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University Daily Kansan
Monday, Dec. 16, 1963
Bolivian Tin Miners To Release Prisoners
LA PAZ, Bolivia—(UPI)—Rebellious tin miners, surrounded by government troops, prepared today to release four Americans and 17 other hostages they have held for nearly 10 days in the Andean town of Catavi.
Juan Lechin, Bolivia's left-wing vice president who is also head of the National Miners Union, flew to the mine area from La Paz yesterday to handle the release.
THE MINERS OF Catavi and nearby Siglo Veinte, both about 150 miles south of La Paz, called a general meeting today to consider a reported government offer to withdraw federal troops in exchange for the safe release of the hostages. President Victor Paz Estenssoro refused to grant the miners prime demand, the release of two arrested Communist union leaders, according to government sources.
Lechin made a bitter statement at his home before leaving La Paz yesterday, threatening future kidnapping incidents and warning that Bolivian workers will follow the path of Cuban Premier Fidel Castro.
HE FLEW TO Oruro, 40 miles from Catavi, on a plane with U.S. Ambassador Douglas Henderson and other officials, Lechin and Roman Catholic Archbishop Abel Antezana, who helped mediate the crisis, drove on to Catavi while Henderson and Derek Singer, U.S. Peace Corps director for Bolivia, staved in Oruro.
The miners had cabled acceptance yesterday of Lechin's order to release the hostages "to avoid a blood-bath," but when he arrived in Catavi the meeting was announced to discuss the matter further.
The American hostages were Thomas M. Martin of New York and Michael Kristula of Cadillac, Mich., both U.S. information service officers; Bernard Rifkin of Montclair, N.J.; U.S. embassy labor attache; and Robert Fergerstrom of Honolulu, a Peace Corps volunteer.
LECHIN TOLD newsmen at his home in La Paz yesterday, "The U.S. Department of State has taken advantage of this situation created in Catavi to decapitate the workers movement in Bolivia.
"I can tell you that episodes such as this will be repeated," he said. "It is the only defense we have.
"We will have to follow the path of Castro," Lechin added, but he did not expand on this remark.
Concert Choir Opens Vespers
The University Concert Choir marched down the aisles of crowded Hoch Auditorium yesterday carrying lighted candles and the spirit of Christmas with them.
The 110 members of the choir, caroling as they marched, opened the annual Christmas vespers service. They were joined by the University Symphony Orchestra, University Chamber Choir and a Choral Ensemble in performing Christmas music.
THE CONCERT CHOIR, directed by Clayton Krehbeil, sang various selections in alternation with tableaux and choral ensemble selections.
Official Bulletin
The four tableaux, interspersed among the musical selections of the Concert Choir and Choral ensemble, included "Visitation" depicting the Madonna and child in the stable with others standing watch over the baby; "Gloria in Excelsis" showing the joy of angels as they knelt before the Madonna and child; "Was-sail" showing a group of singers playing instruments to spread the joy of the season and "Madonna and Child" showing the mother and child alone.
MONDAY, DEC. 16, 1963
Teaching Interviews: Mr. Clifford Long, assistant superintendent, Coffeyville Public Schools; School bus interviewer; elementary, music, music and coaching positions. 9:20 a.m. to 1 p.m., Dec. 18. 117 Bailey. Sign up now.
TODAY
MONDAY, DEC. 16, 1963
TODAY
German Club Choir: Rehearsal 7 p.m.
502 Fraser.
Catholic Mass: 5 p.m., St. Lawrence Chapel.
Episcopal Evening Prayer: 9:30 p.m.
Dunfroch Chapel.
Chancery Club: Speakers — Alastair Matheson, Scotland; Hugh Taylor, England. 7:15 p.m., Moot Court Room, Green Hall.
TOMORROW
Catholic Mass; 6:45 a.m., 5 p.m., St.
Lawrence Chapel.
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