837.51 Public Works Debt/329

The Ambassador in Cuba ( Messersmith ) to the Secretary of State

No. 612

Sir: I have the honor to refer to previous despatches with respect to the settlement of the claims due Warren Brothers and Purdy & Henderson by the Cuban Government and to transmit herewith memoranda of conversations35 which I had on August 2 with Dr. Montoulieu the Secretary of the Treasury, with Colonel Batista the President-elect of Cuba, with Dr. Amadeo López Castro, and with Dr. Ramos the Secretary of National Defense. This matter has reached a critical stage, and the memoranda herewith transmitted are self-explanatory. I believe it is reasonable to say that the prospects for settlement in the near future are now better than they have been at any time. I shall keep the Department promptly informed of developments. In view of the illness of Colonel Batista, I doubt whether action can be expected before the week beginning Monday, August 12.

Respectfully yours,

George S. Messersmith
  1. None printed.