837.00/1791: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in Cuba (Long)
187. Department’s telegrams of September 23, 4 p.m., and September 27, 5 p.m., and your despatch 426 of October 1.
Department desires the expression of your personal opinion as to whether an increase in the number of Marines stationed at Camaguey is necessary for the protection of property. Transmit by cable as well any information you are able to obtain from the owners of plantations in that district tending to show that there is real and imminent danger of attempts to destroy such property. …
In view of the statement of the President that he would not oppose an increase in the number of Marines, the Department might possibly view the suggestion more favorably, but it has felt that the effect on public opinion in Cuba of the knowledge that our forces were being increased would be unfortunate and that, therefore, such a step should only be taken if you are able, after carefully reviewing the existing situation, to recommend such action.