837.6363/549: Airgram
The Ambassador in Cuba (Braden) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 21—8 a.m.]
A–823. Reference Department’s A–629 of April 15, 1944, 6:00 p.m. The Embassy and ORPA are aware of apparent discrepancy in allowable fuel oil sales for Cumex and other bulk petroleum importers under the formula described in the Embassy’s A–740 of April 8, 1944. Because of problems involving local transportation and storage facilities it was believed advisable by both ORPA and Pool members to reserve, insofar as possible, to each company its 1941 fuel oil customers, regardless of category. Cumex, having few “essential” customers would appear to be subject of unfair treatment under this system, yet import figures indicate that its 1943 imports were in excess of 80 percent of 1941 figures.
[Page 963]The Embassy has intended, of course, to investigate this and all other phases of Cumex trading with ORPA thoroughly, as soon as Cumex is a member of the National Pool about to be formed. It is felt, however, that to undertake such an investigation at the present time might well result in further delay in the issuance of the National Pool Resolution and possible loss of several months’ efforts along this line.