File No. 837.00/1336
Minister Gonzales to the Secretary of State
Habana, May 7, 1917—11 a.m.
Cuban Congress met this afternoon, counted the electoral vote, and proclaimed Menocal and Nuñez President and Vice President elected. Two-thirds of both houses were necessary for quorum. Efforts to break quorum abortive, five-sixths of membership attending. A protest signed by Zayas and nine members of House against elections in Oriente and Santa Clara was offered as a matter of form, but House refused to receive it. All members then joined in standing vote declaring election. No speeches or semblance of bad feeling.
Habana and Camaguey votes cast for Zayas, other four provinces for Menocal.
It had been freely predicted Congress would refuse to declare Menocal elected.