File No. 812.6363/132.
During this period large sums of money were invested in this district by
the oil companies, and if this decree were enforced, it would mean not
only the financial loss, but the loss of the valuable holdings, and the
time spent in obtaining same. Several of the interested companies are
sending their legal representatives to confer with General
[Page 712]
Aguilar as to how he will
interpret this decree, thinking possibly that it might not be
retroactive. As soon as they return I will report to the Department the
results of their interview.
[Inclosure—Translation.]
Decree of General Candido Aguilar.
Cándido Aguilar, General in Chief of the
First Division of the East, Governor and Military Commandant of the
Free and Sovereign State of Veracruz, to all its inhabitants, Know
ye:
That in conformity with the Plan of Guadalupe of the 26th of March,
1913, and in accordance with the decree issued by the First Chief of
the Constitutional Army of the 14th of May of the said year, and in
the use of powers, with which I am invested, I decree:
Article 1. Recognition is denied to the erroneously called
Legislative, Judicial, and Executive authorities of the State of
Veracruz, emanating from the treason and crime which usurped the
legitimate government of the people.
Article 2. In consequence, there are declared null and void, and
without any legal value, all decrees, orders, circulars, decisions
of courts, acts, etc., issued or executed by the so called
authorities, including among such acts the contracts celebrated by
such illegitimate government with associations, companies or private
individuals, and including concessions, leases and any other
agreements whatever which encumber, compromise, or prejudice in any
form whatever the property or interests of the State.
Article 3. The Provisional Government arising from the
Constitutionalist revolution will proceed, as soon as may be
attained the total pacification of the State, and the elimination of
all kinds of usurping elements, to the reorganization, in the form
most beneficial and proper for the people, of all public service,
making all reforms which may be of true public utility, calling
elections at the proper time, to the end of endowing said State with
legitimate authorities.
Wherefore, I order that the present be printed, published and
circulated for its observance, and in order that it may give rise to
its due effects.
Given in the Palace of Government and Military Commandancia of the
State of Veracruz, in the City of Tuxpam, on the first day of July,
1914.
H. Jara,
Secretary-General of Government.
