File No. 837.00/1081
[Untitled]
Habana , February 14, 1917—7 p.m.
Fernandez, signing himself military commander of district, cables me from Santiago he has overcome Government authorities and assumed provincial command, that military necessity requires mining of harbor mouth and all American ships wishing to enter must ask for pilot, that he wishes to avoid bloodshed but will defend himself energetically.
In second cable Fernandez says he hears Menocal intends executing officials of the army and others charged with treason, that if this is true he will retaliate on military and civilian officials he holds [in] prison.
Those army officers arrested by Government have not yet been tried.