File No. 837.00/1326
The Secretary of State to Minister Gonzales
Washington, May 11, 1917—4 p.m.
Your April 29, midnight. Department has been given to understand by Navy Department that no further forces of marines are available for duty in Cuba. Does President consider that it would be a wise precaution to bring American troops to Guantanamo and does he request that this be done. If so this Government will give the matter its earnest consideration.
You will also give Department your views and those of the President as to the advisability of the issuance by this Government of a statement to be sent throughout Oriente Province to effect that as Cuba has now declared war against Germany and has aligned herself with the United States, the people of Cuba should set aside their political differences in face of international danger. That the United States will be forced to consider as its own enemies those persons in revolt against Constitutional Government, unless they immediately return to their allegiance.