837.00/1622: Telegram

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

31. Your number 43, February 13, 4 p.m.

The Department does not feel that any expression as to the advisability of the nomination of certain individuals for the Presidency of Cuba comes within its province and, you are requested to prevent any misunderstanding of the Department’s attitude in this matter.

The Department has reached the conclusion that it would be highly undesirable to undertake any amendment of the electoral law unless the present conditions unmistakably show that such amendment is indispensible to the carrying out of a fair and free election. If, however, the necessity for such amendment as I have indicated reveals itself in the electoral administration, obtain the actual amendment in writing in the form in which it is desired to present it to the Congress of Cuba, with explanatory memoranda revealing clearly the scope and application of the amendment and forward same with your own comment after a careful study of the amendment and the explanatory memoranda. I feel that I should like to present any such proposed amendment to General Crowder with a view to obtaining his opinion as to the effect of such proposed amendment on the electoral law as drafted by him after conference and deep study.

The Department does not view with favor the suggestion that the duties of Supervisor of Elections be devolved to any extent upon [Page 3] Major Stephenson but is of the opinion that his duties should cease and determine with the completion of the census.

Polk