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President Roosevelt will carefully consider Senator Foraker’s communication. Concerning Cuba, he will act “only as I feel compelled…in accordance with my oath of office for the protection of the persons and property of the United States.” He clarifies there is no intention to act against the established government of Cuba.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-09-26
President Roosevelt wishes to see President of Harvard Eliot to talk over the “many interesting points” raised in his letter. He discusses General Leonard Wood’s leadership during the Spanish American War, currents attempts to avoid intervention and occupation in Cuba, the conceit of educated men, and dealing with the “negro problem.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-09-28
President Roosevelt discusses his thoughts about the situation in Cuba with Senator Foraker.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-09-28
President Roosevelt informs Acting Secretary of State Bacon of the immediate need to act “to protect American interests by fulfilling American obligations to Cuba” as evidenced by the lack of governmental leadership and repeated requests for aid. Seeing the situation as “one of impending chaos,” and finding the usual diplomatic communications useless, the enclosed letter will be sent to Cuban President Tomás Estrada Palma and be published.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-09-14
Provisional Governor Taft updates President Roosevelt on the progress of disarmament in Cuba. Frederick Funston is not as effective in managing the details of disarmament as Taft had hoped. Taft does not want to avoid responsibility for some of the mistakes, but feels that Funston lacks capacity as an executive. There is also some delay in dismissing the militia because of corruption. Secretary of State Elihu Root’s publication of the correspondence between the United States Government and former Cuban President Tomás Estrada Palma has caused surprise among the Moderate Party in Cuba.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-10-06
Secretary of War Taft informs President Roosevelt that President Tomás Estrada Palma and Vice President Domingo Méndez Capote of Cuba will tender their resignations to the country’s Congress, which will then dissolve. The message was received in cipher.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-09-25
Secretary of War Taft informs President Roosevelt in an encrypted telegram that President Tomás Estrada Palma of Cuba will not compromise with his political opponents to remain in office because his honor will not allow him to do so. Taft believes that Estrada Palma wants armed intervention by the United States. Taft also writes that he is concerned about who will replace Estrada Palma since Taft does not find Vice President Domingo Méndez Capote to inspire confidence in his ability to lead the country. Taft still holds out hope that the rebels will lay down their arms, but argues for more ships and troops.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-09-25
Secretary of War Taft informs President Roosevelt that Tomás Estrada Palma and his government are all planning to resign. Taft recommends Roosevelt use the Platt Amendment to assume control of Cuba, set up a government, and name a Governor quickly to protect the government’s interest in Cuba. Taft wants Roosevelt’s authority to send for the leaders of the insurgents to let them know conditions have changed, that they are now in arms against the United States, and that they will receive amnesty if they lay down their arms and return to their homes.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-09-25
Jacob Sleeper, the chargé d’affaires in Cuba, informs Secretary of State Root that the Cuban government’s Amnesty Order had little effect and the rebellion is still active. Sleeper believes that rebel leader Faustino Guerra is waiting for the Cuban government to make the first move, but the government is lacking in men and arms. It is rumored that Colonel Emilio Ávalos y Acosta will attack Guerra’s command near the Bay of Cortez to open up a waterway in case Western Railroad service is interrupted, as Guerra has been threatening to dynamite its bridges. There are rumors of a lack of harmony between the Cuban President and Vice President in regards to patronage and the conduct of the war. Rebel leader Ernesto Asbert is threatening to burn foreign properties unless the government accedes to their demands.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-08-30
Jacob Sleeper, chargé d’affaires in Cuba, updates William Loeb about the insurrection in Cuba.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-09-01
Addressing Secretary of State Elihu Root, Consul General Steinhart relays recent leadership changes in the Cuban government. President Tomás Estrada Palma intends to resign, as do the Cabinet members. Vice President Domingo Méndez Capote will not accept the office. The consequential absence of legal power and prevailing anarchy will continue unless American intervention adopts necessary measures. This information is confidential until President Roosevelt acts. The disembarkation and subsequent return of the landing forces complicates matters for Palma.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-09-14