837.00 Revolutions/12: Telegram
The Ambassador in Cuba (Guggenheim) to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received 12:15 p.m.]
119. Confirming my telephone conversation with Acting Secretary Castle last night General Menocal and Colonel Mendieta and their staff have been taken prisoners. Chief of Staff General Herrera assured me that prisoners are not wounded and that they are on gunboat en route to Habana where they will be safely returned and jailed. Department will probably be importuned as I have been to intercede to save lives of prisoners. President Machado assured me a few days ago that his desire was to capture but not put to death these leaders. In view of public opinion any other course would be foolhardy and I think he realizes it. However, because there are still important leaders in the field, the fate of Menocal and Mendieta may probably not be known immediately.