File No. 812.00/1037.
The American Ambassador to the Secretary of State.
Mr. Limantour admitted to me yesterday that his ability to save the situation was doubtful, being embarrassed both by his friends, who insist that he accept the vice presidency, and by the unresponsive attitude of the President, who is not only averse to delegating his powers but inactive in applying them himself to this emergency. Mr. Limantour announces that he is unwilling to accept the succession, but willing, if accorded full support, to take temporary direction [Page 432] of affairs. He acknowledged the gravity and wide extent of the revolutionary movement, but asserted that it would fail, if his Government exercised proper energy, for lack of leadership and organization.
As to United States military movements on the border he was greatly relieved when I assured him positively that they were primarily to discharge international obligations, and the United States had not the slightest intention of intervening, unless the present Mexican Government should fall and not be succeeded by a responsible one.