File No. 337.11/259
[Untitled]
Washington, March 11, 1917, 4 p.m.
Consul at Santiago reports by cable dated March 10 great destruction of cane fields, railroad bridges burned, state of anarchy in vicinity Santiago. American lives reported threatened. States city officials probably will resign and leave city without any government. Thinks marine force should be increased.
French Consul reports destruction French sugar mills and asks for protection from United States Government. Inform President Menocal of these conditions and cable immediately what steps he will take to afford protection to foreign property. Question of sending further American forces for protection lives and interests is being considered.