837.00/1822a: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in Cuba (Long)
202. The Department has been much concerned by the numerous reports which have reached it, including those transmitted through your Legation, alleging that many voters have been deprived by fraud of their cards of identity. It is feared that these occurrences, which appear to be well substantiated, will give rise to general popular discontent with the manner in which the elections are being conducted. The Department has likewise been caused grave anxiety by the unprecedented number of military supervisors appointed by the President, …
If a favorable opportunity presents itself, the Department desires that you advise President Menocal, informally and discreetly, of the concern which the Department feels by reason of the above. … It is believed that a circular instruction addressed by the President [Page 30] to all the military supervisors appointed by him, urging upon them an attitude of strict impartiality during the election period, if made public would have a most beneficial effect upon popular sentiment and tend to restore popular confidence in the manner in which the elections are being conducted. Inform the President likewise that this Government believes that any measures which the President might take to put a stop to the obtaining of “cédulas” from voters by fraud or corruption would produce a most favorable impression.