837.61351/307: Telegram

The Representative on Special Mission in Cuba ( Crowder ) to the Secretary of State

142. For Mr. Sumner Welles.1

I think President Zayas in substantial accord with you, has a proposition to abolish Sugar Finance Commission at once rather than wait until February 1st as originally contemplated. At our last conference it [was] suggested [that] it would be advisable before [Page 807] issuing a decree of this character to consult the owners of the carryover sugar. I have for several days contemplated that a decree abolishing said Commission would be issued at an early date with the approval of said owners and the consent of both Governments.

Respecting the tariff, public opinion here continues chaotic but an effort is being made to secure a study and report upon an ad valorcm tariff. Have held important conferences in the last few days [in] supreme effort to consolidate Cuban public opinion in favor of the ad valorem duty.

Crowder
  1. Chief of the Division of Latin American Affairs.