File No. 711.1216 M/343.

The Secretary of State to the American Ambassador.

[Telegram—Paraphrase.]

Department is informed by the agent of the Imperial Irrigation District that application has been made within past few days to the Mexican Government for new concession covering Imperial canal system located in Mexico and it is believed that the application was made for the purpose of complicating the situation and to oppose the interests of American water-users in Imperial Valley. Impress upon the Foreign Office that this question should remain in statu quo pending negotiations of some arrangement looking to the adjustment of the whole matter. The Department strenuously urges necessity of not further complicating the matter at this time.

Knox.