File No. 812.6363/100.
Consul Letcher to the
Secretary of State.
No. 488.]
American Consulate,
Chihuahua,
May 28, 1914.
Sir: Referring to the Department’s telegram of
6 p.m., May 6, 1914, relative to the reported unfavorable treatment of
Americans by Constitutionalist authorities in the vicinity of the
Huasteca and Los Esteros oil districts near Tampico, I have the honor to
report that I am in receipt of a second telegram from Sr. Fabela, this
dated May 25, in which he states that General Pablo Gonzalez has
telegraphed General Carranza that the American Consul at Tampico
declares that the reported unfavorable treatment of Americans was
unjustified, and that the Constitutionalist forces everywhere throughout
the vicinity of Tampico had uniformly treated Americans with the
greatest consideration. Sr. Fabela observes that the report in reference
was undoubtedly propagated by some enemy of the Constitutionalist cause,
and requests that the Secretary of State be assured that his Government
will greatly appreciate a more careful investigation of future reports
of this character precedent to making complaints based upon them. In
view of the seemingly undiplomatic tone of Mr. Fabela’s reply, and in
order that the Department may have for its consideration the exact text
of such reply, I have the honor to forward herewith a copy in its
original form.
I have [etc.]
[Inclosure—Telegram—Translation.]
Sr. Fabela to
Consul Letcher.
Mr Letcher, American Consul: By direction
of the Commander in Chief I have the honor to state to you that,
with regard to the information received by the State Department of
your Government about a lack of protection to American citizens in
the district of Huasteca, south of Tampico, he believes it to be
incorrect for the reason that Mr. Carranza has given positive orders
to Division General Gonzalez and to General Caballero, commander of
the forces at Tampico, to give protection to all foreigners, several
times reiterating the order respecting the Americans, in regard to
whom they have made repeated representations, and Generals Gonzalez
and Caballero have answered that they do and will respect the lives
and property of foreigners throughout the territory controlled by
their forces. The Constitutionalist Government is all the more
surprised at this information because Rear Admiral Mayo recently had
a conference with General Caballero in which Mayo was thoroughly
satisfied of the treatment accorded Americans in the vicinity of
Tampico. Please communicate this to the State Department, Mr.
Consul, and at the same time let this information be rectified,
which must evidently be given by some person not friendly to our
cause. Nevertheless the general orders for protection to American
citizens are being repeated, as are also those relating to Los
Esteros oil property.
With most affectionate greetings.
