File No. 812.6363/64a
The Secretary of State to Special Agent Carothers.
Washington , May 14, 1914 .
Navy Department confirms report that Constitutionalists have captured Tampico. About eighty-five alien refugees at Galveston desire to be returned at once to Tampico. Owners of Tampico oil wells consider it very important that their American employees be allowed to return at once provided they can be guaranteed adequate protection. Some of the wells are running wild and it is quite likely that storage capacity of tanks will soon be exhausted. It is also quite important that this Government be permitted to station a vessel at Tampico in order to facilitate radio communication.
Please take these matters up at once with General Carranza who is now supposed to be at Durango. If necessary you should go there by first train. These matters are of great importance and you may say to General Carranza that this Government will appreciate prompt action on his part.