Government reduces telephone rates

Guevara described the armed movement’s commitments to agrarian reform, sovereignty and transformation beyond a change of rulers.

The revolutionary government adopted a Fundamental Law based partly on the 1940 Constitution while concentrating legislative authority in the Council of Ministers.

Under the Fundamental Law, the Council of Ministers combined executive and lawmaking powers during the provisional period.

Disagreement over authority within the new government led the provisional prime minister to resign.

Castro formally became head of government, bringing political office into line with his leadership of the victorious Rebel Army.

The government took control of the foreign-owned utility and lowered rates, presenting public services as a social right.

A law substantially lowered many rents, one of the government’s early measures to redistribute income toward tenants.

The Cuban prime minister travelled to explain the revolution and seek economic understanding without requesting formal state honours.

During his United States tour, he defended Cuban sovereignty and argued that social reform was necessary for democracy.

The long Washington meeting exposed differing expectations about elections, economic policy and the future relationship between Cuba and the United States.