Aurelio Fernández Concheso

Aurelio Fernández Concheso came from Sancti Spíritus and pursued careers in law, education, and diplomacy. He taught at the University of Havana, served on Cuba’s Supreme Court, and represented the country in Berlin, Washington, and Moscow. His son later recalled his defence of students prosecuted under Gerardo Machado and the family’s moves between these postings. ^{1, 2}

During his first Washington ambassadorship, Concheso signed the January 1942 Declaration by United Nations for Cuba. The signatories committed their resources to the war against the Axis and promised not to make a separate peace. He also undertook the wartime journey to Moscow to establish Cuba’s new representation there. ^{3, 2}

He returned to Washington under Batista in 1952. After the July 1953 Moncada attack, he argued to American officials that the army’s response had strengthened the government and offered assurances about restoring constitutional guarantees and holding elections. In January 1955, he joined Cuban economic officials in protesting possible changes to American sugar legislation. ^{4, 5}

Concheso twice served as education minister. A memorial address by his colleague Evelio Pentón described plans for educational reform, cultural activity, and school construction, including an aeronautical school at San Julián. Concheso died in November 1955 while travelling by train from Pátzcuaro to Mexico City. His widow, Zoila Mulet, continued aspects of the educational program. ¹