File No. 812.00/1257.
[Untitled]
The Department of State is in receipt of the memorandum of the Mexican Embassy, dated April 8, 1911, in which the attention of the Department is called to an assault recently alleged to have been committed by a Mexican upon a messenger employed by the Mexican Government to carry money between Marfa and Presidio, Tex., destined for Gen. Luque, who is at Ojinaga, Chihuahua, Mexico, for the needs of the garrison there, and saying that the Mexican department of foreign affairs instructs the embassy to bring this matter to the knowledge of the Department of State and ask that measures be taken for the adequate safety of the courier.
Under all the circumstances of the case it would appear that the messenger above referred to is engaged in the military service of the Government of Mexico in the matter of carrying funds for the payment and support of Gen. Luque’s troops, and, this being true, it appears clear that the Government of the United States could hardly justify participation in the transaction. Should the courier be apprehensive regarding his personal safety he should apply for protection to the local authorities of the State of Texas, who will doubtless render the necessary assistance.
Washington, April 12, 1911.