Message to U.S. State Department

An excerpt from
Our Cuban Colony: A Study in Sugar
By Leland Hamilton Jenks
Vanguard Press, New York, 1928
(pg. 90-91)

September 11, 1906

Assistant Secretary of State, Washington:

President Palma, the Republic of Cuba, through me officially asks for American intervention because he can not prevent rebels from entering cities and burning property.

It is doubtful whether quorum when Congress assembles next Friday, to-morrow. President Palma has irrevocably resolved to resign and to deliver the Government of Cuba to the representative whom the President of the United States will designate as soon as sufficient American troops are landed in Cuba. This act on the part of President Palma to save his country from complete anarchy, and imperative intervention come immediately. It may be necessary to land force of Denver to protect American property.

Probably 80,000 rebels outside Habana, Cienfuegos also at mercy of rebels. Three sugar plantations destroyed.

Foregoing all resolved in Palace. Present, the President, Secretary of State, Secretary of War, and

Frank Steinhart, Consul-General

Return to 1906

Related:
Introduction to the Struggle for Independence
The Teller Amendment | Race in Cuba | After the War of Independence