Chess Champ Withdraws From Play
Objects To Castro's Remarks Claiming A Propaganda Victory
New York, Aug. 12 — (AP) — Bobby Fischer. the U. S. chess champion, says he will not participate in a Cuban tournament if Premier Fidel Castro seeks to win a propaganda victory from
it.
The State Department refused Fischer permission to go to Havana for the tournament, but he has made plans to take part by telephone or teletype.
On learning yesterday, however, that the Cuban Premier viewed the State Department action as a “propagandistic victory for Cuba,” the 22-year-old champion cabled Castro:
“I object to your statements reported in the New York Times today claiming ‘propagandistic victory’ and hereby withdraw from Capablanca Tournament.
“I shall re-enter tournament only if you send immediate cable assuring me that you and your government seek and claim no political benefit from my participation and that no further political comments will issue from you concerning my participation.”
Dispatches from Havana pictured Castro as being delighted by the State Department action and said he had taken personal charge of arranging Fischer's participation by phone or teletype.
The State Department said Fischer did not come within any of the classifications for U. S. citizens permitted to travel to Cuba.
