The Acting Secretary of State to Ambassador Thompson.
Washington, September 21, 1906.
Following telegram received from manager Gulf Fisheries Company:
It is reported on good authority that Mexican gunboats have orders to seize American fishing vessels under any and all conditions of weather if within [Page 1096] the three-mile limit. Mexico is the only country that I ever heard of that denies the right of a vessel to make any port in a storm. Fishermen have always made a harbor under the lee of the reefs during bad weather and if denied this right it is likely to cause loss of life and property. This is the hurricane season, so please advise me as soon as possible if our men are obliged to stay at sea and risk their lives and our property when there is probably a safe harbor within a few miles of them.
Please investigate and report to department.