U.S. Department of Justice
Date of this Version
1943
Citation
Federal Bureau of Investigation Freedom of Information/Privacy Acts (1943)
Abstract
Mr. Ernest Hemingway, well-known American writer, recently has been acting as personal informant of Ambassador Spruille Braden in Havana, Cuba.
Hemingway, it will be recalled, engaged actively on the side of the Spanish Republic during the Spanish Civil War, and it is reported that he is very well acquainted with a large number of Spanish refugees in Cuba and elsewhere. Hemingway, it will be recalled, joined in attacking the Bureau early in 1940, at the time of the "general smear campaign" following the arrests of certain individuals in Detroit charged with violation of Federal statutes in connection with their participation in the Spanish Civil War activities. It will be recalled that Hemingway signed a declaration, along with a number of other individuals, severely criticizing the Bureau in connection with the Detroit arrests. Hemingway has been accused of being of Communist sympathy, although we are advised that he has denied and does vigorously dent any Communist affiliation or sympathy. Hemingway is reported to be personally friendly with Ambassador Braden, and he is reported to enjoy the Ambassador's friendly terms with United States Consul Kennett Potter, presently stationed in Cuba, and with Mr. Robert P. Joyce, Second Secretary of the American Embassy in Havana.