479. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Cuba1

1359. In connection with possible return to Habana of Ambassador Bonsal consideration being given to issuance by Secretary or Department spokesman following statement: “Ambassador Bonsal was called to Washington for consultations some weeks ago. Charges had been made against the Ambassador by officials of the Cuban Government, and charges had been published in the newspaper Revolucion regarded as the official spokesman of the Cuban Government. The Cuban Government has now conveyed assurances to our Government to the effect that it has no charges against the Ambassador and has informed us that opinions expressed in the newspaper Revolucion are not to be considered as having an official character. In view of these assurances and of the importance which our Government, for its part, attaches to making every possible constructive contribution to the conduct of our relations with the Cuban Government, Ambassador Bonsal is being instructed to return to Habana at an early date.”

This statement appears to be along lines foreseen in exchange of Notes Verbales with Roa.2 Department requests Embassy’s views on rush basis particularly as to reference to Revolucion.

Department would also appreciate in separate message Embassy’s views as to possible arrival statement to be made by Ambassador.3

Herter
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611. 37/3–1560. Secret, Niact; Limit Distribution. Drafted by Bonsal; cleared with Wieland, Stevenson, Kretzmann, and Calhoun; and approved by Rubottom who signed for Herter.
  2. See Document 455.
  3. In telegram 2386 from Havana, March 16, the Embassy noted that the present was as good a time “as we are likely to get to announce Ambassador Bonsal’s early return.” Although the “Hate America” campaign had not abated, the Cuban Government’s official attitude toward the United States was “somewhat better than it has been. “ The Embassy approved the suggested statement by the Secretary of State and favored the retention of the reference to Revolucion. In telegram 2396 from Havana, March 16, the Embassy furnished the text of a suggested short arrival statement for Bonsal. Both telegrams are in Department of State, Central Files, 611. 37/3–1660.