File No. 312.11/3770.
The Secretary of State to Consul Canada.
Washington, April 24, 1914, 9 p.m.
Your April 24, 10 a.m. Repeat to Brazilian Minister, Mexico City, and add textually:
I am instructed by my Government to address myself to you, my dear Mr. Minister, and to request that the Brazilian Legation in Mexico City investigate this report and if it is found to have any foundation of truth, to protest most energetically to General Huerta and to request him to see that strict orders are issued to his subordinates to protect all noncombatants of any nationality whatsoever, including Americans.
Should this report prove to be well founded, I know that you will appreciate the gravity of the situation, and Your Excellency might even suggest to General Huerta that if outrages of this kind are allowed to continue that the American Government will be forced to adopt such measures of reprisal as may to it seem necessary in the circumstances.
End telegram with customary expression of courtesy.