File No. 812.00/7741.
The American Ambassador to the Secretary of State.
Mexico, June 9, 1913—8 p.m.
280. The vast injury to American trade and prestige, the unsuccessful representations for protection to American interests and lives, the freedom and persistence with which the rebel forces claim our attitude to be a signal of encouragement and support, the hostility of a rapidly growing Mexican opinion supported by an almost unanimous resident American opinion, the great and permanent advantages European nations are securing as a result of our forced inactivity—are so increasing the difficulty and embarrassment attending the transactions of the Embassy with the Mexican Government and are making such a disheartening impression upon me that, at the risk of being considered intrusive and insistent, I must again urge upon the President that on the highest grounds of policy—which in this case I understand to be the conserving and the extension of our material interests in Mexico, the restoration of peace, and the cultivation of sentiments of friendship and respect with a neighboring and friendly nation—we should, without further delay, following the example of all Governments accredited here but two, accord official recognition to the present Provisional Government. I respectfully request that this question be brought to the direct and personal attention of the President and that his attention be called to the circumstance that although I have been his personal representative at this post for three months I have not been put in possession of the attitude of the administration on the question of recognition. I respectfully request that the views and policy of the President on this question be transmitted to me by telegraph in a confidential way in order that I may by word and attitude faithfully reflect the same and I beg the President to believe that I make this request in order that I may render more intelligent and effective service to the present administration, and that I have no preconceived views in conflict with the faithful representation thereof.