File No. 837.00/1357
Minister Gonzales to the Secretary of State
Habana, May 16, 1917, 11 p.m.
Your May 15, 3 p.m. On presenting matter to the President he stated that he would like Department to understand situation as to sugar. Because of rains all mills, except Chaparra, cease grinding normally between middle and end of May.
To-day’s telegraphic reports show twenty-one mills, having output 4,145,000 bags, grinding. Ten mills having an output 960,000 bags temporarily stopped account of rain. No report from four mills having capacity of 305,000 sacks. One mill stopped permanently due to destruction cane. Not one mill is prevented from grinding by revolutionists.
Cuba Railroad manager reports that with completion one bridge tomorrow communication be reestablished between Camaguey and Antilla via Alto Cedro. Bridge between Alto Cedro and San Luis will be completed in two weeks opening communication with Santiago via Alto Cedro. On Southern branch communication be reestablished with Santiago end first week of June.
Guantanamo and Western Railroad runs daily trains between Guantanamo, Boqueron and Guantanamo and Los Ramos. Communication latter point and San Luis will not be established for ninety days due to lack of appropriate repair material.
It is only within last two weeks President says that he has been able to get sufficient forces into this section. Now he could send 2,000 additional men there but does not need them. On account of pacification elsewhere is disbanding part of the militia. He has now approximately 6,000 men in Eastern Oriente district and the capture of leaders with daily surrenders make him absolutely confident of quick disappearance of rebellion.
[Page 409]He would like Department to know the situation today before further consideration sending troops. Understands and appreciates fully spirit of offer and would not hesitate accept if any industry now appeared in need of protection which he could not furnish.
All telegraphic communication throughout Oriente reported reestablished and the President asks that any foreigners considering themselves or property in danger telegraph directly to him or to me with assurance of getting prompt consideration.
As stated in my May 13, noon, conditions in Oriente had improved. They are better today.