The Ambassador in Cuba
(Welles) to the Secretary of State
HABANA, August 12, 1933--3a.m.
[Received 5:22a.m.]
151. Since the abortive revolt of the first battalion of artillery yesterday
afternoon there have been several threatened revolts in divers portions
of the Army insisting upon the immediate resignation of President Machado.
Ferrara, who impresses me as temporarily mentally unbalanced, without authorization
of President Machado announced the latter's resignation and his substitution
by General Herrera by telegraph to al the local commanders. Certain of
these discovered the fact that the announcement was untrue and a far more
serious revolt was at once imminent. I think the situation is now in control.
I General Herrera is enabled by this afternoon to announce that he will
appoint a Cabinet consisting of representative members of all parties and
giving their names I am hopeful the effect of Ferrara's imprudence may
be overcome.
The President apparently intends to hasten his resignation to Saturday
or Sunday at the latest.
WELLES