New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-15
Washington Will Not
Recognize an illegal"
Government
LANSING DENIES
CHANGE OF POLICY
Intervention Preparations
Continue-MenoCal
Gets Rifles

Washington. Feb. IA warning TO
the Cuban rebels stating that the
United States would not recognize a
government established through revo-
luton or other illegal methods" was
issued By the State Department to-day
through American Minister Gonzales
ID Havana. The statement declares that
the policy Of the United States during
the last four years has been 20 give
its confidence and support only to gov
cramcnts established through legal and
constitutional methods
Officials denied that this statement
was in conflict with President Wilson's
frequently repeated principle that a
people has the right to determine the
sovereignty under which it shall live.
The statement in part follows:
During the last four years the Gov
ernmcnt Of the United States has
clearly and definitely set forth is posi-
ton in regard 20 the recognition Of
Governments which have come into
power through revolution and other
Illegal methods, and at this time de-
sires 10 emphasize its position in re-
card to the present situation in Cuba.
dts friendship fog The Cuban people,
which has been shown on repeated oc-
casions. and the duties which are in
cumbcnt upon 10 on account OF the
agreement between the two countries
force the government OF the United
States 90 make clear its future policy
az this time.
Although this is in apparent con-
Aict with the Wilson policy toward
Mexico. Secretary Lansing explained
that the Carranza revolution was IN
fact a counter-revolutlon against the
Illegal Huerta government. The Ma
dero revolution also was directed
against an illegal usurpation OF power
by DiaZ, he said.
I'm the case Of Cuba, the United
States is called on because Of its treaty
agreement 90 decide whether an cleo
tiou ia legal or is Of such nature a. TO
Justify n revolution. In the present in
stance 10 is believed at the State De-
psrtmert that the revolt is entirely
unjustitied
PreDarations for Intervention in
Cuba n the revolt continues are going
ahead. As q first step the United states
has sold 10000 rifles and 2,OOo.OOo
rounds Of ammunition 20 the Cuban
government.
Official news from Cuba convinced
the Administration that the rebellion
already had assumed greater proper
tions than had been anticipated.
Reports of the special election to
dav in Santa Clara made it appear that
DR.. Alfredo Zavas, the Liberal canal,
date. was elected. One suggested
cause for The present uprising was that
IL had been precipitated By the Pres.
dent when ne ordered the arrest OF
several civilians and army Officers.
The plan OF the Liberals is said 20 have
been 20 resort 20 force on May 20 III
Nenocal on that dav refused 70 relln-
ouish the Presidency.
Late to-day an appeal was received
from Mrs. Rita Csstellanos. IN New
York. urging the President 10 intervene
i'm beha.f of her son. % Lieutenant who is
-onorted 20 have been sentenced 20
featN on the charge Of completely in
The Not. Minister Gonzales. N Havana
was instructed 70 investigate.
Persons whose duties have acQualnt-
cd them with the real conditions in
Cuba asserted to-day that the diff
Guilty there is racial and between the
blacks and whites. The Conservative