The United States says it will announce new measures later today to increase contacts between the United States and the people of Cuba.

State Department officials said these will include allowing more direct flights, establishing a direct postal service, and allowing the sale of food to groups with no connection with the Cuban government.

The officials said the measures were intended to avoid strengthening the government of Fidel Castro; the economic embargo, imposed nearly thirty-seven years ago, remains in effect.

The Clinton administration decided against pursuing a proposal by a group of leading politicians to set up a commission for a comprehensive review of American policy towards Cuba.