837.00/1504a supp’l: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Minister in Cuba (Gonzales)
Strictly confidential. Department’s January 15, 6 p.m. Referring to the verbal instructions given to you by the Department and instructions sent to Legation in above cable, Department desires to know result of interview with President Menocal and instructs you to endeavor to obtain from President Menocal a promise that he will give immediate public assurances as regards presidential election and reform in electoral laws as suggested by Department.
As Department regards situation throughout Cuba as extremely serious and dangerous to best interests of the United States and Allies, you are instructed to keep this matter before President Menocal until he makes the desired statements. You may say to President Menocal in presenting this matter to him that such a statement will argue very strongly that the attitude of his administration in Cuba is indicative of a desire to give to all absolute political freedom, which is the only attitude which the Government of the United States can conscientiously support.
You may further say that in its support of constitutional governments the United States must take into consideration their attitude in regard to the freedom of elections and proper governmental administration.