File No. 337.11/227
Minister Gonzales to the Secretary of State
Habana, March 5, 1917, 11 a.m.
Department’s March 3, 8 p.m. This property is in rebel zone out of reach of Federal communication. Government promises protection after taking Santiago. February 26 U. S. S. Pennsylvania reported landing two companies marines to guard wharf and factory eleven [Page 417] miles inland. No report of their withdrawal. My opinion that is three thousand soldiers could protect all of the mills in the disturbed provinces but fifty thousand could not prevent cane fires so long as insurgents are determined to destroy.