File No. 812.00/2833.
The Acting Secretary of State to the American Ambassador .
Washington , February 20, 1912—6 p.m.
Department informed by American Smelting & Refining Co. of an especially serious condition at their plants at Velardena and Asarco. Asarco is in the hands of a drunken mob, and lives of Americans there in constant danger. Make urgent representations to Mexican Government, with usual reservation of reclamation rights, and earnestly request that sufficient troops be sent to the disturbed district to insure order. If the Mexican Government is unable to afford protection, you may in your discretion advise Americans to leave that particular locality.