File No. 312.52/112c.
The Acting Secretary of State to Special Agent Carothers.
Washington , January 10, 1914 .
Spanish Embassy states that it is in receipt of telegram from Spanish Minister, Mexico City, stating that Arredondo, municipal [Page 788] chief of Guanacevi, Durango, under orders from Villa, is about to confiscate the mine El Desengaño, alleging owners are taking part in Mexican politics. Mine said to be owned by two Spanish subjects, two Mexicans and an American. If you can readily reach Villa, represent to him the increasing number of complaints coming to us from foreign governments including those of France, Germany and Great Britain, with requests for measures to protect the lives and property of their citizens. It should be pointed out that the acts which give rise to these complaints also create a widespread public sentiment adverse to the Constitutionalists and tend to defeat their professed objects. This international aspect of the subject is of great importance and, in view of its practical bearings and possibilities, should not be overlooked.