837.00/8695
The Ambassador in Cuba (Messersmith) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 11.]
Sir: I have the honor to report that ex-President Menocal endeavored yesterday, through an intermediary in whom I have complete confidence, to ascertain from me whether the Government of the United States would like him to join forces with Colonel Batista or with Dr. Grau.13 General Menocal also expressed to the same intermediary his belief that Colonel Batista would resign his candidacy if he received an indication that this would be pleasing to the Government of the United States.
Needless to say, I am taking no step which might indicate that the Government of the United States has any desire with reference to the group with which General Menocal may associate himself, or concerning Colonel Batista’s candidacy.
Respectfully yours,
- Ramon Grau San Martin, Provisional President of Cuba, September 1933–January 1934.↩