Evening star., 1934-01-26
BY COL. CARLOS MENDIETA,

MA ANA, OdIludly 20 tN]A.4S'fh-) -
assumed the presidency Of Cuba on the
petition of all sectors of the nation,
believing it my patriotic duty to reunite
the Cuban people and guide the repub-
DC out of the morass Of difficulties, both
political and economic, which have be-
set us during the past few years.
It must be borne in mind that my
government Is provisional and is
neither political nor sectional. 1t is
national government which aims toward
the restoration of the true principles OF
democracy as expressed by our beloved
Marti With all and for all" I have
the utmost confidence in the Cuban
people, in their capacity for self
government and in their ability to up
hold the sovereignty and independence
Of the republic.
The almost immediate recognition
accorded my government by the United
States is highly gratifying and indica-
tive of a willingness to extend the
closest cooperation and the most ample
deal in Cuba.
Policy of Administration
The policy of my administration EN-
braces the restoration OF civil authority
and personal rights and liberty; finan-
cial and economic rehabilitation; the
opening of trade channels and the
STRENGTHENING of relations with our
great Northern neighbor and best custo-
mer; social reforms which will raise
the standard of living of the masses,
and the stimulation of development OF
the natural resources Of the island.
The future of Cuba lies in her going
hand in hand with the United States.
For obvious reasons and in accord with
the expressed desire Of both the United
States and Cuba, we expect that the
Platt amendment will be substituted by
q treaty of friendship and alliance,
which unquestionably will promote
more harmonious relations in the fu-
ture between the two nations.
Within the next few months we hope
to see the reciprocity treaty modified so
that clogged trade channels may be re-
cultural country, depending largely on
her principal industry-sugar. We have
received indications that a reasonable
Eukd1 QuOld WILL UC 81 dhoSo lS, oAAA
want to emphasize that our future pros
perity depends upon this cooperation
from the United States. If Cuba loses
her sugar market, which now seems i'm
minent, she loses all hope Of economic
stability.
On the other hand Cuba realizes that
the inlsnSe nationalistic program, un-
der which her tariff barriers have been
pushed higher and higher since 1926,
has greatly impeded her progress, as 1t
closed the Cuban market to American
exporters and enormously increased the
cost of living throughout the island.
Development of natural resources and
ENCOURAGEMENT of national industry is
one of the principal duties of any gov
eminent, but the masses OF the people
should not be forced to suffer for the
benefit of any group or groups.
Looks to U. S. for Money.
Cuba at present Is saddled with q
huge foreign Indebtedness which she
Oonscientiously must pay. However, 1t
must be realized that the present i'm
poverished condition of the national
treasury makes it impossible to meet
the heavy maturing payments. 1t is
our intention to enter into negotiations
with the holders of these obligations
SO that a mutually satisfactory settle
ment may be reached within short
time.
At the same time I might say that
Cuba looks toward the United States
for monetary assistance in her present
dilemma to bring her out OF an eco
nonic quagmire and re-establish this
republic as one of Americas most
profitable customers. Recalling the
sympathetic attitude of the American
people toward us and the intimate
friendship which has always existed
between the two countries, we do not
hesitate to call on the United States in
bur time of need.
I desire to lay stress on the point
Ghat foreign capital will receive the
most ample protection in the develop
ment of its legitimate interests in the
republic The recent enactment OF ex-
treme labor legislation has created
state of intense unrest. which has al
fected not only national but foreign in
dustry. These measures attempted Vlo-
lently to change the relations between
worker and employer and to give i'm
mediate advantages to native labor over
the foreign working element. Many
notifications must be made in these
various DEGREES in order to adapt them
10 immediate conditions.
Commerce and industry on the island
hre now in an acute financial state, and
measures to improve living conditions
Ind the status of the worker must be
but into force as gradually as general
conditions permit.
Reform First Consideration.
It is not the intention of Cuba to
discriminate against her foreign resi-
dents or foreign interests. although, as
Is natural, it is necessary to aid and
assist her own nationals in their ef-
forts to earn more equitable living.
One of the first considerations of the
new government will be reform of
the tributary system in order to facili-
tate the operations of commerce and in
dustry and at the same moment insure
the treasury adequate revenue.
We are now working on provisional
Natutes, which will be promulgated at
In early date. to govern the nation dur
ing this transition period and until a
pew constitution, more adequately full
Alling the requirements of the present
Day and more suited to the tempera-
pnent of the Cuban people, can be drawn
up by constituent assembly.
While the recent Grau San Martin
administration issued decree calling
for an election on April % next, it is
obvious that this period is too short for
the reorganization of political parties
and the nomination of delegates to ex-
press the true will of the public in this
highly important assembly.
The whole-hearted support of my ad-
ninistration that is being demonstrated
BY the Cuban people gives me courage
n the attempt satisfactorily to solve the
9nultitude of problems confronting the
Island republic. and I am highly con-
&dent that Cuba will emerge from this
dark period in her history into an era
6 peace and prosperity.