File No. 812.00/6219a.
President Taft to President Madero.
Washington, February 16, 1913.
From Your Excellency’s telegram, which reached me the 14th,1 it appeared that Your Excellency was somewhat misinformed as to the policy of the United States toward Mexico, which has been uniform for two years, or as to the naval or other measures thus far taken, which are measures of natural precaution. The Ambassador telegraphs2 that when you were good enough to show him your telegram to me he pointed out this fact. Your Excellency must, therefore, be aware that the reports which appear to have reached you that orders have already been given to land forces were inaccurate. The Ambassador, who is fully informed, is nevertheless being again instructed to afford you any desired information. Fresh assurances of friendship to Mexico are unnecessary after two years of proofs of patience and good will.
In view of the special friendship and relations between the two countries I can not too strongly impress upon Your Excellency the vital importance of the early establishment of that real peace and order which this Government has so long hoped to see, both because American citizens and their property must be protected and respected, and also because this nation sympathizes deeply with the afflictions of the Mexican people.
In reciprocating the anxiety shown by Your Excellency’s message I feel it my duty to add sincerely and without reserve that the course of events during the past two years, culminating in the present most dangerous situation, creates in this country extreme pessimism and the conviction that the present paramount duty is the prompt relief of the situation.