Messersmith, G.S., Havana. To Hugh S. Fullerton, Paris., 1940 April 22

Last weeks in Washington hectic; stayed several weeks at Nacional [Hotel], then found comfortable house nearby; last week signed contract for new Embassy residence; should be completed within year; has been well since coming to Cuba; wife having trouble with knee; hated to leave Washington but pace there damaging health; enough to do in Cuba, but scope of activities more restricted; key to some of problems in American Republics in Cuba; thanks Fullerton for clipping from Herald Tribune; saw [William C.] Bullitt several times while he was in Washington; he raised no controversial points; rumors about his ambitions; he is capable man; as to European situation, hopes U.S. will see where her interest lies and act accordingly; realizes Fullerton's work difficult; must protest some things French and English do, but cannot really blame them; convinced Hitler over-reached himself when he went into Scandinavia and with her sea power broken will not be able to maintain position there; interest in problems concerned with in past continues and always glad to help with any Service or personal problem; asks Fullerton to thank [Robert Daniel] Murphy for copy of Paris edition of Herald Tribune.