File No. 763.72/10520
The Secretary of State to the Cuban Minister ( De Céspedes)
The Secretary of State presents his compliments to the Minister of Cuba, and referring to the memorandum of the Cuban Legation dated June 15, 1918, has the honor to say that he has received a letter from the Secretary of the Navy dated June 28, taking due note of the statements made in the Cuban memorandum regarding the close cooperation of the Cuban Government with the Govern-ent of the United States in all matters pertaining to submarine activities. With reference to the second portion of the Cuban Legation’s memorandum, respecting the desire of the Cuban military commission to obtain twelve guns, formerly mounted on the United States Steamship Newark, the Secretary of the Navy states that these guns were sold some time ago from the Navy Yard at Norfolk, to Francis Bannerman of 101 Broadway, New York City. The Secretary of the Navy adds that it is understood that these guns are at present on Bannerman’s Island, and that the Ordnance Department [Page 708] of the Army has secured an option on the purchase of the guns from Mr. Bannerman. The Secretary of the Navy further states that the Navy Department understands that the Government of Cuba can obtain the guns provided the United States Army authorities are willing to release them.