837.00/4131: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Cuba (Welles)
113. I have just discussed your telegram 340, October 4, with the President, who desires me to say that it appears to him that public opinion as reflected in the press here seems to regard the capture of the officers as indicating a consolidation of the position of the present government. He also believes that Cuba now is going through a period of storm and stress, and that given all the circumstances, there must be some latitude, on the part of ourselves and of other states, in the application of the customary principles of international practice (e. g. as regards recognition) in view of these conditions.
The Cuban representative here left today at the Department an informal memorandum62 setting out that Grau San Martín had authorized him to state that he expects to make changes in his cabinet, giving participation therein to outstanding personalities who would inspire public confidence, “without taking into account whether they are affiliated with any political group or any strictly revolutionary body”.
- Not printed.↩