You have been furnished with the text of a joint resolution voted by
the Congress of the United States on the 19th instant (approved
to-day) in relation to the pacification of the island of Cuba. In
obedience to that act, the President directs you to immediately
communicate to the Government of Spain said resolution, with the
formal demand of the Government of the United States that the
Government of Spain at once relinquish its authority and government
in the island of Cuba and Cuban waters. In taking this step the
United States hereby disclaims any disposition or intention to
exercise sovereignty, jurisdiction, or control over said island
except for the pacification thereof, and asserts its determination
when that is accomplished to leave the government and control of the
island to its people under such free and independent government as
they may establish.
If, by the hour of noon on Saturday next, the 23d day of April,
instant, there be not communicated to this Government by that of
Spain a full and satisfactory response to this demand and
resolution, whereby the ends of peace in Cuba shall be assured, the
President will proceed without further notice to use the power and
authority enjoined and conferred upon him by the said joint
resolution to such extent as may be necessary to carry the same into
effect.
JOINT RESOLUTION For the recognition of the
independence of the people of Cuba, demanding that the
Government of Spain relinquish its authority and government in
the Island of Cuba, and to withdraw its land and naval forces
from Cuba and Cuban waters, and directing the President of the
United States to use the land and naval forces of the United
States to carry these resolutions into effect.
Resolved by the Senate and House of
Representatives of the United States of America in Congress
assembled, First. That the people of the Island of Cuba
are, and of right ought to be, free and independent.
Second. That it is the duty of the United States to demand, and
the Government of the United States does hereby demand, that the
Government of Spain at once relinquish its authority and
government in the Island of Cuba and withdraw its land and naval
forces from Cuba and Cuban waters.
Third. That the President of the United States be, and he hereby
is, directed and empowered to use the entire land and naval
forces of the United States, and to call into the actual service
of the United States the militia of the several States, to such
extent as may be necessary to carry these resolutions into
effect.
Fourth. That the United States hereby disclaims any disposition
or intention to exercise sovereignty, jurisdiction, or control
over said Island except for the pacification thereof, and
asserts its determination, when that is accomplished, to leave
the government and control of the Island to its people.
Approved, April 20,
1898.