File No. 812.2311/27.
The Secretary of State to the Secretary of War .
Washington , February 7, 1912 .
Sir: I have the honor to inclose herewith a paraphrase of a telegram, dated February 6, 6 p.m., from the American Ambassador in Mexico City, in which he states that the Mexican Government desires permission to pass 500 or 600 soldiers from Eagle Pass to Ciudad Juárez over the Southern Pacific Railroad. The Ambassador states that he believes such action would enable the Government of Mexico to deal successfully and permanently with the situation at the latter place. I have also the honor to inclose a copy of a telegram, dated the 7th instant, addressed by me to the Governor of Texas, requesting him to advise me by telegraph, in accordance with the customary formality, of the assurance that the passage of these Mexican troops through the State of Texas will be entirely agreeable to him. A copy of his reply thereto is also inclosed.
The President directs that permission be granted for the passage of these troops over American territory, it being understood that the troops will be unarmed, their arms and ammunition being shipped as baggage. It has been deemed best that a small detachment of American troops accompany the train as an escort.
The Department has advised1 the Secretary of the Treasury and the Secretary of Commerce and Labor of the action taken in this matter, with the request that they render such assistance as may be possible looking to the speedy transportation of these Mexican troops.
This information is furnished you in order that you may make the necessary arrangements in the premises.
I have [etc.]
- The advice is, however, dated the 8th; see below.↩