Late News on Cuba J. D. C. Cables $500 Guarantee for Each Refugee on 3 Ships

The Joint Distribution Committee announced at a press conference late today that it has cabled to President Bru of Cuba the information that it has posted with the Chase National Bank in Havana a sum large enough to provide for $500 guaranties for every one of the Jewish refugees on board the St. Louis, the Flanders and the Ordunia. The total sum was put at “upwards of $500,000.” Following is the text of the cable to Mr. Bru:

“Yesterday afternoon when we were under the impression that the negotiations as to details of the possible admission into Cuba of the refugees on the steamer St. Louis were proceeding in Havana with your Government we received information that your Government considered those negotiations lapsed. We respectfully hasten to assure you that appreciating your desire to reach promptly a just and humane solution of this difficult problem we have spared no effort here to provide the necessary funds to comply with the Government’s conditions. This has today been completed and we have authorized Chase National Bank, Havana, make following proposal to you on our behalf. Will provide five hundred dollars deposit each refugee on board St. Louis to permit entry into Cuba under appropriate Cuban regulations also like amount in respect each refugee S.S. Flanders and S.S. Orduna should they also be permitted entry Cuba. Chase bank has received funds from us available for such purpose. In addition this committee guarantees that none of these refugees will become public charge to Cuban Government. Confident that while St. Louis said to be on way back to Germany it is not too late to radio to her to return to Havana. This we beg you to do. We respectfully request Your Excellency to give the foregoing your immediate and favorable consideration.”

The J.D.C. issued the following prepared statement in connection with the cable: “Up to the last moment we believed that the discussions which our representatives in Havana were conducting with those of the Cuban Government were proceeding satisfactorily. We were prepared to provide the $500 per refugee required by the Cuban Government, and we were hourly expecting a report that the details had been satisfactorily arranged. In order to give the Cuban Government every possible assurance on this subject, we have deposited the required amount with the Chase National Bank. We are still hopeful that the Cuban Government may find it possible to admit these refugees, but whatever the outcome we will not be unmindful of the asylum which the Republic of Cuba has humanely afforded and is still giving to refugees.”