File No. 812.00/2495.
The American Ambassador to the Secretary of State.
Yesterday I had an interview with the minister for foreign affairs in which he informed me that definite information is now in the possession of his Government that an organized rebellion has been initiated by Gen. Reyes, who is now in American territory. The minister stated that his Government has information that many petty Texan officials are in collusion with Reyes, the sheriff of Webb County being mentioned in particular. The minister asked me to bring this condition of affairs to the attention of the Department of State, and that it be requested to enforce the neutrality laws of the United States under the most liberal interpretation possible, so as to prevent threatened attacks against the peace of a friendly Government from being organized on American territory, and that suitable representation be also made to the authorities of Texas. The Mexican Government is confident that it can deal successfully with the situation in southern Mexico and is taking, as I know, energetic measures to that end; but it is very greatly apprehensive about the situation on the frontier and is massing troops there. I earnestly recommend that energetic measures be taken on the border and that every possible assistance compatible with our laws be given to the Mexican Government.