Cuba: Pearl of the Antilles

This is not a book of war; it is, instead, a comprehensive socio-economic analysis of post-war Cuba's natural resources, mineral assets, technological development and cultural richness, together with a stinging critique of Britain's politicians and business leaders for failing to realise, or even recognise, the potential of the "Pearl of the Antilles." Our author begins his analysis from the starting point of the Great War of 1914 - 1918 which, he points out, has taught the world more in geography and history than a century of ordinary education would have imparted. It has destroyed many inherited prejudices and shattered the complacency which was shackling the imagination that built up the British Empire. As peace introduces a new era of international comity which will test the bonds forged between the Allied countries, this seems an opportune time to present some simple facts regarding Cuba, a young member of the family of nations, that has stood solidly with the Allies from the outset, but of whom the British people know so little. We have special interests in the West Indies, and there are sentimental and practical reasons why we should have a cordial understanding with our largest neighbour there, nearly the size of England.
British policy is being determined by a public that cares nothing about other countries unless pestilence, war, earthquake or lynching gives them a news value, while the American Press, on the other hand, teems with articles destined to create a wide interest in Cuban affairs and commercial opportunities.