Messersmith, G.S., Havana. To Sumner Welles, Washington.
Date
1941-01-23
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press
Abstract
Description
[Aurelio Fernandez] Concheso leaving today for U.S.; gave party at house Monday evening honoring the Conchesos; Concheso also honored at luncheon yesterday by American Chamber of Commerce in Havana; he made good speech expressing commitment to cooperation with U.S.; had several hours with him recently at the house; not an impressive personality and English not good, but he is intelligent, and has the confidence of the better men in Cuban Government; he is very close personally to Batista; believes he will report faithfully to his Government; Cuban Government, in recent acts and declarations, definitely committed to U.S. cooperation; Government, exercising control over radio, has stopped Communist broadcasts against U.S.; through customs, admission of Nazi and Communist propaganda stopped; clamping down on smuggling and gambling activities; Concheso reported he, [Amadeo] Lopez Castro, and [Carlos] Saladrigas had convinced Batista he must get rid of some of the corrupt officials about him and that he must carry through measures for Treasury and Customs reorganization; this is difficult for Batista as many of those engaged in mal-practice had been his friends and had helped him to the Presidency; feels sure now sugar arrangement will go through; has not yet discussed with [Jose Manuel] Cortina or Cuban Government other financing requested, but thinks preliminary steps being taken by Cubans.
Keywords
Messersmith, George S. (George Strausser), 1883-1960.