Messersmith, G.S., Havana. To Breckinridge Long, Washington., 1940 March 27

2 copies. Comfortably settled in house and becoming oriented in work at Chancery; Sumner Welles should have interesting report when he returns; concerned over press reports that Hitler and [Joachim von] Ribbentrop took up with him matter of sending Ambassador to Berlin; U.S. doesn't need Ambassador there now, and Germans would only make capital of it; [Alexander Comstock] Kirk, as Chargé, doing good job and can accomplish as much as an Ambassador; U.S. has tremendous stake in European struggle; if Germany wins or there is a stalemate or negotiated peace, U.S. will eventually have to fight not only Germany but Japan; if U.S. could see where her own self interest lies she would throw her moral force and material strength into conflict now; would not be necessary to send American soldiers abroad; pleased to know Long is in Department and that Secretary and President have advantage of his wise counsel.