WASHINGTON -- The Clinton administration on Wednesday authorized the immediate resumption of direct flights from Miami to Cuba for humanitarian cargo, such as food and medicines donated by U.S. relief groups.

U.S. officials said the Commerce Department will process requests for cargo flights on a case-by-case basis. Direct flights carrying passengers to Cuba are slated to resume in June.

The officials, who briefed reporters on steps toward implementing changes announced by President Clinton in March, said they will try to cut by 50 percent the time it takes to approve licenses to sell U.S. medicines in Cuba, reducing the overall time from 40 days to 20.

U.S. travelers who claim their visits to the island are ``fully hosted'' by the Cuban government will now be asked to prove they have not spent money there. Unless they can prove otherwise upon their return, the administration will presume they have violated the monetary restriction and be subject to up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 criminal fine and a $50,000 civil penalty.