Evening star., 1933-09-09
Grave Concern
Felt i'm Tense
Situation.
BIG BATTLESHIP
JOINS FORCES
u. S. S. Mississippi
to Go to Havana
Harbor Today.
BY the Associated Press.

BY the Associated Press.
Grave concern as to how much
longer present conditions in
Cuba can continue without dis
orders was felt today by Ameri-
can of1cials. '
While latest official advices
said no lives had been lost, the
State Department said frankly it
did not know how much agitation
and disorder might be taking
place in the interior.
At Havana, where American war
ships lay alert and ready in the har-
Dor, soon to be joined by the battle
ship Mississippi from Cardenas under
orders today, Cuban governmental ac-
tivities appeared at a standstin.
Hull Feels Relieved.
The crux was the question Of how
many days or hours q nation of A.
100000 people can get along without
more of q government and avoid a
blow-up, especially with its military
divided.
Secretary Hull, with relief apparent
in his voice, told newspaper men that
Ambassador Sumner Welles at Ha-
vana had informed him the hundreds
of army officers massed at the Ma
tional Hotel against efforts Of the rank
and file to send them back to their
posts, had left the building without
bloodshed.
q This relieved q situation which was
particularly threatening, because the
officers were unoficially reported to
have said they would sell their lives
dearly II attacked, and because AM
bassador Welles and his family make
their home at the National Hotel and
other Americans recently were COLI
centrated there.
Secretary Hull said approximately
500 officers. including generals. colonies
and others above commissions
rank, had taken refuge at the hotel.
He was not advised under what circum-
stances they departed.
Approves Mexican Action.
Secretary Hull expressed whole
hearted approval of the action Of the
Mexican government in expressing to
Argentina, Brazil and Chile the hope
that they would make known their
desire that the Cuban people promptly
establish stable government.
The Secretary was unable to say
whether the move, taken yesterday, was
unprecedented, but said in any case it
was q perfectly natural thing for one
people friendly to another people. to do.
Asked about a report from Buenos
Aires that Argentina had sent a note
to the American Government express
ing hope that it would not intervene
in Cuba, Hull said he was unable to
comment on replies growing out Of the
Mexican action at this time. 1t also
was reported that Chile had replied
favorably to the Mexican request.
Hull said it was his understanding
that Argentina at this juncture had not
taken the action asked for by Mexico.
No Forces Landed.
In the White House conference ear
lier this week, attended by Mexico and
the A. B. c. powers, the United States
voiced the hope that on their own
violation the other countries might
consider the question of making such
a concillatory appeal to the Cuban
people.
Remarking that certain groups in
Cuba appeared to be putting out wild
reports, Hull reiterated that so far as
he knew the United States had landed
no forces The warships in Cuban
ports, he said. were under rigid instruc-
tions to stand of and be prepared to
deal solely with danger to life.
High Navy officials disclosed today
that in addition TO the number Of yes
sells already of Cuba. eight destroyers
ordered to assemble at Hampton Roads
after disembarking the Naval Reserves
they had taken on a training cruise,
would be ordered to steam Immediately
for Cuban waters.
May Change Orders.
Previous orders had directed the ships
to proceed to the Virginia base and
await instructions as to whether they
should go South.
These ships will be directed to re-
port at once to Rear Admiral Freeman
at Havana, but it was said they might
be directed then to stand by OF Key
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