File No. 837.00/713.
[Untitled]
Habana, June 4, 1912.
Sir: It may be said with certainty that the Cuban Government is systematically endeavoring to create an unduly optimistic view of the present situation. Whites throughout the Republic continue to grow more apprehensive. For the past four or five days considerable apprehension has existed in and around Habana. The Government itself, although strenuously denying that there was any ground for fear, has taken the most exaggerated precautions to prevent an uprising. The contradiction between the Government’s action and its denials of apprehension have created a decided feeling of apprehension in the city, probably much greater than if the Government had frankly made public its reasons for fearing an outbreak.
It may not be amiss at this time to call the Department’s attention to my telegram of May 29, 7 p.m., wherein I quoted what purported to be instructions from Estenoz to his lieutenants. It will be noted that the active destruction of foreign property began on the night of May 31, about the time indicated in this instruction, whereas the negro leaders would have found it far less difficult to carry out their purposes in this regard during the first days of the rebellion and before the arrival of the Government forces.
I have, etc.,