837.00/3990: Telegram
The Ambassador in Cuba (Welles) to the Secretary of State
[Received 5:45 p.m.]
291. My telegram No. 289, September 21, 7 p.m. At the same time that Batista was engaged in conversations yesterday evening with a view to forcing a compromise agreement, Dr. Miguel Mariano Gómez, together with one or two of the most influential professors of the university, had a long conference with the Student Council for the same purpose. As the result of the latter negotiation the leaders of the student group definitely agreed to propose the following compromise to the leaders of the opposition parties:
- 1.
- The retention of Grau San Martín as President.
- 2.
- Appointment of a junta consultiva composed of 20 members, one-half of which to be selected by the opposition groups, and the remaining half by the government supporters to function as a legislative council.
- 3.
- The junta consultiva to determine all appointments to the Cabinet, including sub-secretaries as well as directors of bureaus in the Executive departments, all such appointments as are recommended to be made automatically by the President; no removals to be made automatically except with the consent of two-thirds of the members of the junta consultiva.
Mendieta is inclined, in behalf of the Unión Nacionalista, to agree to this compromise; it is likewise acceptable to the leaders of the O.C.R.R. The other groups of the opposition are opposed to any decision which involves the retention of Grau San Martín.
With reference to my conversation, by telephone this morning with the Secretary, I wish to call particular attention to the fact that revolutionary outbreaks are increasing in number and extent. I am advised this morning that a revolutionary movement of considerable importance has commenced in the southeast portion of the Province of Matanzas. Notwithstanding the government’s reports to the contrary the revolutionary movement commenced by Bias Hernandez has not been checked but is on the contrary increasing in extent. The revolutionary movement in Oriente Province continues. If a compromise is rapidly reached, which all of the opposition groups will publicly support, these revolutionary movements will cease. If, on the other hand, no agreement is now reached or it is long postponed the revolutionary movements will gather momentum, extreme bitterness of feeling will be engendered as the result of casualties and it may be exceedingly difficult to prevent a continuance for an indefinite period of general guerrilla warfare. It is for that reason that, in my belief, it is wise policy for us to do everything, we can [Page 455] to further a speedy agreement by all influential groups in Cuba. I realize that professional agitators might seize any statement issued by the President as a pretext for renewed anti-American propaganda. On the other hand, an enormous majority of the Cuban people would not only not resent but would welcome an appeal in the name of the American people to all Cubans to support a provisional government satisfactory to all on the program of which all elements are already in entire accord. I fear that the Department may have the impression that a statement of this kind might be considered as favoring one faction as against another. That, of course, is not the case. What Cuba requires until national elections can be held for a constitutional government, is a provisional and temporary government which has the confidence of all so that the usual claim of partiality or intimidation during the electoral period cannot be raised. If the Cubans cannot reach an agreement as to the formation of a temporary government which possesses the confidence of all it will be readily understood that during the electoral period disturbances will be bound to occur. With a view to that future danger it is most decidedly to our own interest to foster in every possible way the creation now of a government in which all elements will participate and in which they all feel they can repose confidence before increased revolutionary activities make such agreement more difficult, if not altogether impossible.