[Messersmith, G.S.], Havana. Memorandum on conversation with Cosme de la Torriente [y Peraza]., 1940 April 17

Enclosed with No. 1348. De la Torriente concerned over growing Communist influence in Cuba, especially among young people; he fears work of Constitutional Assembly being deliberately obstructed to prepare way for further provisional government; remarked to de la Torriente that press criticism of Assembly was more for slowness and for radical nature of some articles so far produced, and this is healthful indication; discussed with him necessity of producing constitution which gives adequate basis for confidence and for future; he agreed; he emphasized he was no longer actively participating in politics, but was interested in doing what he could.