Imperial Valley press., 1933-09-09
WATCHFUL EYE
KEPT ON CUBA
BY PRESIDENT
Looks To Cuban Junta For In
formation Of Government Cap
able Of Maintaining Order.
MEXICO MAKES APPEAL
American Warships Kept Ready
For Action Should Intervention
Become Necessary.
BY JOSEPH ii. BAIRD
United Press Staff Correspondent


WASHINGTON, Sept 9.-Tbis
weekend will determine whether
the United States is to intervene in
Cuba, Officials believed today. Pre-
sident Roosevelt cancelled his holi-
day fishing trip that he might stay
in personal command. His course
depended entirely on the ability of
the ruling revolutionary junta in
Havana to form a government
strong enough to maintain order
and protect foreigners.
A fleet of warsnlps and bombing
planes and a regiment of marines
awaited only the Presidential COM
mand. In the balance was not Gu
ba'S future, but the entire Ameri-
can military strength would arouse
the old fear of the Colossus of the
North and jeopardize all efforts
at economic unity for countries of
the western hemisphere.
The appeal by Mexico to Argen-
tine, Brazil and Chile to use their
influence with the Cuban regime
to assure safety of life and pro-
perty, was regarded as a safeguard
against excessive anti american
ism should intervention become
necessary.
American Ships Ready
War vessels and planes were in
vantage points near Cuba, prepared
for instant action. A number of
vessels were in Cuban harbors.
A record non stop mass flight
from Hampton Roads, Va, to Coco
Solo, c. T., put six naval seaplanes
within striking distance. Flying
through SO mile squall, and for
the most part over water, the
planes made the 2,O56 miles in 25
hours and 25 minutes.
The, American destroyer Over
ton proceeded to Cienfuegos after
a call at the isle of Pines where
750 Americans had asked protec-
ton when the release of 1000 in
mates of penal colony was
threatened. The Overton found ev-
erything quiet.
A coast guard destroyer moved
into position to protect Americans
at Antilla, Cuba.
The cruiser indianapolis, carry
ing Secretary of Navy Swanson,
proceeded toward the west coast
after a two-hour stop in Havana
harbor. The secretary did not leave
the ship.
The desire of President Roose-
welt to avoid any warlike gestures
led to cancellation of his fishing
trip, which was scheduled to start
from Quaa3tico, Va, where 1880
marines are held in readiness. He
feared his visit would be regarded
as a review of the marines prior to
sailing.
WASHINGTON, Sept. 8. U.H -
American warships we're speeded
today toward completion of the ma
val encircling of Cuba as the state
department received authentic re-
ports that many parts of the islanc
were without effective government.
The reports expressed doubt that
the lack of effective government
could long continue without serious
disorders
simultaneously the navy depart
ment revealed new orders, the first
of which dispatched the battleship
Mississippi to Havana.
The navy department said eight
destroyers now assembling at
Hampton Roads, Va, would be sent
to Cuban waters, probably Key
West, Fla, as soon as all hands and
equipment are on board.
The destroyer MacFarland was
ordered from Havana harbor to Car
denas, rs miles west of the capital
The Mississippi had been desig-
mated for Cardenas until todays
shift.
At Quantico. Va, marine base,
the Seventh regiment mobilized for
possible Cuban duty, was under or
ders which prohibited leave for any
enlisted men over the weekend.
President Roosevelt however ex-.
pected, according to White House
sources to start on his postponed
fishing trip down the Potomac late
today. Previously he called off
plans for departing last night due
to the Cuban crisis.