Messersmith, G.S., Havana. To Curt G. Pfeiffer, New York., 1940 May 24

Compliments Pfeiffer on speech at National Council of American Importers' luncheon; considers it sound and pertinent; America must learn from mistakes of other countries, forget partisan politics, and take steps necessary to conserve position; such steps may mean temporarily curtailing civil liberties; moral sabotage and defeatism must be dealt with ruthlessly; rapidly reaching point where combination against U.S. may be stronger than she is; must reckon with fact of additional strength, in fleets, resources, and manpower which will be available to Germany if she defeats England and France; U.S. has not only her own shores to defend, but those of other American republics; spent several days in Washington recently but stayed busy and saw few friends; hopes Pfeiffer will get to know Raymond Geist, Chief of Commercial Division; he is fine character and capable person who could be helpful to Pfeiffer.