837.00/2891: Telegram
The Ambassador in Cuba (Guggenheim) to the Secretary of State
[Received 3:15 p.m.]
141. Your 129, November 15, 2 p.m. I am sorry that my telegram No. 138, November 14, 10 a.m., gave you the wrong impression. My actions have avoided the dangers you pointed out.
I was first approached by Señor José Rivero, Director of the Diario de la Marina, and a mutual friend of General Menocal and myself. At the request of President Machado I continued conversations with Señor Rivero who proposed “a six months’ armistice” during which the economic problems of Cuba should be cared for. My efforts were confined to finding a way for General Menocal to save his face and cease agitation. Circumstances have been altered by events of the last few days, and General Menocal undoubtedly has hope of arousing public opinion in the United States to interfere in Cuba. General Menocal is expectantly awaiting the convening of the Congress of the United States, His changed views had ended my conversations prior to the receipt of your telegram.
The Government has published report circulating for some time of a plan to damage American property in Cuba, certain properties specifically designated and heavily guarded by police. Possibly such actions may be taken with the deliberate intention of provoking American interference. Number of shots fired outside Embassy residence midnight of November 14 resulting, according to police report, from an attack on a policeman who was stationed there. There have been no disorders in Habana since November 13 and only minor student disorders in the provinces.