File No. 812.00/8164.
The American Ambassador to
the Secretary of State.
No. 2007.]
American Embassy,
Mexico,
July 15, 1913.
Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith a
copy of the note which I addressed to the Subsecretary for Foreign
Affairs of the Provisional Government on July 12 relative to the
anti-American demonstrations in this capital.
I have [etc.]
[Page 812]
[Inclosure.]
The American Ambassador
to the Subsecretary for Foreign
Affairs.
No. 6243.]
American Embassy,
Mexico,
July 12, 1913.
Mr. Subbsecretary: I have noted with the
greatest concern and some astonishment the remarkable demonstrations
of ill will and hostility toward the Government of the United States
which have taken place in this metropolis during the last three
days. The excited and sensational utterances of an irresponsible
press reciting occurrences which never occurred and events which
never transpired; the supposedly patriotic ebullitions of misguided
and tempestuous youth seeking to find expression in denunciation of
a friendly Power at the risk of endangering the lives of Americans
who have lived among them, and who, in the large majority, are in
sympathy with their views; and the apathy of those who might guide
and restrain public opinion at a time when, for the interests and
good name of their own country, they should be active and vigilant,
have made a profound impression on this Embassy and have brought it
with great reluctance to a realization of the necessity of urging
your excellency’s Government to take active and immediate steps
looking to the abatement of an entirely unjustifiable public
excitement which might easily be made use of by demagogues or the
enemies of order in bringing about conditions in this capital
dangerous to all peaceful foreigners.
I am obliged to say to your excellency in the most friendly way that
while this Embassy is under my charge I can not permit, without
making use of all the resources placed in my hands, indiscriminate
and unjustifiable abuse of the American Government, the American
people, or Americans resident in Mexico, nor will any act of
violence toward Americans, which it is within the power of your
excellency’s Government to prevent, be tolerated or extenuated. I
recall to your excellency’s recollection the circumstance that over
half a million Mexicans are living on the other side of the frontier
in peace and prosperity and under the protection of the laws of the
United States. These Mexicans are not being menaced by public
demonstrations, traduced by the press, injured in their business
affairs, or threatened with violence. I must, with full knowledge of
what this Government can and of what it can not do, request that
your excellency’s Government take steps guaranteeing to the
Americans in Mexico every privilege and as much safety from abuse
and violence as the citizens of this Republic enjoy under the laws
of my country.
I avail myself [etc.]
