File No. 837.00/1103
Minister Gonzales to the Secretary of State
Habana, February 17, 1917, midnight.
Government reports sharp encounter today near Sancti Spiritus, Santa Clara Province, in which machine guns were employed against insurgents who fled after heavy losses.
No advices from Camaguey except that 50 deserters from army returned in a body.
Consul at Santiago cables commander of American gunboat Petrel frustrated insurgents in purpose to sink two Cuban merchant vessels in harbor mouth.
Americans report that Gómez has issued orders all cane grinding must cease in Camaguey after to-morrow; also issued a circular calling patriots to his side. His people are confiscating arms of all kinds from houses and persons.