837.20/261
The Ambassador in Cuba (Braden) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 26.]
Sir: I have the honor to submit for the information of the Department the following list of military and naval projects which have been undertaken in Cuba since the beginning of 1942:
Army:
1. San Julián: Construction of Airport:
The War Department proposes to establish an airport at San Julián, with one or more runways the principal of which will probably be 7,000 feet long. This project has been delayed for various reasons having to do with the contractor and with consideration of a new site, which has now been agreed upon. Please see despatch No. 1321 of October 21.44
Since January, 1942 a service detachment of the Air Corps consisting of one officer and about twenty enlisted men has been established at the present Pan American Airways emergency landing field.
2. San Antonio de los Baños:
It is anticipated that this airport, a $10,000,000 project, will be completed by February, 1943. Ten thousand five hundred men are now employed, and the first runway was completed several days ago, the first landing thereon being made on October 17. An informal joint Cuban-American ceremony was held the following day during which the Cuban and the American flags were raised. It is planned to have a formal dedication on the field at a later date. Construction is now rapidly going forward.
[Page 288]3. Camagüey:
The installation, of additional facilities and the establishment of additional personnel were agreed to by the Cuban Government last September (please see despatch No. 1023 of September 15, 194245). The Embassy is without detailed information concerning the progress of the work at Camagüey but is requesting the newly-appointed vice consul there to submit a report thereon.
Navy:
1. La Fé: Construction at La Fé, Pinar del Río:
This is a small port about ten miles west of San Julián where a ramp to handle seaplanes and accommodations for a detachment of approximately 100 men, together with communications facilities, are being established. Work on this project, together with a highway connecting La Fé with Mendoza, is being undertaken by the Frederick Snare Corporation. The project represents an investment of approximately $250,000 and when visited by a member of the Embassy staff last week appeared to be approximately 80 per cent completed.
2. San Julián:
The Navy maintains a patrol detachment of approximately 150 officers and men and 19 airplanes at the present San Julián field. The detachment has operated from San Julián since last June and appears to be performing an outstandingly good job, for which much credit is due to the commanding officer, Lieutenant John M. Ennis. The excellent relations existing between this detachment and the Cuban authorities in Pinar del Río have been a source of sincere gratification to the Embassy.
3. Santa Lucía:
The Navy has recently awarded a contract to the Frederick Snare Corporation for the extension and improvement of the small landing field at this port, which serves the Matahambre copper mines. Improvement of the Santa Lucía field will add to the security of operations from San Julián.
4. Santa Fé, Isle of Pines:
It is proposed to recondition the abandoned landing field near Santa Fé, since the Presidio field has several nearby hills which would add to the hazard of night flying. The present plan is to station one officer and approximately 15 enlisted men at Santa Fé for service communications and fuel, thus expanding the range of operations of the San Julián squadron. Consideration is also being given to the [Page 289] erection of a mooring mast for a blimp. This matter was taken up with the Cuban Government on October 12, 1942, no reply having been received.46
5. Cayo Francés:
This is an island off the north coast near Caibarién where a small squadron of Navy planes on floats will be based. The establishment of this base is at present under way.
6. Two emergency landing fields northeast and northwest of Joa Bay near the Naval Base at Guantánamo:
Permission for the establishment of these fields was obtained last month, at the instance of Captain Weyler, Commandant of the Naval Base.
Respectfully yours,