Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, With the Annual Message of the President Transmitted to Congress December 3, 1912
File No. 812.00/5424.
The American Consul at Vera Cruz to the Secretary of State.
Vera Cruz, October 23, 1912.
Sir: I have the honor to inclose herewith a series of documents and reports referring to the taking of the city of Vera Cruz and the subsequent happenings.
I have [etc.],
[Untitled]
[Not printed; consists of a minute account of events, October 15–21, in diary form.]
Copy of Memorial sent to General Joaquin Beltrán by the Consular Corps.
The consular corps accredited in this port, desirous of avoiding as far as possible the shedding of blood, and above all to assure the safety of the lives and interests of their countrymen as well as of the peaceful citizens of the city, especially the lives of women and children, take the liberty of requesting that the combat with the troops commanded by Brigadier General Diaz, who are in possession of the city, do not take place in the interior of the city.
The committee of the consular corps desire to have a conference with you in a place which you may indicate, as near as possible to the city, confiding in your protection of their persons during the discharge of that commission.
We are [etc.],
-
W. W. Canada,
American Consul. -
A. Brouzet,
French Consul. -
M. Bayon,
Spanish Consul. -
C. Gertz,
German Consul. -
L. J. Nunn,
British Consul. -
Frco. P. de Cos,
Portuguese Consul.
General Beltrán to the American Consul.
Tejeria, October 19, 1912.
Sir: Gen. Agustín Valdez has put in my possession the communication in which you, as dean of the consular corps, have requested an interview.
[Page 862]As chief, which I am, of the forces which operate in this district, I inform you that it will be a pleasure to have the interview take place.
For the purpose, I request that you and the consuls and vice consuls who so desire come to Tejería at 4 p.m.
I will be at the entrance to the town at your orders.
Commander Hughes to the American Consul.
Dear Mr. Canada: Both you and the captain know that if active trouble arises about the discharging of the Seguranza1 I am the one that will have the final trouble.
The captain said to-day that under no circumstances would he allow arms or ammunition to be landed, and I wish he would give us that assurance in writing and state whether any arms or ammunition are in the cargo.
If arms or ammunition are landed I shall refuse action in time of trouble. I am fairly well assured that if no arms or ammunition are landed there will be no trouble. I will see you in the morning.
Sincerely,
General Beltrán to the American Consul.
Tejeria, Vera Cruz, October 20, 1912.
Having to obey the orders of my Government to the end of retaking the plaza of Vera Cruz, in which, in addition to being the representative of your country, you are the worthy dean of the consular corps, and the U. S. S. Des Moines being in the bay, I have the honor, in compliance with Article XVII of the Articles of War, to inform you that that place will be taken by force of arms.
I expect, Mr. Consul, that you will take with your countrymen and with the consuls over whom you so worthily preside, in order that they may in turn do so with their countrymen, the measures of precaution necessary to avoid the consequences which unfortunately an armed combat brings with it.
It is impossible for me to manifest to you the hour at which the attack on the city will commence, but I guarantee that it will not be in less than 24 hours, counting from the time at which you receive this communication.
The hospitals, scientific building, and edifices which fly the Red Cross flag will be places of refuge.
I am glad that a ship of your Nation is in the bay, because I am confident that this will assist in solving the material difficulties of those of your countrymen who wish to leave the city.
If you consider it proper, I take the liberty of requesting that you present my respects to the Commander of the Des Moines.
Please accept, etc.,
The American Consul to General Beltrán.
Your attentive communication, No. 280, of yesterday, and which was delivered to me at a quarter past 10 this morning, leaves me advised of the resolution of your Government to retake the plaza of Vera Cruz by force of arms.
[Page 863]The consular corps was advised of the contents of the communication at the meeting which was held at 11 this morning. At this meeting the consuls unanimously agreed to send you this answer to your communication and to say to you, in addition, that by common accord they have agreed to use the bodegas which are on wharf No. 4 as a place of refuge for the families of foreigners in this port, and permit themselves to request very earnestly that you give your orders to the end that this place be respected by your forces, and at the same time extend their request to include the buildings where their respective flags fly, as in them are their own families.
I have paid your respects to the Commander of the warship Des Moines.
I subscribe myself, etc.,