837.00/1652

The Secretary of State to the Minister in Cuba (Long)

No. 58

Sir: I have to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch No. 68, of April 5, 1920, with enclosure,19 in which you state that the President of the Liberal Party, General Guerra, stated that it was the desire of the Liberal Party to have the United States Government supervise the coming elections in Cuba and asserted that if this Government did not supervise the elections, the Liberal Party would remain away from the polls.

In this connection I have to inform you that recent events have not changed the Department’s position as to intervention, as it is still relying upon the assurances given by President Menocal that fair elections would be held in Cuba, as expressed in President Menocal’s note to the American Minister, the Honorable William E. Gonzales, dated Havana, November 3, 1919, a copy of which was transmitted to the Department with despatch No. 1103 of November 7, last.20

With regard to the Liberal Party’s refraining from taking part in the elections, the Department’s policy as outlined in Department’s telegram of March 31, noon, has not changed. Basing your action upon the policy as outlined in that telegram, you may, when in your judgment the time seems appropriate, orally inform members of any political party expressing an intention of withdrawing from the elections, of the attitude of the Department.

I am [etc.]

For the Secretary of State:
Alvey A. Adee