File No. 812.00/9703.
The American Ambassador to Great Britain to the Secretary of State.
London, Nov. 13, 1913—1 p.m.
No. 104. The abbreviated dialogue of my November 11, 7 p.m., I fear is misleading. Sir Edward Grey was definite, positive, exceedingly [Page 861] friendly, even cordial, and he seemed to me to give all we asked. He does not regard it as proper for his Government to take an aggressive attitude because that would imply active British intervention, which the British Government does not regard as its duty, nor as desired by the United States. But if Huerta shows by word or act that he counts on British aid in any form, he will be promptly informed that the British Government will not give it. Sir Edward left the question of possible mediation between Huerta and the United States open until he should hear from other Governments, when it may be they will voluntarily advise Huerta to retire. We feel here that our whole contention has been granted. The general feeling toward Huerta has completely changed here, and his elimination is regarded as certain, imminent and desirable; but they regard this as the task of the United States, with their cordial approval, and not as their task.