Havana Reports Rebel Skirmish

9 Castro Men Were Killed in New Oriente Fighting, the Government Says

Special to The New York Times.

HAVANA, Aug. 21—The Army announced today that nine rebels were killed yesterday in an encounter with Government troops at the Palma Mocha River in Oriente Province. One Government soldier was killed and three were wounded, the statement said.

The river is on the south coast of Oriente Province, almost at the foot of Pico Turquino, Cuba’s highest mountain peak. The Army statement said that bloodstains at the point of the skirmish indicated that many rebels had been wounded.

It was the first encounter of Government forces with the insurgents of Fidel Castro, rebel leader operating in the Sierra Maestra of Oriente, since a shake-up in command of Government troops in the province ten days ago.

Field Commander Removed

At that time, Col. Alberto del Rio Chaviano was made chief of Oriente Province and all troops there were unified under his command. Col. Pedro Barrera was removed. He had been in charge of field operations against Señor Castro since the rebel arrived last Dec. 2 with an expeditionary force.

Colonel Barrerra was replaced by Lieut. Col. Candido Curbelo, said to be fully acquainted with the jungle life in the almost inaccessible Sierra Maestra region.

The new chief of Oriente Province had first taken command there when President Fulgencio Batista deposed President. Carlos Prio Socarras and seized the Government in 1952. Colonel Chaviano was there when Señor Castro and a group of youths attacked in Santiago de Cuba in 1953. Later he was transferred.

Two Americans, Russell F. Masker and Thomas M. Miller both said to be from Miami, Fla., went on trial this morning before the Urgency Court of Santiago. They were arrested in San Luis about thirty miles from Santiago, on Aug. 9.

The Americans were charged with bearing arms without a license, attempting to join Señor Castro, and resisting arrest. They pleaded not guilty. They said they had gone to Santiago as tourists, had not carried weapons and had not resisted arrest.

The Urgency Court was created in the Thirties to try terrorists. It can impose sentences without appeal. The Americans could be sentenced to serve up to five years.