File No. 837.00/1068
The Secretary of State to Minister Gonzales
Washington, February 13, 1917—5 p.m.
Your February 12, 11 p.m. You will issue the following statement as coming from the Government of the United States:
The Government of the United States has received with the greatest apprehension the reports which have come to it to the effect that there exists organized revolt against the Government of Cuba in several provinces and that several towns have been seized by insurrectionists.
Reports such as these of insurrection against the constituted Government cannot be considered except as of the most serious nature since the Government of the United States has given its confidence and support only to Governments established through legal and constitutional methods.
During the past four years the Government of the United States has clearly and definitely set forth its position in regard to the recognition of governments which have come into power through revolution and other illegal methods and at this time desires to emphasize its position in regard to the present situation in Cuba. Its friendship for the Cuban people, which has been shown on repeated occasions, and the duties which are incumbent upon it on account of the agreement between the two countries force the Government of the United States to make clear its future policy at this time.
Repeat same to American consuls and agents at Cienfuegos, Sagua la Grande, Cardenas and Matanzas. Report to Santiago de Cuba requesting the consul to make the foregoing public in Camaguey.