By CHRISTOPHER MARQUIS
Herald Staff Writer
Jesus Capin never figured Helms-Burton might strike a blow for the little guy.
``I thought it was for big companies,'' the Miami jewelry store owner said of the U.S. law aimed at sanctioning foreigners who profit from confiscated property in Cuba that is claimed by U.S. citizens.
But when Capin's friend returned from Cuba recently with photographs of Capin's boyhood home in the leafy Havana neighborhood called Kohly, something caught his eye, then crawled under his skin.
It wasn't the house itself, a three-bedroom designed by a nephew of former Cuban President Ramon Grau San Martin. The driveway was as he remembered it. The paint job seemed adequate. The ornamental clay jar that came all the way from Camaguey still stood sentry.
It was that sign. Or signs, really.
``Motores Internacionales S.A.'' read one, which meant little to Capin. But the other sign was instantly recognizable. It said ``Mitsubishi.''
Motores Internacionales, the exclusive Mitsubishi dealer for Cuba, reported 1995 sales of $31.3 million.
For Capin, an exile since 1966, the thought that his father's house was being used to sell Japanese cars was appalling.
``How can they be playing with something that is the fruit of my father's labor?'' Capin asked. ``He came from Cuba a broken man. He didn't have five cents in a cigar box when he came.''
Today, armed with a deed to the house and his friend's snapshots, Capin stands a good chance of vindicating his father a bit and giving Mitsubishi the boot.
The State Department's Helms-Burton Unit has summoned Mitsubishi representatives to explain why they are allowing their cars to be sold from a ``stolen'' house.
Capin has no legal recourse right now, because President Clinton suspended the right to sue such foreigners at least until January.
But U.S. officials say they are confident that the Japanese carmaker will place its relationship with the United States first and politely bow out of Avenida 47 No. 2813.
In a game where big guns like the Bacardi or Fanjul families have yet to get satisfaction, Capin is anticipating a small triumph.
``I really didn't think they'd respond,'' he said. ``I'm really pleased.''
Copyright © 1996 The Miami Herald