Page:British and Foreign State Papers, vol. 144 (1952).djvu/325



87. The Cuban Nation recognises the existence and legitimacy of private property in its broadest concept as a social function and without other limitations than those which, for reasons of public necessity or social interest, are established by law.

88. The sub-soil belongs to the Nation, which can grant concessions for its exploitation, as established by law. Mining rights granted and not exploited within the period fixed by law shall be declared null and restored to the Nation.

The land, the forests, and concessions for exploitation of the sub-soil, utilisation of waters, means of transportation, and every other public service enterprise, must be exploited in a manner that tends to social well-being.

89. The Nation shall have the right, at every forced sale or award of real estate, and of securities representing real estate, to bid for them in competition with the most favourable terms offered by any other bidder.

90. Large landholdings are proscribed, and to do away with them the maximum amount of land that each person or entity can have, for each kind of exploitation to which land is devoted, and bearing in mind the respective peculiarities, shall be specified by law.

The acquisition and possession of land by foreign persons and companies shall be restrictively limited by law, which shall provide measures tending to restore the land to Cubans.

91. The head of a family who inhabits, cultivates and directly exploits a rural property owned by him, provided the value of it is not more than $2,000, can irrevocably declare it to be family property, to the extent that this is indispensable for his residence and subsistence, and it shall be exempt from taxes and shall be unattachable and inalienable except for liabilities prior to this Constitution. Improvements which exceed the aforesaid amount shall pay the corresponding taxes in the manner established by law. In order that the said property may be exploited, its owner can encumber or pledge crops, plantings, produce and products thereof.

92. Every author or inventor shall enjoy the exclusive ownership of his work or invention, with the limitations, as to time and manner specified by law.