[Messersmith, G.S.], Havana. To Laurence Duggan, Washington., 1940 April 01

Received Duggan's letter regarding Fernando Ortíz; will be glad to see him when he calls; has heard nothing further about placing President's portrait in Cuban Senate gallery; was all set with speech for the occasion as requested; was relieved not to have to appear before Senate when they have not yet passed Public Works Debt bill; terms of about half of members of Congress expired as of April 1; doesn't know where legislative power will lie until new election; disappointed that Public Works debt not settled before Congressional terms expired; obvious that some members were holding out for personal advantage; hopes to talk with [Fulgencio] Batista [y Zaldivar], [Mario Garcia] Menocal, and [Ramon] Grau San Martin during the week, now that political bargaining seems to be over; understands hearings to start today in Boston [on Public Works debts]; will be helpful if there is little publicity as possible on the hearings, at least on Cuban end; President [Bru] has indicated if Congress didn't do something about debts, he would.