File No. 812.00/8013.
You will bring to the attention of the appropriate authorities the
outrages upon American citizens committed by revolutionists in the San
Luis Potosi Consular district, and urgently request that adequate
protection be afforded to American lives and property in that
section.
[Inclosure—Extract.]
Consul Bonney to
the Secretary of State.
No. 96.]
American Consulate,
San Lais Potosí,
June 23, 1913.
Sir: I have the honor to report that since
June 1, 1913, the injury to American interests has been greater than
at any time before.
[Page 760]
Case of Mexican Crude Rubber Company.
On June 4, 1913, a band of 217 rebels under Captain Luis Gutierrez
and Roberto Rivas arrived in Cedral. They levied a forced loan of
1,000 pesos upon the Mexican Crude Rubber Company. To avoid further
levies and annoyances the company closed its plant and suspended
operations. The manager, Mr. R. C. Bean, was robbed on his way from
Cedral to San Luis Potosi. The territory around Cedral has been held
by rebels since April 28, 1913.
Case of Cía. Metalúrgica Nacional.
After the above occurrence the towns of Cedral and Matehuala were cut
off from communication with this capital for some time. During that
interval the rebels levied a forced loan upon the Cia. Metalurgica
Nacional (a Guggenheim property), the amount being understood to be
5,000 pesos. A loan of 500 pesos was also forced from the Matehuala
agency of the Waters Pierce Oil Company.
Case of Tiro General Mine.
On June 14, 1913, a band of rebels entered Charcas, San Luis Potosi;
the small garrison of Federal troops retired. A loan was forced from
the Tiro General Mine (property of the American Smelting and
Refining Company). The amount paid is not known to me at this time,
the manager having reported simply that the money was extorted.
Case of J. A. Cunningham, Jr.
On June 12, 1913, a small number of bandits entered the property of
the Cunningham Investment Company near Ciudad del Maiz, San Luis
Potosi, and threatened Mr. J. A. Cunningham, Jr., with death. They
offered to compromise for 2,000 pesos. While the money was being
collected, a large band of rebels, said to number 300, under General
J. A. Castro, entered the plantation and frustrated the robbery,
immediately executing two of the bandits. General J. A. Castro and
his company represent what was formerly the 21st Corps of Rurales,
known as Coahuila Volunteers, who revolted shortly after the
existing Government was proclaimed. Mr. J. A. Cunningham is now in
the City of San Luis Potosi and his property, with a large amount of
finished sugar is in danger of Ciudad del Maiz.
Case of Tamasopo Sugar Company.
I am informed that on June 16, 1913, a band of rebels, led by Belen
Carrillon entered, this property and took horses and other property
besides 500 pesos in money. No detailed report has been
received.
Case of E. C. Hull, Rascon, S. L. P.
On June 21, 1913, a group of 29 rebels entered the property of the
Rascon Manufacturing and Development Company at Rascon, San Luis
Potosi, demanding horses, stock, arms, ammunition and money. I am
informed by wire from one of the employees that the rebels (or
bandits) carried away with them the American Manager, Mr. E. C.
Hull. Mr. Hull was later released. I immediately visited the
Military Commandant of this district, General Gustave A. Maas, and
he has issued orders for a detachment of troops to reach Rascon in a
few hours and agrees to act with discretion for the protection of
Mr. Hull and the Rascon property. A few days ago, at Mr. Hull’s
request, I asked the local officer in charge of the Railroad guard
for 20 soldiers to guard the Rascon property. If that request had
been quickly granted the attack on Rascon would have been
avoided.
The above are all American properties. In all the cases named I had
previously demanded protection, first from the Governor and then
from the highest military officer in the district. The reply from
the Governor has been, for seven weeks past, that it was a physical
impossibility to protect points and property outside this city. I
have advised Americans throughout the district that they must not
rely upon federal protection.
I have [etc.],
