Huber Matos, a dissident Cuban revolutionary leader who spent the last 20 years in Cuban political prisons, said last night that Fidel Castro's "opportunism" prevented the establishment of a democratic government in Cuba.

Speaking to about 200 people in the Science Center, Matos said American blame for communism in Cuba "is far smaller than many imagine." The economic embargo that the United States enforced after Castro's turn to communism did not create the Cuba crisis, Matos said.

"Castro chose the path which assured him of eternal control in Cuba. That decision was independent of what the U.S. could have or might have done," Matos said. He added that lifting the economic blockade would have helped Castro by improving Cuban economic conditions and thus strengthening the regime.

Promises, Promises

Matos said the people of Cuba were promised a democratic revolution and Castro broke that promise. "If Castro had chosen the democratic way, his power would have lasted four, five, perhaps six years and then he would have had to step down to another leader. The temptation was simply too large for someone who loves power," Matos said.

He added there are many Cuban political prisoners who have been in jail for up to 20 years. "They await, they trust," Matos said. "Their message to those who leave first is "Please remember us,'" he added.

Matos asked the audience to form a committee to work for the release of political prisoners in Cuba. "Young students inspired by love of justice could do much for the men who remain suppressed in the Cuban jails," he said.

He added, however, that Cuban dissidents and foreigners will not succeed in overthrowing Castro. Only the Cuban youth has that opportunity. Matos said. "Some day the same Cuban youth that is in the army and has the guns at the moment can decide to situate itself with the interests of the people in Cuba and bring down their oppressors," he added