File No. 837.00/1133
Minister Gonzales to the Secretary of State
Habana, February 25, 1917—5 p.m.
British Minister today informed me his Consul at Santiago had asked protection British war vessel saying that insurgent commander had made demand on branch of Royal Bank of Canada to issue currency. Representative in Habana of National City Bank has asked for American marine guard for his bank in Santiago. British Minister said he left matter of protection in our hands. I do not know what orders naval commander in Santiago has but infer as Cuban forces were warned against attempting to enter that port he will undertake to prevent the destruction of foreign property or looting of city. I am cabling Consul at Santiago:
Take immediate precautions to safeguard these and other American and foreign interests, to this end consulting, if you think it necessary, commander American naval forces in harbor.
Government column that landed at Manzanillo yesterday reached Bayamo today on the way to Santiago and its approach is likely to cause more desperate acts on the part of insurgents. The time necessary to capture city by land with forces at Government’s disposal most uncertain. Meantime only hope of protection of life and property there rests on United States force.