The police then rescued one hostage from an adjoining cellblock, and as the police took control, inmates released the remaining hostages.

Cuban inmates today released 26 hostages they had held for eight days in the Federal detention center here.

On October 26, 1977, approximately 20 inmates took a prison officer hostage with a knife, but released him peacefully the next day.

Ten guards were injured; 11 more were taken hostage, but inmates released three of them early in the siege and two others later.

The inmates had released another hostage as a sign of good will, bringing the total being held to 26.

Mr. Massie said the inmates released the fifth hostage "in return for getting to talk to two specific negotiators."

On the second night, inmates reached out of their cells and released two-inch levers in each box to free themselves.

Sergeant Gavin said he showed several officials that inmates could reach up and release the lever.

In return for each broadcast, the inmates released a hostage.

At that time, the inmates released some hostages and the police rescued the others, Mr. Freeman said.