File No. 812.00/5297.
The American Consul at Vera Cruz to the Secretary of State.
Vera Cruz, October 21, 1912—10 a.m.
I transmit the following, just received, from the Federal General Beltrán:
General Beltrán to the American Consul at Vera Cruz.
William W. Canada,
Chief of the Consular Corps, Vera Cruz:
In obedience to the orders of my Government to regain possession of the city of Vera Cruz, in which you are, in addition to being the representative of your country, the worthy chief of the consular corps, and in view of the presence in the harbor of the Des Moines, I have the honor, in compliance with article 17 of the laws of war, to inform you that the city will be taken by force of arms. I hope, Mr. Consul, that you will be good enough to take, in the matter of your nationals, and with the consuls over whom you preside (so that they in turn may do so for their nationals), the necessary precautionary measures for avoiding the consequences which unfortunately are usually attendant upon an engagement at arms. Hospitals, scientific establishments, and buildings over which the Red Cross flag is displayed will be places of refuge. It is impossible for me to inform you of the hour at which the attack upon the city will commence, but I assure you that it will not be earlier than 24 hours from the time you receive this communication. I am glad that one of the steamers of your Nation is in the bay, and I trust that it will facilitate the matter of dealing with the material difficulties which might be met by those of your nationals who might desire to leave the city in haste. If you deem it in order, I beg to request you to be good enough to present my respects to the senior officer of the Des Moines.
Accept [etc.]
Joaquín Beltrán,
General of Brigade, Territory of Vera
Cruz.
October 20, 1912.