File No. 812.00/6855.
The American Consul at Hermosillo to the Secretary of State.
Hermosillo, March 17, 1913.
Sir: I have the honor to report that * * * I have not had a single telegram from either the Department or from the Embassy since the 5th, and that was from the Department. I received a telegram from the Embassy, February 26, asking me to do all in my power to have the State recognize the Provisional Government. I notified the Embassy that nearly the entire State was against recognition and it would be hard to accomplish, as these people do [Page 781] not want a military government. I also advised him of the true situation and of the strength of the State and suggested that if the Central Government did not have enough troops to reenforce those at present in the State it would be best to withdraw the few they have for the present, as the State authorities and the military leaders here guaranteed to have perfect peace and order in the State within ten days after the others left and would then send a commission to Mexico to treat on recognition. As all these people asked was State sovereignty, to elect their own officers, and payment of their troops while in the Service of the State, I have thought it would be possible to secure these terms. But I have never heard a word from Mexico since. * * *
I have [etc.]