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  3. Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, With the Annual Message of the President Transmitted to Congress December 3, 1912
  4. Document 1241

File No. 812.00/4877.

The Acting Secretary of State to the American Consul at Nogales.

[Telegram.—Paraphrase.]
Department of State,
Washington, September 12, 1912—8 p.m.

Aguaprieta matter; War Department requested to issue instructions similar to those issued to General Steever when an insurrectionist attack upon Ciudad Juárez seemed imminent in June last.1 Consult [Page 887] United States military authorities and if you are convinced that an attack by insurrectionists upon Aguaprieta is impending you are instructed immediately to inform all Mexican officials and insurrectionary leaders that any fighting that occurs must be conducted in such manner or from such positions that no bullets can cross the line; and that such fighting should be conducted as far from the boundary line as possible.

Huntington Wilson.

  1. The instructions referred to are as follows (File No. 812.00/4264):

    Adjutant General McCain to Colonel Steever, Fort Bliss, Texas.

    [Telegrams.]

    War Department,

    The Adjutant General’s Office,

    Washington, May 21, 1912.

    Notify commanding officer of present garrison of Juárez to prevent firing into United States territory in case of engagement. You are authorized to make these instructions public in El Paso. Report conditions.

    In case of sudden emergency you are authorized to move troops to threatened points on border for purpose of maintaining neutrality laws in accordance instructions previously sent you. Keep in touch with conditions at El Paso and keep this office informed of situation there and elsewhere on border within limits your command.

    By order Secretary War;

    McCain, Adjutant General.

    War Department,

    The Adjutant General’s Office,

    Washington, May 22, 1912.

    Supplementing instructions sent yon May 21, 1912, you will, in addition to notifying commanding officer of garrison at Juárez to prevent firing into United States territory in case of engagement, notify commanding officer or officers of any Mexican Federal detachment in vicinity of Juárez to prevent firing into United States territory in case of engagement. You are authorised to make these instructions public in El Paso. Acknowledge.

    By order Secretary War:

    McCain, Adjutant General.

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