CUBA . . . EVERYTHING BUT A BLOCKADE

Despite a contrary hint Sunday from White House chief of staff Leon Panetta, the U.S. apparently isn't ready to blockade Cuba to punish Fidel Castro for unleashing a wave of refugees. Defense Secretary William Perry, speaking in Key West, said President Clinton's weekend decision stands: the U.S. will tighten the noose on Castro by cutting currency transactions and charter flights to the island. Many Cuban exiles in Florida believe Castro is already hitting back, says TIME Miami bureau chief Cathy Booth. The emigres' relatives in Cuba are saying Castro is preparing to let dissidents flood into Guantanamo Bay, site of the U.S. Navy base where Cuban refugees are now detained.