Messersmith, G.S., Havana. To Ernest Gruening, Washington., 1940 May 31

Taking up with U.S. Consul General in Havana matter of visa for Gruening's cousin, Fritz Wittenberg; his application receiving as rapid and sympathetic consideration as law and circumstances permit; having interesting time in Havana; comments on forthcoming Cuban election, work of Constitutional Assembly, and infiltration of Germans and Communists; concerned also over fifth columnists in U.S.; U.S. rearmament must be rapid and thorough; alien controls must be put into effect immediately; defense of all the Americas stupendous and will fall principally on U.S.; if Germany dictates peace production machinery of a good part of Europe falls in to German hands along with the navies and merchant vessels of conquered countries.