File No. 812.512/351.
Vice Consul Silliman to the Secretary of State.
Saltillo, July 18, 1914.
Your July 15. Consul Miller is still at his post. After conference with Secretary of Finance this afternoon and with reference to Consul General Hanna’s July 16, matter of payment of export duties at Tampico appears to reduce to this: The basis of charge is the Mexican gold peso. Constitutionalist claim that it is only fair that products sold for gold should pay their taxes in gold, further they claim that they are justified in limiting the extent to which their money shall be used as legal tender, if Mexican gold is not available New York exchange which is thought to be easily obtainable in Tampico will be accepted as a convenience. Those who need it must make their own arrangements for it. If they buy it with Constitutionalist or other money they must pay what the sellers demand.