File No. 12.00/6271.
The Secretary of State to the American Ambassador.
Washington, February 20, 1913—11 p.m.
23. You may informally and unofficially inform General Huerta that his telegram of February 18, to the President, has been received.
While it is the general duty of this Government to conserve for use on behalf of its own citizens and its national interests the influence it possesses, nevertheless General Huerta’s consulting you as to the treatment of Madero tends to give you a certain responsibility in the matter. It moreover goes without saying that cruel treatment of the ex-President would injure, in the eyes of the world, the [Page 726] reputation of Mexican civilization, and this Government earnestly hopes to hear of no such treatment, and hopes to hear that he has been dealt with in a manner consistent with peace and with humanity.
Without assuming responsibility, you may, in your discretion, make use of these ideas in your conversation with General Huerta.