Messersmith, G.S., Havana. To Sumner Welles, Washington.

Date
1941-01-31
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press
Abstract
Description
Completion of sugar arrangement awaiting legislation now being prepared and which will include renewal of Decree Law 522; [Jose Manuel] Cortina and [Carlos] Saladrigas very helpful; [Jose Manuel] Casanova also helpful, but not practical; waiting to discuss agricultural credits, public works, fiscal reform, etc. with Cortina and Batista until sugar arrangement is completed; general economic situation holding up fairly well, but political situation not good; general lack of confidence in Batista; believes Cortina, Saladrigas, [Amadeo] Lopez Castro, and others in Government have advised Batista that Cuba's only course is complete cooperation with U.S., but Batista would prefer silence and inaction because he resents being compelled to follow U.S. advice even though he knows it's good for Cuba; Communist activity worse, and little being done to control it, though effort is made through Post Office, Customs, and radio to control totalitarian and anti-democratic propaganda; news of the sugar arrangement has had good effect; press refers to it as concrete evidence of U.S. desire to help; bill proposed by Sen. [William H.] Smathers (to annex Cuba to U.S.) has caused quite a ripple, but Cuban press has been sensible and restrained; Government now studying ways to reduce budget; hopes budget can be balanced without new taxes; no doubt Government realizes it must clean house if it is to get the agricultural and public works credits after the sugar arrangement.
Keywords
Messersmith, George S. (George Strausser), 1883-1960.
Citation