File No. 837.00/598.
[Untitled]
President fears he will not be able to station on all foreign properties sufficient forces to guarantee absolute protection, but that he will go as far as possible. Over 2,000 troops in the field in Oriente Province with strict orders to deal severely with the rebels. Further troops are being rushed to the front. The President hopes he will be able to crush movement entirely within ten days. Negroes are avoiding encounters, their first object being the destruction of property. A British cruiser will arrive here to-morrow on a visit announced by the British minister several weeks ago. Government has made no public announcement of the visit and arrival of cruiser may cause some excitement.