Messersmith, G.S., Havana. To Sumner Welles, Washington.
Date
1941-02-17
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press
Abstract
Description
Cuban Government has agreed to make available to U.S. increased facilities in connection with Naval Base at Guantanamo and has given permission for U.S. Navy to carry on maneuvers in Cuban territory around base; details must be worked out, but sees no difficulty; Prime Minister [Carlos] Saladrigas suggested matter might better be settled by negotiation of treaty of military alliance; ratification of treaty might require months; matter could easily be settled by exchange of notes; [Jose Manuel] Cortina made speech at Maine celebration on Feb. 15 in which he committed Cuba to complete defense cooperation with U.S.; in private conversation he said Batista had given orders that large numbers of Cuban officers must learn English as rapidly as possible; Cuba can raise, if necessary, 300,000 men, and he wants them to be effective; he believes it will be helpful to bring Cuban officers and soldiers into contact with U.S. personnel at Guantanamo.
Keywords
Messersmith, George S. (George Strausser), 1883-1960.