No. 431.
Mr. Davis to Mr. Cayetano
Romero.
Washington, May 7, 1883.
Sir: Referring to the note from this Department to Señor Don Matias Romero, of the 24th ultimo, relative to the modification of the existing arrangement for the reciprocal crossing of the frontier by the troops of either country in pursuit of hostile Indians, I have now the honor to inform you that I have received from the Secretary of War further information, which shows that the object in view was not so much to confer upon the respective military commanders powers enabling them to depart from the general stipulations of that arrangement, as to permit them to continue the active operations now begun beyond the time fixed by the supplementary protocol of September 21, 1882, for the termination of the arrangement. I inclose herewith copy of a telegram which has been received from General Crook, which will explain the object primarily in view in making the request previously communicated to your Government. It appears that this purpose can be attained by the [Page 694] simple expedient of signing an additional protocol, similar to that of September 21, 1882, extending the duration of the agreement of July 29, 1882, for one year longer, and I am directed by the President to say that if your powers under your present instructions are adequate to that end, I shall be happy to sign such an additional protocol with you forthwith. If not, I have the honor to request that you will communicate with your Government by telegraph and obtain such authorization as will facilitate the speedy accomplishment of a purpose which I have no doubt will commend itself to the Government of Mexico no less strongly than to that of the United States.
I am informed by the Secretary of War that the present operations begun by General Crook, in conjunction with the Mexican commander, against the hostile Apaches, whose depredations have been so great a source of terror to the dwellers on both sides of the frontier line, will probably continue more than three months, during which time he will necessarily be beyond the reach of telegraphic communication. It would therefore appear especially desirable that by means of a timely understanding between the two Governments, which can be made known to him in season, the danger that successful operations against the Apaches be brought to a halt on the 18th of August next, and the anticipated good results of this season’s campaign rendered fruitless, should if possible be averted.
In the event of the approval of the Mexican Senate being required for a mere arrangement by protocol, extending the agreement for another year, an additional reason for immediate action would exist, inasmuch as the session of that body is near its close.
Accept, &c.,
Acting Secretary.