837.00/4489: Telegram
The Ambassador in Cuba (Welles) to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received 2:15 p.m.]
508. In my conference with Dr. Grau last night he told me that he withdrew all the conditions he had previously imposed for the formation of a new government; that he was willing to come to an immediate agreement with the opposition leaders for the constitution of a concentration Cabinet and that he was prepared to retire as President immediately. He said that he would solely insist that the new government obligate itself to carry out the “revolutionary program”. Since all factions are in accord on this program I do not anticipate any difficulty on this point.
Grau has summoned the opposition leaders to meet him secretly tonight at 11 o’clock. They will support only Mendieta as his substitute. Should a complete agreement be reached during the night, as now seems possible, Batista will be called in and will be given full guarantees as to his retention of his present position.