File No. 862.85/73
The Minister in Cuba ( Gonzales) to the Secretary of State
[Received 1.15 p.m.]
Your May 22, 7 p.m.1 German ships, as previously explained, have been seized and taken possession of by Government of Cuba. They are prizes of war. There is no title of transference. President Menocal says Cuban Government is not considering making money out of these ships and does not care sell to shipping companies, if the United States wishes to use them it can have them on any terms it wishes. If not he will have them used in trade between United [Page 287] States and Cuba. He has offers near quarter million dollars per month rental.