[104-10170-10112.pdf — page 5]
# Chief, Contact Division-3-22 September, 1934great deal of information from Ntl concerning the present political and economic situation in Cuba. It was not immediately available and had no connection with the documents allegedly possessed by Verson. Ortega, a former newspaper columnist and member of Batista's Consultative Council, was also described by Jackson as a prolific source of information on Cuban political matters. He too was not immediately available and had no connection with the Verson documents. In the circumstances, I told Jackson that I would defer interviews with Kirtines and Ortega until some future time.10: At 4:00 p.m. on Monday, 19 September, Jackson returned to the room in the Columbus Hotel, bringing with him Senor Revia and Captain Verson. Jackson introduced me as Mr. Bruton, a pseudonym I had supplied. He told them that I was a representative of the US Government and that we were interested in the documents in Verson's possession. He assured them that the information which they might give would be treated as highly classified material, and he then left the meeting.It developed that Captain Verson could not speak any English (incidentally, Jackson does not speak Spanish), so that it was necessary to converse with him through Revia, who acted as interpreter. Revia is fluent in English and Spanish.11. The substance of the information supplied by Veraco concerning the documents in his possession is contained in the second part of this report.Verson appeared to attach a very high historical value to the contents of his documents and seemed anxious to make them available to US authorities. He disclaimed any desire for a fee and merely said that he wished to retain the originals, since he considered that they constituted an authentic account of the growth of the Communist movement in Cuba, but that we would be entirely welcome to photostat or otherwise copy the contents of his files.12. At the conclusion of the interview, I thanked the two Cubans for their courtesy and cooperation and told Senor Revia that I would get in touch with him later in the week either directly or through Mr. Jackson.13. I enclose herewith a letter to Revia confirming our interest in the Verson documents and asking him to notify me when it is expected that they will begin arriving, so that we may attempt to facilitate their entry. You will note that I have signed the letter with the name "Bruton" which is how I was introduced to Revia and Verson by Jackson. I think the letter should be mailed in Washington rather than in New Orleans, so as to allay any suspicions that Revia may harbor that I am not actually a government representative. You will note that I have suggested that Revia write to us in New Orleans in care of Miss Joan M. Eaton at Post Office Box 1016. He will, no doubt, assume that this is a letter-drop.14. In view of the fact that I refer by implication to the Customs Department, I suggest that you hold the letter to Revia until you or Ciesielski have discussed the matter with Mr. Emerick, who is the superior of Mr. Wyatt, the Supervising Customs Agent in Miami. I suggest that the letter be sent air mail, unregistered. I have left the date blank and I request that you insert it before mailing. If you wish to change the letter in any way, please do so. Revia does not, of course, know my handwriting, so that the letter can be signed by anyone.Burke:grWilliam P. Burke