File No. 839.00/1017.
The American Minister to the Secretary of State.
Washington, December 18, 1913.
In harmony with our friendly counsel, the Government has decided to call a special session of Congress for January 4 to consider protests of opposition parties and decide on the validity of the elections in contested instances. As Congress is not controlled by the administration but has an opposition majority, that appears to us a most honorable way of meeting the highly dangerous situation.
And in view of the admirable attitude of the Government in this matter, we earnestly recommend that the Department give immediate consideration to the financial situation, which is most embarrassing, for the Government is in critical need of ready funds to pay salaries and meet other just obligations. We authorized heavy war expenditures and by our support of blockade reduced customs receipts nearly one half, and hence have a direct responsibility in the matter. Without our assistance neither this nor any succeeding government can hope to survive long. The Government today spontaneously expressed its belief in our fairness and friendship to all parties, and states that its Minister at Washington, Peynado, will be instructed fully to cooperate with the Department.