Office of the Historian

File No. 812.00/5424.

The Commodore of the Mexican Fleet and the Chief of the Port of Vera Cruz to the American Consul at Vera Cruz.

[Translation.]
United Mexican States,
Gunboat “Morelos,”
Commandery of the fleet,
Vera Cruz, October 19, 1912.

We have the honor to inform you that on sighting the American S. S. Seguranza to-day, the undersigned being aboard the Morelos, flagship of Commodore Manual Azueta, chief of the flotilla in this port, the tug Tulun was ordered to go out to communicate to the captain of the Seguranza that the Federal Government had closed the port of Vera Cruz in virtue of the fort being occupied by rebel forces which do not recognize the Constitutional Government of the [Page 901] nation; which proceeding is based on Article VI of the general customhouse regulations.

The captain responded that he had to consult with you, as Consul of his Nation, and continued to Pier No. 4 of the terminal company, where he moored, awaiting the visit of the sanitary officials.

As munitions of war for our Government may have come in this steamship, we notify you that under no considerations should she discharge cargo in this port, which is closed for unloading and loading cargo.

In addition, in view of the exceptional conditions of which you are well aware, she should stay as short a time as possible in this port in order to avoid any accidental harm which might be a motive for claims and differences which would moderate the cordial relations which at present exist between the two Governments.

You will please accept [etc.]

  • The Commodore of the Fleet,
    Manuel Azueta.
  • The Administrator of the Customhouse, Chief of the Port,
    M. Azcarraga.