PRESIDENT FIDEL CASTRO (CUBA) - DOCUMENT SIGNED 06/17/1961 - HFSID 265230

FIDEL CASTRO
He signs the diploma of a graduate of the University of Havana (1961).
Partly printed DS: "Fidel Castro" as Cuban Minister of Education, 1 page, 16x21. Havana, 1961 June 17. In Spanish with translation. Countersigned: "Francisco Parleir" as Dean, "U. Clemente" as Rector, "G. Guerra" as Secretary General. In full: "The Rector of the University of Havana, in exercise of the faculties conferred upon him by the Statutes of this University, and at the recommendation of the Board of Examiners, hereby confers the title of Public Accountant on Armando Antonio Muiños y Gómez, in consideration of having completed the prescribed course of study. In witness thereof, and as formal notification to all legal authorities, he authorizes and signs this Degree, together with the Dean of Faculty." Notes at bottom to have been registered in the books of the Secretary General of the University, the Faculty of Commercial Sciences, and the Ministry of Education. Embossed seal of Education ministry on Castro's signature. FIDEL CASTRO, who had been Cuba's Premier for two years when he signed this document, had also attended the University of Havana, entering its School of Law in 1945 and graduating in 1950. While a student, Castro twice abandoned his studies in favor of revolutionary pursuits: in 1947, he went to the Dominican Republic to participate in an attempt to overthrow Generalissimo Rafael Trujillo; in 1948, he participated in urban riots in Bogata, Columbia. Although he started a law practice in 1950, within three years he was again involved in rebel activities; this time in his own country against Fulgencio Batista. On January 1, 1959, Batista fled the country, and Castro took over as Premier, a title he would hold until 1976, when he became President of the Council of State and the Council of Ministers. Under his regime, education is offered free of charge to all segments of Cuban society. Based on Marxist-Lenin principles, higher education combines study and manual work. Torn vertically in half, repaired with clear conservator's tape on verso; there is also a plastic tape repair on verso protecting a 7¼-inch vertical tear from the upper edge. Chipped and tears at edges, three holes at tears on document. Browned, fragile paper which we have encapsulated.