763.72/3759¾
President Wilson to the Secretary of State
Washington,
27 March, 1917.
My Dear Mr. Secretary: It is clear to me that the only thing we can prudently do is to urge both Cuba and Panama to do just what we do.
In case Cuba follows our lead it will be necessary, I take it for granted, to give her our military protection as fully as we give it to Porto Rico and St. Thomas. I hope that you will get the negotiations in course as soon as possible, but that you will first confer with Baker and Daniels about the practical consequences and our ability to handle them.
Faithfully Yours,
W. W.