File No. 312.52/77.
[Untitled]
Washington, December 12, 1913.
My dear Mr. Counselor: The news which I had the honour to communicate to you this morning, verbally and by note, regarding the menace of Francisco Villa to Spaniards residing in Chihuahua, has been confirmed by a telegram which I have just received from the Spanish Minister in Mexico, who informs me that 400 Spaniards have been ordered to leave the State of Chihuahua in ten days’ time and [Page 904] to abandon their properties, under pain of death, if these orders are not complied with.
I need not dwell upon the gravity of the situation and I trust that the United States Government will spare no effort to ensure the protection of the lives and properties of my compatriots.
Believe me [etc.]