Gómez Issues Executive Orders

HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY OF LIBERATION
TERRITORY OF SANCTI SPÍRITUS, NOVEMBER 6, 1895

Animated by the spirit of unchangeable resolution in defense of the rights of the revolution of redemption of this country of colonists, humiliated and despised by Spain, and in harmony with what has been decreed concerning the subject in the circular dated the 1st of July, I have ordered the following:

Article I. That all plantations shall be totally destroyed, their cane and outbuildings burned, and railroad connections destroyed.

Article II. All laborers who shall aid the sugar factories-these sources of supplies that we must deprive the enemy of-shall be considered as traitors to their country.

Article III. All who are caught in the act, or whose violations of Article II shall be proven, shall be shot. Let all chiefs of operations of the army of liberty comply with this order, determined to unfurl triumphantly, even over ruin and ashes, the flag of the Republic of Cuba.

In regard to the manner of waging the war, follow the private instructions that I have already given.

For the sake of the honor of our arms and your well-known courage and patriotism, it is expected that you will strictly comply with the above orders.

Maximo Gómez, General in Chief

To the chiefs of operations: Circulate this.

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Related:
Ten Year War | Little War | War for Independence | Antonio Maceo