Cuban Jamming Blindfolds TV Marti as U.S. Beams Test Signal

A U.S.-financed television operation began transmitting signals to Cuba early today, but Cuban officials blocked the transmission after 38 minutes and accused the United States of engaging in aggressive activity.

White House spokesman Marlin Fitzwater confirmed the debut of TV Marti and said the Administration planned to continue efforts to transmit news and entertainment programs to Cuba despite the successful jamming effort.

“We just hope that at some point they see the light,” Fitzwater said, alluding to Cuban officials. He said the operation is consistent with national and international law.

The TV test operation began at 1:30 a.m. EST and was clearly visible on Channel 13 in the Havana area until the jamming began at 2:08, said a Voice of America official, who asked not to be identified.

The Cuban government news agency Prensa Latina said in a dispatch monitored in Mexico City that “Cuban authorities have warned that the beginning of these transmissions may form part of a larger maneuver and Washington may be looking for a pretext to unleash military aggression.”

The station is designed to be a TV version of Radio Marti, which has provided news and entertainment to Cuban listeners since 1985. Radio Marti was not jammed this morning.

The TV signal was sent from a transmitter placed aboard a balloon dangling 10,000 feet above Cudjoe Key off the south Florida coast. Technical problems have delayed testing for months.

After the testing, the Administration is supposed to make a legal and technical evaluation of the operation within three months, according to enabling legislation.

If the operation proves feasible on both counts, formal programming can begin for a two-year period. The funds already have been appropriated.