Pierre weekly free press. (Pierre, S.D.) 1889-19??, 1918-05-30
Reasons Thought to Have Been
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES
Messenger Intercepted
In City of Havana.
FEAR REPRIsAL EFFORTS
Any Attempt to CNrtaii Oil
Shipments Would Result In
Prompt Protests By
Allied Powers.
BY Associated Press.

ny associated PresS.
Washington, May 25.-Mexico's
sudden and unexpected suspen-
sion of diplomatic relations with
Cuba is looked upon here as an in
direct move against the United
States, which possibly may fore
shadow a breaking Of diplomatic
relations with this country.
The underlying cause for
Mexico's action, it is understood
here, was a recent incident in
which Senior Fabclla, hcr minister
to Argentina, while on his way to
Buenos Aires, was held up in Ha-
wanna while his baggage was
searched by an officer, supposed
Iva Cuban customs Inspector, who
it is reported, found among the
minister's effects certain papers.
From other sources it is under
stood that at the time Minister
F'ahella was on his way to Buenos
Aires, certain exchanges possibly
OF a preliminary nature were un-
der way between Mexico and Ar
gentlna and probably involving
another Latin-Amcrican govern
ment.
II anything taken form Senior
Fabela's baggage related TO this situa-
ton it is unlikely tina any disclosure
of official secrets would be made at
this time, but the feeling here is that
Mexico holds the United States really
responsible for the incident. Some Of
those in close touch with the situa-
ton and receiving the latest confiden-
tial advices lean to tho opinion that
the break with Cuba possibly fore
shadows an extension of a policy Of
suspended intercourse with the United
States,
Confidential reports here frcn Ha-
vana have said that quite outside the
Fabela incident, we'll informed persons
there expected Mexico might find some
pretext TO actually suspend diplomatic
relations with the United. states.
All those who take this view base
THEN opinion on the assumption that
German propaganda again is active.
A first reading of The statement is
sued by Foreign Minister Aguilar in
Mexico City giving the reasons for
the recall of the Mexican charge to
Cuba conveyed to officials here The
distinct impression that In breaking ofe
relations the Mexican government
actually is expressing it's displeasure.
and resentment at the withholding Of
Cuban sugar and other supplies.
The fact that these restrictive meas
Nres Werc adopted by the Cuban gov.
eminent in conformity with the re-
quests OF tho American food admins
tration and in pursuance of the gem
rJ.11 rNrTiry- of tho nrfnNto -nIjre o,,,1
America of maintaining absolute con-
troll OF shipping in the Gulf Of Mexico
n the Caribbean sea doubtless was
Known to the Mexican authorities.
Retaliation Likely.
AS Mexico cannot expect to make
any successful protest to the allies or
to the United States against these re-
strictions. officials believe she has had
recourse to the plan of bringing pres-
sure to bear directly upon Cui3a. and
it was believed this first step involving
the severance of diplomatic relations
would be followed by retaliatory meas
ures Of an economic nature.
Among these measures will be the
prohibition OF the expectation to Cuba
of food supplies such as peas and
beans, largely consumed in Cuba. 1t
was also regarded as possible that an
effort would be made to stop the ex-
portation of Mexican petroleum to the
island, though it might Ec difficult 10
separate sue exports from the vast
lnoun Of oil taat is Skipped from
Tampico TO the United States and
Europe for naval Uses.
interference viii, this oil supply
might easily lead to serious trouble
between Mexico and ,hc cntensc pow
ers and America. it is Il naval noccs-
aity that this source OF fuel supply be
maintained curing the CONTINUANCE of
the war at least, and while there is no
disposition 10 l"Tusc payment OF all
reasonable taxation en the exports OF
oil, u stopfagc OF shipments to the
naval forces would brig Immediate
anti vigorous protests.