837.24/2547
The Ambassador in Cuba (Braden) to the Secretary of State
Sir: I have the honor to transmit a letter17 from the Cuban Minister of Agriculture18 concerning the need for additional farm machinery for diversifying Cuban agriculture and increasing the production of food products for the war effort. The Minister requests 100 tractors with disk plows and harrows in addition to planting and threshing machinery and an increased allocation of two million gallons of gas-oil. He suggests that the machinery be supplied through the Export-Import Bank loan on a similar basis to that supplied to Cuba in 1943.
The Embassy has informed the Minister that his request has been transmitted to the Department for further consideration, but that due to the general shortage of this type of equipment in the United States, the possibility of obtaining quantities in addition to Cuba’s regular allocation is not very promising at this time.
In view of the extremely poor results obtained from the 43 tractors and other equipment supplied to the Cuban Government in 1943, the Embassy repeats its former recommendation that if additional equipment is available to Cuba it be supplied through the regular trade [Page 936] channels after consultation with the Embassy. (See Embassy despatches No. 5034, November 5, 1943,19 No. 5111, November 11,20 and airgram A–2474, December 15 [14].19)
With reference to the request for an increased allocation of gas-oil allegedly for use in connection with these tractors, I am strongly opposed to the granting of extra quotas of such light petroleum products in view of the seriousness of the supply situation as set forth in the Department’s airgram A–475 of March 21, 1944;19 and because of Cuba’s unjustified procrastination and reluctance to take the necessary steps to avail itself of the six million gallons of gas-oil that could be furnished to Cuba in accordance with the gasoline-gas-oil exchange proposed by Cuba and approved in the Department’s telegram No. 95 of February 2, 1944.19 (In this connection see the Embassy’s despatches Nos. 6478 and 5729, of March 30, and January 18, 1944, respectively.21)
The Embassy has prepared a report (No. 1136 dated April 19, 194419) on the results of Cuba’s food production program in 1943 and the prospects for 1944. This report provides additional information concerning the limited possibilities for increasing production and the use of additional agricultural equipment.
Respectfully yours,
Agricultural Attaché