File No. 337.11/302
Minister Gonzales to the Secretary of State
Habana, March 17, 1917, 2 p.m.
Your telegram March 16, 6 p.m. Owner here yesterday talked with me, President and commander of military forces of his district. The Government promised to send more troops this morning. I received telephone from the Consular agent at Caibarien saying that young Atkins at Punta Alegre alarmed fearing attack from Spanish bandit; they wish marines. He reported all mills except his grinding. I gave information to the Navy and informed the President. He telegraphed immediately commander of military district. Owner of the place says this menace is from an old Spanish bandit with ninety followers.