837.00/1737: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Chargé in Cuba (White)

143. Your 191, August 24, 7 p.m.30

Department approves of your urging upon President Menocal the importance of making public the purport of its note transmitted to [Page 19] you on June 4, but has no objection to its taking the form suggested by Doctor Céspedes. There was transmitted to you today by special pouch a statement to be issued by you to the press setting forth the Department’s position with respect to the approaching elections, which should be published immediately after prior statement has been published by President Menocal. Pertinent portions of statement may be shown confidentially to leaders of the Liberal Party before publication, if you believe there is danger that the Liberal Party will vote on August 30 to remain away from the polls. If such a step is to be seriously considered by any group you may hand the leaders also a paraphrase of Department’s telegram 60, March 31, noon, which sets forth the attitude of this Government regarding such a course.

Colby
  1. Not printed.