The Washington times., 1933-09-11
NEW PRESIDENT
TRYING HARD
FOR ORDER
Hopes to Fill Cabinet Posts
Today; Haired BY Reports
! of Red Threat
CONTINUED from Page ~

los Finlay, who becomes secretary
of public health, and Antonio
Guiteras, secretary Of the interior.
President Grau San Martin con-
vened session of the old revolu-
tionary junta, which surrendered
power yesterday. and its advisory
board, shortly after noon today.
He intends to offer cabinet posts
to members of these two groups
In the hope of completing his
government today.
Aside from a minor bomb eX.
plosion in an electrical sub-station
in Colon Street this morning the
capital was quiet this forenoon.
No new disturbances we're reported
anywhere though armed soldiers
continued to patrol the streets.
Meanwhile Grau San Martin
was faced with another knotty
problem in the shape of 24-hour
ultimatum from deposed army
officers.
The officers demanded the re-
call for former Provisional Presi-
dent Carlos Manuel De Cespedes,
dissolution of congress, immediate
election of constitutional con-
vention, and the voiding of all de-
crees promulgated by former
President Machado.
WelIes Is NoncOmmittal
The opposition to the new
regime consists possibly of United
States Ambassador Sumner Welles,
who has not yet committed him
self, and some of the ousted army
officers, while part of the ABC
is still antagonistic.
Imperialism Is Charged
Mario G. Menocal and Carlos
Mendieta are silent, while the
young Com m un lists have de-
nounced the new government as
an instrument of yankee inn
perialism."
Reports are constantly current
that counter-revolution is threat
ening, but unbiased observers be-
lieve the government is safe for
the present, with its permanency
assured if it obtains recognition
from the United States.
President Grau San Martin lit
orally silenced the opposition guns
by pledging immediate constitu-
tional reforms and prompt elec-
tions. He has thus obtained
friendly support of all Havana
newspapers.
Former President de Cespedes,
meanwhile, is quietly biding his
time at home. He has not re-
signed, with the result that Cuba
has two men claiming to be pres
ident.
Army Is Big Problem
The administrations biggest
immediate job consisted in max
ing peace with the ousted officers.
But hopes that this could be &C
complished rose as tense stu
alton quieted and peace was made
possible by the statement of the
officers declaring they were not
prisoners in the National Hotel
and denying any intent to attack
the presidential palace.
The officers also offered a pro-
gram previously approved by the
junta of five and the army SER
geants behind the revolt. The Of
ficers claim that 400 of their
number still refuse to return to
duty, but army officials say only
200 are holdign out and that 400
are back at their posts.
The highest officers, including
colonies, are still away from their
posts, but it was believed the
army could operate without them,
since it faces no problems such
as those confronting American
and European armies. In reality
1T is merely a national police
force.
Batista'S Removal Sought
The chief point at issue was a
demand of the officers that Col
Fulgencia Batista be removed
from his position as chief of
staff but this was considered un.
likely, since it was Batista who
put the new president in office
There was a possibility of a
compromise, however, by which
Batista, who led the revolt, might
be made secretary of war with a
regular colonel installed as chief
OF staff.
The officers reform program
demanding dissolution of con
gress, abolition of all DEGREES OF
the Machado regime, and other
reforms, appeared acceptable to
all factions.
Coiy4lel Batista announced he
would slash $5,000,000 from the
annual army cost by reducing II
one-third in size. He said:
1--WE will eliminate many
higher officers because there
has been Overburdening ex-
pense at the top of the army"
He indicated lieutenant colonel.
and colonies would be mos
gravely affected.
The first to lose their jobs viii
be officers who allegedly STAINED
the honor of the army by atroci
ties" Some of these now, accord
ing to those in power, are at the
National Hotel.
Inland Disorders Reported
Reports of communist acts in
land were meager and went with
out confirmation. They were de
MED at army headquarters and a
the presidential palace.
"gpsnd q DOllas and Make a Job"