File No. 837.00/655.
The American Minister to the Secretary of State.
Habana, June 1, 1912—12 midnight.
Persistent and consistent rumors of concerted negro uprising in Habana for the past several days. Although disclaiming knowledge of plan, President’s private secretary is organizing local civil guard for the protection of Habana and Vedaclo. This afternoon I asked President Gómez whether he had knowledge of any such plan. He said that he was sure there was nothing of the sort intended; that he has ample forces to put down any movement. Military attaché states that there are at most 700 soldiers in the neighborhood. Chief of police has recently complained to member of Legation that he has only a little more than 800 men, not enough to guard city in normal peaceful conditions. The foregoing may be sufficient for the Department to determine whether it is advisable to send to Habana immediately one of the ships now at Key West with a force of marines.