711.37/6–2848
The Ambassador in Cuba (Butler) to the Secretary of State
No. 564
Sir: I have the honor to refer to my telegram No. 495 of June 16, 1948, to the Department’s telegraphic reply No. 516 of June 18, 1948,1 and to report that today I had a pleasant interview with the President of Cuba, Dr. Ramón Grau San Martín, during which he informed me that he was very desirous of doing everything that he can to bring to a conclusion the problems which have been outstanding between the two countries.
With reference to specific problems, I first took up with him the proposed Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Navigation. I pointed out that in January 1947 the Embassy had submitted to the Cuban Ministry of State a draft of a proposed treaty2 on this matter between the two countries, with the suggestion that such a draft be used as a basis for negotiations which, it was hoped, could be initiated at an early date. I informed the President that the Embassy had not been favored with a reply to the note referred to or with an expression of the views of the Cuban Government on this matter. The President replied that he did not know of any objection to the proposed Treaty, that he would refresh his memory, and that he saw no reason why it should not be signed. I reported to him that there were some other 20 [Page 561] countries which had signed a similar treaty and that, in view of Cuba’s splendid relationship with the United States, it was hoped that he would see to it that the matter be advanced. He assured me that he would promptly look into the matter. As added urging I informed him that I intended to leave for Washington about July 8th and I told him how much pleasure it would give me to be able to inform the President and the State Department that negotiations were under way.
With respect to the site for a building to house the Chancery in Habana, I informed the President that I was aware that the Cuban Government is disposed to make available the site in the area contiguous to the Maine Monument. I further informed him that the United States Government had offered to make available to the Cuban Government, on an exchange basis or by other suitable arrangements, three properties which it owns in Cuba. The President told me that the matter had been referred to the Public Works Department some time ago but that he had not received a reply. He stated that he was very much in favor of the project and that he would do everything possible to get a progress report on the subject within a few days. He expressed confidence that the obtaining of the site could be accomplished. He showed himself as enthusiastic over the Public Works Administration activities and beautifications and spoke of a number of other projects which had been carried out in Cuba during his administration. With respect to this matter, I also mentioned my proposed trip to Washington on July 8th.
Finally, the question of claims by American nationals against the Government of Cuba was raised. The President was reminded that this question has been unsettled for a long time and that it would be wonderful if he, before leaving office, had cleared it up. The President stated that the situation was very complicated and he did not give me a definite answer. The matter was not pressed as it was felt that the two questions previously taken up were of greater urgency at this time.
A general discussion ensued, two points of which are worthy of mention. The President expressed his hope of again visiting the United States, following the completion of his term of office, where he hopes to visit the Mayo Clinic and other American hospitals. He did not touch upon the sugar situation except in a roundabout way, with an expression of hope for any cooperation that I could personally furnish him with respect to the prosperity of Cuba, mentioning that sugar was a most important problem in Cuba—the United States being Cuba’s greatest customer.
The President appeared to be in much better health than when I last saw him.
Respectfully yours,