File No. 312.52/71a.
The Secretary of State to the American Consul at Chihuahua.
Washington, December 15, 1913.
Please report whether Villa or other Constitutionalists have interfered with the property of Spanish citizens. Do everything within [Page 908] your power to protect both life and property of other foreigners as well as Americans, and wherever it is possible use your good offices to prevent harsh treatment of Mexicans. The Constitutionalists should remember that every act of cruelty is repeated and exaggerated, and they should therefore give as little opportunity as possible for such complaint even in their dealings with Mexicans.