811.0141 Sw 2/100
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Cuba (Judah)
Sir: The Department has received your despatch No. 127 of March 21, 1928,28 with further reference to the proposal of the Cuban Government that the Governments of Cuba, Great Britain, Mexico and the United States jointly maintain a meteorological station at Swan Islands. The Department notes that the Government of Great Britain has informed the Cuban Government that it is not interested in the project, and that the Mexican Government has failed to respond to the Cuban overtures. It is further noted that the Cuban Government now proposes that Cuba and the United States jointly undertake the installation of the station, sharing equally in the expense thereof, provided that this Government has no objection. Should this plan be carried out the Cuban Government recommends that opportunity should not be closed for Mexico eventually to share in the expense of the undertaking. As an alternative the Cuban Government invites any other suggestions which this Department may care to make with regard to the financing of the installation and maintenance of the station.
The original proposal of the Cuban Government to establish a meteorological station at Swan Islands was duly submitted to the appropriate Departments of this Government. While it appeared to be the consensus of opinion that the installation of the station is highly desirable, it was felt that the station, if installed, should be solely at the expense and under the control of the United States Government. No decision has as yet been reached, however, regarding the Department of this Government which should install the station and under which the station should function.
Please informally advise the Cuban authorities that this Government is much interested in the Cuban proposal for the establishment of a meteorological station at Swan Islands and that the matter has been brought to the attention of the appropriate Departments of this Government in an effort to reach a decision as to the manner in which the installation and maintenance could be effected, and the necessary appropriations secured therefor. It is hoped that a definite reply can be made to the Cuban Government in the near future.
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