File No. 711.1216M/229.
The Secretary of State to the American Ambassador.
Washington, February 22, 1911.
In accordance with the agreement reported in your telegram of the 17th instant, the Secretary of the Interior has undertaken to protect the Colorado River works by ununiformed guards. Should the canal above the levee works be endangered by revolutionists similar protection is suggested for it. This canal is the sole source of water supply for the Imperial Valley. It is deemed desirable that the two Governments come to an agreement in anticipation of possible trouble there.
Impress upon the Mexican Government that this Government is convinced that unless an absolutely overwhelming force is sent into the disturbed territory the situation will be merely aggravated, and it is hoped that the Mexican Government will for the present leave the protection of these works to the arrangement as agreed upon.