File No. 812.52/78.
The American Consul at Chihuahua to the Secretary of State.
Chihuahua , December 18, 1913 .
In anticipation of instructions I have already used my good offices to the fullest extent to ameliorate the hardships of Spaniards, but my efforts were entirely futile; the confiscation of property of Spanish subjects is now practically completed. Villa replied to my protests by a letter dated today saying that the expulsion of the Spaniards saved them from massacre by the populace. This is entirely false. Villa further bases his action on alleged participation of Spaniards in political affairs; he adds that those who can prove themselves guiltless thereof may return and will be indemnified.