File No. 812.00/794.
The Acting Secretary of State to the American Ambassador.
Washington, February 18, 1911.
The following telegram received yesterday from Secretary of Commerce and Labor:
The immigrant inspector at Calexico, Cal., telegraphs stating that a battle is being fought in that vicinity, and asking whether permission should be given to bring into the United States for medical treatment aliens, government troops, or insurrectos. Please advise me promptly if you know of any reason against this; otherwise I intend to telegraph permission.
The following reply has to-day been sent to that Department:
I beg to inform you in response to your telegram of yesterday that this Department believes that the wounded of both sides should be granted permission to enter the United States for treatment and nursing; notification, however, should be given them upon entering our territory that we reserve the right to detain them here upon their recovery if circumstances at the time require it. Therefore I suggest that this attitude of our Government be made known to any wounded who may cross into the United States.
In bringing this matter to the attention of the Foreign Office you will explain the position of this Government, stating that it will look to the Government of Mexico for any expenses incurred by the Government of the United States for nursing or detention, if detention prove to be desirable on account of circumstances that later develop.
You will also inform the Mexican Government that the American Red Cross on the 13th instant benevolently offered its services in caring for sick and wounded in Mexico in case request for its services shall be made.