File No. 837.00/612a.

The Secretary of State to the American Minister.

[Telegram.—Paraphrase.]

The Nebraska should arrive at Habana to-morrow, and a large naval force will be assembled at a convenient point, probably Key West. A gunboat will be ordered to Nipe Bay.

You will inform the Cuban Government that in the event of its inability or failure to protect the lives or property of American citizens in Cuba the Government of the United States, pursuant to its uniform custom in such cases, will land forces to accord necessary protection. This is not intervention.

Knox.