Naval Attache, has some difficulty in reconciling two memoranda on
airplanes for Cuba prepared by Colonel Barber 14 and Captain
Spears.'5 An inquiry which has been made reveals that there is no
conflict between the six observation planes mentioned by Captain
Spears and the seven Army planes mentioned by Colonel Barber. The
six observation planes are Amphibians, Model G21B, and have no
connection with the five SNC-1's and the two JRF-5's referred to by
Colonel Barber. With reference to the dates of delivery, Captain
Spears tells me that in all probability only two of the G21B's could
be delivered this calendar year owing to lack of funds. The re-
mainder will be delivered later.
  We have consulted the Navy Department on the subject of cabin
cruisers and other matters to which you referred in your telegram
of February 21.16 We have been told that, although there are no
cabin cruisers capable of being used as patrol boats available at
present, the Bureau of Ships has been requested to expedite the de-
livery of the 83-foot coast guard patrol boats which are under con-
struction for Cuba under the Lend-Lease agreement.17  It is hoped
that the ships will be delivered during the course of the present cal-
endar year. Furthermore, Cuba is now being detached from the
Tenth Naval District at San Juan and transferred to the Seventh
Naval District at Key West. This will enable the maintenance of a
permanent communication by radio which it is believed will be of con-
siderable assistance in case of emergency. The Commandant of the
Seventh Naval District has been requested to communicate with your
Naval Attache in order to provide close liaison between his district
and the Cuban Navy. With reference to the dispatch of destroyers,
patrol boats and aircraft to Habana, the Office of the Commander-in-
Chief of the Fleet is giving this matter consideration. This office
points out, however, the difficulty of detaching vessels or aircraft, in
view of the critical situation which exists in the southern part of the
Caribbean. We understand, of course, the alarm felt by the Cuban
people and will do everything possible to assist them consistent with
the vital necessity of keeping our fighting fronts adequately rein-
forced. In the long run, this policy should be the best protection for
the Cubans.
  The advisability of establishing a Defense Commission or some
similar organization has been again brought to the attention of the
War and Navy Departments. Both of these Departments are now
considering the question sympathetically so that I believe we will bring

14 Col. Henry A. Barber, War Plans Division of the General Staff.
16 Capt. W. 0. Spears, Pan American Division, Navy Department.
6 Not printed.
"o For text of agreement, signed November 7, 1941, see Foreign Relations,
1941,
vol. viI, p. 122.



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