File No. 839.00/992b.
The Secretary of State to the American Minister.
Washington, December 7, 1913.
Say to President Bordas that the President of the United States has planned to send a number of Americans to visit the principal polling-places on election day, not as a “commission” for which this Government asks any official recognition but only as individuals, to lend by their presence moral support of the efforts that President Bordas has so freely pledged himself to make to keep the election free and uninfluenced in all respects, and in order that, if any [Page 444] question should arise as to the good faith of anyone concerned, undeniably impartial witnesses may be available.
The President of the United States trusts that this communication may be given full publicity in order that the intentions and attitude of this Government may not possibly be misconceived. It merely asks the privileges of friends for those who have been requested to be present.