File No. 812.00/1459.
The American Ambassador
to the Secretary of State.
American Embassy,
Mexico, April 17,
1911.
No. 472.]
Sir: With reference to the Department’s
telegraphic instructions of April 14 and April 17,1 regarding the serious
consequences that may flow from a repetition of such incidents as those
taking place during the fighting at Agua Prieta on the 13th instant, I
have the honor to inclose to the Department herewith copy of a note
which I addressed to the foreign office immediately upon receipt of the
Department’s first telegram. * * *
I have [etc.],
[Page 459]
[Inclosure.]
The American
Ambassador to the Mexican Minister
for Foreign Affairs.
American Embassy,
Mexico, April 15,
1911.
No. 284.]
Mr. Minister: It is reported to the
Government of the United States, through official channels and
otherwise, that in an engagement that took place at Agua Prieta on
the 13th instant between Federal and revolutionary forces 2 American
citizens were killed and 11 wounded, including some children, in
Douglas, Ariz. Thousands of bullets struck houses and placed in
jeopardy the life and property of citizens engaged in peaceful
pursuits. My Government has been advised that the engagement
referred to occurred within 10 feet of the boundary line and that
further fighting may be expected at any time.
In view of this occurrence I am instructed by my Government to advise
your excellency that the President feels that the Mexican Government
should send urgent and express instructions to prevent further
danger to American life and property on American soil resulting from
armed conflicts between governmental forces and forces of
insurgents. I am obliged, in the discharge of a painful but
necessary duty, to call your excellency’s attention to the fact that
this is the third time that Mexican Federal troops have fired into
American jurisdiction in a manner threatening human life, and that
while the President appreciates the difficulties under which the
Mexican Government is acting, a recurrence of such incidents will
compel him, as the guardian of American lives on American soil, and
as a measure of self-defense, to take action of a kind which it is
his desire to avoid, and which he has used every effort to
avoid.
I avail [etc.],
