Office of the Historian

File No. 837.00/1350

The Secretary of War to the Secretary of State

War Department,
Washington, May 14, 1917.

My Dear Mr. Secretary: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter with regard to the conditions in the Island of Cuba, which threaten serious injury to the sugar crop and consequent serious sugar shortage in this country.

The War Department is prepared to send a military expedition to the Island of Cuba of adequate size to deal with this situation and I would be pleased to be advised as to how large a force is deemed appropriate.

[Page 406]

In this connection I beg leave to hand you herewith a copy of a statement made by General Marti, Chief of Staff of the Republic of Cuba, with regard to the situation in Oriente Province, based upon a telegram from President Menocal. It is General Marti’s belief that the situation there is fully in hand and that no sort of assistance from the United States is necessary.

Awaiting the pleasure of your further information, I am [etc.]

Newton D. Baker
[Inclosure]

[Untitled]

Last week surrendered in Oriente 800 men with their leaders Ramirez Reyes, Rosello, Leon Guerrero, Leyte Vidal, Lorenzo Gonzalez, Juan Lopez and Manuel Balart. New surrenders are expected any time.

We have in Oriente:

Government forces

Regulars Militia
Officers Enlisted Officers Enlisted
1st District (Santiago) 38 2,204 96 3,391
9th District (Bayamo) 28 833 32 1728
66 3,037 128 5,119
Total:
Officers 194
Enlisted 8,350
Machine guns 18

These forces garrison towns and important strategic places and operate in the field in detachments according to importance of rebel bands. These forces are gradually increased.

In re the revolution is completely under control, and any other information on the contrary is not true. You can state it so.

Menocal

The total of rebel forces in Oriente Province is about 1,400 to 1,500, of these only 500 armed. This information came also in the President’s telegram.

Jose Marti,
Chief of Staff