837.00/4339: Telegram
The Ambassador in Cuba (Welles) to the Secretary of State
[Received 2:30 p.m.]
428. The referendum of the university students taken in an orderly manner yesterday afternoon showed an overwhelming majority opposed to the continuation of student activities in the government and a similar majority against the present Student Directorate.
In order to attempt to prevent a vote of censure by the meeting of the student delegates the Student Directorate last night formally dissolved. Some of the members at once announced that they would remain in the Palace “as individuals” to “advise” Grau.
The dissolution of the Directorate and the vote of the university students officially deprives Grau San Martín and his government of the apparent support of the university which he had made it appear he possessed.
The relations between Batista and Grau are increasingly strained.