837.00/4485: Telegram
The Ambassador in Cuba (Welles) to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received 1:15 p.m.]
501. Personal for the Under Secretary. In view of the possibility which seems more favorable today that a political crisis is in fact approaching, because of the serious issues involved in the questions affecting the interests of the Cuban Electric Company and the Cuban Telephone Company and because of the general belief that labor disturbances on a large scale are impending, I have decided that it is inadvisable for me to make any definite plans at this moment for my return. We can tell more precisely early next week what the developments may be. The political crisis will apparently be settled one way or the other before the 12th. If on that date there seems no hope for immediate settlement and there is no urgent matter regarding the interests of these American companies in conjunction with which my continuance would be useful I shall arrange to leave about the middle of the week and cable you accordingly. If, on the other hand, the political crisis is prolonged it would be better for me to remain until a day or so before Caffery’s arrival.
I think it is exceedingly important that nothing whatever be said to the press concerning my plans at this time.
I shall commence my duties in the Department immediately upon my arrival without taking any leave.