837.00/1531a
The Acting Secretary of State to the Minister in Cuba (Gonzales)
Sir: The Department is informed that President Menocal has given out for publication a statement that it was by his suggestion that General Crowder, who had had such an important part in preparing the present electoral law7 and whose gifts of wisdom and character were so highly appreciated in Cuba, should be invited to cooperate in recommending to the Cuban Congress the most practical reforms of the Cuban election laws. This statement is also said to have announced that President Menocal has taken pains to emphasize the fact that the Cuban Congress will be free to accept or not to accept the suggestion of the head of the Legal Department of the American Army.
You are requested to inform the Department whether President Menocal’s statement has been truly reported and particularly regarding his present attitude toward General Crowder’s mission.
I am [etc.]
- Electoral Law of 1908. The printed report of the Advisory Committee, E. H. Crowder, chairman, dated Dec. 30, 1907, was transmitted to the Department as enclosure to despatch No. 641, Apr. 13, 1908, from the Minister in Cuba (File No. 1943/91).↩