Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, With the Address of the President to Congress December 2, 1913

File No. 812.00/9178a.

The Secretary of State to the American Chargé d’Affaires.

[Telegram—Paraphrase.]

Department of State,
Washington, October 12, 1913—midnight.

See the Minister for Foreign Affairs immediately and have him communicate to Huerta the following:

Any violence done to legislators will shock the civilized world and raise serious questions with our own and other Governments. The United States, as a neighboring nation, could not be indifferent to the political execution of officials. Government, to be deserving of respect, must conform to established laws and usage, and these require a fair and full hearing of all charges before punishment can be legally inflicted.

Bryan.