837.00/3780: Telegram
The Ambassador in Cuba (Welles) to the Secretary of State
[Received 7:57 p.m.]
209. It is my impression that the situation here is breaking fast. Dr. Belt, Secretary of Public Instruction in the Céspedes Cabinet, has just called to inform me that Sergeant Batista has requested an interview with President Céspedes in order to inform him that the Army wishes to place itself at his disposal. Dr. Belt advises me that he is to [Page 401] act as intermediary since he has refused to permit the President to receive Batista. He further informs me that Carbo, one of the five members of the revolutionary group, has fled and that the others are only waiting in order to seek some solution which will guarantee their safety.
The sergeants and the ringleaders of the mutiny are in a state of panic and I have recommended to President Céspedes that he not turn down a request made by them to place themselves at his orders in view of the fact that if they are denied any hope they may get entirely beyond control tonight.
A large Communist demonstration to protest against everything and in particular against the United States and to urge the creation of a Soviet Government was scheduled to take place at 4 o’clock in the main park. Soldiers with machine guns have gone to the park and I am reliably informed that the meeting scheduled will not take place.
I am beginning to have the hope that the situation may turn out so that we may be able to avoid any act of intervention other than that of the landing of a moderate force, at the request of President Céspedes, to assist his Government, if it is re-constituted, in maintaining order.