DISORDERS IN CUBA.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 53, Issue 257, 11 August 1933, Page 5

DISORDERS IN CUBA.

REVOLT OR FAMINE COMING. UNITED STATES MAY INTERVENE (United Press Association —Copyright). WASHINGTON, August 9. Advices from Havana indicate that the situation is rapidly becoming more acute, with either a violent revolution, serious famine conditions, or both, likely to result unless moral or military intervention under the Platt Amendment, by the United States- Government, is successfully effected. After a conference with the Cuban Ambassador to-night, President Roosevelt issued a brief statement urging the people of Cuba to recognise that the problems of starvation and depression were of such immediate impoitance that every political problem should be met by the most patriotic spirit in order to improve conditions. This is widely interpreted as a hint to President Machado that, if the political differences cannot be composed, the American Government will look with favour on his resignation. It is reported that police cars are cruising through the city, shooting into closed shops indiscriminately. The populace are seeking the shelter of their homes and business is virtually at a standstill. The poorer classes have been without food for 24 hours and extensive looting is expected. Military and naval officials estimate that it would require a force of 15,000 men. to occupy the island without fear of a fiasco. There are 5500 sailors on the eastern seaboard of the United States ready for instant action and 2400 marines rvould be quickly available. According to Press reports from Havana, the Secretary of State (Senor Ferrera), on his arrival in Havana today from Washington, declared that intervention was not likely, but called on all political partisans to repel “the American invasion, if attempted.” • Sunday’s trains from the inerior of Cuba still stand on the tracks. Warehouses are closed and perishable goods are rotting. There is no milk, ice nor beer, and very little food. Some of the big retail stores have opened one door. Hotel guests are on rations. The electric plants and water supply are under military guard. No newspapers have been published and none are allowed in from outside. AMERICAN ACTION CONDEMNED. PREJUDICIAL TO SOVEREIGNTY. (Received This Day, 11.15 a.in.) HAVANA, August 10. The Executive Committee of the Machado (Liberal) Party to-day adopted a motion condemning the United i States Ambassador (Mr Sumner Welles) for his procedure in trying to mediate in Cuba’s political difficulties, as prejudicial to Cuba’s sovereignty. Mr Welles had proposed a peace plan calling for Senor Machado’s retirement from the Presidency.