811.34537/407: Telegram
The Ambassador in Cuba ( Braden ) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 4—4:14 a.m.]
502. Department’s 407, July 2, 10 p.m. With respect to paragraphs number 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6, I see no objection and believe Cubans would welcome their inclusion in tripartite agreement suggested to me by Minister of State and Mexican Ambassador. In fact, Cubans will prefer to have United States handle all construction aspects of this undertaking and these might even be covered in a separate agreement.
Likewise, I believe paragraph number 4 can readily be obtained. However, Cuba, in my opinion, will also wish to incorporate following provisions in proposed agreement:
- (a)
- Such Mexican and/or Cuban military aviators and planes as might participate in Yucatán channel patrol to be housed and serviced at the San Julián Field.
- (b)
- Fixed improvements exclusive of temporary or demountable buildings to become Cuban property upon termination of agreement.
Permission for preliminary surveys should be forthcoming promptly on request.
Since Mexican participation in this particular development has been raised by the Mexicans and ourselves I believe Cubans will now greatly prefer a formal tripartite agreement.