837.00/1809: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in Cuba (Long)
196. Your telegrams no. 241, October 13, and no. 254, October 19.44
The Department submitted to the President the proposition to send American warships to Cienfuegos, Habana, and Santiago as a precautionary measure. Their presence, it was hoped, might serve to forestall any disturbances of a grave nature. The President does not believe that this measure, or any like it, would at this time be advisable. In his opinion, this action by our Government would be taken in Cuba as an evidence of our partiality for one or the other of the two leading political parties. Neither does the President approve making any increase in the force of marines at present stationed in Cuba.
Until the proof should be clear that the Cuban Government is incapable of protecting life, property, and individual liberty, the President considers that the rights of the United States in Cuba do not go so far as to allow this Government to embark on the course of action indicated above, which could be interpreted as an intervention.
- Latter not printed.↩