File No. 837.00/1121
[Untitled]
Santiago [undated, received Feburary 22, 1917].
The below quoted despatch relative to the present condition here is forwarded to President Wilson on the request of the entire Chamber of Commerce of this city.
Honorable President of the United States, Washington, D. C.
The military authorities that effected the coup d’etat on the twelfth instant and rule this capital, have maintained complete order, guaranteeing thus far lives and property. They endeavor also to reestablish the normal economic life but in order to accomplish this rapidly, without the complete ruin of the present crop, it is necessary in the judgment of the commercial and producer’s classes to have diplomatic mediation of your Government. With this object in view, said commercial and producer’s elements assembled to-day in the Chamber of Commerce of this city, unanimously resolved to solicit of you, as a good friend of Cuba, to interpose your good offices to obtain rapidly the desired end. If present conditions prevail immense damage and loss will surely be caused that can be easily avoided by your timely mediation. Santiago, February 20, 1917. Badell, President; José Hall, Secretary.