File No. 812.00/2693.

The American Ambassador to the Secretary of State .

No. 1204.]

Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith for the information of the Department copies in original and translation of an article which appeared in “El Diario Oficial,” the official organ of the Mexican Government, with reference to the relations between the United States and Mexico. I have to suggest the advisability of furnishing a copy of this article to the President, as it may perhaps be useful to him to know that the administration’s policy regarding the enforcement of the neutrality laws is warmly appreciated by the Mexican Government and by its Executive.

I have [etc.]

Henry Lane Wilson.
[Inclosure.—Translation.]

Mexico and the United States—The Integrity of the Nation.

Several newspapers of the capital have published in their columns an extensive letter written by Licentiate Andres Molina Enriquez, addressed to the Ambassador of the United States, in which he prefers certain charges against the latter country on account of its attitude in preventing General Reyes and his associates from violating the laws of neutrality; stating in said letter, moreover, that the present Chief Executive, Francisco I. Madero, received the assistance of the Government of the United States in overthrowing General Díaz, and insinuating the idea that such action implies undue obligations on the part of our President toward said nation, and affirming that the present administration has not initiated a genuine national policy. The charges are unfounded and the insinuations are malicious.

It is not true that the Government of the United States gave the leader of the revolution, Francisco I. Madero, freedom to conduct any operations within its territory. As soon as it was known there that it was the intention of Mr. Madero to cross the frontier to press the revolutionary movement a warrant of arrest was issued against him and the vigilance displayed was so active that the greater part of the expeditions organized in that country were prevented, a large number of the sympathizers with the revolutionary cause incarcerated, and important shipments of arms and ammunition confiscated.

International law provides that no country may permit the organization of an armed expedition against a friendly nation.

The cordon of American troops placed along the frontier line during the revolution against General Diaz did not exist during the attempt of General Reyes, probably because it was not considered necessary, and it is unjust to affirm that more rigor was displayed against Reyes than against Madero. It is, however, a fact that during the revolutionary movement headed by Madero vigilance was difficult in spite of the large number of troops employed to watch the frontier, because the residents of the other side, whether Mexicans or Americans, sympathized with the revolutionary cause. This popular sentiment could not be avoided, and not only is it beyond criticism but it has been the cause of appreciation on the part of these Mexicans of the truly fraternal affection shown to them during the critical condition of our country by the great people of the United States.

That a few Reyistas and ex-Porfiristas may regret the unsuccessful venture of General Reyes is something we can easily understand, but such is not the feeling of the nation.

The statement made by Mr. Madero when he arrived at San Antonio, Texas, as a political refugee, was very clear; in order to end the revolution several loans were offered by private persons, but as they were considered burdensome for the country they were not accepted and it was decided that the [Page 713] struggle should continue under difficult conditions rather than incur inadmissible obligations.

The Government regrets that this open letter has been addressed to the American Ambassador, because its purpose is to disturb the very cordial relations which exist between the two countries; and it regrets that the attention of the Ambassador has been called in such an impertinent manner, as the personality of this high representative is most pleasing to the Mexican Government, due to the many proofs of friendship he has given to it, and as his mission has been discharged to this day in the most satisfactory way for both countries.