837.00/3546: Telegram
The Ambassador in Cuba (Welles) to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received 5:48 p.m.]
82. My 75 and 79. General Menocal’s son-in-law Doctor Sardinas and the General’s confidential adviser Dr. Martínez Zaldo leave this afternoon for Miami to interview Menocal and to insist on it that he abandon any revolutionary activity and agree to appoint a representative [Page 308] to cooperate in the plan I had indicated. They advise me that from information they received yesterday they understand Menocal will agree to their representations.
Miguel Mariano Gómez of the New York junta has expressed to me today through a friend who received a message from him this morning that he desires to return to Cuba likewise for the purpose of cooperating.
The ABC directors have advised me that positive assurances will be given me by the association tomorrow welcoming my unofficial mediation and committing the organization to refrain from any terrorist activity pending favorable solution. The attitude taken by this organization will be followed by the other two principal secret societies.
The leaders of the Opposition sectors here are becoming increasingly indignant at the public declarations which are being made in New York by members of the junta who at the same time are sending them confidential messages to the effect that my mediation is the only method by which a satisfactory adjustment can be obtained. I have reason to believe that if by the end of this week the New York junta does not refrain from publishing statements of this character the newly-formed junta in Habana will declare itself in control of negotiations on behalf of the Opposition factions. I intend to wait for a few more days in the hope that the New York junta will agree to cooperate and to come to Habana for this purpose. I am not willing however to wait longer than Monday of next week before commencing with representatives of the Government and with the duly selected representatives of the Opposition here the consideration of the esssential reforms to the constitution in order that we can commence the program indicated in President Machado’s last public statement.