Evening star., 1933-10-03
Memher nf the Associated Press.
Civil War at Havana.


It would be idle to pretend that Mon
days pitched battle at Havana, with
its heavy toll of dead and wounded,
including the killing of an American
citizen, does not bring measurably
nearer the prospect that intervention
by the United States may be the only
way Of bringing permanent peace and
order to strife-torn Cuba. That, after
all, is the aim and purpose Of the Platt
amendment, and, reluctant as this
country would be, for countless rea-
sons. once again to take heed Of its
obligations under that provision Of the
Cuban constitution, it may turn out to
be our only alternative.
Even in the presence of the san
culinary events of the past twenty-four
hours at Havana. Secretary Hull sig
mails no change in American policy
toward Cuba. His affirmation does
credit to the patience and consistency
Of the administrations program, which
calls for hands-of attitude as long
as such an attitude can possibly be
maintained. But obviously it is a pol
Icy subject to change on short notice
and one that must be governed en-
tirely by the incalculable and kaleido-
scopic situation into which Cuba is now
plunged.
Mondays battle was the long
threatened clash between government
troops and the five hundred-odd former
army officers besieged for many weeks
IN the Hotel National. Repeatedly the
officers had been summoned to sur
render. AS repeatedly they breathed
defiance from their sky-scraper fortress,
coupled with demand for the abdica-
ton of the Grau San Martin revolu-
tionary regime. Matters reached q
crisis yesterday. Firing began by the
beseiging forces. Ten hours Of hostilities
ended in the officers surrender after
casualties Of undetermined number on
both sides and among civilians In the
battle zone. Robert G. Lotspeich Of
Ohio longtime Havana representative
OF American packing interests, was
felled by bullet while observing
fighting operations from the roof of
his own apartment building. Until
late last night Havana was under a
reign Of terror. Rifle and machine gun
fire reverberated throughout the city,
and hospitals and Red Cross stations,
filled with wounded, gave Havana the
aspect Of battlefield.
Grau San Martins difficulties In
preserving law and order In the cap
ital and throughout the interior prov
inces are in themselves a matter Of
gravity, from Americas standpoint, but
possibly Of even more moment is the
governments notorious lack of popular
support, despite the three and half
weeks 1t has so far contrived to main
tain itself in power. The A. B. c. and
o. @. r. r. revolutionary groups, which
were mainly responsible for the over
throw Of Machado, are in irreconcilable
opposition to the present rulers Of the
island. The business and intellectual
groups also stubbornly withhold their
approval Of the students and sergeants
who now control Cuban destinies Com
munism is widespread and in belliger-
ent mood Labor is out Of hand, espe-
cially in the interior, where the sugar
industry, largely in American owner
ship, Is centered. Life and property
everywhere are insecure.
How long, In the face Of actual civil
war and adverse political conditions, the
United States can continue its policy of
watchful waiting, is today utterly prob
lematical. Possibly, the thing that
would force our hand would be the
actual occurrence of an army coup
aimed at President Grau San Martins
government. The ex-oficers, now in the
hands Of their one-time subordinates
always claimed considerable follow
ing in the army they once led, and If
violence is done to the officers, as Is
now feared, 1t might be the signal for
q counter-revolt of tragic dimensions.
There are circumstantial reports of a
rift between Batista's army and the
Students Directorate.
Manifestly, events in Cuba are rush.
ing toward a climax, and with them
may, Of necessity, come new orienta-
ton Of American policy. AS Of this
writing, It would savor almost Of a
miracle II Intervention can still be
avoided