Messersmith, G.S., Mexico City. To Sumner Welles, Washington.
Date
1942-10-07
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press
Abstract
Description
[Carlos] Saladrigas in Mexico on mission to sign agreement on mutual Cuban-Mexican patrol measures; he is in daily contact by telephone with President Batista, who urges him to talk to Mexican authorities regarding supplying Cuba with oil; Saladrigas reports Cuban situation critical; Cuba receiving only 40 percent of her petroleum needs from U.S.; having no coal, she must depend upon oil for fuel for industry, for transport, and for agricultural machinery; increase in unemployment; disturbed political situation; whole Cabinet resigned; told Saladrigas Mexico could probably supply Cuba with oil and would no doubt be glad to, but problem is one of transport; Messersmith realizes Cuba is no longer his problem, and is sure [Spruille] Braden is keeping Department informed, but feels he should express his conviction that U.S. could supply the comparatively small amount of oil needed by Cuba and ship it in the same convoys already going to Cuba, with only a couple of additional tankers; has suggested Saladrigas go to Washington and talk to Welles.
Keywords
Messersmith, George S. (George Strausser), 1883-1960.