837.00/3959: Telegram
The Ambassador in Cuba (Welles) to the Secretary of State
[Received 5:55 p.m.]
279. My 277, September 18, midnight. I am informed by one of the persons present when the reply to the leaders of the political groups was read to Grau San Martín and to the members of the Student Council that after considerable discussion Grau San Martín announced his intention of presenting his resignation to the Army and to the students and not to the groups opposed to his regime but that he intended in any event to resign his office. As he started to rise from his chair to end the conference, Escalona, one of the leaders of the students who was standing behind him forced him back into his chair by physical force and told him that he was going to remain as President as long as the students desired him to whether he himself wished to or not. Varona, another of the student leaders, was so incensed by Grau San Martín’s statement that he showed his displeasure by breaking several pieces of furniture in the room where they were sitting. These incidents are merely indicative of the manner in which the government is conducted.
At dawn this morning Colonel Juan Bias Hernandez, the revolutionary leader whom Machado was never able to suppress, commenced a revolution near the town of Moron in Camaguey Province. He is accompanied by about 300 men none of whom are well armed. Batista sent immediately a special car of soldiers and students to that region to attempt to intercept Bias Hernandez. A further revolutionary movement is imminent in the city of Santa Clara.
Grau San Martín and the Student Council are now in conference drafting their reply to the ultimatum presented by the political leaders last night. I learn on good authority that approximately half of the student leaders are in favor of accepting the compromise suggested but that it would seem probable that the more radical among the students will prevent this saner opinion from making itself effective.