File No. 337.11/287½
The Secretary of State to Minister Gonzales
Washington , March 13, 1917, 6 p.m.
Your March 12, 11 p.m. [a.m.] You will ask General Menocal if he realizes the extent of destruction of American and other foreign property in Cuba, and inquire if he is in a position to give adequate protection to all foreign property to prevent further losses. You will impress upon him the utmost necessity for the earliest restoration of peaceful conditions throughout the island, and that the action of this Government is contingent upon his reply to these questions.
Your March 12, 6 p.m.7 Does suggestion contained in last sentence come from you or from Cuban Government? The Department has been given to understand that the landing of United States troops would tend to increase disorder and destruction of property and that action is against the wishes of the Government of Cuba. Report by cable.