837.00/4267: Telegram
The Ambassador in Cuba (Welles) to the Secretary of State
[Received 10:12 p.m.]
395. I was informed this morning that Colonel Bias Hernandez, who will be remembered as the only revolutionist whom Machado was unable to capture, was sent for yesterday by Batista for a private interview. Batista stated to him that the situation had now reached the point where it could no longer be tolerated and that he believed the only possible solution of the problem was the removal of the present government and the placing of Mendieta in the Presidency. He requested Hernandez’ support and upon receiving a favorable reply advised him that he would see him again tomorrow and that the step would have to be taken within the next few days. Batista has requested an interview with Colonel Mendieta to take place secretly tomorrow morning.
For the first time a majority of the Student Directorate have sent word to Saladrigas that they desire the support of the leaders of the A.B.C. in effecting an immediate change of government but the A.B.C. leaders are unanimously opposed to any agreement with the students. They feel that the students are responsible for the disasters of the past 6 weeks and that no solution is possible unless it comprehends their complete elimination from political activities. The A.B.C. directors are willing to support either the parliamentary form of government solution, as already communicated to the Department, or the placing of Mendieta in the Presidency. They will not agree to the plan proposed by Fernando Ortiz, and referred to in my telegram of October 23, 11 p.m.
Rubén de León, the foremost member of the Student Directorate, left this morning by airplane for Mexico. He gave as his ostensible reason for making this voyage, at a moment of the gravest tendencies for the government in which he has played so conspicuous a part, his desire to attend the centennial anniversary of the school of medicine of a university in Mexico.…