How we cite our quotes: (Section)
Quote #1
That the government of Cuba will execute […] the plans already devised or other plans to be mutually agreed upon, for the sanitation of the cities of the island, to the end that a recurrence of epidemic and infectious diseases may be prevented, thereby assuring protection to the people and commerce of Cuba, as well as to the commerce of the southern ports of the United States and the people residing therein. (V)
Notice the two sides to this coin. The rule is that Cuba must keep its cities clean in order to prevent the spread of disease. Sounds reasonable, right? Congress says this is for the protection of the "people and commerce of Cuba," but also for the "commerce of the southern ports of the United States." By the Platt Amendment wording, it's not clear what the U.S. cares about more—Cubans becoming diseased, or those diseases spreading to American cities. But we'll let you take a guess on that one.
Quote #2
That the Isle of Pines shall be omitted from the proposed constitutional boundaries of Cuba, the title thereto being left to future adjustment by treaty. (VI)
Here's a sneaky rule that Congress slips in toward the end of the Amendment—Cuba has to leave this little piece of land outside of their control. Now why would that be? Perhaps so that the U.S. could create a permanent settlement there, such as a military base, to keep a strong position in the Caribbean. We don't actually know what Congress' true intention was with the Isle of Pines, but including this section in the Amendment is a great example of the U.S. slapping rules on Cuba to weaken the island's position and enhance America's.
Quote #3
That by way of further assurance the government of Cuba will embody the foregoing provisions in a permanent treaty with the United States. (VIII)
"Provisions" is a nice way of saying "rules." This quote is the final piece of the Platt Amendment, and it serves as a reminder to Cuba that they will be following these rules. It doesn't list an "or else," but the tone of the writing suggests that there will be no arguing the point. Notice that here and throughout the Amendment Congress doesn't really assure Cuba that these rules are for their own benefit; nor does Congress outwardly say that this is all for U.S. profit.
Maybe it's all in how individuals end up interpreting the rules…