File No. 837.00/1179
[Untitled]
Washington, March 7, 1917—10 p.m.
In view of President Menocal’s statements contained in your March 2, 6 p.m. and March 3, 6 p.m., and statement in your March 4, 5 p.m. in regard to amnesty to enlisted men, issued February 27, you are instructed to impress upon President Menocal the importance of issuing a proclamation providing for constitutional elections in Oriente Province, after arms have been laid down and the rebels have returned to their allegiance.
This would uphold Constitutional Government and make clear the President’s sincerity in having elections held according to constitutional means. It is also imperative that this matter be taken up immediately as a renewal of hostilities in Oriente would cause a disastrous situation.