File No. 837.00/1165a
The Secretary of State to Minister Gonzales
Washington, March 6, 1917—5 p.m.
Department’s March 2, 4 p.m. In view of great necessity felt by sugar mills, mining companies and other enterprises for continuing operations and as these properties are dependent upon their coal and other supplies from the united States it would seem imperative that the Cuban Government allow vessels containing such supplies to pass through the blockade, it being understood that assurances would be given that such supplies were to be delivered directly to American interests and that they should in no way be transferred to any persons under arms against the Government of Cuba.