837.6363/579: Airgram
The Ambassador in Cuba (Braden) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 30—8 a.m.]
A–1142. Embassy has learned that Cumex imported approximately 3,234 barrels of gas oil via Mexican tanker arriving Habana May 25, 1944. This is in violation of the terms of Resolution No. 218 of the ORPA, published in Official Gazette May 13, 1944. (See Embassy’s despatch No. 6905 of May 16, 1944, file No. 869.7). Cumex representative agreed to terms of this Resolution at a meeting of Pool members and ORPA on April 29, 1944, and would, therefore, have had ample time to cancel this order if placed prior to that date.
In keeping with the policy outlined in Department’s A–673 of April 21, 1944, 3:15 p.m., Embassy is informing Cuban officials that this gas oil must be charged to Cuba’s quotas. It will be appreciated if the Department will confirm this stand.
Other Pool members are lodging a vigorous protest with ORPA aver importation and distribution of this gas oil by Cumex in contravention of Resolution No. 218. Embassy will report to the Department as to action taken by ORPA.