837.51 Public Works Debt/130: Telegram
The Chargé in Cuba (Beaulac) to the Secretary of State
[Received 7:30 p.m.]
110. I saw the President this afternoon and urged upon him in similar terms to those used in previous conversations with Cuban officials the importance, from Cuba’s point of view, of immediate settlement of the remainder of the public works debt. I also made clear to him the attitude toward the public works creditors which you have consistently taken as outlined in your telegram No. 74, October [Page 482] 6, noon. I also communicated to him the observations set forth by you in our telephone conversation this noon.
The President said that Dr. Remos’ and Col. Batista’s version of the American Government’s attitude in allegedly differentiating among the various classes of creditors agreed with his own. He said that he clearly understood now, however, that there had been no such differentiation.
The President said that he could not bear to contemplate the plight of the Cuban people if the economic benefits received from the United States were taken away from them and that he would call a Cabinet meeting and urge immediate settlement of the remainder of the public works debt.
Our conversation was very frank and very friendly and he expressed appreciation of our Government’s interest in Cuba’s welfare.