File No. 837.00/1076
[Untitled]
Habana, February 14, 1917—1 p.m.
Your February 13, 5 p.m., was deciphered three o’clock this morning. Nine hours earlier I had sounded President on the possibility of postponing elections, and saw him again as early as possible this morning, getting more positive statement. He declared that the Junta Central constitutes sole legal authority outside of Congress for such postponement, and that body yesterday voted against action. The Junta Central is supreme electoral power independent of Executive, composed of president of the Supreme Court, a member of college of law, University of Habana, ranking member of Provincial Court of Habana and one representative of each party. Only the representative of liberal party voted in favor of suspension.
Early report from election mentions no disorder.