Urban rents are reduced

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 revolutionary government ordered lower telephone charges, confronting a major foreign-owned utility over the cost of public services.

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

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.

The unofficial visit revealed both international enthusiasm for the revolution and growing conflict over elections, property and communism.

At an inter-American economic meeting in Buenos Aires, he called for large-scale investment to overcome poverty and dependence.