File No. 812.00/2884a.

The Acting Secretary of State to the American Ambassador.

[Telegram.—Paraphrase.]

The President feels that his duty and public opinion absolutely forbid toleration of any repetition of injury to Americans on American soil, as now threatened at Juárez, and he is disposed to give [Page 725] public warning that in such emergency he would be obliged to order troops to cross the line, as a police measure, and to disarm or drive away from Juárez any fighting forces threatening life in El Paso, thereafter returning.

Inform the Department of your judgment in reference to the proposed action for the safety of Americans in Mexico generally, and also your judgment whether or not to advise them to withdraw at this time.

Huntington Wilson.