837.00/3786: Telegram
The Ambassador in Cuba (Welles) to the Secretary of State
[Received 12:40 p.m.]
214. For the President. I have this morning conferred with Admiral Freeman. I concur thoroughly in the policy of not having more than two destroyers in Habana harbor at one time. I do, however, consider it essential that the Richmond should remain in the harbor until conditions are changed materially for the better. There are two immediate possibilities of danger in the city to be considered: The first is an absolutely disorganized and demoralized army of some 2,000 men who now realize their mistake and while the majority of them are [Page 404] anxious to find any peaceful way out of the situation they have created for themselves, another group who are in close touch with Communist leaders in Habana may resort to desperate measures if they become sufficiently drunk. The other potential danger which I consider far less important is that possibility that crowds directed by the most radical agitators may commence a demonstration against Americans in the course of which American lives and more probably American property will be jeopardized. I shall not under any conditions request the landing of a single man unless I feel that American lives are in actual immediate danger. Under these circumstances I feel it is a wise precaution to have the Richmond anchored in the harbor where men can be landed at short order rather than outside the harbor, which would involve considerably more time in landing men in the event of urgent need. In so far as the effect upon the populace here is concerned, there is not the slightest difference in the impression made upon them whether the Richmond is outside the harbor or within the harbor. I have every reason to believe that no situation where American lives are in actual danger will develop but on the other hand, appreciating the possibilities inherent in the conditions which now exist in Habana, from the many contacts which I have and from information which comes to me from all sources, I feel precautionary measures are fully warranted.