File No. 812.00/2230.
[Untitled]
Mexico, July 18, 1911.
Sir: I have the honor to inform the Department, in connection with the present disturbed conditions in this country, that President de la Barra stated in conversation yesterday that while he is somewhat concerned as to the various outbreaks that have occurred he is not greatly apprehensive, and that he intends from now on to abandon the policy of patience and toleration which he said conditions up to the present moment have indicated as being the best, and that he intends to deal sternly and drastically henceforth with disorders wherever they show themselves. He said that for this purpose he [Page 511] had selected as chief of the armed forces a man of great vigor and courage, who would be appointed in the very near future and would be given orders to ruthlessly suppress uprisings and obstreperousness of every kind.
It may be remarked that this decision of the President might have been taken to the great advantage of the country a week or two ago. If his present intentions are carried out, however, with discretion and in a thoroughgoing manner there seems to be no reason to doubt but that they will bring to the country a season, at least, of much more normal conditions.
In this connection I have the honor to inclose to the Department a clipping from the Mexican Herald of to-day’s date,1 giving the text of an interview which the President has given to the local press.
I have [etc.],
- Not printed.↩