File No. 837.00/755.
The American Minister to the Secretary of State.
Habana, June 13, 1912.
Wholesale arrests of negroes in Habana and vicinity on charges of conspiracy continue. Although Government continues to maintain that the rest of the country is absolutely quiet, negroes are conspiring almost openly in various parts without interference from the authorities.
A story is being industriously circulated by the Department of the Interior to the effect that the President is planning to send General Wood or General Crowder to Cuba to look into the justice of the negroes’ demands, and that if they so advise the American Government will insist that the negroes be given the upper hand in the Government. This ridiculous story is creating a surprising amount of consternation and resentment even among intelligent classes who would welcome intervention.