837.00/4449: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Chairman of the American Delegation (Hull)
18. I have read to the President your No. 116, November 24th and at the same time told him of a call at the Department by the Chilean Ambassador, during which he raised the question of a possible move by various Latin American States to recognize the Grau San Martin Régime before the Montevideo Conference.
The President approved the following reply which was made to the Ambassador. After handing him a copy of the President’s statement with respect to Cuba which was issued from Warm Springs on November 23rd,36a the Ambassador was informed:
“That this government very much hopes that the other interested governments will take no precipitate action at Montevideo in regard to recognition which might possibly compromise the success of the Conference there, that we hope these governments will bear in mind that any action they take might have important consequences on the [Page 42] possibility of the Cubans themselves reaching an agreement for a government which represents and is backed by the will of the Cuban people.”
In giving the above statement to the Ambassador we had, of course, in mind the President’s public declaration made only a few days ago.
I cannot but feel that the President would now like to find some excuse to alter his policy if a way can be found to do so without prejudice to his former position.
I have this whole situation very much in mind. Welles37 leaves for Habana next Monday to remain only a few days. Caffery will proceed as personal representative of the President shortly after Welles departs from Habana.