File No. 812.00/13984a.
The Secretary of State to Consul Canada.
Washington, December 9, 1914, 1 p.m.
Please call upon General Carranza and say:
“The condition along the border at Naco is becoming very serious. A considerable number of Americans have been wounded by shots fired across the line and several have died from wounds thus received. The commanders of both factions of the Mexicans either cannot or will not control the forces under them.
“You are earnestly urged to send instructions to those who acknowledge allegiance to you, warning them against allowing any further violations of the rights of American citizens. Unless those in authority can prevent the firing of shots across the border it will become the duty of this Government, much to its regret, to take such steps as may be necessary to protect American lives thus menaced, by the employment of such forces as may be required. Such forces to be employed not for aggression but purely for defense and with no intention of invading the territory of Mexico or in any way interfering with its sovereignty or the rights of its people to settle their disputes among themselves.”
Repeat the foregoing to Silliman, substituting Gutiérrez for Carranza.