No. 746.
Mr. Bayard
to Mr. Connery.
Washington, October 11, 1887.
Sir: I have to acknowledge the receipt of your No. 239, of October 4, 1887, in which you inform me of the murder, by bandits, in the State of Durango, of Leon Baldwin, a citizen of the United States, at the time of his death manager of the Valenciana mines.
As you are aware, diplomatic intervention for satisfaction or indemnity is a function of great delicacy, which should only be exercised upon adequate proof, making out a prima facie case.
In order to secure such proof a circular has been prepared in the Department, a copy of which is inclosed herewith and which will show you in general terms what is requisite in cases of this class to enable the Department to intervene.
In the present instance the first step to be taken by the Department would be to call upon the Mexican Government to institute an investigation as to the murder in question and to inform the Department as to the results of such investigation. But even this step can not be taken until an affidavit or affidavits are laid before the Department enabling it to speak with precision and on responsible information.
You will therefore take such steps as will cause papers of this character to be laid before the Department. You will also see that these are accompanied by proof of the citizenship of Mr. Baldwin.
I am, etc.,