File No. 812.6363/55.
Consul Miller to the Secretary of State.
Tampico, May 8, 1914, 8 p.m.
Have found it necessary to pay off laborers of certain companies in order to prevent losses and complications and request liberty [Page 699] to draw on Department for such payments up to sum not exceeding total five thousand dollars. Number of large matters have been able to arrange through other persons taking responsibility that companies will sustain my actions.
May 8, 1914, noon.
Department’s May 6, relative to arrival employees Mexico Petroleum at Tampico and asking reason why they have not landed, I have to advise Department that British naval officers policy is opposed such return of American employees and they claim to be supported in this position by Admiral Mayo. A number of employees of other companies have also arrived outside. Up to present time I have asked and secured passes from General Zaragoza for five responsible oil men to come to Tampico but on account of position herein referred to I have been unable to bring these men to Tampico where their presence would be great help to oil situation. General Zaragoza and other Mexican officials Tampico appear ready to cooperate in work of American companies taking care of interests which were practically abandoned two weeks ago but Consul will be powerless to do anything without support from Government. It appears absolutely unjust to compel American interests to be left abandoned for benefit others under such circumstances.