837.61351/3417

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

No. 1344

Sir: I have the honor to enclose a memorandum24 of a three-hour meeting yesterday evening with Prime Minister Zaydín, Minister of State Martínez, Sr. Amadeo López Castro and Ambassador Concheso during which I explained in some detail why I did not believe it would be desirable for the Cuban Government to maintain its note of October 15 (please see despatch No. 1297 of October 1723) as its official statement relative to the 1943 crop. Although President Batista had already volunteered to have the note withdrawn and had so informed the ministers prior to the meeting, I am glad to say that all of the Cubans present expressed themselves at the end of the meeting as satisfied that in all the circumstances the maintenance of this note could only impair the prospects for successful sugar negotiations in Washington.

Unless he changes his mind, (which I regard as improbable) Prime Minister Zaydín will head the Cuban delegation, which will also include Sr. Amadeo López Castro. I expect that Dr. Mañas will be named and I shall take the occasion to express the hope that he is a member of the group since I have found him unfailingly helpful and practical in his approach to the problem.

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I shall report further as developments occur. No date has thus far been mentioned for the departure of the delegation for Washington.

Respectfully yours,

Spruille Braden
  1. Not printed; Ambassador Braden stated the position of the United States and indicated his success in persuading the Cubans to withdraw their note described as provocative and unsatisfactory.
  2. Not printed.