Messersmith, G.S., Havana. To Sumner Welles, Washington., 1941 January 15

Arrived back in Havana morning of 14th; after going over sugar situation with [Willard Leon] Beaulac, talked with [Warren Lee] Pierson and then saw [Jose Manuel] Cortina; Cortina disturbed; Government willing to accept offer of Import-Export Bank, but sugar producers say $3.25 per bag not enough to cover cost; Pierson called Washington and got permission to increase offer to $4.00 per bag; thinks producers will accept this; suggested to Pierson he not tell Cortina at once, but wait until his return to Washington and send telegram from Bank through Department; otherwise Cortina -and the industry - might get impression he had had authority to raise offer all the time; thanks Welles for time given him in Washington.