This book presents a meticulously-researched biography on Guillermo Belt Ramírez, one of Cubas most important diplomats of the 20th century. As Ambassador, Belt represented his homeland in the United States and the Soviet Union as the Cold War turned wartime allies into enemies. He also represented a generation of diplomats who, after bearing witness to the horrors of war, had the resolve to join to create the United Nations and regional organizations such as the Organization of American States. Belts success in the diplomatic and political spheres were met with the pain and hardship of exile. Thanks to his faith, the love of his family, and an unwavering sense of patriotism, Belt persevered, maintaining his passion for Cubas democratic values and ideals until his passing. In doing so, he became a respected and sought after voice for Cuban exiles in Washingtons diplomatic and government circles. This book explores several key questions: Who was Guillermo Belt and what role did he play in Cuban politics and diplomacy? What was Cubas role in world affairs during and after World War II? How does Cubas diplomatic history help explain current U.S.-Cuban relations within a broader political and historical context as reflected by Ambassador Belts life?

Daniel I. Pedreira is author ofThe Last Delegate: The Political Development of Emilio Millo Ochoa

Chapter One: By the House of Their FathersChapter Two: A Child of the 1902 GenerationChapter Three: Foray into PoliticsChapter Four: A Time for WarChapter Five: Dr. Belt Goes to WashingtonChapter Six: An Instrument of PeaceChapter Seven: Building Peace from ScratchChapter Eight: Road to RioChapter Nine: Hemispheric Cooperation and Universal Human RightsChapter Ten: With Counsel and WisdomChapter Eleven: A Foreigner in a Foreign Land