Messersmith, G.S., Mexico City. To Sumner Welles, Washington., 1942 October 25

Carlos Saladrigas, with wife, daughter, and sister, still in Mexico and staying at house; thinks he would like to have some resolution of Cuban oil difficulties before returning to Cuba; if he can accomplish this it will strengthen his position in Cuba; he has ambitions to succeed Batista as President; not interested in political ambitions of any one person, but from U.S. point of view it would be well to have man like Saladrigas as President of Cuba; in the interest of U.S. that Cuba's political and economic stability be maintained to prevent revolution; [Manuel] Apuru, also a visitor in Mexico from Cuba and a very sound and farseeing man, confirmed all Saladrigas had said about Cuban situation; two things U.S. must do without delay: (1) bring to rapid conclusion purchase of next year's sugar crop and (2) supply Cuba with additional petroleum products, either by transporting them directly from U.S. or providing convoy for Mexican tankers, with Mexico supplying the oil.