837.00/2646

The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Cuba (Crowder)

[Extract]
No. 970

Sir:

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

As regards the attitude of the Department towards the proposed constitutional amendments, you are informed that for reasons of policy the Department does not consider that in the circumstances it would be justified in raising any objections to these amendments. The Department is, however, keenly interested in observing the progress of this matter and especially the activities of the opposition. You are requested to report to the Department from time to time whether in your opinion legal methods are being followed as regards consideration of the amendments by the Senate, election of the Constitutional Assembly, et cetera, and especially whether a condition exists which gives rise to the possibility of disorders or revolution.

Should you be consulted by President Machado with regard to the proposed amendments or the methods being followed to procure their adoption you are authorized to discuss these matters orally and informally with the President, explaining to him your own views, which are understood to be in agreement with those of the Department. In [Page 523] this connection reference is made to the Department’s confidential instructions No. 952, April 26,14 and No. 960, April 30,15 which should be considered as supplementary to this one.

I am [etc.]

Frank B. Kellogg
  1. Not printed; it transmitted a copy of the memorandum of April 23, by the Chief of the Division of Latin American Affairs, recording a conversation between President Coolidge and President Machado, p. 525.
  2. Not printed.