File No. 812.00/6149.
The Secretary of State to the American Ambassador.
Washington, February 15, 1913—4 p.m.
Your February 14, 11 a.m. As stated in the Department’s February 10, the naval dispositions in Mexican waters are for the purposes of observation and report upon the situation with particular reference to the protection being afforded foreigners and their interests; the sending of the vessels represents no change whatever in the policy of the President, but responds merely to the necessity of great caution due to the uncertainty of the new conditions caused by the uprising at Mexico City and the effect of these upon Americans and their property, both locally and throughout Mexico. The latest reports from Mexico City would seem to indicate a turn for the better, hence there would appear to be still less reason for the Navy Department to change the orders which have been given the vessels at the request of this Department; and while the Department fully appreciates your anxiety with regard to the situation in Mexico City under the present distressing circumstances it feels strongly that the requirements of the general situation are such that it would be inadvisable to instruct you in the way you suggest. In this general connection the Department refers you to its messages of February 10, February 12, 5 p.m., and February 14, 7 p.m.
The Department would like you to telegraph what, if anything, you think necessary as to sending food supplies to Vera Cruz and Mexico City.