811.34537/362
The Chargé in Cuba ( Briggs ) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 7.]
Sir: Referring to Ambassador Messersmith’s despatch No. 3355 of January 28, 1942, and previous correspondence concerning the proposed supplementary zone at Guantánamo, I have the honor to report that I took occasion to remind the Minister of State of this matter during a conversation yesterday, and to express the hope that his Government would shortly be in a position to make known its views concerning its most recent draft (Draft G). I referred to the fact that the latest draft was delivered to the Minister over two months ago and that my Government is hopeful of early conclusion of the negotiations.
Dr. Cortina said that he has now completed his own study of the draft and that he finds it “in general satisfactory”. He said that final clearance of the text on behalf of his Government must, however, be approved by President Batista, and he proposed to seek an early opportunity to bring the matter to the President’s attention. He again referred to delays running into several months during which our Government “had the file”, but concluded by stating that he realizes the desirability of an early conclusion of the matter. He added that the signed agreement will have to be submitted to the Cuban Senate for approval.
I doubt whether the Cuban Government will desire to conclude the agreement prior to the elections scheduled for March 15. I perceive no reason, however, why the matter should be delayed subsequent to that date, assuming that the Cuban Government does not desire to introduce any further modifications.
Respectfully yours,