File No. 837.6112/30.
The American Consul General to the Secretary of State.
Habana, March 20, 1913.
Sir: I have the honor to inform you that the Compañía Territorial de Zapata, the Cuban organization to which was given the concession for the drainage and reclamation of the great Zapata Swamp in the Provinces of Matanzas and Santa Clara, has transferred all its rights, privileges and property to an American corporation, organized under the laws of the State of Delaware, and capitalized for $5,000,000.
The officers of this company state that the work of the survey of this great tract of flooded land will begin as soon as possible and that it will be done by an American firm of the highest standing and reputation. As soon as the engineering questions involved are settled the company purposes to begin the active work of reclamation through an extensive drainage system and to establish various enterprises in connection.
There does not now appear to be any doubt as to the intent of this company to use every effort to forward this great reclamation project. Under even a measurably successful conclusion of the work there cannot fail to be great benefit to all property in the section, and incidentally to all Cuba.
The detail of this work will be reported as soon as there is sufficient data upon which to base a comprehensive description.
I have [etc.]