File No. 837.711/19
The Minister in Cuba ( Gonzales) to the Secretary of State
[Received 2.21 p.m.]
Your March 13, 7 p.m. We have never asked for and it would be poor policy to stress “direct American control and supervision.” The distrust implied would be perilous to success even if request granted in consequence. But we have the censorship and Captain Goelet, the American officer, is guiding the work and exercising all the control he desires. His post requires a man of special qualifications.
Last night I asked the President that in connection with censorship of mails in transit he search the ships and on occasion search passengers, officers, crew, and their effects. Did not mention American control as that can be exercised by American officer or officers working with the mail censoring.
The President said he would do this if Spanish vessels continue to visit Mexican ports but he is strongly opposed to their doing so. Says ships get nothing from there but hemp which should go to United States and he thinks they receive German funds to maintain otherwise unprofitable Mexican connection. Said he was going to propose to agents of steamship companies that they suspend trips to Mexico, that passengers, mail and freight from Mexico for Spain could come by Ward Line to New York or Habana and be taken on there by Spanish vessels and Mexico could be communicated with by Spain via reverse route.