File No. 397.11/384
The Secretary of State to Minister Gonzales
Washington, March 30, 1917, 5 p.m.
Attorney for United Fruit Company has received following telegram from the vice president of the United Fruit Company, of the Nipe Bay Company and of Saetia Sugar Company, which companies have sugar properties near Banes and Preston: [Page 423]
The Cuban Government forces are not giving protection to Nipe but appear to be guarding special interests. American marines are acting as town guard at Preston. Everything else at mercy of rebels. We are saving cane by paying what rebels exact. If marines are withdrawn mill and everything will be destroyed. Rebels camping around Mayari are making exorbitant demands on the Nipe Bay Company with threats to burn if demands are not satisfied. Manager Harty of Banes wires same conditions continue and he is without proper protection.
The attorney for these companies has requested that you inform Cuban Government of the situation and require of it adequate protection for these properties. You will bring this immediately to attention of the Cuban Government.