Office of the Historian

Mr. Clayton to Mr. Sherman.

Legation of the United States,
Mexico, May 6, 1898.
No. 411.]

Sir: Referring to my No. 399 of the 30th ultimo, with which I forwarded copies of the circulars issued by three of the departments of the Mexican Government enjoining neutrality, I now have the honor to inclose the circular, together with translation, of the minister of war and marine, enjoining the strictest neutrality upon all members-of the army in the war existing between the United States and Spain.

I have, etc.,

Powell Clayton.
[Inclosure 1.—Transation.—From Diario Oficial, April 31, 1898.]
Department of War and Marine,
Office of General Staff .

circular No. 209.

It being an international duty for the Government of the Mexican Republic to maintain the strictest neutrality in the war actually existing between the United States and Spain, its relations with both belligerents being equally friendly, it is the duty of all Mexican citizens, and especially of the members of the army, to be scrupulously [Page 886] alert, so that for no reason any violations of neutrality, however remote, may occur. In this sense, and at the express wish of the President, I recommend that you redouble your vigilance so that these prohibitions may be complied with by all generals, chiefs, officials, members of troops, and others subject to their orders.

The President believes that the patriotism and prudence of all the members of the army will be sufficient to sustain his designs; but if, unfortunately, anyone should forget his duty, he will be subject to the corresponding penalties without prejudice to those that may be inflicted under the military code for disobedience to this order.

I communicate this to you that it may be complied with, and that it may be published in the general order of the day in all the places where there are troops under your command.

Liberty and constitution.

Berriozabal.

Mexico, April 29, 1898.