Mitchell, [Percy Van Gilder], New York. To G.S. Messersmith, [Havana]., 1940 May 24

Knows house Messersmith living in and thinks it fine and in good location; American colony in Havana superior; Cubans courteous and hospitable to American when they don't try to interfere with their politics; Cuba important to U.S.; glad Messersmith on spot; arranged to sell some of older ships (of United State Lines) to Belgium; Germans sank ex-President Harding with number of British refugees from Belgium aboard but few lives lost; other ships operating with full cargoes eastbound, but very little westbound; according to agreement with Belgian Government ships sold to them may be repurchased and transferred to neutral flag in event Belgium invaded; Germans appear more ruthless than ever; hopes Italians stay out; S.S. President Roosevelt pulled off Bermuda run and sent to Ireland to bring back Americans stranded in Europe; not the rush to get back that was expected.