Sir, - We were concerned by Karen Hatherley's letter (July 21st) reporting allegations by the Cuban government that a US government aircraft discharged the thrips palmi insect over Cuba in an effort to damage its agriculture. The Embassy would like to set the record straight on this matter.
The United States has categorically denied the discharge over Cuba of the thrips palmi insect or any other biological agent which would violate US or international law. The incident reported by the Cuban government involved an aircraft on October 21st, 1996 which was en route to Bogota, Colombia via Grand Cayman Island, and which had obtained overflight clearance from Cuban authorities.
Upon observing an Air Cubana commercial aircraft flying below him, the aircraft's pilot marked his presence by using the aircraft's smoke generator in accordance with prudent and safe aviation procedures. At no time did the aircraft release the thrips palmi insect or otherwise engage in conduct violating the 1972 Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological and Toxin Weapons and on their Destruction.
Contrary to the author's assertion, US policy towards Cuba is not aimed in any way at starving the Cuban people or creating famine conditions. - Yours, etc.,
Lawrence E. Butler,
Charge d'Affaires a.i., Embassy of the United States, Dublin 4