Messersmith, G.S., Havana. To George Backer, New York., 1940 April 24

Thanks Backer for letter regarding [Edgar ?] Mayer; appreciates work Mayer is doing in promoting closer relationship between Cornell and University of Havana and will give him all assistance possible; comments on inadvisability of sending Ambassador to Germany; would serve no good purpose and would be misinterpreted as indication of U.S. approval; regretted leaving Washington and associates there, but for reasons of health felt that move was necessary; has worthwhile mission in Cuba, but is relieved of pressures experienced in Washington; Cuba passing through difficult period and in process of constructing new constitution; Germany's move into Norway was in order to keep ore supplies open to her; next move will probably be to Southeast because of need of oil; Germany has powerful military machine but lacks economic backing for sustained effort; U.S. can save infinite pains, treasure, and lives by giving all help possible to Allies now.