Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 55 Part 2.djvu/601

This page needs to be proofread.

55 STAT.] CUBA-RECIPROCAL TRADE-DEC. 23 , 1941 Habria de apreciar recibir de Vuestra Excelencia las seguridades que sean apropiadas con respecto a este asunto. Aprovecho esta oportunidad para renovar a Vuestra Excelencia las seguridades de mi mas alta consideraci6n. J M CORTINA Ministro de Estado Su Excelencia GEORGE S. MESSERSMITH, Embajador Extraordinarioy Plenipotenciariode los Estados Unidos de America, La Habana, Cuba. (Translation) MINISTRY OF STATE Habana, December 23, 1941. EXCELLENCY: I have the honor to refer to the provisions of the supplementary trade agreement between our two countries signed at Habana this day, which establishes a reduced rate of duty on sugar of Cuban origin imported into the United States. In view of the vital importance of sugar exports to the economy of Cuba, and of the predominant position of the United States as a market for Cuban sugar, my Government desires that consideration be given to the gravity of the possibility of the adoption of measures at any time in the United States which might adversely affect the position of Cuba as a supplier of sugar for the United States market, as compared with those established by the provisions of the Sugar Act of 1937, inasmuch as my Government considers that such measures would nullify the objectives of this agreement and of the existing commercial relations. I should appreciate receiving from Your Excellency such assurances in this regard as may be appropriate. I take this opportunity to renew to Your Excellency the assurances of my highest consideration. JOSE MANUEL CORTINA Minister of State His Excellency GEORGE S. MESSERSMITH, Ambassador Extraordinaryand Plenipotentiaryof the United States of America, Habana, Cuba. 1475 50 Stat. 903. 7U.S.C. §51100- 1183.