800.8836/1019
The Ambassador in Cuba (Braden) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 6.]
Sir: I have the honor to report that according to statistics compiled by the Reporting Section of the Embassy, exports from the Port of Habana to the United States, including shipments in transit to Canada, the United Kingdom, Mexico and Venezuela, totalled 74,657 long tons during the period October 14 to October 30, 1942, as against 25,272 long tons and 38,988 long tons, respectively, during the periods September 15 to September 29 and September 30 to October 13, 1942.
While the heavier shipments are, of course, partly due to an increase in available tonnage and to improved escort service, they are to a large extent the result of the well-directed and successful efforts of Mr. M. L. Wilcox, the Agent for the Caribbean Area of the War Shipping Administration, toward expediting the handling of vessels at this end and thereby speeding up their turn-around. As the Department is aware, Mr. Wilcox, who is ably assisted by Mr. W. S. Loudermilk, the Cuban representative of the War Shipping Administration, entered upon his duties here on October 1, 1942, succeeding Mr. Charles H. C. Pearsall.
Respectfully yours,