File No. 812.00/3059.

The Mexican Ambassador to the Acting Secretary of State.

[Telegram.]

In compliance with instructions I have received from my country I have the honor to say to you that my Government does not advert to contraband of war, but only asks that, since the rebels are not belligerents, the introduction of arms and war material through the [Page 738] port of El Paso be prevented, as said introduction would involve a violation of the neutrality laws of the United States. I beg you kindly to apprize me of the decision of the Government of the Nation of which you are a part, and I can not but expect that, in justice and in view of this Government’s friendship for that of Mexico, it will be favorable, so that I may forward it by telegraph to my Government.

Gilberto Crespo y Martínez.