Messersmith, G.S., Havana. To Sumner Welles, Washington.
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University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press
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2 copies. Interested in developments in conversations in Washington between Cuban delegation and U.S., but has heard nothing; has seen [Fulgencio] Batista several times and he avoids mentioning subject; can assume [Pedro] Martinez Fraga asked him not to discuss the matter with U.S. Ambassador and that all negotiation of important matters with U.S. be carried on exclusively through him in Washington; Martinez Fraga seems to have declared private war; he boasted that he had had to "give the Ambassador a dressing down and put him in his place;" he called at Embassy, apparently angry because his friend in Congress, [Anselmo] Alliegro had been unable to prevent passage of bill to liquidate public works debts; because of his insolence, wanted to ask him to leave office, but to prevent incident, refrained and remained cool; Martinez Fraga has unsavory reputation among responsible Cubans, but he seems to have hypnotized Batista; certainly he has fed Batista misinformation about U.S. attitude; Martinez Fraga cannot be permitted to get away with carrying on all contact between Cuban Government and U.S.