From: HANLY-AT-BrandonU.CA
Date: Wed, 06 Mar 1996 16:43:39 -0600 (CST)
Subject: The Cuba Bill


The US is almost alone among advanced industrial societies in believing
that its subsidiaries in foreign countries are subject to US laws covering such
things as export controls and economic sanctions. In 1992 the US passed
the Cuban Democracy Act that among other things prohibited US subsidiaries
from trading with Cuba. Canada in response passed a law making it illegal
for US subsidiaries in Canada to comply with the embargo. Although there have
been about two dozen complaints of US companies violating the order no
prosecutions have taken place. (typical!)
   The Cuba Act, now supported by Clinton-even though earlier he promised he
would veto it-- would allow: a)  those who have had property expropriated
in Cuba to sue in US courts any company that is profiting from that property
(No doubt this will please those who associate private property rights with
freedom!)NOTE: The assets must be worth more than 50,000 US for the courts to
bother though. Minor assets are only useful to convince the working and middle
class of the importance of private property.
 b) Any employees or family members of companies that may be profiting
from these expropriations are also denied entry to the US. 
   On a recent visit to the Carribean, 14 Caribbean leaders joined Chretien in
opposing this legislation. This in spite of US attempts to coerce other
countries into acceptance of the legislation.
   Jesse Helms raves on about Canada appeasing tyrants just as Chamberlain
appeased Hitler etc. etc. Are US citizens completely mad? Believing in angels
is one thing but believing Helms is another order of insanity.
   Does the US media have anything about foreign reactions to this legislation
or anything about the details of the downing e.g. the false flight plan,
the communications with controllers, the warnings of the US government about
overflights, the background of Basultos etc.etc.?
  Cheers, Ken Hanly



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