File No. 812.00/4932.
The Acting Secretary of State to the American Ambassador.
Washington, September 19, 1912—7 p.m.
Regarding situation at El Tigre and Aguaprieta and northern Sonora. Represent to the Mexican Government that while this [Page 897] Government would not assume to direct the military movements of Mexican troops, the Mexican Government undoubtedly realizes that the action of this Government in permitting Mexican Federal troops to pass over United States territory was taken primarily to aid the Mexican Government in its efforts to protect endangered American lives and interests in northern Sonora and say that the failure of the Federal troops to move against bands of insurrectionists (even when urged to do so by the American Consul and the Americans directly affected) upon occasions when they could manifestly do so with every prospect of defeating them and successfully terminating their disastrous activity leaves this Government in some bewilderment. Say also that the Department is loath to make these observations, but is compelled to do so in view of the numerous reports both from private persons and consular officers.