File No. 837.00/1188
The Secretary of State to Consul Griffith 4
Washington, March 9, 1917—5 p.m.
For your information the following cable was sent to Habana March 6, 5 p.m.:
Sugar mills, mining companies and other enterprises have great need to continue operations. As they are dependent on coal and other supplies from the United States it is imperative that Cuban Government allow all ships carrying such supplies to pass the blockade, it being understood that assurances will be given that such supplies are to be delivered directly to American interests and should in no way be transferred to any persons under arms against the Cuban Government.
The Legation replied to this cable, under date of March 7, midnight, as follows:
The blockade has been raised on all shipments of coal. Cuban Consuls have been notified to make clearances.
Department desires that you see that any such supplies as arrive are delivered directly to American interests and are not transferred to any persons under arms against the Government of Cuba.
- The same to the consular agent at Guantanamo.↩