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

File No. 812.00/9487.

The Secretary of State to the Secretary of the Navy.

Department of State,
Washington, October 28, 1913.

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter¹ of this date transmitting a copy of a telegram received by you from Admiral Fletcher, at Vera Cruz, with reference to the action of the U. S. S. Wheeling in taking on board General Díaz and two friends, and Williams, American correspondent of the New York Herald.

In this connection I beg to advise that, while the rule governing such cases is that it is the duty of American men of war to protect American citizens, it is, as a general rule, against the policy of this Government to grant asylum in its ships to the citizens of foreign countries engaged in political activity, especially when such asylum is for the purpose of furthering their political plans. Temporary shelter to such persons, when they are seeking to leave their country, has sometimes been conceded on grounds of humanity, but even this is done with great circumspection lest advantage be taken of it to further the political fortunes of individuals with the result of involving us in the domestic politics of foreign countries.

In this case you will please direct the commander of the Wheeling to furnish Williams, the American correspondent of the New York Herald, who, we take it for granted, is not a citizen of Mexico, asylum on the American ship until he can secure passage to the United States. In the case of General Díaz and his two friends, you will give them temporary asylum until they can find a ship to take them away from Mexico, it being taken for granted that they do not desire to remain in Mexico. They will, of course, understand that while they are on an American ship they can not use it as a basis for political activity.

I have [etc.]

W. J. Bryan.

1. Not printed.