File No. 312.11/147.
The American Ambassador to the Secretary of State.
Mexico, March 23, 1912—11 a.m.
The citations from Moore, in Department’s March 20, 7 p.m., seem to deny responsibility of a government for damages to foreigners by mob violence unless it can be shown that the government had not exercised due diligence. Your telegram February 12, 5 p.m., which I consider a contingent and pending instruction, indicates that under stated conditions you would hold the Mexican Government liable for damages without regard to the amount of diligence exercised. Does the Department hold that action contemplated in its February 12, 5 p.m., changes the status of American claims?