837.61351/4085: Telegram
The Chargé in Cuba (Briggs) to the Secretary of State
[Received 11:29 p.m.]
462. López Castro, Casanova and Mañas broached the subject of sugar negotiations98 to me last Saturday evening indicating that in their opinion it would be desirable to hold such negotiations as soon as possible thus giving stability to the local economic situation and if [Page 168] possible avoiding having the size and price of the 1944 crop become a Cuban political football. I consider their reasons valid.
With respect to the Department’s telegram No. 712 of July 10, 6 p.m.” (received subsequent to the discussion mentioned above) López Castro called on me this morning. He stated on behalf of President Batista that the latter is likewise of the opinion that the negotiations should be undertaken at an early date and that the Cuban Government is prepared either to send a mission to Washington or to receive a mission here whichever our Government prefers. However, Batista desires the “official initiative” to appear to come from us in the form of a note to the Foreign Office. I see no objection to this procedure and suggest that I be instructed accordingly.
- Negotiations on the 1944 crop.↩