June, 1916, are now alleging that blame should attach to the American representatives in Mexico City for their departure, inasmuch as they gave orders for them to leave and practically compelled them to do so. As to this I wish, on behalf of Mr. Charles B. Parker and for myself, to enter an emphatic and general denial. In no instance, to my knowledge, was any order issued. In obedience to the instructions of the Department, all Americans to whose attention the matter could be brought were advised to leave the city if they could do so without too great sacrifice of their property and affairs. In the large majority of instances, no such advice was necessary, as these Americans were only too ready to go, and were clamoring for transportation facilities. As a matter of fact, it is my understanding that many of those who were most critical as to the means afforded them for getting away and who cha fed' at any delay, are now those who are loudest in their denunciation of the Government and of the Government's representatives. I repeat, therefore, with the utmost emphasis, that there was no species of compulsion of any character used and that, invariably when any American referred to leaving under orders he was promptly corrected, the statement being made to him that it was simply the advice of the Government, in view of current conditions, which seemed to justify it, and that each individual would have to make up his or her mind as to what policy they would pursue. It is true that in many instances Americans attempted to have me make up their minds for them, but I resolutely refused, and contented myself simply with citing facts, which seemed sufficient. It is my desire in this to make clear that each and every man and woman who left Mexico City, or other cities of Mexico, under these conditions, acted as a free agent and under the full knowledge and belief that the circumstances and conditions fully warranted their getting out of Mexico as speedily as possible and under the armed protection of the United States. For my own part and policy in the matter, I have no apology whatever to offer to anyone, but I make this statement generally for the information of the Government, and essentially in the interest of Mr. Parker, who simply carried out the instructions given to him from the Department of State, and also those which I gave to him from time to time, all having the same general relation to the cause. I have [etc.] JAMES L. RODGERS File No. 812.48/3398 The Secretary of State to Special Representative Rodgers DEPARTMENT OF STATE, Washington, August 7, 1916. SIR: The Department acknowledges the receipt of your despatch No. 126, of July 28, 1916, in which you state that it has come to your attention that certain American citizens who left Mexico City during the month of June last assert that they were ordered to leave Mexico, as a result of instructions issued by the Department of State. In reply you are informed that several complaints of this character have reached the Department, and that it has consistently informed the authors of such complaints that this Department did not order American citizens to leave Mexico, but that it advised them to withdraw temporarily from that country. I am [etc.] For the Secretary of State: JOHN E. OSBORNE Reports from American consular officers giving approximate number of Americans in their districts, number departing and number remaining File No. 812.00/19778 The Secretary of State to Collector Cobb [Telegram] DEPARTMENT OF STATE, Washington, November 9, 1916, 6, p. m. Inform British Consul at Chihuahua British Embassy here has received his message regarding situation in Chihuahua City, and desires him to know that inasmuch as the Consul is on the spot, he is the best judge as to what action to take to safeguard British subjects. Department of State wishes British Consul to advise Americans to leave Chihuahua City. Endeavor convey foregoing by trustworthy traveler, if possible. LANSING File No. 812.00/19885 The Secretary of State to the French Consul, Mazatlan [Telegram] DEPARTMENT OF STATE, Washington, November 17, 1916. Department informed several American citizens left Parral, Chihuahua, on November 3, for Culiacan. These Americans were threatened by bandits and could not come out by way of border. They are traveling on horseback. Please communicate with Culiacan and endeavor ascertain whether said Americans have arrived there, and if not, request appropriate authorities to assist you in locating Americans in question. Kindly keep Department informed of developments. ROBERT LANSING File No. 812.00/19885 The Secretary of State to the Secretary of the Navy DEPARTMENT OF STATE, Washington, November 17, 1916. SIR: Several days ago I was informed by American consular officers along the Mexican border that on account of the capture of Parral, State of Chihuahua, Mexico, by Villista forces, several American citizens at that place were in grave danger of being killed by bandits. I am now informed by the Department's representative at El Paso that several American citizens residing at Parral left that city on November 3, 1916, for Culiacan, State of Sinaloa, Mexico. These Americans are said to be traveling on horseback. I have no means of ascertaining when they may be expected to reach the Mexican west coast. I have the honor to suggest that the Senior Naval Officer present in Mexican west coast waters be informed that these Americans are endeavoring to reach Culiacan, and that he be directed to give them such assistance as may be necessary upon their arrival at a Mexican west coast port. I have requested the French Vice Consul at Mazatlan to communicate with Culiacan for the purpose of ascertaining whether the Americans in question have arrived there. ROBERT LANSING I have [etc.] File No. 312.11/8236 The Secretary of State to Vice Consul Coen [Telegram] DEPARTMENT OF STATE, Washington, November 20, 1916. Advise Americans in your district to withdraw from Mexico. File No. 312.11/8308 LANSING Consul General Hanna to the Secretary of State [Telegram] SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS, December 22, 1916, 11 p. m. British Consul Pat O'Hea arrived at San Luis Potosi this afternoon together with 24 Americans and families, also 7 Britishers and families. HANNA PROTECTION OF AMERICAN MINING INTERESTS IN MEXICO1 File No. 812.512/958 Special Agent Silliman to the Secretary of State [Telegram] QUERÉTARO, January 5, 1916, 11 a. m. Department's December 28, 11 a. m. Mining taxes. Subsecretary informed me this morning Chief Executive is disposed to reconsider and reform present mining decree granting interests a considerable reduction. He awaits the arrival here of Cabrera in order to finally formulate the modifications. SILLIMAN File No. 812.512/1017 Mr. Parker, representing American interests, to the Secretary of State No. 273 MEXICO CITY, January 26, 1916. SIR: For the information of the Department, I have the honor to transmit herewith a translation of a circular, which has force of law, promulgated by the Subsecretary of Finance of the de facto Government of Mexico with reference to the payment of mining taxes. I have [etc.] 1 Continued from For. Rel. 1915, p. 892. CHARLES B. PARKER [Inclosure-Translation] DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE In order to regulate the collection of the mining tax, this office hereby grants a term of one month, from the first of January next, to pay all taxes in arrears, it being understood that after the expiration of such time, the titles to all mining property on which the taxes have not been paid, will be forfeited, in accordance with Article No. 6 of the Law of June 6, 1892. And I communicate the above to you for your information and effects. MEXICO, December 29, 1915. The Assistant Secretary of Finance, File No. 812.512/1022 Special Agent Silliman to the Secretary of State [Telegram] GUANAJUATO, February 10, 1916, 1 p. m. Arranged for informal meeting this morning between managers of principal American mining companies representing many millions and Secretary Cabrera. Conference lasted an hour. Local and general situation frankly and fully discussed. Secretary states that due to Government's need of money it was obliged to adopt measures that it would not consider under ordinary circumstances; that it wishes the mining companies to understand this and that while the Government must go to the limit in taxes, it did not want to go beyond the limit. It wanted to dismiss its soldiers as rapidly as possible and have them employed in mines and other industries; that Government must foster industries and not oppress them. Interests of the Government and the industries of the country, he said, are mutual, and not antagonistic. He asked companies to be patient and to trust the Government to do its best for them under the abnormal circumstances. He said to them, and afterwards confirmed to me, when I read him Department's February 8, 4 p. m., that Government had decided that any change in mining the here [decree?] would be considered during the next period and if changed it would become effective with beginning of new fiscal year July 1. This means that taxes for the next tercio will have to be paid according to terms of the present decree. File No. 812.512/1017 SILLIMAN The Secretary of State to Special Agent Silliman DEPARTMENT OF STATE, Washington, February 11, 1916. SIR: There is enclosed herewith a copy of a despatch from the Department's representative at Mexico City, dated January 26, 1916, and a translation of a circular issued by the Assistant Secretary of Finance, dated at Mexico City, December 29, 1915, granting a term of one month, from the first of January, within which all mining taxes in arrears must be paid. You are instructed to bring this matter to the attention of the appropriate authorities, and, in behalf of American citizens owning mining property in Mexico, to request an extension of the time to pay 106413° F B 1916- -50 |