military service in the Marine Corps.
“War is just a racket, conducted for the benefit of the very few at the expense of the masses….I was a racketeer and gangster for capitalism. I helped to make Cuba a decent place for the nationalists to collect revenue. I helped with the raping of half a dozen Central American republics for the benefit of Wall Street.”
In doing so he showed just how US policy has not really changed in its constant recourse to military action to protect the profits gleaned from imposing policies favourable to US business interests in other people's countries.
Pinter ended by making clear his admiration for the people of Cuba and the example they have set.
“Against that background we can measure Cuba’s remarkable achievement and pride. Cuba is the inspiration of the spirit of independence and resistance which exists in Venezuela, Bolivia and Ecuador.”
Further Information on Smedley Butler statement.