File No. 837.51/272
The Minister in Cuba ( Gonzales) to the Secretary of State
Your September 13, 5 p.m.1 Whigham did not attempt to reach any precise agreement with President, but told me the conference was satisfactory and that the President would see him again after another talk with me to-day. I had an interview with President and he assured me he would make further advances in Cuba Railroad and facilitate work of betterments, suggesting among other things, that sugar mills along line lend road all their capable railroad workmen for the next two months. He stated that Whigham would see him again Monday and present his program.
I am satisfied all reasonable assistance will be offered road and recommend that the matter of the loan be settled at the earliest practicable opportunity; also that if it has been determined to lend Cuba certain amount to cover immediate extra expenses for the Navy and Army, that an additional two million be added thereunto “as assistance to Cuban Government in meeting a war emergency presented in the necessity for extending financial aid to railroads.”
- Not printed.↩