837.00/4622: Telegram
The Personal Representative of the President ( Caffery ) to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received 2:40 p.m.]
26. My telegram No. 24, January 15, 7 p.m. Hevia took oath at noon today. Negotiations are still going on between him and the Mendieta group as to that group’s participation in the Cabinet. Casanova, President of the association of Cuban landowners, came to see me yesterday to tell that his association would back Hevia. I heard on very reliable authority that Guiteras passed most of last night telephoning around the island denouncing Batista and making plans to call strikes [of] the telephone and other American-owned public companies. He also spoke of the possibility of a general strike. I am bringing this to the attention of Hevia and Batista.
There has been no disturbance in Habana since yesterday afternoon’s shooting and situation remains quiet.
My principal Latin American colleagues inform me that they will maintain an attitude of observation and expectancy in this situation and that they desire to continue to cooperate fully with us.