Messersmith, G.S., Havana. To Sumner Welles, Washington., 1940 December 20

[Jose Manuel] Cortina called and asked for interview; he said President had instructed him to ask Messersmith to convey to U.S. Government request that [Aurelio Fernandez] Concheso be accepted as Cuban Ambassador to U.S.; reminded Cortina of importance of appointing man who would have confidence of both Cuban and U.S. Governments; Cortina replied Concheso enjoyed full confidence of Cuban Government; he had investigated rumors of Concheso's pro-German sympathies and found them groundless; he reported Concheso in agreement with Cuban policy of cooperation with U.S.; he described Concheso as intelligent, level headed, honest, and industrious, a family man whose personal life was blameless; though Concheso not Messersmith's choice, thinks it would be good policy for U.S. to express agreement promptly.