File No. 812.00/3005d.
The Acting Secretary of State to the American Ambassador.
Washington, March 3, 1912—8 p.m.
In a press report dated March 2 from Mexico City there is what purports to be a quoted statement from the American Embassy specifying certain localities as dangerous. The quoted statement says “the Department of State deems it its duty to advise all Americans,” etc., instead of “the Embassy deems it its duty,” etc. The alleged statement also quotes the Embassy as implying that our action reduces the responsibility of the Mexican Government. The Department fears that the Mexican press, especially along the border, may be misinterpreting the President’s proclamation and the Department’s telegram to the Embassy and printing distorted versions. You should secure public emphasis of the absence of any intention whatsoever on the part of this Government to intervene in Mexico, and if there is any chance of misunderstanding in the consular districts the Embassy should send telegrams to make absolutely clear to the consular officers a situation which is so clear in the light of the Department’s telegram of yesterday.