800.8836/872: Telegram
The Ambassador in Cuba ( Braden ) to the Secretary of State
[Received 7:47 p.m.]
617. I received a visit today from the Governor of Habana and the Mayor of the Isle of Pines regarding the difficult situation confronted by Isle of Pines grapefruit growers who have been informed that the United States Government has refused to authorize further importations of fresh fruit from Cuba.
These growers, many of whom are Americans, had, the Governor stated, just succeeded after considerable difficulty and on their own initiative in making arrangements for the shipment of the crop by schooner to Florida and inability to effect shipment will spell ruin to many of them who are dependent upon the crop for their livelihood.
[Page 354]I would appreciate it if the Department would inform me whether the above reports are correct and whether any remedial action is possible.