862.85/1174: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Chargé in Cuba (White)
107. Brazilian Ambassador states his Government has been informed by the Cuban Legation in Rio de Janeiro that its statement that the United States would support the Cuban claim to ex-German ships, under article 297 of the Treaty of Versailles, was based upon statement of Cuban President. Ascertain just what the Cuban President authorized and what was said to the Brazilian Government.
It is important that any statement made by the Cuban Government inaccurately setting forth the United States position should be corrected to accord with this Government’s note of March 9. In its [Page 538] note the United States in no way indicated that it would support the Cuban claim to ex-German ships under article 297 of the Treaty of Versailles, but merely called attention to the Wilson–Lloyd George Agreement, with the observation that Cuba might desire to make its adherence to this agreement a matter of formal record, in order to participate in any advantages which might flow from it.
Inform Department if an attempt is made by Cuba to sell vessels instead of merely leasing them.