837.00/3609: Telegram
The Ambassador in Cuba (Welles) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 8—12:42 a.m.]
132. Department’s 64, August 7, 7 p.m. I requested an immediate interview with President Machado. General Herrera informed me that the President was indisposed and consequently unable to receive me although the Liberal Party leaders inform me he is receiving them tonight. I shall endeavor to obtain an interview tomorrow morning. I think it would be helpful if the Cuban Ambassador in Washington were informed by the Department tomorrow of the President’s authorization and approval as conveyed to me and of the very grave consequences which may ensue if President Machado refuses to agree to an eminently fair and patriotic Cuban solution of the political problem which every faction has agreed to including the President’s own party.
[Page 339]The killed this afternoon in Habana alone total 17 and the wounded over 100. I feel it obligatory to emphasize the extreme seriousness of the situation.