837.00/2842: Telegram
The Chargé in Cuba (Reed) to the Secretary of State
[Received 11 p.m.]
114. Clashes occurred this morning between police and University students, several hundred of whom were attempting to stage an anti-Government demonstration. There was some shooting on both sides; and two students, one labor agitator, and one policeman were badly wounded. Eight policemen, an unknown number of students, and a few bystanders were slightly injured.
Order was restored in a short time; but extreme precautionary measures adopted by the authorities and great display of police force seem to indicate that the Government is seriously concerned. All approaches to the Palace have been heavily guarded all day by police, and traffic in its immediate vicinity suspended. These measures seem scarcely calculated to inspire confidence.
The Government insists that students, accompanied by Communist agitators, first attacked police who were attempting to break up their procession and that police retaliated in self-defense. This is denied by the students, several of whom together with a professor have been arrested. It seems impossible to obtain an impartial account of the incident but I am inclined to doubt that the police acted without provocation.
The Government expected trouble at the University today and large forces of police and troops were concentrated there early this morning. [Page 661] There were no further disorders this afternoon. The incident has caused a tremendous sensation, and the opinion is freely expressed that other similar clashes will follow.
The Nacionalista leaders disclaim any connection with today’s demonstration and assert that they endeavored to discourage it.